You put effort into source sustainably grown grapes. But wine enthusiasts shopping for wine don’t always know that.

The solution? Let your bottles tell the story.

51% of U.S. wine consumers say they trust organic/sustainable food or drink claims more when the product is certified (Wine Market Council, 2025).

The SIP Certified seal shows shoppers that your brand protects people and the planet through third-party verified, science-based sustainability practices.

Your Questions Answered

What is it? Wine certification is a process that allows brands that make wines with at least 85% SIP Certified fruit to display the SIP Certified logo on their bottles.

Who can apply? Any brand that uses SIP Certified grapes, either estate or purchased.

When can I apply? Apply any time! For first-time certified wines, apply at final blend, prior to bottling.

How do I apply? 5 easy steps in the SIP Certified database! Watch the tutorial to learn how.

Why get certified? 64% of consumers rank sustainability as a top 3 value driver. Using a sustainability seal on your bottle tells consumers your wine is sustainable.

Ready to get started? Log into the SIP Certified database.

Vineyard Team Connects Growers with the Experts Shaping Sustainable Winegrowing 

What do modern grape varieties, intelligent sprayers, and biological pest management have in common? Growers can hear from leading experts on each through the Sustainable Winegrowing podcast, then continue the conversation at the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo. 

This connection is part of Vineyard Team’s commitment to making timely, research-based education accessible to growers. The Sustainable Ag Expo extends that education through two days of in-person seminars and a tradeshow in San Luis Obispo, California plus on-demand online courses available to two-day attendees before and after the event. Whether listening to the podcast on the road, taking an online course on their own schedule, or connecting with experts in person at the Expo, growers have multiple ways to access sustainable winegrowing experts.   

"It is obvious that the Vineyard Team podcasts are peer-to-peer as they are concise, relevant, trustworthy and about the length of time it takes to get between different vineyards," said Greg Pennyroyal, Vineyard Manager at Wilson Creek Winery and Professor of Viticulture at Mount San Jacinto College. 

Hear From the Experts Before the Expo 

Several past podcast guests will take the stage at the Sustainable Ag Expo, November 10–11in San Luis Obispo, California. 

Dr. Michelle Moyer of Washington State University, the 2026 Expo headliner, previously joined the podcast in episode 38 to discuss integrated pest management, powdery mildew, water stress, and the growing role of data in vineyard decisions. At the Expo, she will explore the latest innovations in grape breeding with Modern Grape Varieties and Their Role in Sustainable Farming, followed by a grower panel. 

Thank you to headliner session sponsor Beckstoffer Vineyards. 

Dr. Brent Warneke of Oregon State University explored intelligent sprayers in Episode 219, including how sensor-controlled equipment can improve pesticide application efficiency and reduce waste. At the Expo, his session Vineyard Sprayer Toolbox: Technologies, Tradeoffs, and Opportunities will examine the range of spray technologies available to growers and the tradeoffs behind each. 

The podcast-to-Expo connection does not stop there. Listeners can tune in to Dr. Pam Marrone, Dr. Akif Eskalen of UC Davis, and Dr. Charlotte Decock of Cal Poly on topics ranging from biological pest management to vineyard soil health before hearing their latest research at the Expo. 

Education That Fits a Grower’s Schedule 

Like the podcast, the Sustainable Ag Expo’s online program gives growers the flexibility to continue learning and earn continuing education hours when their schedules allow. Access to 11 on-demand courses are included with a two-day Expo ticket, with courses available. October 12 through December 13. 

Dr. Patty Skinkis of Oregon State University is one of several Expo experts who has previously joined Vineyard Team on the podcast. In the recent episode 320, she shares findings from long-term rootstock trials examining drought tolerance, yield, and canopy growth. This fall, her online Expo course will explore new technologies for vineyard nutrient monitoring, including precision viticulture, improved tissue sampling, and hyperspectral data. 

Take the Conversation Further 

Since 2005, the Expo has brought the industry together to share research, practical experience, and ideas that move sustainable winegrowing forward. 

This year’s Expo returns November 10–11 with two days of seminars, 60+ exhibitors, continuing education opportunities, and networking with 500+ industry professionals. 

Explore the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo program and purchase tickets at sustainableagexpo.org. 

Don't forget to search Sustainable Winegrowing on any major podcast platform to listen and subscribe. 

Over the past year, Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholars received financial support, one-on-one mentorship, and guidance as they navigated college. For many, they are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Our new Impact Report shares what these students accomplished and how the program supports children of California’s vineyard and winery workers on their path toward a college degree.

See the impact:

English  | Spanish 

Join us in November for two days of practical vineyard education, research-backed solutions, and conversations with the growers and experts shaping the future of winegrowing.

View the full program >>> https://www.sustainableagexpo.org/conference/program/

This year's program features 30+ researchers and industry leaders tackling the topics growers are asking about most, including:

Headliner Session
Dr. Michelle M. Moyer (Washington State University) explores how modern grape varieties are reshaping disease management and sustainable farming, followed by a grower panel discussing what these innovations mean in the vineyard.
Sponsor: Beckstoffer Vineyards

+ Additional sessions include:
- Biological pest management with Dr. Pam Marrone
- Precision sprayer technologies with Dr. Brent Warneke
- Soil health insights from Dr. Charlotte Decock
- The future of sustainable disease management with Dr. Akif Eskalen
- Grower panel on holistic management of vine mealybug & leafroll
*Sponsor: Pacific Biocontrol
...plus labor, automation, invasive species, pesticide safety, and much more!

***Want to sponsor a session? Reach out to hayli@vineyardteam.org.***

Your registration also includes:
✅ 20+ DPR & CCA continuing education hours
✅ 11 online courses available before and after the Expo
✅ 60+ exhibitors
✅ Sustainable Gear & Beer, Donut Social, and networking with growers and industry professionals from across California and beyond.

Whether you're looking for new ideas, practical solutions, or the latest research, the Sustainable Ag Expo is built for YOU.

📅 November 10–11, 2026
📍 Madonna Expo Center | San Luis Obispo, CA
Get your ticket! >>> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026tailgatesevents/event/sustainableagexpo/

First-generation college students often face challenges that go far beyond tuition.

This spring, Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship recipient David shared that he was struggling to balance calculus coursework, work hours, car payments, and the financial reality of transferring to Cal Poly.

With support from Mentor Alex, former scholar Alberto Ramirez, and the Vineyard Team network, David worked through financial aid questions, career planning, and professional development.

Now, he’s preparing to transfer to Cal Poly to study agriculture and has secured a Summer 2026 internship with Mesa Vineyard Management.

The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship does more than provide financial aid. Mentorship and industry connections help students navigate college and prepare for meaningful careers.

Thank you to everyone helping support the next generation of industry leaders!

Learn more >>> https://www.vineyardteam.org/scholarship/

The Sustainable Ag Expo returns to San Luis Obispo on November 10–11, 2026, bringing together growers, researchers, ag professionals, and industry leaders for two days of education, innovation, and connection.

🎟️ Tickets are now available >>>https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026tailgatesevents/event/sustainableagexpo/

Here's what attendees can expect:

Research that matters.
Hear the latest from experts at UC Davis, Washington State University, Oregon State University, Virginia Tech, USDA-ARS, and more on topics including climate adaptation, soil health, biological pest management, disease-resistant varieties, and emerging vineyard technology.

20+ hours of continuing education.
Earn DPR and CCA hours through in-person sessions and online courses. New this year, two-day attendees will have access to online coursework through December 15, providing additional flexibility to complete CE hours after harvest.

Industry connections.
From Sustainable Gear & Beer and the Donut Social to the SIP Certified Lounge and a nearly sold-out tradeshow floor, the Expo creates opportunities to connect with the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of winegrowing.

As growers navigate changing markets, labor challenges, regulatory requirements, and new technology, the Sustainable Ag Expo remains focused on delivering actionable information you can take back to the vineyard.

📅 November 10–11, 2026
📍 San Luis Obispo, CA

Join us to explore the tools, equipment, and innovations shaping vineyard operations right now — from robotics and automation to monitoring systems and precision ag tools.

📅 Wednesday, June 10 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm
➡️ St. Phillipe Vineyard | Soledad, CA
🎟️ Register now >>> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026tailgatesevents/event/techfieldday/

The morning begins with a discussion around the practical realities of adopting ag technology, including:

📊 ROI & long-term economics
👷 Labor challenges & efficiencies
⚙️ What’s working in the field
🌱 How technology fits into sustainable vineyard operations

Then explore vineyard technology firsthand through field demonstrations and conversations with participating companies:
• Agritech America
• Agtonomy
• AMOS
• Burro
• CLEMENS
• Coastal Tractor
• Cropmind
• Cypress AgriTech
• Hot Spot Ag
• Kingman Ag
• Lumo
• Mid-Cal Motorsports
• Parabug
• Pellenc Australia
• Ranch Systems Inc.
• RDO Equipment Co.
• Reservoir
• SAGA Robotics
• Scanit Technologies, Inc.
• Strategic Viticulture
• SWAN Systems
• Vineyard Robotics
• VineView
• WiseConn
• Yamaha

Whether you’re actively investing in technology or just trying to understand what’s out there, this event is designed to help growers evaluate practical applications, not just concepts.

Come ask questions, compare solutions, and see what’s possible in the field!

The biggest challenge in ag technology isn’t innovation. It’s building tools that actually work on the farm.

In a recent episode of Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team, Craig Macmillan sat down with Matthew Hoffman, PhD , General Partner and Head of Farms at Reservoir, to discuss a growing challenge in ag tech: how to bridge the gap between promising ideas and practical vineyard solutions.

Reservoir is taking a unique approach. Instead of developing technology in isolation, the company partners directly with growers to help startups test and refine tools in real farming environments before they reach the market. Their work focuses on specialty crops, including winegrapes, where vineyard variability, labor demands, and regional differences make technology adoption especially complex.

Why Grower Feedback Matters

As Hoffman explains in the episode, many startups entering agriculture have strong engineering talent and funding, but limited experience in production agriculture. Growers provide the operational reality check.

A technology might function in theory, but growers help answer the practical questions:

• Does it actually save labor?

• Can it handle real vineyard conditions?

• Is the ROI there?

• Does it fit into existing farming operations?

• Will crews and managers realistically use it?

Reservoir’s incubator model gives startups access to commercial vineyards, equipment, shop space, and most importantly, grower feedback.

Emerging Technologies in the Vineyard

The conversation highlights several technologies currently being explored in vineyards:

• Autonomous Equipment. Companies are developing autonomous mowers, sprayers, and tractors designed to reduce labor demands while increasing operational efficiency.

• Robotics & Physical AI. Machine-guided systems are being trained to navigate vineyard rows and potentially assist with labor-intensive tasks like pruning and shoot thinning.

• Machine Vision & Crop Forecasting. New tools are using cameras and AI-driven analytics to estimate crop load, improve forecasting, and support vineyard management decisions.

• Farm Management & Data Systems. Digital tools continue evolving to help growers integrate field observations, imagery, and operational data into everyday decision-making.

Why Specialty Crops Are Different.

One key takeaway from the episode is that specialty crops require region-specific solutions.

Technology that works in one vineyard may not translate directly to another region, trellis system, or production style. Hoffman emphasizes that successful ag tech adoption starts small: one crop, one region, one operational challenge at a time.

That’s why collaboration between growers, researchers, startups, and industry organizations is becoming increasingly important.

See the Technology in the Field

If you want to see some of these technologies firsthand, Reservoir and several of its incubator startups will be participating in Vineyard Team’s Technology Field Day on June 10, 2026 in Soledad, California.

The event brings together growers, ag tech companies, and industry professionals for live demonstrations and practical discussions about adopting new technology in vineyard operations.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Explore ag tech tools in the field

• Ask questions directly to developers

• Evaluate practical applications

• Discuss labor, ROI, and implementation challenges

Explore This Topic Further

🎧 LISTEN IN to the full podcast episode featuring Matthew Hoffman

🚜 REGISTER for Technology Field Day.

💧 SGMA implementation is moving forward across California — but what does that mean for growers on the ground?

Join us for a Tailgate focused on regional groundwater updates, agricultural water use, and practical insight into what growers should expect moving forward.

📅 Tuesday, June 2 | 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyards | Lompoc, CA
🎟️ REGISTER >>> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026tailgatesevents/event/sgma-update/

Hear directly from groundwater agency representatives in:
• Monterey
• Paso Robles
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Ynez
• San Antonio

They’ll share updates on:
💧 Groundwater Sustainability Plans
📊 Actions underway in each region
🌱 What growers should prepare for next

Plus, Mark Battany will discuss how Land IQ is using evapotranspiration (ET) data to better understand agricultural water use and support SGMA planning in regions including the Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles Basin.

Topics include:
• Consumptive use estimates
• ET measurements & modeling
• Potential water conservation strategies

Attendees can also join an optional vineyard tour following the event, where Taylor Jones (Star Lane & Dierberg) will share lessons learned from:
🌱 Eight years of no-till farming
🌾 Native cover cropping practices

If SGMA impacts your operation — now or in the future — this is an opportunity to hear regional updates, ask questions, and connect with others navigating the same challenges.

Join Vineyard Team and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance for a focused half-day 2026 Industry Update designed to help you navigate what’s happening now—and what’s coming next!

Hear directly from industry experts as they break down the trends, risks, and opportunities shaping grape growing in 2026.

📅 Wednesday, May 20 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm; tickets include lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm
➡️ at Springhill Suites in Atascadero
🎟️ Reserve your spot* >>> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026tailgatesevents/event/2026-industry-update/

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Event sessions include:

📊Grape Market Update & Industry Outlook
Get clarity on what’s happening in the grape market and what it means for your operation:
- Key trends shaping pricing and demand
- Vineyard removals and supply outlook
- What to expect in the next 12+ months

Speakers: Audra Cooper & Eddie Urman (Turrentine Brokerage)

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💰 Grants & Funding Opportunities Panel
Learn how to access and successfully use available funding:
- Where to start and how to choose the right program
- What makes a strong application
- What to expect after funding is awarded
- How to plan ahead

Speakers: Stasi Seay (Moderator, Hope Family Wines), Cade Cappello (Pollinator Partnership), Drew Loganbill (Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation District), Paige Callaghan (Central Coast Community Energy)

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🏛️ Policy & Advocacy Update
Stay ahead of changes that could impact your vineyard:
- Key statewide policy updates
- Labor, water, and compliance considerations
- What to prepare for next

Speaker: Michael Miiller (California Association of Winegrape Growers)

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Whether you're making planting decisions, evaluating your market strategy, or looking to leverage available resources, this event will give you the insight and context to move forward with confidence.

Thank you to our event sponsors!
AgWest Farm Credit
Central Coast Community Energy
TricorBraun

*Vineyard Team members: use code VTMEMBER; Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance members: use code PRWCA