Building healthy soils is key to resilient vineyards—but how do you measure success, and which practices truly move the needle? Join us for an in-field discussion exploring soil health from multiple angles, starting with three presentations: Jenny Garley (Bio SI) will share insights on using sap sugar levels as a practical indicator of plant and soil health, highlighting how increased microbial activity (especially fungi) can boost photosynthesis and overall vineyard performance. Dr. Stewart Wilson (Cal Poly) will provide a soil science perspective, grounding the conversation in the latest research and field applications. Mike Costello (Oakville Bluegrass) will outline current funding and grant opportunities available to growers, with a focus on cover crops and soil-building practices. We’ll then transition to a grower panel led by host Bob Tillman, sharing real-world experience implementing regenerative practices. REGISTER

For the fourth consecutive year, four seasoned wine industry thought leaders return to examine the critical challenges and opportunities defining the wine landscape in 2026. Each panelist will share their most important predictions and trends that wineries need to understand to thrive in the year ahead. This engaging panel discussion offers multiple perspectives on the forces shaping our industry, equipping you with practical insights to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities throughout 2026. Session Panel: Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates Moderator: Damien Wilson, Faculty Director and Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business / Sonoma State University

New release highlights the company’s environmental milestone reinforcing its commitment to replacing its main energy source with a hybrid solution  December 9, 2025 (Fairfield, CA) – Leading premium glass bottle maker Saverglass, part of the Orora Group, proudly announces the successful transition of its North American  manufacturing site’s shift to a very low carbon electricity source. With this change, Saverglass continues to advance its externally validated SBTi greenhouse gas reduction roadmap and take a step closer to its global target of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.  Matt Wilson, Senior Vice President Americas at Saverglass comments, “We have achieved a milestone in Saverglass’ CSR efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. Our Acatlan, Mexico facility has transitioned from carbon-based electricity to very low carbon electricity. The change has enabled us to reduce our site’s CO2 emissions by 30%&rdquo

Second-Year Sponsorship Highlights American Wine Industry’s Economic Impact and Community Building Mission  WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, announced today its proud sponsorship of the 2025 Come Over October Congressional Wine Caucus press conference and reception, taking place on October 8th in Washington, D.C. This marks the second consecutive year WineAmerica has supported this important invitation-only industry event, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to fostering bipartisan support for America’s burgeoning wine industry.  The reception will showcase wines from across many states, celebrating the breadth, diversity and quality of American wine production from coast to coast. This comprehensive representation underscores the truly national scope of the American wine industry, which now includes 10,637 wine producers operating in every state. Economic Powerhouse Supporting American Communities WineAmerica&r

We have had some organizational changes over the last year that we want to share. First, one of our co-founders Ward Wilson took a well earned retirement late in 2024. Ward was there from start as we built Azmera from a thought that maybe there was a play for a company to support JD Edwards in the wine industry, to a broader systems and process consulting company that also services agriculture as well as wine. We wish Ward and his wife Jackie a long and enjoyable retirement in Portugal. Then in July, Jared Dalton joined Azmera as a partner. Jared has a background in finance and operations at several wine businesses and has been consulting with Azmera for the last couple of years. Jared brings a different viewpoint, experience, and skillset to Azmera that we expect to open up a lot of opportunities. You can read more of Jared's background here. Related to that, we have been working with Jared over the last few months to bring some new offerings to the wine industry. Stay tuned as ov

Wakefield Taylors Wines and 1800 Milenio Take Top Honors July 14, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 18th annual Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWWSC). The competition, which took place recently in Santa Rosa, Calif., was founded on the premise that the majority of wine purchased for home consumption is bought by women. The IWWSC judging panels consist entirely of professional women in the wine and spirits industries — winemakers, distillers, marketers, buyers, sommeliers, educators and journalists.  This year, Wakefield Taylor Wines 2024 Estate Riesling and 1800 Milenio Extra-Aged Añejo took top honors. Wakefield Taylor, a heritage winery in Australia’s Clare Valley (a region known for quality Reislings), wowed judges with its “mouthwatering citrus blooms” and “gentle salinity.”  A representative from 1800 Mileno remarked, “1800 Milenio is backed by 11 generations of tequila-making e