We’re excited to share that Sonoma County Winegrowers’ 2025 Grape Camp was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal! Hosted from September 28 – October 1, Grape Camp brought guests into the heart of harvest for an unforgettable, hands-on immersion in Sonoma County wine country. Attendees met local winegrowers and winemakers, harvested grapes by hand, stomped fruit, crafted their own blends, and experienced the magic of harvest from vineyard to glass. As The Wall Street Journal captured, “the Sonoma County Grape Camp brings wine and adventure lovers alike to drink from dawn ‘til dusk and sample true viticulture,” perfectly reflecting the energy, camaraderie, and joy that made this year’s camp so special. Beyond the vineyard, campers enjoyed curated tastings, farm-to-table meals, and opportunities to learn directly from Sonoma County’s expert winemakers — a true celebration of wine, community, and the people behind it all. R

When water is limited, or fruit quality is on the line, deficit irrigation is one of the smartest tools in a grower’s arsenal. But like any sharp tool, it needs to be used with precision. Here’s what deficit irrigation is and why it matters.  What Is Deficit Irrigation? Deficit irrigation is the practice of intentionally giving crops less water than they’d typically receive during select stages of development. The idea isn’t to deprive the plant, but to apply a mild, controlled stress that can slow vegetative growth or fruit expansion in ways that benefit the crop. Done well, this strategy can sharpen fruit quality, reduce disease pressure, conserve water, and even improve overall return on investment. Take apples, for example. Overwatering mid-to-late season can lead to oversized fruit with low calcium, making them more vulnerable to bitter pit. In peaches, too much late-season water can result in soft texture and poor color. Deficit irrigation allows y

Wine Bottle Photography Tips: How to Create Images That Sell A great wine photo doesn’t just show a bottle. It tells a story. It paints a picture of a moment your customers want to live. It’s not about the glass, the foil, or even the label; it’s about the experience you’re selling. Because wine isn’t just a product; it’s a lifestyle. And your photos? They’re the invitation. Let’s talk about how to create wine bottle images that stop the scroll, spark emotion, and make people think, That bottle belongs in my life. Start With the Story Before you pick up the camera, ask yourself: What do I want this photo to say? Is your wine bold and elegant? Fun and approachable? Does it evoke the charm of a vineyard sunset or the intimacy of a cozy dinner at home? The story comes first because it’s what your customers connect to. Your photo isn’t just a picture of a bottle but a promise. A glimpse into the world you’re inviting

Afternoon Brief, June 30th

Catching Zs: How Drinks Brands Can Tap into the Gen Z Market: Thanks to a groundbreaking app experience, drinks brands are targeting the hard-to-reach Gen Z market, offering free drinks in return for harvesting vital data about them...