Verdi’s Block Controller retrofits onto existing infrastructure with no trenching or rewiring required. Vancouver, Canada – Verdi, the company making irrigation automation accessible to every farm, today announced it has raised $6.5 million CAD ($4.7 million USD) in its latest oversubscribed seed round, bringing total funding to $9.5 million. The round was led by SVG Ventures, with participation from NEC, Ponderosa Ventures (a member of Galvanize Climate Solutions’ platform), Elemental Impact, GenomeBC, One Small Planet, Waterpoint Lane, Dangerous Ventures, VentureUs, Echo River Capital, Cyan Ventures, Jetstream, and Baker Hall Capital. The funding follows a breakout year for Verdi, which now powers irrigation automation for some of the world’s largest food and beverage brands on more than 5,000 acres of farmland in North America. Agriculture producers have been drawn to its ability to retrofit to existing infrastructure and deliver immediate results.

G&D Chillers Unveils New Sustainable Refrigeration Technology and Industry Innovations G&D Chillers, known for producing the most reliable premium chillers used in commercial brewing, wine, cannabis, food processing, biogas and other manufacturing industries for more than 30 years, is proud to announce a series of groundbreaking innovations set to redefine the refrigeration landscape in 2025. From sustainable cooling technology to expanded industry partnerships and advanced training programs, G&D Chillers continues to drive the future of industrial chilling solutions. Revolutionizing Sustainability: Elite 290 Microseries & New Belgium Installation G&D Chillers proudly introduces its latest environmentally friendly innovation in alternative refrigerant-based chilling: the Elite 290 Microseries is designed to deliver unparalleled efficiency while significantly reducing carbon footprints. These advancements mark a major step forward in sustainable cooling solution

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Punchdown Cellars offers winemakers an exceptional space to bring their visions to life. As a custom crush facility, it goes beyond simply providing services—it creates a collaborative and supportive environment where winemaking dreams can flourish. Designed for Artisans, Backed by Expertise At Punchdown Cellars, the focus is on quality and craftsmanship. Their facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology to support both small-lot producers and established brands. From fermentation to bottling, every stage of the winemaking process is tailored to meet each client's unique needs. This hands-on approach allows winemakers to maintain creative control while benefiting from a team of skilled professionals who ensure precision and consistency. Flexibility for Every Vision One of the standout features of Punchdown Cellars is its flexibility. Whether you're producing a small boutique label or scaling up to meet demand, th

When it comes to sealing wine bottles, one material has stood the test of time and emerged as the preferred choice of winemakers and enthusiasts alike – cork. Derived from the bark of cork oak trees, cork stoppers have been used for centuries, and their natural properties make them the perfect choice for preserving and aging wine. Preserving Wine Quality Cork stoppers are celebrated for their ability to preserve the quality and integrity of wine over time. Their unique structure provides a near-impermeable barrier to oxygen, preventing excessive oxidation and allowing wine to mature gracefully. Unlike synthetic alternatives, such as screw caps or plastic stoppers, cork allows a controlled amount of oxygen to interact with the wine, enabling it to evolve and develop complex flavors and aromas. Furthermore, cork's elasticity allows it to form a tight seal within the neck of the bottle, protecting the wine from external influences such as light and temperature fluctuations. T

We deeply mourn the passing of António Ferreira Amorim. He devoted his life to advancing the cork industry, distinguished by his fearless leadership, and profound commitment to our people and our planet. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of dedication and passion for cork. 

When asked to define the 3 P's of Sustainability (People, Planet, Prosperity), Prosperity is often the one gives people pause. But it's such an important leg of the stool! Sustainable businesses develop long-term plans and strategies to ensure they can thrive now and into the future. Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday with SIP Certified. We know customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer-form episodes help you learn about the latest science and research for the wine industry, these twice-monthly micro podcasts will help you share your dedication to sustainable winegrowing so you can show your customers that you share their values. LISTEN IN Some of the ways businesses embody Prosperity are through: Creating and sticking to a budget. Keeping thorough records. Creating informed and effective marketing plans. A business can also extend their prosperity through collaborative efforts with like-minded groups. When this happens, bot

Beyond doing good for the environment and your community, your sustainably certified wine grapes differentiate your brand in today’s oversaturated wine market. But do you know how much of a value-driver your certification really is? Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday with SIP Certified. We know customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer-form episodes help you learn about the latest science and research for the wine industry, these twice-monthly micro podcasts will help you share your dedication to sustainable winegrowing so you can show your customers that you share their values. In this Marketing Tip, get insight into the significance of sustainably grown grapes in the larger market from Gregg Hibbits, who has nearly 30 years of experience selling wine grapes. Over the course of his career, he has experienced a shift in what his grape-buying clients are looking for. Keep reading for highlights from his interview on Episode #83 of the Sustainable

Afternoon Brief, April 2nd

North Coast Wine Challenge Begins Tuesday: How do organizers conceal the identities of the entries in this blind tasting?...