Dr. Joseph A. Fiola has over 30 years of academic experience in research and extension in viticulture, winemaking, and small fruit production. He is currently the Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit for the University of Maryland Extension (since 2001), following being in a similar position at Rutgers from 1988 to 2001. Joe is responsible for a statewide viticulture extension program working with new growers on proper establishment, planting the best-suited varieties, and working with experienced growers to maximize fruit and wine quality. His research and demonstration program concentrates on variety testing, including varieties imported from great wine-growing areas around the world, and includes small batch winemaking to complement the variety research. He has a comprehensive website, distributes “Timely Viticulture”, a topic-based, bulleted, newsletter, has published a workbook on Sustainable Viticulture, and always emphasizes practices to maximize fruit and wine quality. He has received multiple awards for service from professional associations and the commercial grape and wine industry; he is one of the top 10 award-winning winemakers in the AWS non-commercial wine competition, including 2 best of shows. He is a certified wine judge and coordinates 4 commercial and one amateur wine competition each year and judges in others; his nickname is “the nose!”. He also does regular presentations on wine evaluation, wine appreciation, wine and food matching, and health benefits, and has an extensive wine cellar he loves to share.
Joe Fiola, PhD, Viticulturist
