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

A 40,000 case per year facility designed to reflect the architecture of the Napa Valley. The facility houses crushing, fermenting, pressing, wood aging, lab, bottling and case storage. Administrative offices, as well as a banquet room and kitchen, are an integral part of the facility. An entry drive, scale, entry gates, landscaping, water system, process and domestic waste systems are all part of the site development. Full architectural services; Use Permit application and assistance. http://www.hallandbartley.com/clients/silverado.php

Afternoon Brief, September 26th

Champagne Pickers Treated 'Like Dogs': French public prosecutor opens two human trafficking investigations after France shuts down grape picker accommodation sites...

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, August 29th

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to Vote on Compromise Evacuation Zone Ordinance for Farmers: The new regulations are a compromise between labor activists who advocated for a wide range of worker protections such as hazard and disaster pay for the estimated 8,500 farmworkers working in the county and the politically powerful wine industry, which argued for flexibility with public safety officials having the power to decide who is allowed to enter evacuation zones...

Foley Family Wines Appoints Alison Crary Rodriguez as Winemaker for Silverado Vineyards

Santa Rosa, Calif., (August 29, 2022) – Foley Family Wines, a family-owned wine company founded in 1996, announced the appointment of Alison Crary Rodriguez as winemaker for Silverado Vineyards. Foley […]

Afternoon Brief, July 22nd

Despite Fires, Wine's Glass Still Half Full: Although the vintage is likely to take a hit, it remains unlikely that the European fires will lead to a global wine shortage...