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

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 2 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 ed

Description: Join us for an in depth look at the intricacies, logistics, challenges, and effects of grazing sheep in vineyards. Owner/operator Anna DeLaski of Solminer will guide a vineyard tour and grazing demo, followed by a panel discussion led by Gabe Worthington (MTI Soil Scientist/ Certified Crop Advisor) on the effects of incorporating grazing into permanent cropping systems.  Speakers: Anna DeLaski, Solminer Gabe Worthington, MTI Soil Scientist/ Certified Crop Advisor Kelly Mulville, Paicines Ranch Hillary Graves, Booker Vineyard Mindy Record, Paso de Record & JUSTIN Vineyards Cole Bakke, IOU Sheep Co. REGISTER CE Approved: CCA 2 S Project Partners: International Fresh Produce Association, Measure to Improve, Vineyard Team We would like to thank the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodity Grant for the investment in expanding markets for U.S. climate-smart commodities, leveraging the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commod

This year, 12 new vineyards made the incredible achievement of earning SIP Certified. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties are now home to an additional 2500 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Congratulations to both new and renewing SIP Certified members! By implementing the program’s rigorous Standards, these environmentally and socially responsible land stewards protect the people and the planet. If you’re looking to buy or sell SIP Certified grapes or wine, check out the Classifieds.

We’ve been working all year to bring you the latest viticulture and technology at the Sustainable Ag Expo: 36 experts 13 online courses 63 exhibitors 3 sessions with Fritz Westover 38 gallons of coffee 9 equipment companies showcased  2 kegs of beer 1 exclusive welcome event 45.5 total CE hours 100% grower-driven. Get your ticket today.

225: California’s Ban on Autonomous Tractors An antiquated California law makes using autonomous equipment in the vineyard challenging. Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations at the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) explains that workplace safety standards developed in the 1970s based on 1940s equipment state that self-driven tractors must have an operator onboard. To update this law, CAWG is working closely with manufacturers and countries that allow autonomous equipment to aggregate data on safety. Automation has many potential benefits to farm workers including developing transferable skills, upward mobility, precision agriculture, and increased safety. Learn about how the law works today and about funding opportunities to train staff. LISTEN IN Resources:         117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light 120: Autonomous Drone Vineyard Spraying 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money Californ

Vineyard Team is excited to announce that exhibitor booths for the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo (Expo) are officially sold out, underscoring the event's standing as a premier gathering for the sustainable winegrowing community. This year, the Expo is set to showcase an impressive lineup of 63 sustainable agriculture vendors, each bringing innovative solutions and products aimed at advancing sustainable practices within the industry. In addition to the comprehensive vendor showcase, the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo offers an enriched educational program. Attendees can look forward to an array of trending topics presented by leading experts in the field from Oregon State University, UC Davis, CDFA, and more. The program is designed to not only impart knowledge but also to spark discussions that propel the industry forward.  Some of the topics covered at  year’s event include: High-resolution vineyard nutrient management Red blotch virus management Using biochar to combat c

223: New Decision Support System for Irrigation Efficiency If irrigation efficiency is a goal of yours, a new predictive model may make scheduling easier in the future. José Manuel Mirás Avalos, Tenured Scientist at Misión Biológica de Galicia in the Spanish Nation Research Council (CSIC) (MBG-CSIC) in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) is working on a Decision Support System (DSS) prototype for irrigation and fertilization of winegrapes. This computer model accounts for multiple variables including weather, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, soil type, plant spacing, bud break, variety, and wine quality goals to help farmers make more informed irrigation decisions throughout the growing season. LISTEN IN Resources:         191: CropManage: Improving the Precision of Water and Fertilizer Inputs 195: Hydrological Mapping: A Vital Component of Effective Water Conservation Plans 213: High Resolution Data from Space Helps Farmers Plan for Clima

A Wine Industry Resource for Technical Interviews and Marketing Tips Atascadero, CA: The Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team podcast celebrates its 200th episode. Since 2016, farmers, winemakers, and wine enthusiasts have listened to the latest science and research for the wine industry from the world's top experts and experienced growers. Interviews with industry professionals including Terry Bates of Cornell University, Akif Eskalen Cooperative Extension Specialist at the University of California at Davis, and Kelly Mulville of Paicines Ranch give listeners insight into current and relevant topics in the field of sustainable winegrowing. In the time it takes to drive between vineyards, listeners enjoy technical episodes featuring expert discussions covering every aspect of wine business from microbes for soil health to designing a vineyard for sheep grazing, and from barrier sprays for smoke taint to using satellites to detect diseases. New technical interviews are release