In an era of increased vineyard investment and heightened disease pressure, the true value of certified grapevine material is becoming clear. Certification isn’t just a checkbox - it’s a grower’s best defense against long-term problems that start underground. Certified vines, like those grown at Casa Cristal, undergo rigorous testing and tracking protocols to ensure they are free from damaging pathogens such as Leafroll, Red Blotch, and Fanleaf viruses. These viruses can lie dormant, reduce yield, or impact wine quality, and once in the ground, they’re costly (if not impossible) to eradicate. Here’s what certification provides: • Clean Foundation: Material is sourced from virus-tested, officially maintained blocks like Foundation Plant Services (FPS). • Chain of Custody: Vines are traceable at every stage of production, ensuring authenticity and reliability. • Regulatory Confidence: Certified nurseries must comply with state and industry ins

Experts will share the latest advancements in AI for agriculture and viticulture and discuss how predictive analytics is improving the accuracy of yield forecasting. You’ll also learn how innovative tools are being used to detect, map, and test for vineyard diseases such as Red Blotch and Leafroll 3. The session will highlight real-world examples of how leading growers are using technology to streamline their operations and stay ahead of vineyard health threats.

Session 2: AI-Enabled Virus Detection & Yield Forecasting for Vineyards Broadcast Date: June 18th, 2025 – 10:00 am (PT) Join us for the next session in the Growing Forward virtual series as we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming vineyard operations. This timely webinar will examine the key trends driving the next evolution of viticulture and how AI is helping growers boost efficiency, reduce risk, and make more informed decisions. Experts will share the latest advancements in AI for agriculture and viticulture and discuss how predictive analytics is improving the accuracy of yield forecasting. You’ll also learn how innovative tools are being used to detect, map, and test for vineyard diseases such as Red Blotch and Leafroll 3. The session will highlight real-world examples of how leading growers are using technology to streamline their operations and stay ahead of vineyard health threats. Moderator: Kia Behnia Co-Founder and CEO / Scout

Panel: Areawide Management of Vine Mealybug and Leafroll Virus Sustainable Ag Expo   |   November 13    |    2:00-3:00 pm Dr. Kent Daane will be joined by a panel of expert growers from various California growing regions to discuss the challenges of areawide management of vine mealybug and leafroll virus. Get Tickets! --- Dr. Kent Daane is Professor of Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA. He has laboratories on the Berkeley Campus and at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, where his lab works on the development of integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture programs for insect and mite pests of perennial crops. Research to improve and extension to implement insect pest management are his primary objectives and, to this goal, he has delivered 100s of presentations and co-authored numerous publications. Biolog

The 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo is set to take place from November 11-13, 2024. This year’s event promises an unparalleled educational experience, offering over 20 continuing education hours through both online and in-person programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the latest innovations and research in pest management strategies, automation and mechanization, soil health, and more. The Expo boasts an impressive lineup of speakers from prestigious institutions such as UC Davis, Oregon State University, Cal Poly, and UC Berkeley. These experts will present cutting-edge findings and practices that are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.   Take a Sneak Peak: Monday, November 11, 5:00-6:00 pm Speaker: Fritz Westover, Westover Viticulture Dormant Grapevine Pruning & Vine Training: Are we Slowly Killing our Vines?: Hear from our Expo Headliner about the impact of pruning and training on vine health, the extent of problems caused by diseases versus w

Farmers and agricultural experts indicate that better access to ongoing education is crucial to advance their businesses. Recognizing that advancements in science and technology are constant, Vineyard Team launched a series of online courses to deliver the latest education on sustainable winegrowing.  Courses feature insights from experienced farmers, researchers, and UC Extension. Best of all, viewers can access these courses for free (saving $380)! All courses within Sustainable Winegrowing On Demand include valuable continuing education hours (11.5 Department of Pesticide Regulation, 34 Certified Crop Advisor), and a train-the-trainer kit so viewers can easily educate their team. Through this program, there is a unique opportunity to connect with other sustainable winegrowers through roundtable discussions. Larry Witted, PCA and CCA from Lodi, California shares, "The Sustainable Winegrowing education from Vineyard Team allows me to view cutting-edge educational pro

Back by popular demand, this year's Sustainable Ag Expo online courses* invite you to learn from top researchers and experts at your convenience. Explore topics like: Advances and Challenges of Breeding Powdery Mildew-Resistant Grape Cultivars Using Tremology to Monitor and Manage Insect Pests Unraveling Climate-Specific Outcomes of Pierce's Disease of Grapevines + 10 more! Approved CE hours: 10 DPR (Other); 12 CCA *2-day ticket holders have access to online courses October 14-November 29, 2024. --- When you attend the Sustainable Ag Expo, you will: Get up to date on the latest grower-tested practices Earn up to 20+ Continuing Education (CE) hours Attend two days of in-person seminars Watch 10+ hours of online courses* Gain actionable tips from 40+ top experts and experienced growers Welcome Event November 11, 2024, 5:00-7:00 pm at Center of Effort Winery   Trade Show & Seminars November 12 & 13, 2024, 7:30 am-5:00 pm at Madonna Inn Expo Center

Pierce's Disease has been a scourge of vineyards for well over a century. It was discovered near the end of the 19th century by Newton Pierce, so the disease took on his name after originally being given the name Anaheim Disease (having been discovered in that area’s vineyards well before Disney and all that pavement moved in). Pierce’s Disease (PD) is a nasty disease caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which is vectored by several different sharpshooter insects, including blue-green, red-headed and glassy-winged. The bacteria colonize the xylem vascular tissue. The bacterial colonies, along with gums that are exuded by the vine itself, clog the vessels and effectively choke off the vine’s water transport system. The disease is catastrophic in that it cannot usually be surgically removed from the vine and will most often quickly reduce both its fruit production and fruit quality before finishing off the job and killing the vine after a few years. It is n