Join us for "Insights on New Growing Techniques from the 2025 Season." When it comes to innovation in the vineyard, theory is easy. Implementation is not. That’s why the first session of the 2026 Growing Forward Virtual Conference brings together four respected vineyard leaders who have already done the work. Join us this Wednesday, where we'll hear from the early adopters who will share their firsthand experiences, including what delivered measurable results, what proved challenging, what caught them by surprise, and what they would do differently next time. Bring your questions. Add your perspective. Join a conversation designed to help growers move forward with confidence. Session Panel: Tony Chapman, Senior Director of Winegrowing / The Donum Estate Ryan Maier, Owner & Operator / Maier Vineyard Management Matt Merrill, General Manager / Mesa Vineyard Management Patrick Riggs, Vice President of Viticulture / Jack Neal and Son Vineyard Management This Wednesd

Session 2: AI-Enabled Virus Detection & Yield Forecasting for Vineyards Broadcast Date: June 18th, 2025 – 10:00 am (PT) Join us for the next session in the Growing Forward virtual series as we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming vineyard operations. This timely webinar will examine the key trends driving the next evolution of viticulture and how AI is helping growers boost efficiency, reduce risk, and make more informed decisions. Experts will share the latest advancements in AI for agriculture and viticulture and discuss how predictive analytics is improving the accuracy of yield forecasting. You’ll also learn how innovative tools are being used to detect, map, and test for vineyard diseases such as Red Blotch and Leafroll 3. The session will highlight real-world examples of how leading growers are using technology to streamline their operations and stay ahead of vineyard health threats. Moderator: Kia Behnia Co-Founder and CEO / Scout

GROWING FORWARD: Vineyard & Grower Virtual Event Understanding Grapevine Disease Detection and Implementing Prevention Strategies Registration has opened for the first session in our 2024 Growing Forward series, a Vineyard & Grower focused Virtual Conference tackling the most pressing topics and issues faced throughout the grape growing cycle. Grapevine Disease Detection & Prevention This session, presented by researchers and vineyard consultants, will delve into advanced techniques and technologies for early disease detection. This exploration aims to empower growers with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks effectively. From understanding the nuances of common grapevine diseases to implementing proactive prevention strategies, participants will gain invaluable insights to protect their vineyards and optimize crop health. Additionally, we will examine the ongoing research efforts aimed at gaining further insights into vectors and other pertinent factors, which

Conference plans have already begun for the 2024 Growing Forward virtual conference series and we'd like to know what you would want to learn about.  Session 1 of the 3 part series will be broadcasted March 6, 2024. Please submit any topic ideas that you would be interested in learning about in March. https://wineindustryadvisor.com/conference-topic Deadline is Wednesday, December 20th. 

Future-Proofing Vineyards: Expert Perspectives on AI, Water Management and Climate Resilience

Navigating climate change in viticulture by water management automation, climate-friendly farming, and AI advancements By Laurie Wachter Note: This article summarizes key insights from industry experts and vineyard professionals who […]

Afternoon Brief, June 21st

Registration Now Open for Growing Forward Virtual Conference: Wine Industry Network (WIN) has opened registration for Growing Forward, a Vineyard & Grower focused Virtual Conference tackling the most pressing topics and issues faced throughout the grape growing cycle. The Conference is set to broadcast on July 19, 2023, beginning at 9:00am...

Winegrowers and vineyard managers speak on Optimizing Irrigation, Climate Friendly Farming, AI in Grape Growing Growing Forward is a dynamic and insightful online conference designed specifically for grape growers and vineyard professionals. This conference serves as a platform to educate and support growers throughout the vineyard growing cycle, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the ever-evolving industry. With a focus on addressing current challenges and issues impacting the grower community, the conference features renowned experts, academics, and industry professionals as speakers. The 2023 conference, sponsored by LUMO, will be covering a wide range of topics, including vineyard management, climate adaptation, soil moisture monitoring, irrigation best practices, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI. Session panels will include vineyard managers from Silver Oak Winery and Emeritus Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines, Peake Racj Winery, and

Wine Industry Network (WIN) broadcast the third session of the 2022 Growing Forward series on Wednesday, November 16. The webinar featured winegrowers and vineyard experts sharing their experience as early implementers of new vineyard technology and techniques.  Moderated by Lance Donny, CEO of AgCode, speakers included Courtney Preston Shifflett, Viticulturist North Coast of The Duckhorn Portfolio, Greg Gonzalez, Director of Central Coast Farming of Foley Family Vineyards and Rob Whyte, COO of Renteria Vineyards. The panel was able to share their experiences as early implementers of new vineyard technology and techniques including pitfalls to avoid, what surprised them, the results they achieved, and their recommendations for others considering adoption. The webinar was free to attend and included a live chat with the speakers. Both the webinar and live chat is available for on-demand replay. The webinar was made possible with the support session sponsors, AgCode and Opti-Harvest

Decision Time: Preparing for the Risk Factors of Smoke & Fire Exposure Wildfires have become an annual concern for grape growers around the globe, bringing devastation to crops and affecting wine quality for entire vintages. WIN’s latest Growing Forward webinar will prepare winegrowers to make more informed decisions in the event their vineyards are impacted by fire and/or smoke. Topics will range from determining the level of risk, what should or should not be in growers’ contracts, leveraging the correct data to mitigate risk, negotiating access permits for essential jobs in the event of an evacuation, farmworker safety protocols, contingency harvest plans, and more. Presented by industry experts, this session is for any grape grower looking to be better positioned in the event their grapes are at risk for smoke exposure. Register here. Session Panel:  Adam Koeppel, Co-Founder & CEO / Agrology  Riggs Lokka, Assistant Vineyard Manager / Emeritus Vineyards

Growing Forward is an online conference series focused on educating & supporting Grapegrowers throughout the vineyard growing cycle and preparing them for the year ahead. The series features academics, agricultural experts, and notable industry professionals addressing current challenges and issues impacting the grower community. Spring Session: Thursday, March 31st, 2022 • 9:00 am (PT) As bud break begins this season, two of the biggest concerns for grape growers are grape powdery mildew (GPM) and pre-irrigation of their vineyards. As the growing season progresses, another major concern is how to best utilize limited irrigation water resources. This session, led by Bryan Rahn, CPAg/SS, CCA and president of Coastal Viticultural Consultants, Inc. (CVC) will provide information for GPM and soil moisture/plant monitoring best practices that lead to more efficient GPM treatments and irrigation water use. The session will include vineyard managers from Silver Oak Winery and Trinche