The wine industry continues to reflect the geo-political uncertainty of the world. While Cabernet has been testing the mettle of growers and winemakers, with a heat spike to make things even more challenging, the themes of logistical efficiency, manufacturing constraint and growing demand also continue to the forefront. Freight costs from Asia to the US have shown some relief, with a 4% decrease for the West Coast and a 3% dip for the East Coast, which could slightly reduce import expenses. Canadian rail operations remain stable for now, but potential disruptions loom as labor negotiations continue. Similarly, there is potential for a West Coast port strike. The US barely avoided a prolonged East Coast port strike commencing October 1st, 2024; the strike was suspended on October 3rd. If it had proceeded for longer, it would have created significant bottlenecks in supply chains, affecting shipments between Maine and Texas. Trade and Duty Updates In a major development, the US Interna

Top 5 Sustainable Winegrowing Podcasts of 2023 Short on time to read trade articles or attend conferences? The Sustainable Winegrowing podcast delivers the latest science and research for the wine industry from the world's top experts and experienced growers. Episodes in 2023 included interviews with experts from elite viticulture and enology universities including Cornell University, Texas A&M, and University of California Cooperative Extension. The top 5 most downloaded episodes of 2023 were: 163: Onsite Compost Production Using Vineyard Waste with Patrick Muran, Winemaker at Niner Wine Estates 167: Use Biochar to Combat Climate Change with Josiah Hunt, Founder and CEO of Pacific Biochar Befit Corporation 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change with Chris Chen of California Cooperative Extension 169: Do You Need to Crop Thin Your Vineyard? with Patty Skinkis, Viticulture Extension Specialist and Professor in the Horticulture Department at Oregon State Univers

The Sustainable Winegrowing podcast brings you the latest science and research for the wine industry from the world's top experts and experienced growers. In the time it takes to drive from one vineyard to another, you can listen to in-depth technical information on topics like integrated pest management, fruit quality, water conservation, and nutrient management. Sharing your Sustainable Story with your visitors is made even easier with our Marketing Tips episodes. Listening is easy: Search for Sustainable Winegrowing on your podcast player. Click subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Use your new knowledge to make smarter, sustainable vineyard management decisions to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and maximize product quality. LISTEN IN to Episode 201: Balance Hot Climate, High Sugar Wine with Green Grape Juice aka Verjus High temperatures and extreme weather events can have numerous impacts on wine grapes and ultimately wine quality. Dr. Andreea Botezatu (Te

Innovative Partnership will Showcase Sonoma County Wines Throughout the Houston Rockets NBA Season and all Toyota Center Events What do Sonoma County grape growers and basketball have in common? Both are attracting and connecting with fans in a whole new way. Building upon their successful relationships with Major League sports teams, the Sonoma County Winegrowers announced a new partnership with the Houston Rockets to bring a taste of Sonoma County to the most populous city in Texas. This partnership highlights the Sonoma County wine region to Rockets fans at each of their games during the season, as well as, to the hundreds of thousands of Texans who visit Toyota Center throughout the year for numerous concerts, sporting events and other high-profile shows and gatherings. With this partnership, Sonoma County and its wines will be featured in Toyota Center’s exclusive lounges, restaurants, and other locations during Rockets games and all other activations at the Toyota Cent

The Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association is proud to be the oldest and only statewide industry organization that supports, promotes, and legislatively addresses issues amongst vineyard owners, grape crop producers/managers, and winery and tasting room managers/buyers, as well as vineyard and grape crop manufacturers and distributors and winery and tasting room product and service vendors. The Annual Conference & Trade Show features engaging educational sessions, unique food and wine events, the chance to reconnect with your wine and grape family and grow your business, and more. Save the date for the TWGGA 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show, February 22–24, in Denton, Texas. More Information about the TWGGA 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show coming soon. Event Website

Afternoon Brief, June 22nd

Afternoon Brief: The Cost of Insuring Against Wine Disasters: As disasters and losses become more common, wineries are paying more to protect themselves—driving up the cost of wine...

SAVE THE DATE Annual Conference and Tradeshow  February 21-23, 2023 San Marcos, Texas Join us at Booth 611 Registration required. Discover all that Western Square has to offer Stop by our exhibit booth to chat with our team, watch our informational video, and view Western Square products. Winery Racks- two and four-barrel, stainless and powder coated.Learn more about our racking systems and how we can upgrade the safety in your warehouse. LaddersLearn more about our partnership with Stokes Ladders, and how you can utilize them in your warehouse. Trailer, Shade Trailers, and Harvest BinsSet an appointment with our Ag Rep to learn more about how Western Square can keep your employees safely socially distanced and protected from the sun. Seismic Safety TrayLearn more about our exclusive Seismic Safety Tray and how you can apply this new technology to keep your employees and wine safe. Barrel MasterLearn more about our Barrel Masters and how you can apply its technology to your w

Afternoon Brief, February 2nd

Clay Gregory, Former CEO of Visit Napa Valley, President of Jackson Family Wines, and General Manager of Robert Mondavi Winery, Passes at 65: Clay Gregory, an active, influential and well-respected member of the Napa Valley community, passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2023...