DISCOVER CLEVER PEOPLE AT CLEVERTECH After 30 years in packaging automation, I’ve seen one piece of equipment consistently deliver immediate impact: Conversion to a fully automatic bulk depalletizer. Why? Because it directly addresses some of the biggest challenges wineries face today - line efficiency, labor savings, and material handling. Bulk glass depalletizing enables wineries to move more product with less labor while maximizing existing floor space. A bulk glass depalletizer isn’t just a piece of equipment - it’s a strategic upgrade for modern wine production. As a Sales Manager at Clevertech North America, I leverage more than 30 years of experience in the packaging automation industry to help wineries implement automation solutions that don’t just improve daily operations but create long-term value. I’d be glad to share what we’re seeing across the industry. Let’s connect and find the right bulk glass solution for your operation. Contact me at 814-571-1768 or by email:

Insights from a bottling manager and how Clevertech’s team backed him at every step When wineries invest in automation - whether to reduce manual labor, boost performance, or keep production running smoothly - another question becomes just as important: Will the supplier be there to support us when we need them? At Oak Ridge Winery, Bottling Manager Steven Uline recently oversaw the installation of a Clevertech bulk depalletizer, case erector, and partition inserter into their existing bottling line. For him, the decision wasn’t only about the capabilities of the machinery. It was also about having confidence that the level of after-sales service and support would remain dependable over the long term. “Clevertech’s quality of support is great,” Uline says. “They were very responsive to our specific challenges and committed to finding solutions that worked for us. During installation, we kept a punch list of open items and worked through it together.&

SIP Certified is stepping into 2026 with a refreshed brand and redesigned website aimed at making sustainably produced wines easier for consumers to recognize and find. The updated visual identity and digital experience strengthen the connection between certified winegrowers and today’s sustainability-minded wine buyers—while maintaining the independent, science-based standards that have defined the program for decades. Research shows that 64% of consumers rank environmental sustainability as a top buying factor. As interest in responsible farming and “better-for-you” products continues to grow, wine buyers are paying closer attention to how their wine is produced. “Buyers are looking more closely at how their wine is grown and produced,” said Beth Vukmanic, Executive Director of Vineyard Team, the parent organization of SIP Certified. “SIP Certified has always represented accountability and science-backed standards. This update ensures that c

Small Steps, Big Gains: Affordable Efficiency with Winery Automation The wine industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Changing consumer preferences, generational taste evolution, and a surge of lower-cost grapes and bulk wine from global markets are reshaping the competitive terrain.  To stay ahead, wineries are rethinking their operations, streamlining workflows, expanding outreach, and embracing automation as a strategic lever for growth. Companies facing financial constraints often turn to automation, a proven strategy that can help reduce labor costs and increase production efficiency in packaging and bottling lines. Among these innovations, packaging automation stands out, delivering measurable cost savings, production agility, and scalable infrastructure, empowering wineries to protect margins and adapt swiftly to market demands. When financial constraints tighten, automation becomes more than a luxury; it’s a lifeline. For wineries, automating packaging and bottling

In this WIN Insiders episode, George interviews Beth Vukmanic, Executive Director of Vineyard Team and manager of the SIP Certified sustainable vineyard and winery certification programs. Beth shares her fascinating journey from professional harpist (and being born in a Volkswagen Rabbit!) to leading one of California’s most important sustainability initiatives. She explains how Vineyard Team, founded in 1994 by progressive growers, promotes sustainable farming through education, collaboration, and the SIP Certified program that emphasizes accountability in social equity, soil health, water efficiency, and habitat preservation. Beth discusses the program’s evolution from a 1996 self-assessment checklist to a comprehensive certification now spanning California, Michigan, and Oregon, plus its growing market value as consumers demand sustainably produced wines. She also shares her passion for fitness through her “Beth Size” brand and highlights the One of Ours Me

Wine Road Elects Six New Board Members, Including New President Infusion of leadership marks one of the largest board transitions in recent years Healdsburg, CA, May 30, 2025 — Wine Road, the premier association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, is pleased to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors—one of the largest board transitions in the organization’s recent history. Typically electing just two new members per term, this year’s changes reflect a unique and exciting chapter for Wine Road, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to its mission of promoting Northern Sonoma County as a world-class wine destination. The newly elected board members are: Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President, Pedroncelli Winery As a third-generation member of one of Sonoma County’s iconic Italian winemaking families, Julie brings decades of experience and deep roots in Dry Creek Valley. Pedroncellis have farmed the region s

The Vineyard Team's Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship Published in Wine Business Monthly February 1, 2025 The Vineyard Team, a non-profit organization, has been around for 30 years, and from the beginning its focus has been on providing education in sustainable winegrowing. "Something that we talk about a lot is the three P's: people, planet and prosperity. The scholarship program is our way of giving back to the people," explained Beth Vukmanic, The Vineyard Team executive director. "And it's really just been wonderful to see it grow over time." Launching in 2015 with money raised from a food and wine event, the scholarship program has since grown, awarding a total of $350,000 in scholarship funds. SHARE THIS OPPORTUNITY Funds for the program now come from direct donations to the scholarship. In 2022 Must! Charities-a Paso Robles-based non-profit that helps fundraise and support programs in the area-decided to make an investment in The Vineyard Team'

Fuel your mind over lunch!  Want to learn how your winery can increase efficiency with leading capital equipment? Curious as to why so many wineries are choosing to partner with Clevertech? Clevertech invites you to schedule a Lunch & Learn session! This is a great opportunity to enjoy lunch on us while learning how bulk & case depalletizers, case packers, carton erectors, partition inserters, case palletizers, and more can help your company improve the bottom line. If you have thought about the next step for your winery or want to explore your possibilities to increase efficiency but need to know where and how to start, this type of session is for you! Our lunch & learn sessions are limited to 2 per month for the wine industry, so schedule your date asap with Beth Zarnick-Duffy, a 30-year industry veteran.  b.zarnick@clevertech-group.com / 814-571-1768 www.clevertech-group.com We hope to see you soon!