Warmer winters, longer growing seasons and shifting vector ranges are changing the disease landscape in California vineyards. Pierce’s Disease pressure has historically been lower in the North Coast, aided in part by cold winter temperatures. Climate trends, however, may alter that risk profile as Pierce’s Disease adapts. Are there opportunities to curtail this trend?

This session will share recent PD/GWSS Board-funded research on Pierce’s Disease ecology and potential control strategies. Growers will leave with a clear understanding of how area-wide programs protect premium vineyards and what today’s research means for vineyard resilience over the next decade.

The Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) is an invasive insect that acts as the primary and most aggressive vector for Pierce’s Disease, and resources will be shared in the session for growers to stay updated on the evolving issue of Grapevines sold at Costco which contained GWSS.

Nominations for the 14th Annual WINnovation Awards presented by the Wine Industry Network opened today. 

Wine Industry Network created the WINnovation Awards as a way to identify and honor the most innovative wine industry suppliers and service providers. These awards recognize companies that have developed ground-breaking products, practices, and have contributed to the advancement of the North American wine industry.

Many of the past WINnovation Award winners continue to set the highest standard in their field and push forward innovations that advance the industry for all.

“The WINnovation Awards are a way for us to highlight and celebrate the many innovative industry suppliers and to recognize that their efforts continue to propel the entire industry forward,” said George Christie, President and CEO of Wine Industry Network.

To be considered for a 2026 WINnovation Award, submit a nomination with supporting materials through the North Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo) website. Entrants must participate in the WIN Expo as exhibitors or sponsors to qualify for consideration or be WIN clients.

The winners of the WINnovation Awards will be presented with the award in connection with the WIN Expo on December 3, 2026, where wine industry professionals will have the opportunity to meet the winners and learn more about their innovations.

Submit your nomination by September 4, 2026.

In this WIN Insider Series episode, George interviews Nick Leonard, Chief Revenue Officer of Concierge Auctions, about their newly launched global wine division. As the wine industry experiences a downturn with properties languishing on the market, Concierge Auctions’ auction model bridges the gap between sellers’ expectations and buyers’ willingness to pay—offering speed, market validation, and price visibility that traditional sales can’t match.

Despite current challenges, Nick remains optimistic about longer-term recovery driven by fresh ideas and new international buyers entering the market. If you’re curious about how auctions are reshaping wine country real estate sales, this conversation offers valuable insights.

Learn more about Concierge Auctions: https://www.conciergeauctions.com/

In this WIN Insider Series interview, George Christie sits down with Sandra DeMaria, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ehlers Estate, for a timely conversation ahead of the 2026 Wine Sales Symposium. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience across the wine supply chain—from restaurants to distribution to DTC—Sandra shares why strategic partnerships are more important than ever in today’s challenging market and how wineries can build relationships that truly drive value.

From identifying the right partners to setting clear goals and measuring success, Sandra breaks down how wineries of any size can create meaningful, mutually beneficial collaborations. If you’re looking for practical insights to strengthen your sales and marketing strategy, this conversation offers a powerful preview of what’s to come at the Symposium—and why partnerships could be your biggest opportunity for growth.

Learn More: www.winesalessymposium.com and use code SANDRA2026 for a discount!

In this WIN Insider interview, George speaks with Lauren Wong, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Aperture Vineyards & Winery, ahead of the Wine Sales Symposium on May 13th in Sonoma County. Lauren shares her journey from luxury fragrance brands to wine marketing, influenced by her father’s work as a renowned wine label designer. She discusses Aperture’s brand philosophy of combining high-quality wines with inclusive, approachable marketing and addresses the evolving challenges wineries face in post-COVID marketing—emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and innovation.

A key focus is strategic partnerships for the symposium and Lauren explains how partnerships enhance brand exposure, reinforce values, and create collaborative opportunities that benefit all parties. She encourages wineries of all sizes to actively pursue partnerships by understanding their brand’s value and aligning with partners’ goals—including creative, non-monetary collaborations with local businesses, charities, and niche brands. The conversation offers practical marketing strategies for navigating today’s wine industry landscape, with more insights available at the Wine Sales Symposium.

Learn More: https://www.winesalessymposium.com and use code LAUREN2026 for a discount!

In this episode of the WIN Insider Series, George Christie sits down with Alison Crowe, Vice President of Winemaking and Partner at Plata Wine Partners, to explore her remarkable journey through the wine industry. From her early days growing up in California’s Central Coast to studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis, Alison shares how curiosity, hands-on experience, and a willingness to take risks shaped her career across roles at Chalone Vineyard, Curtis Winery, and Bonny Doon Vineyard. She also reflects on authoring The Winemaker’s Answer Book and how translating complex winemaking concepts into practical insights has been a common thread in her work.

Alison offers a candid look at today’s wine landscape, from the collaborative, client-focused model at Plata Wine Partners to the broader challenges facing the industry, including shifting consumer preferences and increased competition. She discusses the importance of making wine more approachable, the need for stronger representation of women in leadership, and why innovation, flexibility, and human connection are key to the future of wine. Watch the full conversation to gain fresh perspective and actionable insights from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

Join us for "Insights on New Growing Techniques from the 2025 Season."

When it comes to innovation in the vineyard, theory is easy. Implementation is not. That’s why the first session of the 2026 Growing Forward Virtual Conference brings together four respected vineyard leaders who have already done the work.

Join us this Wednesday, where we'll hear from the early adopters who will share their firsthand experiences, including what delivered measurable results, what proved challenging, what caught them by surprise, and what they would do differently next time.

Bring your questions. Add your perspective. Join a conversation designed to help growers move forward with confidence.

Session Panel:

Tony Chapman,
Senior Director of Winegrowing / The Donum Estate

Ryan Maier,
Owner & Operator / Maier Vineyard Management

Matt Merrill,
General Manager / Mesa Vineyard Management

Patrick Riggs,
Vice President of Viticulture / Jack Neal and Son Vineyard Management

This Wednesday - March 11th
Click here to register for this Complimentary Online Session Now

For the fourth consecutive year, four seasoned wine industry thought leaders return to examine the critical challenges and opportunities defining the wine landscape in 2026. Each panelist will share their most important predictions and trends that wineries need to understand to thrive in the year ahead.

This engaging panel discussion offers multiple perspectives on the forces shaping our industry, equipping you with practical insights to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities throughout 2026.

Session Panel:

Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain

Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates

Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank

Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates

Moderator: Damien Wilson,
Faculty Director and Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business / Sonoma State University