Sustainable Winegrowing With Vineyard Team

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

After wrapping up Episode 284 on SGMA, Kevin Rost (Apollo Ag Technologies) and host Craig Macmillan kept the conversation going—and it was too good not to share. In this bonus episode, Kevin dives deeper into the benefits of maintaining irrigation distribution uniformity, selecting cover crops based on grower goals, and how agroforestry and silvopasture can revolutionize water retention and soil health. Learn how regenerative practices can reduce water use, pesticide inputs, and fertilizer needs while improving soil biology. Resources:         284: SGMA Demystified - Acronyms, Deadlines, and What You Need to Know 274: Beyond Foxy: The Case for Hybrid Winegrapes Apollo Ag Technologies Groundwater: Understanding and Managing this Vital Resource Kevin Rost on LinkedIn Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Ultimate Irrigation Playlist Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet   Su

Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with the right strategy. In this episode, we share four essential tips to grow your brand online, straight from digital marketing expert Emma Tessler of 95 Media.  Focus on 1–3 platforms that align with your audience Craft a clear and consistent brand message Repurpose content to expand your reach Use analytics to improve your strategy  Learn how to make social media work for you without burning out.  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  

Understanding your water use is essential—whether it’s regulated or not. Kevin Rost, Sales Representative for Apollo Ag Technologies in Fresno, California, shares how growers can get ahead of evolving water management expectations. Using California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) as a case study, he explains acronyms like GSA and GSP, outlines affordable tools for monitoring water use, and highlights why participation in local decision-making matters. This episode offers valuable insights for any grower looking to protect their resources, reduce costs, and build a more resilient farm. Resources:         Apollo Ag Technologies Groundwater: Understanding and Managing this Vital Resource Kevin Rost on LinkedIn Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Ultimate Irrigation Playlist 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

Most of the world’s wine grapes, like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, come from Vitis vinifera, a species prized for fruit quality but highly vulnerable to cold, pests, and disease. Assistant Professor Soon Li Teh of the University of Minnesota is developing new cold-hardy cultivars by combining traditional breeding with DNA technology—essentially 23andMe for grapes. His work taps into the resilience of native American species to improve winter survival and disease resistance. But it’s no quick fix: the process from initial cross to cultivar release takes 18 to 25 years. Resources:         135: Cold Hardiness of Grapevines 155: Sustainable Vineyard Management Across Different Climates 217: Combating Climate Chaos with Adaptive Winegrape Varieties Grape Breeding and Enology project website Grape breeding at the University of Minnesota Soon Li The, LinkedIn Soon Li Teh, University of Minnesota Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hour

AI won’t replace you, but it can help you do more. Marketing expert Tamara Bingham (Likely Story Strategies) shares 5 practical ways wineries can use AI to save time, repurpose content, and plan smarter. Tune in for quick tips to work more efficiently and stay creative. 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

Originally developed to combat phylloxera, rootstocks are now being researched as a solution to one of viticulture’s challenges: drought. Dr. Suraj Kar, Assistant Professor of Viticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explores the 150-year history of rootstocks and their evolving purpose. He explains the complex influence rootstocks have on drought tolerance, vine vigor, and fruit set—and how long-term research is identifying those best suited to support vine longevity in a changing climate. Resources:         110: How to Develop a New Vineyard Site 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change Differences in grapevine rootstock sensitivity and recovery from drought are linked to fine root cortical lacunae and root tip function Foundation Plant Sciences Grape Registry: Grapevine Varieties Irrigation and rootstock effects on the phenolic concentration and aroma potential of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes Researchers pinpoint drought-resistant traits in grape rootstocks Root pressure–volum

 Want to get your winery featured in the press? Start with a better press release. Erin Kirschenmann, Managing Editor of Wine Business Monthly and founder of Novel Pairings, shares what makes a press release newsworthy. She explains how to tailor your message, capture editors’ attention with the five Ws, and why showcasing the human side of your brand matters. Learn how to craft more effective press releases and make your brand stand out. Resources:         265: How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025 276: The Business Case for Employee Engagement in the Wine Industry | Marketing Tip Monday Erin Kirschenmann on Instagram Novel Pairings Wine Business 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

Why do most tasting room guests show up? It’s not for the wine. Dan McCole (Michigan State University) shares research-backed tips to elevate customer experience through atmosphere, staff engagement, and showcasing accolades. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** 257: Understanding Winery Visitors – Increase Sales with your Messaging 2025 SIP Certified Sustainable Stories – get inspired Apply for SIP Certified Wine 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

Fungicide resistance in powdery and downy mildew is a growing challenge in Australian vineyards. Ismail Ahmed Ismail, Senior Research Officer at the South Australian Research and Development Institute, discusses a decade-long national study on fungicide resistance in Australian vineyards. Listeners will learn how spore trapping is being made practical and affordable, the use of phenotyping and genotyping to detect resistance, and why monitoring fungal populations is critical for sustainable disease management across FRAC groups. Resources:         266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot 235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network FRAC Code List©* 2024 Improving the understanding of fungicide resistance in Australian viticulture Status of fungicide resistance in Australian vineyards and de

How do volatile phenols from wildfire smoke interact with wine chemistry? Mango Parker, Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute, breaks down the science of smoke taint in wine. From identifying early markers like guaiacol and 4-methylguaiacol to uncovering the complex web of over a thousand compounds involved, Mango shares insights from two decades of research into how smoke transforms wine—from vineyard to barrel. Resources:         145: New Class of Compounds Linked to Smoke Taint in Wines 143: Can Barrier Sprays Protect Against Smoke Taint in Wine? Australian Wine Research Institute – Smoke Taint Mango Parker Mango Parker - Google Scholar Mango Parker - LinkedIn Prevalence of Wildfire Smoke Exposure Markers in Oaked Commercial Wine 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

Discover how prioritizing employee engagement can elevate your sustainability efforts and business success. This episode explores real-world examples from Niner Wine Estates, Ancient Peaks, and Hope Family Wines, where workplace culture, strong benefits, and community involvement turn staff into long-term, loyal brand ambassadors. Learn why engaged employees are key to implementing best practices and creating meaningful customer connections. Plus, find out how to start empowering your team with a free 30-minute online course. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** 2025 SIP Certified Sustainable Stories – get inspired Apply for SIP Certified Wine 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

Pest Friends is a hands-on simulation that helps farmers make smarter Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decisions—by making the field a game board. Grant Loomis and Jason Thomas, Extension Educators with the University of Idaho, created Pest Friends to help players experience the real-life consequences of pest control. Players manage population dynamics, reacting to pest pressures, and decide when—and if—to intervene with pesticides, habitat modifications, or beneficial insect support. It’s not just educational—it’s a window into how people think about pest management. Resources:         266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot 271: Integrating Biological Solutions 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard Application of Integrated Pest Management Skills Through a Board Game Simulation Grant Loomis Jason Thomas New Pest Friends’ website helps pest managers thrive Pest Friends Game Pest Friends Game Overview Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast Pest

Can hybrid grapes revolutionize the wine world? Adam Huss — Host of the Beyond Organic podcast and Co-owner of Centralas Cellars breaks down what a hybrid truly is, explaining how traditional breeding — and nature itself — has long crossed grape species. With over 70 grape species worldwide, today's modern hybrids are the result of generations of crossing, backcrossing, and innovation. We explore the impact of WWII on agriculture, France’s ban on hybrids in appellation wines, and why developing new hybrids is critical for disease resistance, flavor discovery, and more sustainable farming. Plus, Adam shares insights into trialing the “married vine” system — a potential game-changer for soil health, pest management, and flavor expression. Resources:         135: Cold Hardiness of Grapevines 217: Combating Climate Chaos with Adaptive Winegrape Varieties 227: Andy Walkers’ Pierces Disease-Resistant Grapes are a Success at Ojai Vineyard Adam Huss – LinkedIn Centralas Organic Wine Podcast South Central Los A

[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Training season is fast approaching. It's time to get your hospitality staff prepared to welcome a range of guests from experienced enthusiasts to first timers. [00:00:10] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday. With SIP Certified. We know that your customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer form episodes help you learn about the latest science and research for the wine industry, these twice monthly micro podcasts will help you show your dedication to sustainable wine growing. [00:00:29] Most people rarely consider the complex agricultural processes behind their favorite products. Use this opportunity to offer something truly unique insight into what makes your wine sustainable. [00:00:42] Start by covering the basics of what sustainability is while you get to know your guest. Are they familiar with agriculture? Do they know that there is a relationship between the farm and the larger ecosystem? [00:00:53] Sustainability means meeting the needs of today while e

Meet your vineyard night-shift rodent patrol —barn owls. Bob Peak, a dedicated volunteer at Pacific Wildlife Care, shares how these incredible predators consume up to 30 gophers or voles a night. Learn fun facts about their short lifecycle, nesting habits, and how to properly install nest boxes (hint: ventilation and road direction matter!). Discover how you can encourage barn owls to thrive on your land—plus, hear how these owls even foster orphaned chicks. Resources:         REGISTER: 6/6/25 Tailgate | Bird Abatement and Managing Wildlife in the Vineyard 58: Barn Owls 84: Falconry Bird Abatement 118: Managing Rodent Pests in Vineyards with Integrated Pest Management Build Your Own Owl Box Cornell Lab All About Birds National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Pacific Wildlife Care The Barn Owl Box Company The Barn Owl Trust (UK) UC Davis Raptor Center Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet   Sustainable Ag Expo

As biological technologies continue to advance, many growers are exploring how best to integrate them into their farming operations. Nevada Smith, Head of Marketing North America, and Robert Blundell, Research Plant Pathologist, both with Pro Farm Group, highlight the role of biological pesticides and biofertilizers in sustainable winegrowing. Biological pesticides, derived from microbial sources or natural products such as plants, fungi, bacteria, or nematodes, play a crucial role in pest management by inhibiting or delaying growth or directly causing pest mortality. Understanding which biological products to use and when to apply them within an integrated pest management system is essential for maximizing their effectiveness. Biofertilizers, which enhance plant health and resilience to abiotic stresses, are another key tool for sustainable viticulture. Nevada and Robert discuss the growing importance of these technologies in improving soil health and supporting long-term agricultural productivity. Resources

[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Sustainable farming practices are essential to protect the environment, improve a long-term agricultural productivity and support healthy communities. [00:00:08] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday with SIP Certified. We know that customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer form episodes help you learn about the latest science and research for the wine industry, these twice monthly micro podcasts will help you share your dedication to sustainable wine growing. [00:00:27] And this week's marketing tip, we're going to take a close look at three areas where regenerative farming practices make a big impact, including water management, soil health, and habitat preservation, [00:00:39] let's kick it off with water management. Water is one of agriculture's most critical resources. Sustainable farmers work carefully to both use water efficiently and protect quality. Anyone who has struggled to keep a plant alive knows that plants don't like too little or too much wat

Amid news of oversupply and decreased demand, the wine industry has an opportunity to adapt to the changing market. Audra Cooper, Director of Grape Brokerage, and Eddie Urman, Central Coast Grape Broker at Turrentine Brokerage, discuss key grape and wine industry trends, from oversupply and vineyard removals to the growing necessity of sustainable certification. They explore regional dynamics, bulk wine market shifts, and future trends, emphasizing innovation, industry collaboration, and better marketing to stay competitive. Resources:         REGISTER: 4/5/25 Fungicide Spraying: Evolving Strategies & Grower Insights Tailgate 258: 5 Ways Certification Makes Brands the SIP | Marketing Tip Monday 259: Winegrape Market Trends of 2024 265: How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025 268: How to Tackle Leadership Transitions Successfully Turrentine Brokerage Turrentine Brokerage - Newsletter Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people a

[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: A label can provide a lot of information about a wine. The next time you walk down the wine aisle, look for common terms and symbols like vintage, place of origin, percent alcohol, and even the SIP certified logo. [00:00:12] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday with SIP Certified. We know that customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer form episodes help you learn about the latest science and research for the wine industry. These twice monthly micro podcasts will help you share your dedication to sustainable wine growing. [00:00:29] Many labeling requirements in the United States are defined by the Code of Federal Regulations. In this week's marketing tip, we are giving you a green wine glossary. Five common wine designations, defined, so you'll wonder no longer. [00:00:45] Number one is vegan. Not every wine fits the vegan lifestyle. During the winemaking process, small particles can cause haziness or unwanted flavor properties. Winemakers can add a fining a