Two years ago, I wrote an article on AI in the vineyard for WBM. Feel free to read that article here…if you want. Otherwise, my basic argument was that although AI will eventually play a role in how we farm grapes, it’s a long way off compared to other industries and even other crops. We who grow grapes are the last ones to see such innovation. And since then, AI has grown exponentially. If two years ago you were playing around with Chat GPT to create bizarrely distorted images and learn about tax loopholes, you can now go onto the likes of Claude and have it just create a website for you from a single prompt. Chatbots like this have essentially eliminated the need for entry-level coders. However Claude is a computer, so it makes sense that it’s gotten very good at writing code for other computers. Similarly Chat GPT has digested the entire internet, and curates any answer for you by plucking it from its vast network of information. Sometimes its correct, and other t

February 10, 2026 (Napa / Sonoma, CA) — On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., the Winemaking & Viticulture Roundtable of the Napa-Sonoma chapter of Women for WineSense (WWS) will host a timely proprietary technical presentation, “Vintage 2025 ETS Insights and New Tech Updates for Red Blotch and Smoke Taint.“ The event opens with a networking wine mingle at Crocker & Starr followed by a behind-the-scenes production tour and an engaging technical viticulture and winemaking research presentation and discussion with guest experts from ETS Labs research scientists Dr. Rich DeScenzo and Dr. Eric Hervé. This presentation will focus on actionable information to help winemaking and viticulture attendees get a strategic first look at vintage 2025 overall, plus the latest technological updates related to Red Blotch disease and smoke taint.  Attendees will hear this first synthesis of proprietary 2025 data and the additional research,

Are you paying for undercarriage corrosion? Whether it’s a company car or a heavy-duty commercial truck, there’s a hidden part of your vehicle and constantly under attack: the underbelly. Why should you care? Because the structural and operational integrity of your undercarriage directly impacts vehicle safety, performance, and even long-term value!   Unfortunately, in the rush of doing a vehicle wash, it’s commonplace to skip this crucial cleaning step. But when you do, it leaves expensive systems—like the brake lines, suspension, and exhaust—exposed to relentless corrosion. And repair and replacement costs can rapidly climb into the thousands of dollars! 4 Sneaky Undercarriage Corrosives 1. Damage Scratcher Gravel, rocks, glass and general road debris bounce up into your undercarriage and constantly scrape and chip away at the protective coatings and paint. Once the bare metal is exposed, rust immediately sets in. 2. Sticky Sponge Wh

Key Takeaways Regular solar panel cleaning helps maintain energy output by removing dirt, salt residue, and debris that block sunlight and reduce efficiency. Most homeowners should clean solar panels once or twice per year, with coastal and high-dust areas often needing more frequent service. Professional solar panel cleaning protects your investment by safely removing buildup without damaging surfaces, wiring, or warranties. Solar panels are designed to be low maintenance, but that does not mean they are maintenance-free. Over time, dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and coastal salt can reduce how much sunlight reaches your panels. When that happens, your system produces less energy, and your savings take a hit. Here on California’s Central Coast, solar panel cleaning plays a bigger role than many homeowners realize. This guide explains how often solar panels should really be cleaned, what affects cleaning frequency, and how proper maintenance protects your investment. Our par

Membrane filter cartridges are an essential tool for wine clarity and microbiological stability, but they do not have to be a disposable expense. With the right regeneration practices, wineries can restore flow, maintain sterility, and significantly extend cartridge life, which reduces both cost and waste. Instead of replacing filters as soon as they show pressure spikes or reduced throughput, regeneration allows winemakers to return a used cartridge to near-new performance. The result is better filtration economics and more predictable bottling runs. The Case for Regeneration ✔ Restores flow and keeps pressures low ✔ Preserves pore integrity for sterile filtration ✔ Minimizes premature replacement ✔ Reduces landfill waste and supplier spend ✔ Protects wine quality through consistent performance Most clogged filters are not worn out. They are simply loaded with colloids, yeast, and fine solids. Regeneration removes that load and resets the membrane.  Typical Regenera

Using a floor scrubber in a wine cellar is important for maintaining hygiene, preventing contamination, and protecting your investment. Traditional cleaning methods like mopping can spread microorganisms that thrive in the cellar's humid environment, potentially spoiling the wine.  Superior Hygiene and Contamination Prevention Remove mold and bacteria: Wine cellars are dark and humid environments, which are perfect breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. A floor scrubber thoroughly cleans and disinfects surfaces, removing the organic residues (like spilled wine or grape solids) that microorganisms feed on. Prevent off-flavors: Contamination from floor microbes can be aerosolized during cleaning or dragged into contact with equipment and barrels. This can introduce unwanted flavors into the wine, compromising its quality and taste. Clean porous surfaces: While seamless polymer floors are ideal, many cellars have concrete floors, which are porous and can harbor contamina

Recycling & Waste Solutions  Tanker Hauling Services Wine Rinsate, Storm Water, Sludge, and other Waste Water products suitable for disposal at waste water disposal and recycling facilities. Our fleet includes tankers and vacuum trucks. Roll-Off Boxes Wood, scrap metal, glass, concrete, dirt, rock, plastic, cardboard, and Construction materials are hauled to recycling facilities Compost  Our Super Compost consists of 100% recycled organic materials that is generated and collected from local sources. Our Super Compost is OMRI listed, Certified OIM with CDFA, and STA certified with the US Composting Council. Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response Environmental Waste Disposal Services Our nationwide network of treatment, disposal and recycling facilities offers sustainable, safe and compliant solutions for all hazardous and nonhazardous waste streams including All Pesticides, Herbicides, Insecticides.  Lab Pack, Field and Industrial Services Republic Se

Not all detergents work the same way. If you’re using the wrong scrubbing bubbles you – and your equipment – will be sorry. Using the wrong detergent in your commercial or industrial pressure washer can set you up for everything from poor cleaning results to damaging your equipment and costing you big bucks. Do you know the 5 warning signs you’re using the wrong detergent? 5 Signs You’re Using The Wrong Detergent With Your Pressure Washer Choosing the right detergent is crucial when it comes to maintaining your commercial or industrial pressure washer. But did you know that detergents are not interchangeable because each one is formulated to deliver specific results? Using an incompatible or ineffective detergent can lead to a variety of problems, from way too many sudsy bubbles clogging the works to poor cleaning outcomes to damage to your equipment. Check out these are five signs that signal you might be using the wrong detergent with your pressure wash

Our expert technicians share essential tips to help you beat the heat and prevent common compressor issues during the hottest months of the year:   1. Keep Coolers Clean: Dust, debris, or buildup in the cooler quickly leads to overheating. Make sure coolers are thoroughly cleaned and clear of obstructions before the heat sets in.   2. Inspect Drains: Hotter weather = higher humidity, and that means more condensate. Check that your drains are fully functional and ready to handle the increased moisture to prevent backups or overflow.   3. Check Air and Oil Filters: Clean filters ensure steady airflow and reduce unnecessary energy use. Replacing dirty filters helps maintain consistent pressure for your grape pressing, bottling, and labeling processes.   4. Check Compressor Oil: High outdoor temperatures reduce the lifespan of your oil. Stick to recommended service intervals and use genuine compressor oil and filters to protect your equipment and ma