Willmes and Armbruster are strengthening their global partnership with the launch of Willmes Armbruster U.S. – Grape Processing Solutions, a new venture dedicated to the direct representation and support of both product lines. Headquartered in Petaluma, California, the company will support wineries with new projects while providing ongoing service for all existing installations through a dedicated U.S. based sales and service team. Both brands had been proudly represented throughout North America by Scott Laboratories for more than forty years. "It has been an honor to represent Willmes and Armbruster and collaborate with their teams for the past four decades. We will continue to champion their brands, having seen firsthand their dedication to quality and innovation. Our customers are in excellent hands with this new investment in the North American market.” — Steve Clattenburg, President, Scott Laboratories Willmes Armbruster U.S. will launch operations under the leadership of industr

Twelve years ago, when Ashley Leonard and Dan Strengier first brought InnoVint’s unique, data-based software to the wine industry, it would have been difficult to comprehend how fully AI technology would revolutionize winery operations. But that’s exactly what’s happening with InnoVint’s all-in-one winery operating system that’s been empowering wineries since its inception: InnoVint is now weaving AI throughout its cutting-edge platform to make functions like Vineyard Tracking, Wine Production, Inventory Management and Cost Accounting practices easier and more effective than ever before.  Strengier, InnoVint’s Co-Founder and CTO describes InnoVint’s new AI capabilities as “exponentially more efficient.” “AI can literally capture analyses written on a messy napkin and import a 30-page PDF document flawlessly,” Strengier testifies. “It can create complex work orders for panels of analytics and additions on tanks in seconds – and do it from anywhere. Doing this work manually just is

Award-Winning New York Distillery Brings Distinctive Bourbons, Whiskeys, and Specialty Spirits to California Retailers and Restaurants Fairport, NY, and San Jose, CA, June 15, 2026 —Iron Smoke Distillery, the acclaimed New York-based producer of award-winning bourbons and whiskeys, today announced an expanded partnership with LibDib, the web-based wholesale alcohol distributor, making its full portfolio available to licensed California retailers, restaurants, and bars through online ordering at Iron Smoke and LibDib. The expansion provides California buyers with convenient access to Iron Smoke's distinctive lineup of premium spirits while supporting the company's continued growth in one of the nation's most influential beverage markets. "At Iron Smoke, we've always been committed to delivering an exceptional experience, whether that's through the quality of our products or the way customers discover and access them," said Tommy Brunett, CEO and Chief Trailblazer of Iron Smoke Distiller

The 2026 SVB Direct-to-Consumer Wine Report delivers a message that every winery owner and operator should pay attention to. The headline isn't that visitation is down. Most wineries already know that. The headline isn't that wine club growth has slowed. Most wineries are experiencing that reality as well. The real story is that while the median winery reported no growth, the top-performing quartile of wineries increased revenue by 22%, while the bottom quartile declined by 13%. In other words, wineries are operating in the same market conditions but achieving dramatically different results. So what separates the winners from the rest? The Industry Challenges Remain The report confirms several trends that continue to pressure winery profitability. Direct-to-consumer sales remain the foundation of the premium wine business, accounting for approximately 72% of revenue. Yet the channels driving those sales are under strain. Tasting room visitation continues to decline, reducing opportunit

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

When wineries invest in equipment upgrades, facility expansions, or production improvements, flooring is rarely at the top of the priority list. Yet winery floors are subjected to some of the harshest conditions in any food and beverage facility. Constant moisture, acidic spills, heavy equipment traffic, forklift movement, and aggressive cleaning regimens all take a toll on concrete surfaces over time. Industrial coating systems help protect those surfaces from deterioration while improving safety, sanitation, and long-term maintenance costs. A properly designed floor system isn't just about appearance—it's about creating a more durable, efficient production environment that can withstand harvest after harvest. At Pro-Tec Coatings, we help wineries evaluate flooring and wall systems designed specifically for the demands of wine production facilities.

Potential early harvest: How is the market responding? With vineyard development across California continuing well ahead of a normal timetable, harvest 2026 now feels just around the corner: This month’s California Report details how suppliers and buyers of bulk wine and grapes have been responding. Many growers are starting to consider calling a halt to farming their uncontracted vineyards, if they have not done so already, which could curb desirable grape availability for those buyers planning a late-season purchase. While April and May temperatures were mainly within a normal range, precipitation levels swung from above average in April to below in May, before the Coast received some heavy rain events toward the end of the month. April-May rainfall has led to some reports of shatter and mildew, the latter of especial concern given the number of vineyards already mothballed. This month’s report assesses vineyard conditions by region and considers what kind of harve

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers have spent decades championing the farmers and families behind one of the world's great wine regions. Now they are getting a headquarters worthy of that legacy. Nordby Construction is honored to be building their new office on Highway 29 in Oakville. This two story modern farmhouse office is nestled in the corner of the iconic Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard. We could not be more proud to be their construction partner and work with some of our favorite design experts at Taylor Lombardo Architects and Applied Civil Engineering.