A follow up to a 2024 Tailgate, Dr. Shunping Ding of Cal Poly will share updated results from a recent study on on the efficacy of different fungicide programs containing biofungicides and their impact on grape yield and berry chemistry. Then, we will head out to the vineyard at Cal Poly to learn about new technologies for integrated management of powdery mildew and talk with farmers from different growing regions about their fungicide programs. Plus, arrive early to learn about Cal Poly’s wine & vit programs during a tour of the new, state of the art winery and vineyard! Agenda: 8:30 am - Winery Tour with Erica Nordby, CalPoly 9:00 - 9:30 am - Dr. Ding, Cal Poly - Presentation 9:45 - 11:00 am - Presentation & Grower Panel in the Vineyard Speakers: Erica Nordby, Cal Poly Shunping Ding, Cal Poly Jenny Broome, UC Santa Cruz Sarah Placella, Root Applied Sciences Dr. Pal From, Saga Robotics Erin Amaral, Pacific Coast Farming Zach Merkel,&

March 18, 2025 (Sonoma County, CA) — Rack & Riddle, the leading custom sparkling wine producer in the United States, has appointed new CEO Jeff Tuttle. He takes the helm from Rebecca Faust and Bruce Lundquist who co-founded the company and remain actively involved as board members and strategic advisors. Following graduation from Colorado College, Tuttle earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. With family roots that span five generations in a specialty food product business, Tuttle has decades of experience nurturing partnerships, as well as professional experience in the packaged cuisine and beverage industries. Tuttle brings extensive food and beverage industry experience, with leadership roles at The Pillsbury Company, Miller Brewing, and Bellisio Foods, where he spearheaded the growth of major brands and built strategic partnerships across licensing, private label, and co-manufacturing for 18 years.  “Rack & Riddle has s

With no and low-alcohol categories on the rise and the sober-curious boogeyman around every corner, we needn’t wait for rock bottom to take a hard look at our sales strategy and make a change today.  While much of the wine & spirits industry points the finger at Gen Z & Millennials, the World Health Organization or the Surgeon General, the truth is there’s only one entity responsible for the trajectory of our revenue.  According to Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin in Extreme Ownership, when “problems feel overwhelming and insurmountable . . . it’s our human nature to shift blame, find excuses, and avoid consequences. But taking ownership over what went wrong and accepting the reality of the situation gives you complete control over how you can solve these challenges.” Trying to sell alcohol in 2025 is tough. Plain and simple, no way around it. With that acknowledged, let’s explore what we can do about it.   A Sign of

It’s the same conversation in boardrooms, discussion boards, symposiums, and industry reports: “Younger consumers just aren’t drinking wine like previous generations.” Sure, the concern is valid. But the narrative misses key nuances. The reality is that younger consumers are still just that—young. Their drinking habits, lifestyle priorities, and financial realities don’t yet match those of past generations at the same life stage. But instead of writing off Gen Z or younger Millennials, the wine industry needs to adjust its approach. The traditional playbook doesn’t account for how younger consumers live, what they value, or how they engage with brands. If wineries want to stay relevant, it’s time to rewrite the script. 1. Younger Consumers Will Age Into Wine—Just Like Boomers Did A common misstep in the industry’s current panic is comparing a 23-year-old Gen Zer to a 45-year-old Gen Xer. The latter has had decades to develop

Spica ⭐️ has found a wonderful home in the lab at Arista Winery in Healdsburg, California! It was an awesome day with Ray Lyons (left) and Gordon Miller (right), implementing enzymatic and colorimetric automation. 🍷 Welcome to the SPICA ⭐️ family from all of us at Admeo!

Afternoon Brief, May 16th

Windsor Winery Owner Accused of Years of Childhood Sexual Assault by His Sister in Lawsuit: The owner of a prominent Sonoma County winery is accused of sexually assaulting his sister over years when they were both children in a lawsuit in San Francisco County court...