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

At Suburban Propane, we understand winemaking is not only an art, but a deep rooted connection to the land. That’s why we’re proud to offer renewable propane, a low-carbon energy source that helps vineyards reduce their environmental impact even further while maintaining performance.  For vineyards like Piña Winery and others committed to sustainable operations, renewable propane is a game changer. It’s produced from plant and waste oils, meaning it’s made from renewable, non-fossil feedstocks, yet it performs like conventional propane. That means you can fuel frost protection systems, generators, forklifts, and more with a clean-burning energy source that aligns with your environmental values without sacrificing reliability. 🌿 Benefits for Wine Producers: Reduces carbon intensity output Compatible with existing propane-powered equipment Supports vineyard sustainability goals without compromising productiv

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) today announced that Executive Director Michael Haney will step down in September 2025, marking the close of a highly impactful era of leadership and a transformative chapter in the organization’s history.  SCV will be led and supported by its Board, including SCV Board President, Prema Kerollis, General Manager of Three Sticks Winery; and Alexandra O’Gorman, SCVF President, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines and Spirits, until a new executive director is identified. “Michael has always led with commitment and heart,” remarked SCV Board President Prema Kerollis. “His passion, relationships, and deep care for SCV, SCVF, and the Sonoma County wine community have left a lasting mark. We are deeply grateful for his tremendous contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”   Over nearly eleven years leading SCV and SCVF

With no and low-alcohol categories on the rise and the sober-curious boogeyman around every corner, we needn’t wait for rock bottom to take a hard look at our sales strategy and make a change today.  While much of the wine & spirits industry points the finger at Gen Z & Millennials, the World Health Organization or the Surgeon General, the truth is there’s only one entity responsible for the trajectory of our revenue.  According to Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin in Extreme Ownership, when “problems feel overwhelming and insurmountable . . . it’s our human nature to shift blame, find excuses, and avoid consequences. But taking ownership over what went wrong and accepting the reality of the situation gives you complete control over how you can solve these challenges.” Trying to sell alcohol in 2025 is tough. Plain and simple, no way around it. With that acknowledged, let’s explore what we can do about it.   A Sign of

Stop by and say hello to Saxco’s team at Booth #500 at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. Play our “Spin to Win” wheel for exciting giveaways and donations toward planting trees in areas devastated by wildfires in California. While you’re there, chat with our product experts about packaging options designed to help you reduce your carbon footprint and achieve your sustainability goals. Let’s raise a glass to a greener future—don’t miss the chance to connect with us and make an impact! Saxco Unified Symposium Booth: 500 Saxco is a full-service packaging solutions supplier. We have served the distiller, wine, and craft beverage community for more than 90 years, combining our expertise, passion, and commitment to your success with modern packaging technologies. We are uniquely positioned as your single source supplier, offering standard glass bottles and cans to fully proprietary packaging solutions, and in-house services ranging from artwork

National Storage Tank began in the Napa Valley, Our roots are in wine, and they are deep, we served the needs of the Wine Industry in Napa & Sonoma Counties for years before we began to branch out into other industries. Behind all the prestige and panache involved in the Wine Industry, there are two things we always keep in mind; Agriculture and Manufacturing. We never forget neither the farmers nor the vintners, and from field to press and have been facilitating both for a long time.  Water Storage Tanks Irrigation is essential, water on demand for crops, and frost prevention. Our tanks come in a wide variety of gallon capacities from 5,000 to 5 million and can be fitted with outlets of any size for maximum water draw, anti-vortex systems are second nature to us as well. Your crop needs a consistent and reliable water source because grapes grow and the weather changes often so vineyards have to be ready at a moment’s notice. Our Corrugated Bolted Steel Tanks have

WINnovation Award 2024: amaea — A Breakthrough in Smoke Taint Removal

By Laurie Wachter Wildfires have been escalating in frequency and intensity for decades. North Americas West Coast experienced dramatic increases in