When we launched the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast in 2016, we weren’t sure where it would go. Now, 300 episodes later, it’s become a go-to resource for growers, researchers, educators, and wine industry professionals dedicated to sustainability. To mark this milestone, we flipped the mic around and interviewed our host, Craig Macmillan, PhD — long-time vineyard and winery professional, educator, and now podcasting veteran — to reflect on some favorite episodes, meaningful moments, and what’s ahead. From Zoom Recordings to Global Reach Craig began hosting when the podcast was just an idea sparked by the Vineyard Team’s goal to make sustainable winegrowing knowledge more accessible. “I wasn't a podcast listener at all,” Craig admits. “But I said sure, why not? Let's try it.” Since then, the show has featured scientists, growers, and innovators from all over the world, creating a ripple effect of conversations and c

A Vibrant Future USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Field Day Description: An in-depth look at the intricacies, logistics, challenges, and effects of grazing sheep in vineyards. A vineyard tour and grazing demo with owner/operator Anna DeLaski of Solminer followed by a panel discussion led by Gabe Worthington (MTI Soil Scientist/ Certified Crop Advisor) on the effects of incorporating grazing into permanent cropping systems.  Speakers: Anna DeLaski, Solminer Gabe Worthington, MTI Kelly Mulville, Paicines Ranch Hillary Graves, Booker Vineyard Mindy Record, Paso de Record & JUSTIN Vineyards Randy Record, Paso de Record Cole Bakke, IOU Sheep Co.  REGISTER CE Approved: CCA 2 S

Previously taught in wine hubs like Paso Robles and New York’s Finger Lakes, this bootcamp offers hands-on training in the latest digital marketing strategies tailored for wine professionals on campus at the Wine Spectator Learning Center at Sonoma State, by the Wine Business Institute.  Topics Covered: Maximize online sales with Google Merchant Center Boost SEO and website visibility Drive successful Google Ads campaigns Harness AI for customer targeting Led by industry expert Ryan Milani, this course is designed to help you make an impact in a competitive market. Bring your laptop and Digital Marketing and eCommerce projects to class. Course Fee: $850 Date: Two Fridays, Nov. 8 & 15 Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Delivery: In person on Campus Instructor: Ryan Milani Learn more and register here

We are already preparing for the next (online) course starting Wednesday, November 6: Wine Import and Distribution. This comprehensive course offers aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs the opportunity to build a solid foundation in wine importing and distribution, two critical pillars of the global wine supply chain. You will gain a deep understanding of the 3-tier system, government regulations, and market dynamics, positioning yourself to navigate this complex industry with confidence. Through interactive online classroom discussions, practical homework assignments, and the creation of a personalized business plan, you’ll explore the full spectrum of the importing and distribution process—from staffing and licensing to investment strategies and exit planning. With a focus on real-world application, you will learn how to develop a viable business model, comply with federal and state regulations, and assess market viability, making this course ideal for those seeking t

What if you could transform your digital marketing strategy to capture more customers and drive wine sales growth? The bootcamp will provide an intensive, hands-on experience focusing on practical applications of the digital marketing strategies covered in the topics below, tailored specifically for the wine industry.  Learn more and register here.

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

Let's talk finance! We're excited to offer a course on Financial Management and Strategy for the wine industry that starts on June 26. It's part of the Wine Industry Finance and Accounting Certificate and can also be an elective for the Wine Business Management Certificate. Open to everyone interested, this course is a valuable opportunity. In July, we’re also offering Strategic Wine Club Management and a new Compliance workshop on campus. Read on to learn more! What do you learn throughout the course? Financial Management and Strategy This eight-week course provides a concise overview and analysis of the factors critical to financial success for businesses in the wine industry. Students will learn about different corporate and financial structures and strategies; how to deal with business details, like compliance and insurance; and how to use financial planning and analysis to ensure a business’s financial survival and drive growth. Course Goals: By the en

Help Nancy Achieve Mission Graduation Our community gave the gift of higher education to 18 deserving students last year. Here is an update on one of the scholars that the community's past generosity is currently benefiting. Every Friday at 4 am, Nancy wakes to the buzz of her alarm. In the dark, she throws on her running shoes, grabs a quick cup of coffee, and heads to the UC Berkeley track field. In the dewy grass, she joins fellow members of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) to train for the next 5 to 8 hours. Nancy was inspired to serve her community in the sixth grade when her father got extremely sick. At the hospital, she saw firsthand how wonderful nurses care for the critically ill. As her father recovered under the staff’s watchful care, Nancy knew how she wanted to give back. Thanks to your generosity, she is attending Hartnell College to pursue her lifelong goal of earning a degree in Nursing. She maintains an exceptional 3.8 cumulative GPA

Does your staff know what it means to be SIP Certified sustainable? Sustainability is being talked about more and more these days, but we often hear from our members that they don’t always know how to communicate sustainability effectively. When it comes to customers, while 7 out of 10 US adults prioritize purchasing food with a sustainability component, one-fourth of these individuals can’t actually articulate sustainability. The good news is, research shows that understanding what makes a wine sustainable can increase sales! This creates the prefect educational opportunity. So, we created a training module to help your team: Learn what sustainability really means in the wine industry. Identify 7 specific ways YOUR brand practices sustainability. Share this knowledge with your customers to increase sales. Since this training was created to be specific to your brand, we encourage you to invite your viticulturalist, winemaker, general manager, and anyone else who is familia