Dr. Joseph A. Fiola

Dr. Joseph A Fiola
Principal Agent & Extension Specialist,
Viticulture & Small Fruit, & Unit Coordinator Western Maryland

Dr. Fiola has over 25 years of academic and industry experience in research and extension in small fruit production and breeding, viticulture and enology. He is currently the Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit for the University of Maryland Extension following being in a similar position at Rutgers from 1988-2001, and is responsible for a statewide viticulture and fruit research and extension program.  He holds 10 patents for developing new bramble and strawberry varieties and has done considerable research into new production systems and season extension. His viticulture and enology Research & Education program concentrates on variety testing, including clonal comparisons, new and imported varieties, as well as cultural practices and health benefits. He also conducts small batch winemaking studies of the varieties and the experimental treatments. He is an active member of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture and the American Wine Society.

Area of Expertise: Viticulture & Small Fruit, Enology