In recent years, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires have posed significant challenges for winemakers and grape growers. One of the most pressing issues is the impact of smoke exposure on grapes, which can lead to undesirable flavors and aromas in the resulting wines. This document aims to provide winemakers and grape growers with a general understanding of their options for evaluating smoke-tainted grapes. “With localized testing now available at ETS, a winemaker can make more informed decisions on whether to harvest the grapes or write them off,” says General Manager Kyle Crowley of VA Filtration USA. By exploring various assessment methods and mitigation strategies, the industry can make informed decisions to ensure the quality and marketability of their wines despite the challenges posed by smoke exposure. Pre-Harvest: Pull grape (berries) samples to test before harvesting all your grapes for fermentation production. ETS offers an excellent smoke panel t

The 2022 harvest will be remembered in the PNW as one of the most complicated. Workforce shortages, frost damage first, then the hottest summer in records, and, consequently, the insurgence of wildfires are just some of the issues local winemakers are facing and dealing with. But, what do these conditions mean for the grapes? We all know that a stressful environment triggers specific responses in the plants as well as being the cause of other issues later on. Strong rains: vines respond to stressful conditions very fast either shutting the ripening of the fruit (to ensure the survival of the plant) or synthesizing compounds to fight infections. B-glucans derived from Botrytis are structurally very different from other glucans (as the ones we can find in brewing processes for example) and therefore the enzyme selected for its breakdown has to be specific, otherwise, the time and effectiveness will be reduced - having a great impact on the production logistic. Mannozym is a specific

What is a Brownout? According to Wikipedia, A brownout is an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. Intentional brownouts are used for load reduction in an emergency.  The reduction lasts for minutes or hours, as opposed to short-term voltage sag (or dip). The term brownout comes from the dimming experienced by lighting when the voltage sags. A voltage reduction may be an effect of disruption of an electrical grid, or may occasionally be imposed in an effort to reduce load and prevent a power outage known as a blackout.  Different types of electrical apparatus will react in different ways to a sag. Some devices will be severely affected, while others may not be affected at all. In most cases, brownouts are deliberately produced by energy providers as an emergency measure to prevent the system from failing completely (blacking out). Typically a utility will decrease system voltage by 10-25%, usually for a short period of t

Growing Forward Recap: Preparing for the Risk Factors of Smoke & Fire Exposure

Experts weigh in on preventive steps and mitigation methods for wildfire impacted vines.   By Alexandra Russell  On July 27, 2022, Wine Industry Network hosted its most recent Growing Forward webinar, […]

Understand what moves the needle for insurance companies and concrete actions you can take to reduce your winery’s wildfire risk, increase wildfire resilience, and manage your overall risk. This webinar will provide an update on the marketplace with wildfire best practices from the Heffernan Wine Team and will feature Peter Michael Winery. Stuart Bockman, GM of Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga, will share their new wildfire mitigation protocols and how that has enabled them to procure Insurance amidst an insurance crisis.

Presented by: Heffernan Insurance Brokers Understand what moves the needle for insurance companies and concrete actions you can take to reduce your winery’s wildfire risk, increase wildfire resilience, and manage your overall risk. Stuart Bockman, GM of Peter Michael Winery in Calistoga, will share their new wildfire mitigation protocols and how that has enabled them to procure Insurance amidst an insurance crisis. Join us June 16 at 11am for this free webinar. Register Now Speakers:  Stuart Bockman, GM Peter Michael Winery Liz Bishop, Heffernan Wine Practice Leader / EVP, Heffernan Insurance Brokers  Debra Costa, Wine Practice Leader / SVP, Heffernan Insurance Brokers  Adam Iveson, President, Ember Defense

Wildfire Mitigation Fair!

Wildfire season is here. Are you prepared? Join Industry ExpertsHeffernan Insurance BrokersandEmber Defenseon site atCharles Krug WineryonWednesday, May 18, 2022for ourWildfire Mitigation Fair! Co-sponsored byHeffernan Insurance BrokersandEmber Defense, come meet Industry Experts as we showcase a variety of products and services available to help protect your home or business property from the threat of wildfire. []

NAPA, Calif. – January 19, 2022 – Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and their investors, today released its 2022 State of the Wine Industry Report. The 21st edition of the annual report assesses current conditions in the wine industry and provides a unique forecast for the year ahead based on proprietary research and economic and behavioral trends among consumers. While premium wine companies led the industry with the best sales growth since 2007 – and nearly 30% of wineries described 2021 as their best year in history – the US wine industry as a whole experienced a decline in sales volume and failed to take advantage of the tailwind of businesses reopening as COVID restrictions loosened. SVB will host a live videocast with SVB Wine Division founder Rob McMillan to discuss the annual report and state of the wine industry on January 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. PST with Amy Hoopes, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, The W

Winery and vineyard businesses in California, Oregon, and Washington are facing major challenges maintaining insurance on their properties, facilities, and inventory due to increased wildfires. Join us to learn key steps your company can take to navigate these pressing issues going forward. Our panel of winery and insurance professionals will share stories, provide advice, and answer your questions. The session will include relevant insights on: Realities of the market Best ways to approach securing insurance and controlling premium costs How to self-insure Possible solutions to challenges in maintaining insurance and controlling spiraling premiums Actions you can take to mitigate your business risk Webinar: October 26, 2021 10:00-11:00 AM PT Register Now Speakers Bill Vyenielo, Business Consultant, Moss Adams Bill has worked with clients in the wine industry for more than 25 years and has solved operational challenges for vineyard and winery clients since 2006. He works with owners a