At Sunridge Nurseries, innovation isn’t a buzzword, it’s built into every step of our production process. We’ve intentionally partnered with industry-leading technology providers to ensure every vine we ship is grown with precision, consistency, and plant health as the priority. Here’s how technology has elevated our nursery program: Precision Fertigation FLOREP / RiTech Using the Nutritech system from RiTech, we fertigate with customized nutrient formulations based on crop type and growth stage. Each formula is pre-programmed and can be adjusted instantly, allowing us to deliver the exact nutrients our vines need at each stage from planting through shipping.   Advanced Plant Health SOBionics Hidroblue System Our Hidroblue system produces hypochlorous acid (HClO), a non-toxic solution that keeps irrigation lines clean and significantly effective at preventing and treating fungal and bacterial plant diseases. Since implementing this system, we’ve seen

Fruitful Innovation Can Lead to Tax Benefits Napa has never had the luxury of standing still. This valley adapts. When the weather shifts, growers adjust. When consumer preferences change, winemakers experiment. New rootstock. New clones. Different planting locations. New production techniques. Reinvention here is not a trend. It is how we survive. That is innovation. And in many cases, it is also research. We are not talking about changing a label design or launching a new club tier. We're talking about the real technical questions you wrestle with in the vineyard and the cellar: Can this new grape clone handle higher temperatures? Will adjusting canopy management reduce sunburn without sacrificing ripeness? Can we modify fermentation to improve stability or manage alcohol levels? Is there a way to produce a non-alcohol option that still feels like wine? When you do not know the answer and you run trials to find it, you are eliminating uncertainty. You are experimenting. You are

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

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

The global shift toward sustainability is palpable across nearly every sector. Within the wine and spirits industries, this movement has gained remarkable traction, driven by consumers’ increasing demand for environmentally responsible products. More pressure for industry to put sustainability at the center of all operations but also provides opportunities for businesses to flourish by staying ahead of the trends in innovative and sustainable advancements. Here are four sustainability trends to keep an eye on: Regenerative practices for wine and spirits Recent years have seen a boom in conscious agricultural practices through the philosophy that all aspects of agriculture are connected. This philosophy emphasizes the careful utilization of land management to restore and regenerate the ecosystems and land we use, leaving it in better health for future generations.  Regenerative principles are a push back against traditional industrial agriculture practices which are respons

In today’s challenging economic climate, many wineries are rethinking their operational strategies. Rather than continuing to rent or lease, owning your space can be a transformative decision that positions your winery for long-term success. With the support of SBA 504 loans from TMC Financing, this isn’t just a dream—it’s an achievable reality. The Benefits of Owning Your Space Financial Stability and Predictability Owning your own property means you’re not subject to sudden rent hikes or lease uncertainties. SBA 504 loans provide long-term, fixed interest rates with fully amortized payments over 25 years and no balloon payments, offering financial predictability that’s vital for planning your winery’s future. Cash Flow That Works for You With as little as 10% down for established businesses (15% for single-purpose facilities or start-ups), you can preserve your working capital to invest in other critical areas. This structure helps ensure you

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 🗓

Climate unpredictability is hitting vineyards hard from late spring frosts to scorching summer heatwaves and wildfire threats. Propane steps in as a resilient, flexible energy partner when the grid or solar are unreliable or too costly. Suburban Propane provides off-grid and portable energy solutions that are perfect for vineyards navigating weather extremes. and spikes in power pricing. With propane-powered frost protection fans, emergency generators, and water pumps, you can safeguard your crops and protect your harvests no matter the seasonal weather challenges. 🔥 Protection Without Pause: Frost protection when temps drop unexpectedly Backup power during wildfire, spikes in electricity prices, and blackouts Propane flame weeding to reduce fire risks from dry vegetation Temperature-controlled storage and tasting rooms Wine is seasonal, but protection doesn’t have to be. Propane is here for every vintage, every climate curveball. Find out how Suburban Propane can elevate your v

We’re excited to unveil the full in-person schedule for this year’s Sustainable Ag Expo, happening November 11–12 at the Madonna Inn Expo Center. Whether you’re a grower, researcher, or ag business, our two-day program delivers actionable insights to help you grow smarter and more sustainably. Highlights include: Expert-led talks & cutting-edge research — Learn from leading voices in soil health, climate-smart farming, and ag-technology Practical, field-tested strategies — Gain tools you can implement immediately CE-accredited sessions — Earn continuing education hours while you learn Networking opportunities — Connect with peers, exhibitors, and industry experts Don’t miss your chance to plan the ultimate Expo experience!

This November, growers and agricultural professionals will gather in San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo, an event designed to foster innovation, provide high-impact education, and create meaningful connections across the wine and agricultural industries. When/Where: Kick-Off Event - Monday, November 10, 5:00-7:00 pm  |  at Center of Effort Winery Trade Show & Seminars - Tuesday, November 11 & Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 am-5:00 pm  |  at Madonna Expo Center What to Expect The 2025 program offers a robust lineup of content focused on critical topics like climate resilience, automation, and workforce development, with 17 in-person seminars offering 20+ hours of CE credit. Two-day ticket holders also receive access to 13 online courses with an additional 10+ CE hours available from October 13–November 28. Even More Opportunities to Connect and Learn Kick-Off Event: The event begins with a special Monday Night Kick-Off hosted at Cen