In Napa, the difference between a good vintage and a stressed one can come down to a single afternoon. A forecast calls for temperatures in the 90s, then the thermometer climbs past 100. For a grower, those hours matter, and the ability to respond quickly can protect both the crop and the quality of the season. For Roy Chapin, owner and winemaker at 4 Winds Winery, that kind of responsiveness has become part of how he farms. Roy has spent years producing high-quality wines with a focus on sustainable practices, always working to balance vine health against careful water use. Like many Napa growers, his challenge was not a lack of effort or experience. It was visibility, knowing what was happening across the vineyard in real time, and being able to act on it without losing precious hours. Seeing the vineyard from anywhere That visibility is what changed when Roy integrated WiseConn into his operation. "WiseConn gives me the ability to monitor and control my irrigation remotely, which is

Vineyard managers are constantly balancing labor efficiency, operational demands, site conditions, and weed management objectives. As the industry continues to evolve, many vineyards are exploring how bioherbicides can complement their existing weed management programs. Bioherbicides are not new, but interest in these products has grown as vineyard managers look for additional weed management tools to address a variety of operational needs. Understanding where bioherbicides fit within a broader strategy can help professionals make informed decisions for different vineyard applications. Fast Visual Results One reason vineyard managers are evaluating certain bioherbicides is their ability to provide visible results quickly under favorable environmental conditions. Fast visual feedback can be especially valuable in vineyard rows, around trellis systems, fence lines, equipment storage areas, and other highly visible operational spaces. When weeds are actively growing and conditions are fav

The Organic Winegrowing Conference brings together growers, researchers, vineyard managers, wineries, and industry leaders for a day of practical learning and forward-looking conversation focused on the future of organic viticulture. Through keynote discussions and peer exchange, the conference explores the implementation of organic farming across diverse vineyard systems. The event creates space to examine emerging practices, challenge assumptions, and strengthen understanding of how organic winegrowing can support resilient vineyards, healthy ecosystems, and the long-term viability of the wine industry. Register Here. Agenda: 9:00am | Registration 9:30am | Welcome 9:40am | The Future of Organic Winegrowing Across Regions and Markets, Steve Matthiasson & Jason Haas A candid conversation between two respected organic producers farming in distinctly different environments. Topics include how organic systems operate across climates, vineyard models, and market segments, with pra

From the Vineyard to the Future of Organic Farming to include three “Organic Field Days” during the month of July Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) will host the 2026 Organic Winegrowing Conference on July 29th, and has introduced a new educational format that takes growers directly into the vineyard to explore the future of organic farming and sustainable winegrowing practices. Titled From the Vineyard to the Future of Organic Farming, the month-long program will feature a series of Organic Field Days on three consecutive Wednesdays throughout the Napa Valley, culminating in the Organic Winegrowing Conference on Wednesday, July 29 at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia in downtown Napa. The Organic Field Days will occur on July 8 at Baldacci Family Vineyards focusing on soil fertility, July 15 at Quintessa covering beneficial insects and pest management, and July 22 at an Opus One trial vineyard discussing ground cover. Design

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.

A Look Inside THE ROOT: Two Varieties Worth Knowing In this year's edition of THE ROOT, we spotlight two unique Loire Valley grapes: Pineau d'Aunis and Grolleau Noir. Pineau d'Aunis is celebrated for its distinctive peppery spice and vibrant red fruit character, while Grolleau Noir offers bright acidity, fresh berry flavors, and remarkable versatility across sparkling, rosé, and still wines. These varieties are gaining attention for their ability to bring originality, complexity, and fresh opportunities to today's wine market. Their unique vineyard characteristics and expressive flavor profiles make them exciting options for growers and winemakers looking to diversify their portfolios. This is just one of several articles featured in our latest newsletter. Inside, you'll also find updates on innovation in plant health, plans for our new lab and future research facility, and the dedicated team helping drive these advancements. We hope you enjoy reading this year's edition. As always, w

Immediate Tent Coverage Available for Winery Operations Rain is forecasted next week, followed by a rapid warm-up. Now is the time to prepare. Peregrine Vintner Solutions provides tent rentals to help protect your crew, equipment, and inventory while keeping production on schedule. Call Now (707) 637-7584 Reserve Tent Coverage Today. Availability Is Limited. Why Tent Coverage Matters: Protect your crew Keep equipment running without interruption Safeguard your product quality Keep production on schedule Avoid costly downtime and last-minute changes A simple setup now can prevent major disruptions later. Perfect For: Bottling Operations Filtration Projects Equipment Protection Case Goods Storage Harvest Support Availability is already tightening as others prepare for the same conditions. Our Tents Include: Full coverage for bottling lines and equipment Optional sidewalls for wind and rain protection LED lighting for extended or nighttime operations Installed by trained p

Join our Centrifugal Pump Training Class in Santa Fe Springs June 24 (LA/OC/IE). For more information and to register, click here.