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

Using Weather Data to Gauge Spray Drift Risk Sustainable Ag Expo   I   November 12    I    2:00-3:00 pm The regulatory situation of spray drift is changing, with increasing penalties for infractions. Mark Battany's presentation will explain the weather conditions that lead to drift and how data tools can help growers and applicators avoid spraying at high drift risk periods.  CE Approved: 1 DPR - O; 1 CCA - IPM Get Tickets!  --- Mark graduated with a B.S. in Agronomy from Colorado State University and an M.S. in Hydrologic Sciences from UC Davis. He subsequently spent two years at the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture in Cordoba, Spain as a Fulbright scholar. Mark worked for the UC Cooperative Extension from 2001 until 2024, initially as the Viticulture Farm Advisor and later the Water Management and Biometeorology Advisor for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Now retired from UC, Mark will continue to work diligently

Sustainable Ag Expo Welcome Event Featuring an Exclusive Presentation  We are kicking off the Sustainable Ag Expo with a welcome event on Monday, November 11th, from 5:00-7:00pm at beautiful Center of Effort Winery in Arroyo Grande, California. Expo Headliner Fritz Westover presents, Dormant Grapevine Pruning & Vine Training: Are we Slowly Killing our Vines?  This intimate conversation delves into the critical impact pruning and training have on vine health, and discusses whether diseases or improper techniques are more detrimental. Attendees will walk away with pruning strategies that minimize disease. Westover will also share methods for in-season vine training and summer pruning to enhance vine longevity using a closed system approach.  After the presentation, enjoy a flight of SIP Certified wines and gourmet hors d'oeuvres from Alba Provisions while networking with fellow attendees. Sustainable Ag Expo ticket holders can claim two free tickets while supplies

Wondering who you'll meet at the Sustainable Ag Expo this year? Check out the exhibitor map to see who will be there and where you can find them. Our Exhibitor community is growing stronger than ever with the return of many of our fantastic Business Members, as well as some exciting new faces! Come network with these sustainable ag professionals and get up to date on the ever-changing practices, research, and innovations in viticulture and ag business.   Exhibitor Spotlight: Vineyard Industry Products Serving the needs of growers since 1979. Vineyard Industry Products believes integrity is vital to building long-term customer, employee, and vendor relationships. We thank VIP and their amazing team for being our 2024 Title Sponsor! Come see them at Booth C10!   Speaker Spotlight: Josiah Hunt Practical Applications of Pyrogenic Organic Matter (aka Biochar/Charcoal) in Vineyards  |  Tuesday, November 12  |  11:15a - 12:00p Charcoal has been part of topso

Assessing the Feasibility of Regenerative Management for California Vineyards Sustainable Ag Expo   I   November 13    I    9:00-10:00 am This presentation will show the preliminary results of a three-year, large-scale project performed in various vineyards in California. The project explores the benefits and tradeoffs of compost use, no-till, and sheep grazing for soil health, vine yield, and nutrition. The presentation also includes an economic analysis of the practices. Get tickets here! --- Dr. Lazcano currently leads a team of 20 researchers at different career stages and from different backgrounds, focused on understanding the links between soil biodiversity and agroecosystem functioning. The goal of her research is to generate ecologically based soil management strategies that will reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture, with a strong focus on winegrape production. Through on farm collaborative research, Dr. Lazcano hopes to h

We’ve been working all year to bring you the latest viticulture and technology at the Sustainable Ag Expo: 36 experts 13 online courses 63 exhibitors 3 sessions with Fritz Westover 38 gallons of coffee 9 equipment companies showcased  2 kegs of beer 1 exclusive welcome event 45.5 total CE hours 100% grower-driven. Get your ticket today.

Vineyard Team is excited to announce that exhibitor booths for the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo (Expo) are officially sold out, underscoring the event's standing as a premier gathering for the sustainable winegrowing community. This year, the Expo is set to showcase an impressive lineup of 63 sustainable agriculture vendors, each bringing innovative solutions and products aimed at advancing sustainable practices within the industry. In addition to the comprehensive vendor showcase, the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo offers an enriched educational program. Attendees can look forward to an array of trending topics presented by leading experts in the field from Oregon State University, UC Davis, CDFA, and more. The program is designed to not only impart knowledge but also to spark discussions that propel the industry forward.  Some of the topics covered at  year’s event include: High-resolution vineyard nutrient management Red blotch virus management Using biochar to combat c

Tailgate | Fungicide Spraying: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint & Financial Burden Learn how to optimize the use of biofungicides alone or integrated into a conventional fungicide program.  Dr. Ding of Cal Poly shares results from a recent study on on the efficacy of different fungicide programs and their impact on grape yield and berry chemistry.  Talk with farmers from three growing regions about their fungicide programs. Plus, learn about Cal Poly’s wine & vit programs during a tour of the new, state of the art winery and vineyard. REGISTER Agenda: 8:30 am - Winery Tour with Erica Nordby, CalPoly 9:00 - 11:00 am - Presentations & Panel Discussion Speakers: Shunping Ding, Cal Poly Erica Nordby, Cal Poly Erin Amaral, Pacific Coast Farming Hilary Graves, Booker Wines Ruben Solorzano, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates Bob Thomas, Mesa Vineyard Management CE Approved: DPR 1 - O; CCA 2 - IPM REGISTER Directions: - Take exit for California Blvd. - turn right o