Save the Dates!

Plan ahead and get your tickets for the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo before busy season settles in!

*Members* you receive discounted tickets.

Not a member and want to be? Join here!

Look Forward to...

Hear from experts from prestigious universities like Davis, Cal Poly, Oregon State, and more on topics like:

• Pruning and Vineyard Decline
• Biochar
• Sustainable Pest Management
• Climate-smart practices
• Automation
• And More!

TICKETS

We are thrilled to announce Fritz Westover as the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo Headline Speaker.

Fritz brings more than two decades of hands-on viticulture experience. He's dedicated to making knowledge accessible and understandable for every grower.

Once on the team, always on the team! Fritz was the Technical Program Coordinator at Vineyard Team from 2013-2015, and we are excited to collaborate with him yet again.

GET TICKETS

When you attend the Sustainable Ag Expo, you will:

• Get up to date on the latest grower-tested practices
• Earn up to 20+ Continuing Education (CE) hours
• Attend two days of in-person seminars
• Watch 10+ hours of online courses*
• Gain actionable tips from 40+ top experts and experienced growers

*Two-day ticket holders

Back by popular demand, this year's Sustainable Ag Expo online courses* invite you to learn from top researchers and experts at your convenience.

Explore topics like:

• Advances and Challenges of Breeding Powdery Mildew-Resistant Grape Cultivars
• Using Tremology to Monitor and Manage Insect Pests
• Unraveling Climate-Specific Outcomes of Pierce's Disease of Grapevines
• + 10 more!

Approved CE hours: 10 DPR (Other); 12 CCA

*2-day ticket holders have access to online courses October 14-November 29, 2024.

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When you attend the Sustainable Ag Expo, you will:

• Get up to date on the latest grower-tested practices
• Earn up to 20+ Continuing Education (CE) hours
• Attend two days of in-person seminars
• Watch 10+ hours of online courses*
• Gain actionable tips from 40+ top experts and experienced growers

---

Speaker Highlight

Dr. Vaughn Bell, NZ Institute for Plant and Food Science

Online Course:

Grapevine Leafroll Viruses: The New Zealand Experience

Dr. Vaughn Bell's doctoral thesis, An integrated strategy for managing grapevine leafroll virus in red berry cultivars in New Zealand vineyards, included management recommendations that have been communicated to, and widely adopted by, the New Zealand wine sector. This presentation summarizes those discoveries.

Growing up in a small California community called Shandon, Alberto was always told that he would not get anywhere in life. Working in agriculture with his father since his first year of high school showed him what a tough life his parents had. 

Alberto shares, “My experience in the vineyard pushed me to do better in school and motivated me to get a better education to eventually repay my parents for what they've done for me.”

Alberto graduated from California State University Fresno and has now officially started his master's program! He I'm looking forward to diving into a new part of my education and bettering myself for when I go into the industry full-time. 

Apply for a Scholarship

If you or your parent/guardian is employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry you are eligible to apply for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship.

Applications are open through March 31, 2025.

• Awards are based on financial need, academic excellence, and community, work and/or caregiver responsibilities.
• Multi-year scholarship awards range from $1,000 ‐ $6,000 per student per year.
• The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability.

APPLY

Atascadero, CA: Vineyard Team announces their 2024 events, including 6 in-person Tailgate meetings and the Sustainable Ag Expo.

Tailgate meetings are in-person educational events (field demonstrations and discussions) where attendees visit a property and hear from experts and growers on a given topic. Topics range from irrigation and pest management, to soil health, and safety training. Growers have the opportunity to join the conversation and talk directly with presenters to learn how to adopt sustainable farming practices in their vineyards. Plus, many Tailgates include DPR and CCA continuing education hours.

New this year, Vineyard Team and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) will be co-hosting a half-day seminar on sustainable energy for the wine industry. At Power Up: Sustainable Energy for the Wine Industry, attendees will hear practical discussions focused on the energy use of vineyard and winery operations, efficiency, cost, and the future. Experts will discuss topics in three sessions: (1) Energy costs and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA); (2) Energy resiliency; and (3) Leveraging sustainability. A 30-minute coffee social and hour-lunch provide ample networking time. Vineyard Team and PRWCA Members have access to discounted tickets for this event.

The Sustainable Ag Expo is a multi-day educational conference that brings together researchers and growers so attendees can earn continuing education hours and improve their business, all while connecting with peers and agriculture companies. This year, the event will be held at the Madonna Inn Expo Center November 12 and 13^th, 2024. Enjoy the perfect blend of in-person and online learning with live seminars at the event and several courses available online. Ticket options include one- and two-day passes; Vineyard Team Members receive a discount on their tickets.

Tailgates

Vine to Wine Water Treatment Solutions  I  Lompoc

Fungicide Spraying: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint & Financial Burden  I  San Luis Obispo

The Ins & Outs of Developing a New Vineyard Site  I  Paso Robles

Regenerative Agriculture in a Production Vineyard 2.0  I  Los Alamos

Successful SGMA Plans  I  Paso Robles

Pre-Harvest Safety: Train-the-Trainer Spanish AND English  I  Paso Robles

Vineyard Team Members receive 2 free tickets to each Tailgate; General Admission is $30.

Vineyard Team is excited to announce that exhibitor booths for the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo (Expo) are officially sold out, underscoring the event's standing as a premier gathering for the sustainable winegrowing community. This year, the Expo is set to showcase an impressive lineup of 63 sustainable agriculture vendors, each bringing innovative solutions and products aimed at advancing sustainable practices within the industry.

In addition to the comprehensive vendor showcase, the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo offers an enriched educational program. Attendees can look forward to an array of trending topics presented by leading experts in the field from Oregon State University, UC Davis, CDFA, and more. The program is designed to not only impart knowledge but also to spark discussions that propel the industry forward. 

Some of the topics covered at  year’s event include:

• High-resolution vineyard nutrient management

• Red blotch virus management

• Using biochar to combat climate change

• Automation

• & More!

Attendees get to enjoy the perfect blend of in-person and online learning. Leveraging this hybrid system supports a well-rounded educational lineup, ensuring attendees not only enjoy engaging learning experiences but also benefit from a wealth of Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) continuing education hours. Additional networking and educational opportunities embedded within the event are designed to foster connections among industry professionals and enhance the overall learning experience.

Capitalizing on the positive feedback from last year, The Team is excited to bring back the Monday night Welcome Event for its second iteration. Presenting a one-of-a-kind opportunity for attendees and exhibitors to engage and learn. This intimate evening includes a special presentation from the Expo headliner [to be announced this summer]. Anticipation is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. 

Executive Director. Beth Vukmanic says, "It's incredible to witness the enthusiasm and support for the Sustainable Ag Expo. Selling out the booths early is a clear indication of the event's importance and impact. We are excited to celebrate Vineyard Team’s 30 year anniversary with all who attend."

Event details:

• In-person tradeshow and seminars: November 12 & 13, 2024 at Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, CA

• Online educational program: October 14 - November 30, 2024 *available to 2-day ticket-holders

• Monday Evening Welcome Event: November 11, 2024, location to be announced this summer!

For more information about the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo, including registration details, please visit sustainableagexpo.org. Sign up for the mailing list so you don’t miss a thing!

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About the Sustainable Ag Expo

The Sustainable Ag Expo is a multi-day seminar and tradeshow that provides an opportunity for farmers, ag professionals, and pest control advisors to learn about the latest in farming research, resource issues, and business trends related to sustainable agriculture. 

Brought to you by Vineyard Team, the event allows Business Members to exhibit and network directly with upper-level agricultural decision-makers who represent over 225,000 acres of row crop, vineyard, and orchard operations.

About Vineyard Team

Arising from growers' interest to educate and guide themselves towards sustainable winegrowing practices, Vineyard Team has become an internationally recognized leader in the sustainability movement since 1994.

225: California’s Ban on Autonomous Tractors

An antiquated California law makes using autonomous equipment in the vineyard challenging. Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations at the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) explains that workplace safety standards developed in the 1970s based on 1940s equipment state that self-driven tractors must have an operator onboard. To update this law, CAWG is working closely with manufacturers and countries that allow autonomous equipment to aggregate data on safety. Automation has many potential benefits to farm workers including developing transferable skills, upward mobility, precision agriculture, and increased safety. Learn about how the law works today and about funding opportunities to train staff.

LISTEN IN

Resources:        

• 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light
• 120: Autonomous Drone Vineyard Spraying
• 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money
• California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Legislative Action Center
• California’s ongoing ban of autonomous tractors a major setback
• Department of Industrial Relations Regulation Title 8 Section 3441 Operation of Agricultural Equipment
• Electric, self-driving capable tractors roll into California North Coast vineyards. North Bay Business Journal. (Partial pay wall)
• Frequently Asked Questions Self-Propelled Agricultural Equipment (CAWG Member Login required)

Vineyard Team Programs:

• Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate
• SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet  
• Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year
• Sustainable Winegrowing On-Demand (Western SARE) – Learn at your own pace
• Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Get More

Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode on the latest science and research with the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Since 1994, Vineyard Team has been your resource for workshops and field demonstrations, research, and events dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources.

Learn more at www.vineyardteam.org.  

In the 1880s, Pierce’s disease caused a devastating, total collapse of the Southern California grapevine industry. Today, growers have hope for the future thanks to new varieties. Adam Tolmach, owner of Ojai Vineyard, planted four of these new varieties as a field trial on a plot of land where Pierce's disease wiped out his grapes in 1995. 

Pierce’s disease is a bacterium spread by insects, typically a sharpshooter. One bite and the vine dies within two to three years. To develop resistant varieties, Andy Walker of the University of California at Davis crossed the European grape Vitis vinifera with Vitis arizonica. 20 years later, commercial growers have access to three red and two white varieties.

Listen in to learn how Tolmach’s experiment is a success both in the vineyard and with customers. Plus get tasting notes for the new varieties.

LISTEN IN

Resources:        

• REGISTER: The Ins & Outs of Developing a New Vineyard Site
• 89: New Pierce’s Disease Vaccine (podcast)
• 137: The Pierce's Disease and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board
• 2021 Pierce’s Disease Research Symposium session recordings
• Anita Oberholster, UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Webpage
• Office Hours with Dave and Anita, Episode 11: Pierce’s Disease-Resistant Winegrape Varieties
• Ojai Vineyard
• Pierce’s Disease resistant winegrape varieties overview
• UC breeds wine vines resistant to Pierce’s disease
• UC Davis releases 5 grape varieties resistant to Pierce’s disease

Vineyard Team Programs:

• Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate
• SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet  
• Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year
• Sustainable Winegrowing On-Demand (Western SARE) – Learn at your own pace
• Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Get More

Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode on the latest science and research with the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Since 1994, Vineyard Team has been your resource for workshops and field demonstrations, research, and events dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources.

Learn more at www.vineyardteam.org.  

Amid news of oversupply and decreased demand, the wine industry has an opportunity to adapt to the changing market. Audra Cooper, Director of Grape Brokerage, and Eddie Urman, Central Coast Grape Broker at Turrentine Brokerage, discuss key grape and wine industry trends, from oversupply and vineyard removals to the growing necessity of sustainable certification. They explore regional dynamics, bulk wine market shifts, and future trends, emphasizing innovation, industry collaboration, and better marketing to stay competitive.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Resources:        

• 258: 5 Ways Certification Makes Brands the SIP | Marketing Tip Monday
• 259: Winegrape Market Trends of 2024
• 265: How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025
• 268: How to Tackle Leadership Transitions Successfully
• Turrentine Brokerage
• Turrentine Brokerage - Newsletter

Vineyard Team Programs:

• Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate
• SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet  
• Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year
• Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Get More

Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode on the latest science and research with the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Since 1994, Vineyard Team has been your resource for workshops and field demonstrations, research, and events dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources.

Learn more at www.vineyardteam.org.  

We’re proud to share the third annual Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship Impact Report!

Since 2015, your support has helped us invest over $436,000 in college scholarships for the children of California’s vineyard and winery workers. These students are breaking new ground—98% are the first in their families to attend college.

The road isn’t easy. Three out of four first-generation college students don’t graduate. Many face challenges like limited guidance, financial pressure, and the emotional weight of leaving family behind.

That’s why this scholarship does more than cover tuition—it also provides mentorship, helping students stay on track and build a future rooted in service and leadership.

Take a look at what we accomplished together last year!

Thank you for your continued support.

Growing up in the small town of Shandon, CA, Alberto was told that success might be out of reach. But working side by side with his father in the vineyards, he learned that dreams are worth fighting for.

After graduating high school with honors, Alberto earned a welding certificate at Cuesta College and continued his education at Fresno State University with the help of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. There, he discovered a passion for viticulture, excelled in his field, and built a strong professional network that helped shape his career.

Now a college graduate and pursuing a master’s degree, Alberto is reaching another milestone: presenting his thesis at the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo!

Don't Miss Alberto’s Presentation:

Sulfur Application Frequency Effects on Yield and Anthocyanins in Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

Discover how different frequencies of dusting, flowable and wettable sulfur applications influence yield and anthocyanin development in bilateral cordon-trained Cabernet Sauvignon. 

This research compares outcomes between conventional and organic vineyard systems on California’s Central Coast. The findings offer valuable insights into pre-harvest sulfur strategies to improve fruit quality.

When: Tuesday, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
CE: DPR 1 - O | CCA 1 - IPM

GET TICKETS

Already Have Your Ticket? Check Out the Program!

Earn up to 19.5 DPR hours and 30.5 CCA hours total.

• 17 in-person sessions
  CE: 7.5 DPR (including 1 L) and 17 CCA.
• 13 online courses*
  CE: 11.5 DPR (including 3 L) and 13.5 CCA.
  *Online courses come with 2-day passes.

The Sustainable Ag Expo isn’t just about earning CE hours—it’s a gathering place for wine industry professionals to learn, network, and celebrate the future of sustainable farming. From morning burritos to student-led research and vintage tractor showcases, this year’s Expo is packed with unique opportunities to make your experience more meaningful and memorable.

Here are six can't-miss events happening alongside the seminars:

1. Monday Kick Off: Farming for the Future

🗓️ Monday, Nov 10 | 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Center of Effort Winery
Sponsored by Inland Desert Nursery

Start your week with an evening of connection, SIP Certified wines, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Expo headliner Dr. Chris Chen, will lead a forward-looking conversation on vineyard management in a changing climate.

🎟️ Free for ticket holders (while supplies last), requires separate reservation; additional tickets $50. 

2. Breakfast Burritos & Coffee = Day 1 Fuel

🗓️ Tuesday, Nov 11 | Doors open at 7:00 AM
Sponsored by JB Dewar

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast burrito and hot coffee before the morning keynote session begins at 8:00 AM. While you’re there, explore the newly expanded SIP Certified Lounge, conveniently located next to registration.

Thank you to Oxbo for sponsoring the SIP Certified Lounge & Registration.

3. Sustainable Gear & Beer

🗓️ Tuesday, Nov 11 | 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Outdoor Exhibitor Area
Sponsored by ProFarm Group

Right after Jeff Lehar’s session on vineyard automation, head outdoors for local brews, networking, and a hands-on look at the latest ag tech innovations.

🎓 Bonus: Earn an extra CCA Precision Ag hour.
🚜 Bonus rumor: One of the robots might be tending bar...

4. Donut Social

🗓️ Wednesday, Nov 12 | Doors open at 7:00 AM
Sponsored by Valent BioSciences

Enjoy fresh local donuts and coffee before a full day of expert-led education. This crowd-favorite gathering pays tribute to the Expo’s origins—growers, trials, and a box of donuts on a tailgate in the early days of sustainability meetings.

5. Grad Student Lightning Talks + Poster Session

🗓️ Wednesday, Nov 12 | 11:15 AM–12:00 PM (presentations)
+ 12:00–1:00 PM Lunch Poster Viewing

Discover what’s next in wine and ag research. Graduate students from Cal Poly will present engaging 3-minute talks on topics like soil health, water management, and sustainable pest control. Then, meet them in person during the poster session over lunch.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Main event Location: Madonna Expo Center, San Luis Obispo
📅 Trade Show & Seminars: November 11–12, 2025
🎓 CE Hours Available: 19 DPR + 30.5 CCA (in-person + online)
🔗 Get your ticket and full schedule at sustainableagexpo.org

There are a lot of things to consider when you are developing a vineyard site. 

Walk a recently developed vineyard at SIP Certified Niner Wine Estates and learn how veteran growers:

• Choose a site
• Consider soil types
• Select rootstocks
• Design trellis systems
• Determine ideal plant material
• Incorporate soil amendments
• Care for young vines

Speakers:

• Craig Macmillan, Niner Wine Estates
• Lucas Pope, Coastal Vineyard Services
• Jon Winsted, Vineyard Professional Services
• Fritz Helzer, Mesa Vineyard Management

When & Where:

• Wednesday, May 15, 9:00-11:00 am
• Niner Wine Estates, 2400 CA-46, Paso Robles, CA

REGISTER

SIP Certified is stepping into 2026 with a refreshed brand, redesigned website, and revitalized tools to help members tell their sustainable story with more confidence and clarity.

Developed in partnership with Likely Story Strategies, this rebrand is more than a visual update. It’s a strategic evolution grounded in research.

64% of consumers rank environmental sustainability as a top buying factor.

SIP Certified members already meet rigorous, science-based standards. Now, they have stronger tools to communicate that value in the marketplace.

“You did the work. We built the tools to help it work for you,”
— Beth Vukmanic, Executive Director of Vineyard Team

Why the Refresh?

We went straight to today’s wine buyers to understand what influences their decisions.

Here’s what we heard:

• Shoppers want transparency — the story behind the bottle matters.
• Trust carries weight — especially when backed by third-party certification.
• “Better-for-you” products are growing — consumers are drawn to wines that do good and taste great.

The refreshed SIP Certified identity meets this moment with clearer messaging, a bold new look, and practical tools designed to help certified brands stand out.

The New SIPCertified.org (Now Live)

The redesigned website serves both sustainable winegrowers and the consumers looking to support them.

What’s new:

Wine Finder — Quickly locate certified wines near you
Real Sustainable Stories — Meet the growers and winemakers behind the seal
Impact Stats — Clear, credible proof for conscious consumers
Member Resource Hub — Streamlined certification tools, timelines, and ready-to-use marketing materials

Whether you're showcasing your sustainable practices or shopping with your values in mind, the new platform makes it easier to find, share, and trust SIP Certified wines.

Same Standards. Fresh Tools. Greater Impact.

SIP Certified remains grounded in rigorous third-party verification — protecting people, the planet, and prosperity across the wine industry.

This refresh amplifies that credibility with a voice and visual identity designed to resonate with today’s wine lovers.

Explore the new look at SIPCertified.org and follow along at @SIPCertified and #SIPFW as the campaign rolls out.

When we launched the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast in 2016, we weren’t sure where it would go. Now, 300 episodes later, it’s become a go-to resource for growers, researchers, educators, and wine industry professionals dedicated to sustainability.

To mark this milestone, we flipped the mic around and interviewed our host, Craig Macmillan, PhD — long-time vineyard and winery professional, educator, and now podcasting veteran — to reflect on some favorite episodes, meaningful moments, and what’s ahead.

From Zoom Recordings to Global Reach

Craig began hosting when the podcast was just an idea sparked by the Vineyard Team’s goal to make sustainable winegrowing knowledge more accessible.

“I wasn't a podcast listener at all,” Craig admits. “But I said sure, why not? Let's try it.”

Since then, the show has featured scientists, growers, and innovators from all over the world, creating a ripple effect of conversations and connections. As Craig puts it:

“Those loops are starting to close — a guest recommends another guest, and we build a network of people doing really exciting work.”

Real Conversations, Lasting Impact

One of the podcast’s most rewarding surprises? Learning that some of the wine industry’s top minds (researchers from NASA, Cornell, and beyond) are listeners themselves!

“It really makes you feel like we're succeeding. That we're getting to the right audience,” Craig says.

From major research institutions to vineyard boots-on-the-ground, the podcast bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world application.

Memorable Episodes and Personal Connections

Craig shared several standout moments over the years:

• NASA Acres & Remote Sensing with Alyssa Whitcraft — A reconnection with an old winemaking colleague’s daughter, now leading groundbreaking satellite work at NASA.

• Sour Rot with Megan Hall — One of the show’s first guests, a grad student at the time, now an industry leader and committee collaborator.

• Succession Planning with Erin Hoffman — An eye-opening dive into farm business continuity and generational transitions.

• To Till or Not to Till with Taylor Jones — A grower-led episode that became one of the most popular of 2025.

• Electric Trucks with Duff Bevill — Challenging assumptions about what's possible in vineyard sustainability.

Research, Relevance & Storytelling

Listeners love how each episode ties practical farming to broader sustainability goals. In fact, research discussed on the show inspired SIP Certified’s own storytelling training for tasting rooms, encouraging wineries to share the why behind their practices.

“People are willing to pay more for sustainable wine if they understand what that means. Not in the broad sense — in the specific,” Craig notes.

What’s Next for the Podcast?

Looking ahead to the next 300 episodes, Craig has a few goals:

• Revisit early guests to see how their research and projects evolved.

• Feature more grower voices and boots-on-the-ground innovation.

• Explore emerging technologies like robotics, AI, and variable-rate spraying informed by satellite data.

And above all, keep asking good questions.

“You never know what you're going to learn. Sometimes it’s abstract, sometimes it’s incredibly practical — but it’s always valuable.”

Thank You, Listeners!

Whether you’re a long-time subscriber or new to the series, thank you for tuning in and being part of this journey.

If you’ve learned something helpful, or just enjoyed the conversations, share the podcast with a colleague or grower friend. Your support helps us continue bringing expert voices and ideas to the field.

>>> Catch the 300th episode and more at: vineyardteam.org/podcast

Here’s to the next 300!

Make sure your staff knows their college and trade school-bound students are eligible to apply for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship.

This community-funded program helps college students achieve their dreams. Applicant or applicant’s parent/guardian must be employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry.

Easily share how to apply by posting the flyer and including the paycheck inserts (English and Spanish) next payroll. 

Applications are accepted from February 2 through March 31.

Meet Juan

The program is named in honor of Juan Nevarez, a beloved member of the Central Coast winegrape industry, whose kindness, expertise, and passion shaped many local vineyards. Nevarez spent a lifetime working every job he could gathering knowledge that eventually enabled him to start his own vineyard management company, Nevarez Farm Labor, and own his own eighty-acre vineyard. Although Juan struggled to read and write himself, he dreamed of higher education for his children.

Learn more about Juan.  

Presented by Vineyard Team, the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast continued to be a go‑to resource for vineyard and winery professionals, delivering timely, practical insights straight from researchers and growers shaping the future of sustainable viticulture. From hybrid grapes and soil health to AI‑driven climate strategies and market dynamics, last year’s five most listened‑to episodes offered information listeners can apply immediately in their operations. 

1. Beyond Foxy: The Case for Hybrid Winegrapes

Episode 274 | Listen now 
Forget everything you thought you knew about hybrid grapes. Adam Huss (Centralas Cellars) makes the case for these resilient, quality-driven varieties and why they’re gaining traction in a warming world. 

2. Fungicide Resistance in Powdery and Downy Mildew: 10 Years of Vineyard Research

Episode 278 | Listen now 
Ismail Ahmed Ismail (South Australian Research and Development Institute) unpacks a decade of data on fungicide resistance. Find out what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your spray program effective. 

3. A Vineyard Research Site to Study Soil Health

Episode 262 | Listen now 
Healthy soils make better wine—and better business. Devin Rippner (USDA-ARS/Washington State University) explains how one long-term research site is changing the way we think about soil management. 

4. AI Finds New Grape Growing Regions as Climate Changes 

Episode 260 | Listen now 
Joel Harms (McGill University) takes us into the future with AI-powered models predicting where vineyards can thrive as the climate shifts. It’s a mind-bending look at what’s coming next. 

5. Winegrape Market Trends of 2024

Episode 259 | Listen now 
Audra Cooper and Eddie Urman (Turrentine Brokerage) break down what every grower needs to know about pricing, demand, and shifting varietal preferences— insights to help growers navigate change and stay profitable long-term. 

Why Listeners Keep Tuning In 

You don’t always have time to read research papers or attend conferences, but you can always hit play. This Podcast is designed for professionals on the go, with 30-minute-or-less episodes covering IPM, irrigation, nutrient management, and more. 

“The Sustainable Winegrowing podcast is a great way to stay up to date on the research and progress that is going on. I consider myself a production viticulturalist, so as I’m driving from one conference to the next, I love to listen.” 
— Terry Bates, Director,  Cornell University 

Start Listening Today 

Search for Sustainable Winegrowing on your favorite podcast app or visit www.vineyardteam.org/podcast to browse all episodes. Subscribe and make every drive a learning opportunity.

Are you or your parent/guardian employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry?
Mark your calendar: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship applications are open from February 2 through March 31, 2026.

Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic excellence, and community, work and/or caregiver responsibilities. Multi-year scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,000 per student per year. The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability.

2 Ways to Share this Opportunity:

Both are available in English and Spanish!

• 8.5x11’ flyer 
• Paycheck inserts: Spanish  |  English

Learn more about how to apply.

In partnership with Must! Charities.

It's your last chance to get tickets to the Sustainable Ag Expo before prices go up on Monday. If you’re still thinking about networking and earning CE at the premiere sustainable ag event of the year, now’s the time to get your ticket!

Doors open at 7:00 am on Tuesday, November 11. You can still buy your ticket at the door, but at a slightly higher price! 

REMINDER: 2-day ticket holders get access to 13 online courses (an additional 13.5 CCA and 11.5 DPR hours)!