For winemakers and distillers, crafting exceptional beverages is only part of the journey. To ensure your product maintains its premium quality and reaches consumers in perfect condition, the preservation of both its taste and appearance is critical. This is where the often-overlooked factor of glass color comes into play. The color of your bottle can have a profound impact on the longevity, flavor stability, and overall appeal of your wine or spirit. By understanding how different glass colors protect against light damage, you can make more informed packaging choices that safeguard your product’s quality and enhance its shelf life. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind glass color and light exposure, explain how traditional and modern glass choices can protect your product, and provide insights into balancing practical preservation needs with aesthetic considerations. Whether you’re crafting aged whiskey or fine wine, the right glass color is more

The wine and spirits industry is standing on the precipice of a major design evolution. For years, “premium” was defined by weight, excess, and tradition. For 2026, a new definition of luxury is emerging; one that values intelligence over mass, and tactile storytelling over simple visual appeal. For brand owners and procurement leaders, staying ahead of these glass packaging trends in 2026 is no longer just about aesthetics; it is a matter of strategic survival. From the rise of “quiet luxury” and right-weighted glass to the complex pressures of global supply chains, the packaging decisions made today will define brand resilience tomorrow. In this forecast, we explore how sustainable luxury, ergonomic innovation, and smart supply chain strategies are reshaping the premium landscape, and how Global Package provides the specialized glass solutions needed to help you navigate this future. The State of Glass Packaging for Wine & Spirits At Global Package, we&r

Declining groundwater levels and increasing pressure under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act are changing how California wine growers think about water. What was once largely an operational concern is now directly tied to long-term viability, regulatory compliance, and sustainability planning. These issues were front and center during a session at the 2025 WIN Expo, where vineyard operators, hydrologists, and county leaders discussed how groundwater management is evolving and what growers can do to stay ahead. Moderated by Val King, Director of Channel Partnerships at Verdi, the session underscored a clear reality. There is no single solution, but there is a shift toward local control, better data, and practical changes in vineyard management. SGMA Was Built to Be Local, Not One-Size-Fits-All Your browser does not support HTML5 video. SGMA is often misunderstood as a rigid, top-down mandate. In reality, it was designed around California’s variability in geology, climate

Explore the Science, Strategy, and Sensory Experience of Winemaking at WIN Expo Three forward-thinking sessions. One essential destination for winemakers. Today’s winemakers are navigating a new era of production - where innovation, precision, and consumer-driven values are shaping the future of the cellar. At this year’s WIN Expo, the Winemaking Conference Sessions, sponsored by Enartis, explore next-generation techniques and tools through a dynamic mix of expert insights, real-world case studies, and guided tastings. From alternative fining agents and sulfite-free protocols to thiol management and aromatic expression, each session is designed to equip you with practical knowledge to meet evolving challenges and craft wines with purpose and precision. Clarifying the Future of Fining: Comparing Plant-Based and Traditional Fining Agents in Winemaking With growing pressure to produce wines that are both sustainable and allergen-conscious, the use of plant-based fining agent

Smart Solutions, Resilient Vineyards, and the Future of Farming WIN Expo sessions dedicated to Vineyard innovation, sustainability, and the technologies reshaping grape growing. The challenges facing today’s winegrowers are more complex than ever - from rising costs and labor shortages to shifting regulations and climate pressures. At this year’s WIN Expo, the Vineyard & Grower Conference Sessions, sponsored by Verdi,  deliver practical insights and proven solutions to help you adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. Through expert-led presentations, attendees will gain strategies for assessing ag tech investments, managing groundwater security, and turning vineyard identity into a marketing advantage. Whether you’re a vineyard owner, manager, or supplier, these discussions will equip you with the tools to build efficiency, resilience, and long-term success. The AgTech Investment Dilemma: Determining Which Tech Solutions Meet Your Needs Agric

It's your last chance to get tickets to the Sustainable Ag Expo before prices go up on Monday. If you’re still thinking about networking and earning CE at the premiere sustainable ag event of the year, now’s the time to get your ticket! Doors open at 7:00 am on Tuesday, November 11. You can still buy your ticket at the door, but at a slightly higher price!  REMINDER: 2-day ticket holders get access to 13 online courses (an additional 13.5 CCA and 11.5 DPR hours)! You can earn 19 DPR and 30.5 CCA hours! Hours are available through in-person sessions and online courses*†: In-PersonDPR: 7.5 (1 L&R) CCA: 17 OnlineDPR: 11.5 (3 L&R) CCA: 13.5 *Online courses are available with a 2-day ticket †Your name and license number in your online course profile must match your license EXACTLY or your hours will not be reported. Learn how to update your profile here.   Expo Extras You Don't Want To Miss Everything you need to fuel yo

This year’s Sustainable Ag Expo packs serious value for your professional development. Whether you’re earning DPR or CCA hours (or both!), we’ve got you covered with a mix of in-person and on-demand sessions designed to fit your schedule. Total CE Hours Available: 13 Online Courses - open through November 28, 202511.5 DPR (incl. 3 L) 13.5 CCA 16 In-Person Seminars - November 11-12 in San Luis Obispo7.5 DPR (incl. 1 L) 17 CCA Proactive Steps for Complying with CA Pesticide Laws and Regulations Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 3:30–4:30 PM Speaker: Mel Graham, County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture Get practical guidance for staying compliant with California’s pesticide use requirements. Learn about common violations, how to avoid them, and what’s coming in 2025 and 2026. Calibration of Vineyard Sprayers Online | Oct. 13-Nov. 28 Speaker: Dr. Andrew Landers, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University Fine-tune your spray precision!

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! 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. 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.     Pssst! Want all the event details in one place? Visit the FAQ page to get answers to your Expo questions. Still have questions? Reach out to Hayli@vineyardteam.org

The Sustainable Ag Expo isn’t just about earning CE hours—it’s a gathering place for wine industry professionals to learn, network, and celebrate the future of sustainable farming. From morning burritos to student-led research and vintage tractor showcases, this year’s Expo is packed with unique opportunities to make your experience more meaningful and memorable. Here are six can't-miss events happening alongside the seminars: 1. Monday Kick Off: Farming for the Future 🗓️ Monday, Nov 10 | 5:00–7:00 PM 📍 Center of Effort Winery Sponsored by Inland Desert Nursery Start your week with an evening of connection, SIP Certified wines, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Expo headliner Dr. Chris Chen, will lead a forward-looking conversation on vineyard management in a changing climate. 🎟️ Free for ticket holders (while supplies last), requires separate reservation; additional tickets $50.  2. Breakfast Burritos & Coffee = Day 1 Fuel 🗓