Accurate, timely field inspections are critical for vineyard performance. Traditionally, managers rely on paper notes or delayed reports from scouts, which can lead to incomplete information, slower response times, and missed opportunities to protect yield and quality. For vineyards operating across multiple blocks, this lag in communication and visibility can cascade into inefficiencies, crop losses, or unnecessary expenses. The core challenge lies in capturing precise observations and translating them into actionable work. Pest activity, vine health, irrigation problems, and canopy concerns all require attention at the block level. Without real-time reporting, managers may only become aware of problems after they have already impacted yield, forcing reactive interventions instead of proactive measures. AgCode addresses these challenges by enabling real-time scouting and rapid issue resolution. Scouts and field crews log observations directly through mobile devices, including photos,

This blog post summarizes the process by which licensed wineries can obtain local government approval for events in Napa County held pursuant to their California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) Type 93 Estate Tasting Permit. As discussed in our prior post, last year Governor Newsom signed into law AB720, granting California wineries that hold an ABC Type 02 winery license the ability to host events, up to 36 times per year, where they exercise tasting room privileges for wine manufactured by or for the winery on either: (1) property adjacent to the licensed premises or (2) a nonadjacent vineyard provided that such property or vineyard is owned by or under the control of the winery. (Cal. Bus. Prof. Code 23399.03.) Neither ABC nor Napa County have provided guidance as to what degree or proof of “control” is required. Under AB 720, these new Type 93 estate tasting events are also subject to local land use controls that can “restrict, but no

At Peregrine Mobile Bottling, we believe that the final stage of winemaking - the bottling line - shouldn't be a compromise. Instead, it should be an opportunity to elevate your product, preserving all the hard work, nuance, and care that went into every vintage. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how integrating advanced Gas Management using a KH Tec Membrane Technology into the bottling process makes an undeniable difference in wine cost savings, quality, shelf stability, and consumer experience. This is our story - and the story of the wineries who trust us to help them tell theirs.  Where Technology Meets Terroir When we started offering gas management services alongside our mobile bottling, we weren’t just adding a feature. We were responding to a real need in the industry. Too often, wineries saw excellent wines lose their luster after bottling. Subtle aromatics would flatten. Effervescence would fade. Shelf life suffered. The common culprit? CO₂ and Oxyge

In an era where consumers are increasingly focused on diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other groups are taking steps to help Americans better understand food and beverage labels. The agency's recalibration of the "healthy" labeling criteria and introduction of a front-of-pack nutrition label offer the potential to reshape food product development while empowering consumers to make more informed dietary choices. Redefining 'Healthy' The FDA's definition of "healthy" has remained mostly unchanged since the 1990s, leading to a disconnect between scientific advancements in nutrition and food marketing. Under the new labeling rule, foods labeled as "healthy" must align more closely with the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The voluntary regulation goes into effect on April 28, 2025. Brand owners have three years to comply. There is no maximum or minimum type s

We’re thrilled to share that our packaging refresh for Cambium Cider has been awarded a silver medal in the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, a testament to the power of design in storytelling. When Cambium Cider, a generational family orchard in Vernon, BC, approached us for a rebrand, they wanted packaging that reflected their heritage and connection to the land. Our design journey started with a focus on their story: the orchard’s three generations of growth and the natural beauty of apple tree rings, which symbolize time, growth, and sustainability. Here’s how we brought this vision to life: 1️⃣ Custom Watercolor Art: Each label features hand-painted tree rings created by our lead designer, Marina. Watercolor was chosen for its transparent, layered quality, which mirrors the natural layers found in trees. These rings celebrate the cambium layer, a vital part of a tree’s growth and a fitting metaphor for Cambium’s legacy. 2️⃣ T

Turning The Tables on Sean Weir, Author The Mad Crush

By Carl Giavanti Sean Weir grew up in Sonoma Valley, Calif. He enjoyed his first crash course in wine appreciation as a 20-year-old backwaiter at the

What’s the opportunity cost of stopping to ingest another piece of content? Two sentences in, are you gripped with a guilty impulse to reach for your phone or keyboard and start making calls instead? I’d like to redirect your energy so that your success in sales isn’t random or acute, but consistent and chronic — the result of a strategic, focused effort that means doing less and selling more. Defining Success If I “get you” to read this article, does that mean I’ve written it well?  “Well,” you might say, “that depends on your goal, I guess. What are you trying to do here —put words in my mouth?” As tribal creatures, we tend to assume everyone around us is on the same page, that we define success in the same way.  In Chapter 1 of The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel argues that “Nobody’s Crazy” — every one of us handles our finances based on different values, informed

CD & Power Named Top Workplace by San Francisco Chronicle for 10th Consecutive Year CD & Power is thrilled to announce that we have been named a Top Workplace by the San Francisco Chronicle for the 10th year in a row! This prestigious award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating a positive and engaging work environment for our employees. The award is also based solely on employee feedback gathered through a survey administered earlier in 2024. We are immensely grateful to the 52 employees who took the time to share their experiences and insights. Your input is invaluable and has played a crucial role in helping us achieve this honor.  About CD & Power CD & Power is a leading provider of backup power and industrial engine products and services, serving Northern California from our offices in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. We specialize in backup power technology sales, rentals, and maintenance services for commercial and industri

Supervisors and managers often need to have conversations that they would rather not have. Dealing with performance issues or habitual patterns, like chronic lateness, can be tough and may stir up emotions. Nonetheless, tough conversations are crucial in the workplace and need to be handled appropriately. Avoiding difficult topics can often result in bigger problems and more conflict. This practical course gives attendees the confidence to recognize, plan and manage challenging conversations, including addressing “the elephant in the room” types of issues. Attendees are provided opportunities to practice using constructive feedback techniques so that they return to the workplace with the skills to help employees achieve results and have positive outcomes. Learning Objectives: To provide participants with the tools to address conflict within their team. To provide supervisors and managers with a process for having challenging conversations. To teach the steps necessary for g