Sustainable Winegrowing With Vineyard Team

Wine buyers care about sustainability—but are you talking about it? Learn three practical ways to share your sustainable winegrowing story through tasting room interactions, sales conversations, and social media that builds trust with today's conscious wine consumers. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Stories Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing

With current market shifts, vineyard mothballing can buy growers time—but it requires strategy, not abandonment. Chris Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, draws on research in Australia and field experience in California to outline what minimal management really looks like. From pruning approaches and livestock integration to pest and disease management, irrigation by rootstock and soil type, and long-term yield risks, he explains how to reduce costs now without compromising a vineyard's future—or risking fines.  Resources:   4/8/2026 REGISTER: Tailgate | Mothballing Roundtable Chris Chen - Twitter Out of Sync: vineyard responses to changing conditions  Partial Solar Radiation Exclusion with Color Shade Nets Reduces the Degradation of Organic Acids and Flavonoids of Grape Berry (Vitis vinifera L.) UCCE North Coast Viticulture UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County UCCE Viticulture Publications Online - North Coast  Support the Podcast:  Make a Donation  Vin

When a newly dug well revealed water too salty for irrigation, Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard faced a serious threat to vine health and wine quality. Discover how a reverse osmosis system and an unexpected salt-loving grass transformed a costly setback into a biodiversity-boosting solution. Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***   Apply for SIP Certified Wine  Marketing Tips eNewsletter  Sustainable Stories  Sustainable Story Worksheet   Support the Podcast:  Make a Donation  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education  Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings  SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards  Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year  Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing

Cover crops play a critical role in building healthy, resilient soils in vineyards and agricultural systems. Sarah Light, Agronomy Farm Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, shares how cover crops protect soil from wind and heavy rain, improve water infiltration, and increase on-farm biodiversity. She introduces a newly released cover crop selector tool developed for Western growing regions, with guidance on species selection, termination practices, and grower goals such as reducing compaction, fixing nitrogen, and supporting pollinators. This practical resource helps growers choose the best cover crops for their location, crops, and management objectives.  Resources:   151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health  159: Under-Vine Vegetation to Control Vine Vigor 298: How Cover Crops Shape Grapevine Root Systems Cooperative Extension, Sutter-Yuba Counties Cover Crop Decision Tool Cover Cropping in California's Water Scarce Environment Cover Crop Resources Sarah Light's Research  New tool helps

Consumers want transparency and sustainability—and they reward it with loyalty and sales. This episode breaks down four key ways to communicate sustainability, from tasting rooms to sales channels, showing how clear, credible messaging builds trust and drives purchasing decisions.  Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***  Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Stories Sustainable Story Worksheet   Support the Podcast:  Make a Donation  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing   

A decade of viticulture education is right at your fingertips. Executive Director Beth Vukmanic interviews longtime host Craig MacMillan to celebrate ten years and 300 episodes of the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Together, they reflect on some of Craig's most memorable interviews—from new discoveries in sour rot and space-to-farm technology, to using storytelling to sell more wine and tackling leadership transitions.  Resources:   17: New Discoveries about Sour Rot  129: The Efficient Vineyard Project  161: Use Storytelling to Sell More Wine  233: The Gap Between Space and Farm: Ground Truthing Satellite Data Models  239: Ford Pro Pilot – Trialing Electric Trucks in the Field  249: Making it Easier to Use Satellite Data in Agriculture  257: Understanding Winery Visitors – Increase Sales with your Messaging  268: How to Tackle Leadership Transitions Successfully  286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets  Craig Macmillan  Support the Podcast:  Mak

While the Whale Rock Music Festival is renowned for rocking the Central Coast every year with live music and family-friendly activities. The event has an even greater purpose: supporting Templeton High School musicians through the parent-volunteer organization, TIMBA.  Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***  Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Supporting Arts & Community | Castoro Cellars Sustainable Story Worksheet   Print   Electronic   Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate  Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours  SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet    Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year  Vineyard Team – Become a Member  

Root systems are more than just anchors, they are the plant's stomach, communicating with their environment through a network of microbes. Suzanne Fleishman, Assistant Professor of Root Biology at Penn State University, introduces the emerging field of Root Agroecology, which integrates plant physiology and omic methods to improve sustainability in vineyards. She shares insights from a five-year red fescue cover crop trial showing reduced pruning weights and improved vine balance, as well as shifts in rhizosphere microbiomes. Her future goal? A grower tool that predicts the best cover crops by site.  Resources:   72: Soil Microbes and Nutrient Availability  151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health  159: Under-Vine Vegetation to Control Vine Vigor  Can Cover Crops Improve Wine Grape Production Resilience?  Research revealing grapevine root relationships  Root Agroecology Lab  Suzanne Fleishman  Suzanne Fleisman – Google Scholar   Suzanne Fleishman – Research Gate  Undervine g

Eco-conscious wine lovers are willing to pay more for sustainable products—but they won't dig for details. In this Marketing Tip Monday, learn how to meet consumer demand for sustainability by making it easy. With 60% of younger and multicultural wine buyers preferring sustainable wines, visibility is key. Show your story at a glance with the SIP Certified logo on your label. It's fast, simple, and signals your commitment to people and the planet.  Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***  Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Story Worksheet   Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate  Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours  SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet    Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year  Vineyard Team – Become a Member  

Lasers may offer a chemical-free way to deter bird pests in vineyards and other agricultural systems.  George Gallagher, Department Head of Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explains why bird pressure goes beyond crop loss, raising concerns about disease risks like salmonella, E. coli, and transmission of avian influenza. He shares results from a controlled study using a handheld laser, aimed at birds' feet, to measure how long it took them to respond.  The research showed that different birds react differently. George highlights the importance of animal safety and the role of species-specific vision when evaluating new deterrent tools. Listen through the end to hear if the lasers work on rats.  Resources:   58: Barn Owls 114: Designing a Vineyard for Year-Round Sheep Grazing  272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard Cal Poly Animan Science Department George Gallagher George Gallagher  |Amanote Research George Gallagher | Research Gate  Tactical to Practical: The Human C

Legal oversights can cost wine brands dearly, but with the right guidance, many are entirely preventable. Lindsay Zahn, Managing Partner of Lindsay Zahn P.C. Alcoholic Beverage Law Firm, breaks down the top four legal pitfalls wineries and wine brands must avoid. From building solid contracts and understanding who owns what, to navigating TTB labeling rules, producing non-alcoholic wines, and staying compliant with social media advertising laws, this episode arms you with practical knowledge to reduce risk and protect your business from penalties.  Resources:   187: Labor and Employment Law Tips from a Lawyer Code of Federal Regulations - Food Labeling  Code of Federal Regulations – Labeling and Advertising of Wine Dealcoholized Wine and Malt Beverages - Labeling Guidance for Industry: Food Labeling Guide Lindsey Zahn  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Sustainable, Seriously  Sustainable Ag Expo – The Premiere

Foxen and Niner show impactful ways to weave generosity into everyday business. As you plan for 2026, think about the unique ways your brand can meaningfully engage with your local community. Then, share your team's participation, spotlight the organizations you support, and tell the stories that highlight your values. Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***   Apply for SIP Certified Wine  Likely Story Strategies  Marketing Tips eNewsletter  Sustainable Story Worksheet   Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate  SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet    Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year  Vineyard Team – Become a Member    

Rising temperatures and erratic weather accelerate ripening, spread disease faster, and shift sugar, alcohol, and acidity levels. All of which threaten wine quality and style.  At Geisenheim University, Dr. Manfred Stoll is testing "vitivoltaics": semi-transparent, trackable solar panels installed above vines. The system moderates heat, radiation, and extreme weather, while improving young vine establishment and water infiltration. Beyond the vineyard, this renewable energy can power everything from irrigation pumps to EV charging stations for wine tasting guests.  Resources:   281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity 283: Developing Cold-Hardy Grapes with 23andMe Technology Agrivoltaics in the Vineyard Agrivoltaics in wine growing areas Are These Smart Solar Panels the Future of Sustainable Vineyards? Assessing the economic performance of agrivoltaic systems in vineyards - framework development, simulated scenarios and directions for future research Grape Growth and Berry De

Will hybrid grapes help vineyards survive climate change? Professor Karine Pedneault of the Université du Québec en Outaouais explores this question through trials that expose grapevines to drought and heat stress. Testing both vinifera and hybrid varieties, her research measured plant water flow and metabolic responses to determine resilience. While hybrids still carry a stigma around flavor, they showed promising resistance, raising the potential to reduce fungicide use by up to half and adapt more sustainably to extreme weather scenarios.   Resources:   223: New Decision Support System for Irrigation Efficiency 213: High Resolution Data from Space Helps Farmers Plan for Climate Change Karine Pedneault  Karine Pedneault – Google Scholar Karine Pedneault - Instagram Karine Pedneault - LinkedIn Karine Pedneault – Research Gate Metabolic response of vitis vinifera and interspecific vitis sp. varieties to heat stress, water deficit and combined stress, using a metabolomic approach The organic vineyard as

With fungicide resistance on the rise, grape growers are looking for new ways to manage powdery mildew. Lexi McDaniel, Viticulture Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, explores the science behind using UVC light to combat this grapevine disease by directly disrupting the DNA bonds needed for replication. She shares insights from her trials, including why the light must be applied at night, how often it needs to pass through the vineyard, and how this technique compares to traditional fungicide programs in both cost and effectiveness.  Resources:   117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light 197: Managing the Sour Rot Disease Complex in Grapes 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money 235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling 266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot Field-Scale Ultraviolet-C Light Applications to Manage Grapevine Powdery Mildew Grapevine Powery Mildew UV-C Information Introducing UVC

Terms like "regenerative," "climate‑smart," and "social equity" aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of sustainable winegrowing. Learn wine brands protect soil, reduce energy use, and support people, all while producing high-quality wine.    Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***  Apply for SIP Certified Wine Likely Story Strategies Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Story Worksheet   Print   Electronic   Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet    Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member  

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is more than a nuisance, it poses a serious risk to vineyards. Brian Walsh, Extension Educator and Spotted Lanternfly Researcher with Penn State Extension, explains how this invasive insect threatens grapes across the eastern U.S. From unusual egg-laying behavior to honeydew-covered canopies that attract stinging insects, Walsh explores why vineyards are especially at risk and how growers can prepare during peak pressure in September. Learn about insecticide options, biocontrol efforts, and scouting strategies—whether SLF is in your area or not.  Resources:   96: Spotted Lanternfly - Threat to California 175: How to Prepare for Invasive Pests in Your Vineyard An Introduction to the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly:Webinar on April 21, 2023   Brian Walsh Research Update of Spotted Lanternfly in Grape: Webinar on March 9, 2022 Spotted Lantern Fly  Spotted Lanternfly Management in Vineyards Spotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan

64% of consumers say sustainability is a top purchasing factor—even during inflation. But how do you turn that intent into action? Learn how to close the “aspiration-action gap” by proudly promoting your sustainable certifications and showing customers your commitment to responsible practices.  Resources:  *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***  Apply for SIP Certified Wine   Likely Story Strategies Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Story Worksheet   Print   Electronic   Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet    Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member  

Dry farming is more than just skipping irrigation—it's a deliberate practice that starts with soil stewardship. Lauryn Leeds Pesch of Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards and Leeds & Pesch Vineyard Consulting shares her deep-rooted knowledge in dry farming, a technique that relies solely on stored winter and spring rainfall to meet a vine’s needs. Learn about a $2M research initiative with the Department of Water Resources exploring water conservation in coastal California vineyards, the 5-step cultivation process, and how a new mapping tool can help you find and learn from neighboring dry-farmed vineyards.   Resources:   151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health   153: The Role of Nematodes in Soil Health   171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change 177: The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi with Paul Schreiner   181: Can Applying Compost Reduce Water Use?  California Ag Water Stewardship Initiative California Ag Water Stewardship Initiative Dry Farming Dry Farming in Coastal

Can no-till really work in low-rainfall, compaction-prone soils? Taylor Jones, Director of Viticulture at Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California shares insights from an 8-year vineyard floor trial comparing till vs. no-till practices. From vine vigor to soil health, microbial life to tractor fuel savings, Taylor reveals surprising data and offers practical advice for growers considering a shift in floor management.   Resources:   262: A Vineyard Research Site to Study Soil Health   253: Regenerative Agriculture: The Path the Climate Change Resilience? 211: Vineyard Nutrient Management Across the United States California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Initiative Healthy Soils Playlist Taylor Jones | LinkedIn  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet   Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Bec