Winegrowers are nothing if not adaptable, given that the grape is a harbinger crop, or in more prosaic terms, the canary in the coal mine for agriculture. As a result, when climate shifts generate more frequent heat waves of higher temperatures and longer duration, viticulturists swing into action with a toolbox of methods to mitigate the effects.  Growers use misters to cool the air around the grapes, irrigate in advance of heat waves to prevent dehydration, and even apply anti-transpirants that work like sunscreen to protect from sun damage. Medium-term options include changing canopy management to delay ripening and using regenerative farming techniques to boost water retention in the soil.  The most aggressive strategies involve relocating vineyards to cooler microclimates or pulling up and replacing less heat-tolerant varietals. However, vineyard owners are unlikely to invest in these approaches while consumption and demand are declining.  A better alternative wou

More Than 220,000 Acres in California are Enrolled in FFF Program  NAPA, Calif. (November 25, 2024) – Thirty-two winegrape growers and wineries from Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties have been recognized with the Founders’ Award from the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program for achieving and maintaining certification for more than 20 years. In 1999, the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program was created to protect and enhance the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. Soon, it was expanded with a specific program tailored for Napa County and other regions. Today, more than 220,000 acres located in thirteen counties in California are enrolled in the innovative program that improves water quality and wildlife habitat. “The Fish Friendly Farming certification has become very popular among winegrowers as a sustainable certification program because it is highly effective in improving water quality and restoring fish and wildlife habitat,&rd

Join us on October 17th at 11:00am for an insightful webinar where we delve into the critical role of vineyard trellis systems in grape cultivation. As essential supports for vines, these systems directly influence growth and fruit production. However, challenges arise with wood trellises that can be easily sun-damaged and steel trellises that may conduct excessive heat. In this session, Lauren Marigliano, PhD, Assistant Viticulturist at Silverado Farming Company, will discuss her UC Davis study on mitigating effects of climate change using overhead shade films for extreme heat protection. You'll learn effective strategies to protect your vineyard from harsh weather conditions using trellis canopy systems. Discover how to enhance the quality of your grapes while ensuring the financial stability of your operations. Our expert speakers will share practical tips and innovative solutions tailored for today’s changing climate. Don’t miss this opportunity to safeguard your

Mitroff Consulting & Associates has been retained to conduct a search for the Human Resource Senior Manager for our Client, Silverado Farming Company, Inc. (SFC). This career opportunity is for a prestigious vineyard farming company which services many of the elite vineyards in Northern California. Critical for success is the ability to relate with a wide range of staff and mentor and coach them to succeed. Our Client prides itself on its 20+ year history of placing their employees first and treating them with respect. Department Staff: The Senior Manager of HR will have a support staff of a Benefits Manager, two Payroll Managers, a Training Manager and Front Office staff. See more details and apply here.

Afternoon Brief, June 16th

How Russia’s War on Ukraine Threatens Decades of Winemaking Progress: Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the war has caused incomprehensible losses: millions of displaced citizens, thousands of dead and wounded, as well as the destruction of untold buildings and houses, to say nothing of entire cities and towns...

Bâtonnage Forum Opens Applications for 2022 Level Three Mentorship Program Placement with Silverado Farming Company and Dana Estates

Nonprofit organization offers comprehensive viticulture and winemaking mentorship program starting in May 2022  NAPA, CA, March 14, 2022—Bâtonnage Forum, a nonprofit organization aimed at opening up a conversation about women […]

Afternoon Brief, November 24th

The WBWE Has Been the First International Wine Fair to Take Place in the West in 2021: The 13th WBWE (World Bulk Wine Exhibition) brought together 265 wineries from 15 different countries and received more than 4000 professional visitors from 57 nationalities...