Spreadsheets Aren’t “Free” A barrel inventory sheet in one tab. A fermentation log in another. A compliance tracker that’s been handed down and adapted over the years. A blending workbook, a tasting note doc, and a case count sheet. Plus the binders sitting in the desk drawers. None of it connected. When someone asks what the setup costs, the honest answer is nothing. There is no line on the P&L for wine production software. Technically, it’s free. Then you count the hours. When Wynne Sargeant joined Brave & Maiden as winemaker, the production records lived across a whole array of Google Sheets, which is a very common setup for small wineries. Topping a barrel meant opening the inventory sheet to find the right lot, then jumping to roughly a dozen other spreadsheets feeding compliance, logistics, blending, and inventory. Each one updated by hand. Technical sheets for wines already in bottle were incomplete, so producing one meant rebuilding the wine’s history from scratch. The

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/ --- 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) --- 💰 Grants & Funding Opportunities Panel Learn how to access and successfully use available funding: - Where to

We proudly announced the recipients of the inaugural WISE Rising Stars Scholarships during a live presentation at the DTC Wine Symposium last week, celebrating the next generation of DTC wine industry leaders in front of more than 500 winery professionals. As one of the event’s original sponsors, WISE continues to invest in the Symposium’s mission of education, collaboration, and forward‑thinking leadership. The Rising Stars Scholarships extend that commitment—supporting people, developing leadership, and strengthening the DTC community across the industry. The Rising Stars Scholarships received an overwhelming response from across the country. The strength of applications prompted Commerce7 to step in and match one of the scholarships, allowing WISE to expand the program and support additional recipients. Join us as we raise a glass towards this year's recipients! Kelsey Gomes is the DTC Marketing Manager at Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards. Upon re

So far this year three additional states—Arkansas, Mississippi, and most recently Delaware—have approved the issuance of licenses allowing DTC wine sales. Here is a brief overview of these new licenses: Arkansas The new Arkansas Wine Direct Shipping Permit went into effect on August 5, 2025. Older AR Wine Shipping Permits were automatically converted to the new permit type on that date without requiring any application or additional fees. Registration of labels to be shipped DTC is required via Product Registration Online (PRO) before shipping can commence under the new permit. Any labels that are registered for sales at wholesale in AR are considered also registered for DTC. However, at the time of this posting, the PRO system does not allow DTC-only product registrations to be completed. We are monitoring the status and will post an update once DTC label registrations can be successfully submitted. Mississippi The MS Alcoholic Beverage Control is now issuing the new Direc

With the U.S. wine industry under pressure from declining sales, shifting consumer trends, and economic headwinds, Sonoma County’s vintners and grape growers are coming together in an unprecedented way to confront these challenges – and chart a positive path forward for the local industry. A steering committee of regional leaders has been formed to explore establishing the Sonoma County Wine Improvement District (WID) to provide stable, strategic funding for the long-term strength and sustainability of Sonoma County’s wine and agricultural economy.  The stakes are high. The marketplace is changing rapidly and maintaining the status quo is not an option. The wine industry is facing challenges like never before which must be addressed to reverse the decline and grow the overall wine category.  This effort is significant and grounded in a fundamental truth: grape growers and vintners are inextricably connected, and the success of one depends on the strength o