At Sunridge Nurseries, being a leader in our industry means more than growing quality vines. It means actively participating in the conversations, research, and initiatives that help shape the future of agriculture and the grapevine industry. Our team regularly participates in industry boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups focused on grapevine improvement, rootstock research, nursery certification, agricultural leadership, and water sustainability. Through these organizations, our team brings firsthand nursery and grower perspectives to important industry discussions while staying connected to the research and regulatory developments that impact our customers. California Fruit Tree, Nut Tree, and Grapevine Improvement Advisory Board (IAB) The IAB advises the CDFA on programs supporting the improvement and availability of high-quality, disease-tested plant material for California's fruit, nut, and grape industries. Northern Interior Sales Manager, Nicholas Podsakoff's participa

Most vineyard irrigation decisions in California are made against a stress target. The target might come from a stem water potential program, a canopy assessment, or years of experience with a particular block and a particular wine. Whatever sets it, the question in July is the same. Is the vine where I want it, and did the last set move it. Soil moisture sensors answer part of that question well. They also get asked to answer a part they cannot. What the soil profile shows A soil moisture sensor measures water in the soil immediately around it. Read as a continuous trace rather than a single number, it shows a few things clearly. Drawdown rate. The slope between irrigation events reflects how quickly water is leaving the profile at that depth. A slope that steepens through June and July is showing the combined effect of vine uptake and rising evaporative demand. A slope that flattens is showing the opposite, and often earlier than a walk through the block would. Wetting depth. After a

💧 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 &

Declining groundwater levels and increasing pressure under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act are changing how California wine growers think about water. What was once largely an operational concern is now directly tied to long-term viability, regulatory compliance, and sustainability planning. These issues were front and center during a session at the 2025 WIN Expo, where vineyard operators, hydrologists, and county leaders discussed how groundwater management is evolving and what growers can do to stay ahead. Moderated by Val King, Director of Channel Partnerships at Verdi, the session underscored a clear reality. There is no single solution, but there is a shift toward local control, better data, and practical changes in vineyard management. SGMA Was Built to Be Local, Not One-Size-Fits-All Your browser does not support HTML5 video. SGMA is often misunderstood as a rigid, top-down mandate. In reality, it was designed around California’s variability in geology, climate

Smart Solutions, Resilient Vineyards, and the Future of Farming WIN Expo sessions dedicated to Vineyard innovation, sustainability, and the technologies reshaping grape growing. The challenges facing today’s winegrowers are more complex than ever - from rising costs and labor shortages to shifting regulations and climate pressures. At this year’s WIN Expo, the Vineyard & Grower Conference Sessions, sponsored by Verdi,  deliver practical insights and proven solutions to help you adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. Through expert-led presentations, attendees will gain strategies for assessing ag tech investments, managing groundwater security, and turning vineyard identity into a marketing advantage. Whether you’re a vineyard owner, manager, or supplier, these discussions will equip you with the tools to build efficiency, resilience, and long-term success. The AgTech Investment Dilemma: Determining Which Tech Solutions Meet Your Needs Agric

Learn how data-driven approaches can provide accurate, real-time data that supports long-term groundwater sustainability & better decision-making, and improves recharge outcomes. Groundwater recharge is a crucial strategy for managing water resources sustainably, making the ability to monitor and manage recharge efforts in real time more important than ever. Join our free 45-minute Thought Leader webinar to learn how data-driven approaches can provide accurate, real-time data that supports better decision-making, improves recharge outcomes, and supports long-term groundwater sustainability. Presented by Kassy Chauhan, Special Projects Manager at Fresno Irrigation District (FID) and Executive Officer of the North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), and Christopher Lundeen, Engineering Technician III at FID. Webinar Topics  An overview of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the development of GSAs Implementing and leveraging monitoring

Efficient irrigation starts with understanding exactly how much water your crop is using and how much it really needs. That’s where evapotranspiration (ET) comes in: the combined loss of water through evaporation (from soil and surface) and transpiration (used by the crop). By matching irrigation to ET, growers can reduce waste, improve yields, and make smarter use of limited water resources. With SGMA (the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) now in full effect across California, it is more important than ever that growers irrigate with precision and are able to prove it with efficient record keeping.  If you’ve ever asked yourself: “How much of my irrigation is actually reaching the root zone?” You’re not alone. This article breaks down how soil moisture monitoring and real-time irrigation control using HotSpot AG tools can give you clear, actionable answers. Monitoring Soil Moisture and Irrigation While evapotranspiration (ET) tells you how muc

A case study on using irrigation automation to conserve water, cut energy use, and elevate vineyard performance.  CHANDON has consistently demonstrated innovation in environmental practices, resource efficiency, and community engagement, setting a new benchmark for sustainable viticulture. The California Green Medal Awards were established in 2014 to recognize vineyards and wineries that lead the industry in the areas of environment, economic development and social equity.  As we all work towards a more sustainable future of agriculture, this recognition highlights the effort of vintners and winegrape growers striving to protect the environment and enrich the community. CHANDON’s 2025 California Green Medal Environment Award CHANDON’s Carneros vineyards are irrigated using a combination of surface water and reclaimed water sourced from the City of Sonoma, while the Yountville site relies primarily on recycled water from the winery’s own wastewater tr