In this WIN Insider interview, George speaks with Lauren Wong, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Aperture Vineyards & Winery, ahead of the Wine Sales Symposium on May 13th in Sonoma County. Lauren shares her journey from luxury fragrance brands to wine marketing, influenced by her father’s work as a renowned wine label designer. She discusses Aperture’s brand philosophy of combining high-quality wines with inclusive, approachable marketing and addresses the evolving challenges wineries face in post-COVID marketing—emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and innovation. A key focus is strategic partnerships for the symposium and Lauren explains how partnerships enhance brand exposure, reinforce values, and create collaborative opportunities that benefit all parties. She encourages wineries of all sizes to actively pursue partnerships by understanding their brand’s value and aligning with partners’ goals—including creative, non-monetary collaborations with local businesses, cha

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 ed

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.

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'

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 3 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

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 3 through March 31, 2025. 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. Visit our website to learn more about the application process. 2 Ways to Share  Both are available in English and Spanish! 8.5x11’ flyer  Paycheck inserts: Spanish | English  In partnership with Must! Charities.

Tune into Up + Adam to hear Vineyard Team Executive Director, Beth Vukmanic, talk all-things Scholarship! LISTEN IN "...We have an inspiring conversation with Beth Vukmanic from the Vineyard Team, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting the education of vineyard and farm worker families. Beth talks about their impactful scholarship program, now in collaboration with Must Charities, which helps young men and women, often the first in their families to attend college, by providing financial aid and mentorship. This program supports students whether they're pursuing a four-year degree, a two-year degree, or vocational training, setting them up for success. For more information on their initiatives and how they're making a difference, visit the Vineyard Team Website (https://www.vineyardteam.org)."

Continuing a Legacy of Learning Vineyard Team proudly announces the selection of six new exceptional recipients of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship, continuing its mission of investing in higher education for the children of California's vineyard and winery workers. These students are set to embark on a transformative journey. This year's recipients, all first-generation college students, have been chosen for their academic achievements, financial need, inspiring stories, community involvement, and the potential to make significant contributions to their communities . Among them are a future viticulturist with a commitment to sustainable agriculture, a budding real estate developer with aspirations of owning their own farm one day, and a prospective legislator/politician, passionate about public policy and social justice. Congratulations to This Year’s Recipients: Daisy from Paso Robles, planning to attend California Polytechnic State University. David from Paso Ro

It’s Saturday, and I’m reading an article about the launch of Pepsi Co.’s new “Bubly Burst” product this week. The soft drink powerhouse is trying to shake up a previously vague market between sparkling water and sweetened soda with this new line of sweetened, 1% fruit juice, low-calorie, carbonic hydration with flavors. I take note, but it’s not the flavoring that piqued my interest. It’s the packaging. The Triple Threat It is not new that carbonated, flavored, adult beverages are fueling the “any-alcohol-is-bad-for-your-health” declaration by creating flavors like Bellini Bliss and offering recipes that are meant to encourage consumers to enjoy the flavors and creativity of craft cocktails without the alcohol. If we look at other adult beverages, we can see they are also leading the conversation around sustainability and innovation in packaging. In Pepsi’s case, they chose 16.9-ounce single-serve bottles of recycled pla

The Power of a Mentor Did you know that 33% of first-generation students leave college within three years of starting (Education Advisory Board)? While there are many contributing factors, the main reasons first-generation students leave are: Financial burdens. Lack of support. Inequitable access to resources. Because of your past generosity, the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship has expanded to address each of those factors. Each recipient receives: Multi-year scholarships to trade, two-, or four-year schools. A graduation bonus. Personalized guidance from our dedicated Scholarship Mentor. Knowing that financial constraints are not the only barrier, this program has expanded to make a unique investment in a dedicated Scholarship Mentor who is a resource to the students throughout their collegiate career. Multi-year recipient Lizbeth says, "Being a first-generation college student is a true honor, but it comes with many obstacles and sacrifices." Regular check-ins with