Tour Condor’s Hope Vineyard in the Cuyama Valley and see how a dry-farmed vineyard can succeed in an arid landscape. Steve Gliessman will share insights on vineyard design, rootstock selection, and establishment practices that help set vines up for long-term resilience. Learn how soil cultivation techniques can maximize storage of limited rainfall, along with other farming practices tailored to this unique site. Transportation is provided. Please select the carpool transportation option when registering if you plan to ride with the group. Itinerary: 8:00-9:00 am - Pick up at Santa Maria Speedway 9:00-11:00 am - Tour at Condor's Hope Vineyard 11:00 am-12:00 pm - Drop off at Santa Maria Speedway REGISTER   Pick up location for carpool transportation: Santa Maria Speedway, 1900 Hutton Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444     This meeting is funded by the Department of Water Resources and is a collaboration between CSWA and CAFF.  &nbs

Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of three unique dry-farmed vineyards in Paso Robles.  Walk the sites alongside the growers themselves as they share their hands-on experience, challenges, and innovative approaches to dry farming. Delve into critical topics such as vine spacing, floor and canopy management, varietal selection, and site-specific strategies for thriving without irrigation. This is an opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals, exchange insights, and see firsthand how dry farming shapes vine health, fruit quality, and wine character. REGISTER Site locations: Armory Vineyards  John Rolph Family Vineyards  Adelaida Cellars  CE: CCA 2 - SWM Logistics: Arrive to the pick-up location (Paso Robles Event Center) betweem 7:15-7:30 am for a 7:45 am departure. Coffee will be available. We will return to our meeting spot at 11:00 am. Look for the Vineyard Team sign. This event is free and open to the public. Transportation is included (to

Join us to explore how fewer row passes can enhance vineyard health, improve grape quality, and boost sustainability. We'll begin with a presentation on climate change impacts and actionable strategies. Lisa Francioni (CSWA) will share key research findings on California viticulture and introduce a Climate Action Toolkit to help prioritize resilient practices. Next, we'll head to the vineyard for an equipment demo, followed by a panel discussion with experienced growers. They'll share practical insights, success stories, and real-world solutions for sustainable, cost-effective vineyard management—reducing compaction, preserving soil integrity, and maximizing efficiency. REGISTER   Speakers: Lisa Francioni, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Jeff Lehar, Monterey Pacific Oliver Matthews, Vineyard Professional Services John Pierini, J. Lohr Vineyards Eric Steiger, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates   CE: CCA 2 - S

Dry farming in Paso Robles involves a variety of approaches and practices, including floor management, spacing, varietals, and canopy management. These methods are highly adaptable and tailored to the unique conditions of each site.  Join us for a grower roundtable that will provide practical insights for both dry farmers and those interested in dry farming! Date/time: Thursday, February 20 @ 9:00-11:00 am Location: Lone madrone Winery REGISTER HERE This meeting is funded by the Department of Water Resources and is a collaboration between CSWA, CAFF, and Vineyard Team.

Dry farming in Paso Robles involves a variety of approaches and practices, including floor management, spacing, varietals, and canopy management. These methods are highly adaptable and tailored to the unique conditions of each site.  Join us for a grower roundtable that will provide practical insights for both dry farmers and those interested in dry farming! REGISTER HERE This meeting is funded by the Department of Water Resources and is a collaboration between CSWA, CAFF, and Vineyard Team.

Afternoon Brief, October 6th

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 06 TRENDING STORY   Can Lowering Mile-High Tasting Room Fees Lure the Next Generation of Wine Drinkers? Those who visit wineries in Paso Robles may be in for […]

Upon returning from some long anticipated face-to-face time with our friends and customers at this season's wine, cider, mead, spirit and kombucha industry shows, we couldn't help but latch onto one recurring theme of conversation surrounding each beverage making community... sustainability. While we see this term being used as somewhat of a 'buzzword' among many agricultural industry professionals, sustainability by definition is a life-long pursuit for those of us carrying on a legacy of responsible beverage making. The Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) defines sustainability as "a comprehensive set of practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. Those which conserve water and energy, maintain healthy soil, protect air and water quality, enhance relations with employees and communities, preserve local ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and improve the economic vitality of vineyards and wineries.&q

Afternoon Brief, November 9th

As Restaurants Reopen, Sommeliers Re-Envision Wine Lists: Restaurants closed throughout much of 2020 when the novel coronavirus caused a series of lockdowns. To cover the costs of lost sales and in order to continue to pay employees, the monthly rent, and attempt to stay in business, some restaurants resorted to selling much—in some cases all—of their wine inventories...

April 8th- SAN FRANCISCO — The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) launched a new website today, the start of Down to Earth month, dedicated to the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program at californiasustainablewine.com. Developed for trade, media, consumers and visitors who want to find sustainable wines, wineries and vineyards that are certified with a rigorous […] The post New Website Spotlights Certified California Sustainable Wines, Vineyards and Wineries appeared first on Wine Industry Advisor. Url:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2021/04/08/new-website-spotlights-sustainable-wines-vineyards?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-website-spotlights-sustainable-wines-vineyards Published Date:Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:45:52 +0000 

April 1st – SAN FRANCISCO — The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) launched a new website today, the start of Down to Earth month, dedicated to the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program at californiasustainablewine.com. Developed for trade, media, consumers and visitors who want to find sustainable wines, wineries and vineyards that are certified with a rigorous […] The post New Website Spotlights Certified California Sustainable Wines, Vineyards and Wineries appeared first on Wine Industry Advisor. Url:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2021/04/01/website-spotlights-certified-california-sustainable-wines?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=website-spotlights-certified-california-sustainable-wines Published Date:Thu, 01 Apr 2021 18:08:05 +0000