When we launched the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast in 2016, we weren’t sure where it would go. Now, 300 episodes later, it’s become a go-to resource for growers, researchers, educators, and wine industry professionals dedicated to sustainability. To mark this milestone, we flipped the mic around and interviewed our host, Craig Macmillan, PhD — long-time vineyard and winery professional, educator, and now podcasting veteran — to reflect on some favorite episodes, meaningful moments, and what’s ahead. From Zoom Recordings to Global Reach Craig began hosting when the podcast was just an idea sparked by the Vineyard Team’s goal to make sustainable winegrowing knowledge more accessible. “I wasn't a podcast listener at all,” Craig admits. “But I said sure, why not? Let's try it.” Since then, the show has featured scientists, growers, and innovators from all over the world, creating a ripple effect of conversations and c

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

Make sure your staff knows their college and trade school-bound students are eligible to apply for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. This community-funded program helps college students achieve their dreams. Applicant or applicant’s parent/guardian must be employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry. Easily share how to apply by posting the flyer and including the paycheck inserts (English and Spanish) next payroll. Applications are accepted from February 3 through March 31. Meet Juan The program is named in honor of Juan Nevarez, a beloved member of the Central Coast winegrape industry, whose kindness, expertise, and passion shaped many local vineyards. Nevarez spent a lifetime working every job he could gathering knowledge that eventually enabled him to start his own vineyard management company, Nevarez Farm Labor, and own his own eighty-acre vineyard. Although Juan struggled to read and write himself, he dreamed of higher education for

In the last 12 months, our community came together in a big way to help students achieve their dreams of higher education so that they can establish a career and give back to their communities.  We are thrilled to publish our 2024 Impact Report for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. This program makes higher education investments in the children of California's vineyard and winery workers. The majority of awardees are the first in their family to attend college.  Please look at the impact you made in the last year!

Let’s Solve this Problem Together Higher education is important to many students but paying for college can be challenging. Thanks to your generosity, the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship has given the gift of higher education to 58 children of California's vineyard and winery workers. This program is unique because it isn’t designed to be a one-time award. The scholarship has expanded to help more children of California’s vineyard and winery workers get a higher education. Since 2023 the program: Awards two- and four-year scholarships, complete with a graduation bonus (totals ranging from $6k to $20k per student!). Invests in a program mentor, who is a resource to the students throughout their collegiate career.  Is helping even more students pay for and successfully navigate college. This upgrade is possible because local non-profit Must! Charities recognized the importance of this program and has created a matching funds program. To receive their

When a wine or spirits company gives back to the community through charitable giving programs, they expect to realize various benefits that positively affect their bottom line, including creating solid working relationships with community leaders, boosting brand recognition, and of course tax deductions. However, to safeguard these benefits and guard against problems, your donations need to be made with care. In our heavily regulated industry, there are rules and laws about what kinds of donations we can make, to whom, and under what circumstances. The Digest of Wine and Spirits Law can help your business stay in compliance when engaging in these high-profile good works. The next time you consider making product donations to a fundraising event or an organization you want to support, visit our website at wineandspiritslaw.com and take a look at the state and federal regulations regarding charitable donations. No matter in which state the event is located, The Digest makes it fast and