Sustainable Winegrowing

Legal oversights can cost wine brands dearly, but with the right guidance, many are entirely preventable. Lindsay Zahn, Managing Partner of Lindsay Zahn P.C. Alcoholic Beverage Law Firm, breaks down the top four legal pitfalls wineries and wine brands must avoid. From building solid contracts and understanding who owns what, to navigating TTB labeling rules, producing non-alcoholic wines, and staying compliant with social media advertising laws, this episode arms you with practical knowledge to reduce risk and protect your business from penalties. Resources: 187: Labor and Employment Law Tips from a LawyerCode of Federal Regulations - Food Labeling Code of Federal Regulations – Labeling and Advertising of WineDealcoholized Wine and Malt Beverages - LabelingGuidance for Industry: Food Labeling GuideLindsey Zahn Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Sustainable, Seriously Sustainable Ag Expo – The Premiere Winegrowing Event Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Foxen and Niner show impactful ways to weave generosity into everyday business. As you plan for 2026, think about the unique ways your brand can meaningfully engage with your local community. Then, share your team's participation, spotlight the organizations you support, and tell the stories that highlight your values. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Likely Story Strategies Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Story Worksheet Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Rising temperatures and erratic weather accelerate ripening, spread disease faster, and shift sugar, alcohol, and acidity levels. All of which threaten wine quality and style. At Geisenheim University, Dr. Manfred Stoll is testing "vitivoltaics": semi-transparent, trackable solar panels installed above vines. The system moderates heat, radiation, and extreme weather, while improving young vine establishment and water infiltration. Beyond the vineyard, this renewable energy can power everything from irrigation pumps to EV charging stations for wine tasting guests. Resources: 281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity283: Developing Cold-Hardy Grapes with 23andMe TechnologyAgrivoltaics in the VineyardAgrivoltaics in wine growing areasAre These Smart Solar Panels the Future of Sustainable Vineyards?Assessing the economic performance of agrivoltaic systems in vineyards - framework development, simulated scenarios and directions for future researchGrape Growth and Berry Development Under the Agrivoltaic System in VineyardsManfred StollSoaking Up the Sun: Agrivoltaics Build Resiliency into Producers' Operations in Rio Grande Valley Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Will hybrid grapes help vineyards survive climate change? Professor Karine Pedneault of the Université du Québec en Outaouais explores this question through trials that expose grapevines to drought and heat stress. Testing both vinifera and hybrid varieties, her research measured plant water flow and metabolic responses to determine resilience. While hybrids still carry a stigma around flavor, they showed promising resistance, raising the potential to reduce fungicide use by up to half and adapt more sustainably to extreme weather scenarios. Resources: 223: New Decision Support System for Irrigation Efficiency213: High Resolution Data from Space Helps Farmers Plan for Climate ChangeKarine Pedneault Karine Pedneault – Google ScholarKarine Pedneault - InstagramKarine Pedneault - LinkedInKarine Pedneault – Research GateMetabolic response of vitis vinifera and interspecific vitis sp. varieties to heat stress, water deficit and combined stress, using a metabolomic approachThe organic vineyard as a balanced ecosystem: Improved organic grape management and impacts on wine quality Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

With fungicide resistance on the rise, grape growers are looking for new ways to manage powdery mildew. Lexi McDaniel, Viticulture Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, explores the science behind using UVC light to combat this grapevine disease by directly disrupting the DNA bonds needed for replication. She shares insights from her trials, including why the light must be applied at night, how often it needs to pass through the vineyard, and how this technique compares to traditional fungicide programs in both cost and effectiveness. Resources: 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light197: Managing the Sour Rot Disease Complex in Grapes219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour RotField-Scale Ultraviolet-C Light Applications to Manage Grapevine Powdery MildewGrapevine Powery Mildew UV-C InformationIntroducing UVC applications for powdery mildew control in grapevinesLexie McDanielNorth Carolina State ExtensionUltraviolet-C (UVC) Light Can Be a Powerful Tool Against Grapevine Powdery Mildew Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member

Terms like "regenerative," "climate‑smart," and "social equity" aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of sustainable winegrowing. Learn wine brands protect soil, reduce energy use, and support people, all while producing high-quality wine. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified WineLikely Story StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterSustainable Story Worksheet Print Electronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is more than a nuisance, it poses a serious risk to vineyards. Brian Walsh, Extension Educator and Spotted Lanternfly Researcher with Penn State Extension, explains how this invasive insect threatens grapes across the eastern U.S. From unusual egg-laying behavior to honeydew-covered canopies that attract stinging insects, Walsh explores why vineyards are especially at risk and how growers can prepare during peak pressure in September. Learn about insecticide options, biocontrol efforts, and scouting strategies—whether SLF is in your area or not. Resources: 96: Spotted Lanternfly - Threat to California175: How to Prepare for Invasive Pests in Your VineyardAn Introduction to the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly:Webinar on April 21, 2023 Brian WalshResearch Update of Spotted Lanternfly in Grape: Webinar on March 9, 2022Spotted Lantern Fly Spotted Lanternfly Management in VineyardsSpotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year– Discount Code PODCAST25Vineyard Team – Become a Member

64% of consumers say sustainability is a top purchasing factor—even during inflation. But how do you turn that intent into action? Learn how to close the “aspiration-action gap” by proudly promoting your sustainable certifications and showing customers your commitment to responsible practices. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Likely Story StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterSustainable Story Worksheet Print Electronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member

Dry farming is more than just skipping irrigation—it's a deliberate practice that starts with soil stewardship. Lauryn Leeds Pesch of Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards and Leeds & Pesch Vineyard Consulting shares her deep-rooted knowledge in dry farming, a technique that relies solely on stored winter and spring rainfall to meet a vine’s needs. Learn about a $2M research initiative with the Department of Water Resources exploring water conservation in coastal California vineyards, the 5-step cultivation process, and how a new mapping tool can help you find and learn from neighboring dry-farmed vineyards. Resources: 151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health 153: The Role of Nematodes in Soil Health 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change177: The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi with Paul Schreiner 181: Can Applying Compost Reduce Water Use? California Ag Water Stewardship InitiativeCalifornia Ag Water Stewardship Initiative Dry FarmingDry Farming in Coastal California Vineyards ProjectLauren Leeds Pesch Instagram @calidryfarming Lauren Leeds Pesch LinkedIn Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year– Discount Code PODCAST25Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Can no-till really work in low-rainfall, compaction-prone soils? Taylor Jones, Director of Viticulture at Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California shares insights from an 8-year vineyard floor trial comparing till vs. no-till practices. From vine vigor to soil health, microbial life to tractor fuel savings, Taylor reveals surprising data and offers practical advice for growers considering a shift in floor management. Resources: 262: A Vineyard Research Site to Study Soil Health 253: Regenerative Agriculture: The Path the Climate Change Resilience?211: Vineyard Nutrient Management Across the United StatesCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils InitiativeHealthy Soils PlaylistTaylor Jones | LinkedIn Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member

After wrapping up Episode 284 on SGMA, Kevin Rost (Apollo Ag Technologies) and host Craig Macmillan kept the conversation going—and it was too good not to share. In this bonus episode, Kevin dives deeper into the benefits of maintaining irrigation distribution uniformity, selecting cover crops based on grower goals, and how agroforestry and silvopasture can revolutionize water retention and soil health. Learn how regenerative practices can reduce water use, pesticide inputs, and fertilizer needs while improving soil biology. Resources: 284: SGMA Demystified - Acronyms, Deadlines, and What You Need to Know 274: Beyond Foxy: The Case for Hybrid WinegrapesApollo Ag TechnologiesGroundwater: Understanding and Managing this Vital ResourceKevin Rost on LinkedInSustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Ultimate Irrigation Playlist Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with the right strategy. In this episode, we share four essential tips to grow your brand online, straight from digital marketing expert Emma Tessler of 95 Media. Focus on 1–3 platforms that align with your audienceCraft a clear and consistent brand messageRepurpose content to expand your reachUse analytics to improve your strategy Learn how to make social media work for you without burning out. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Likely Story StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterSustainable Story Worksheet Print Electronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member

Understanding your water use is essential—whether it’s regulated or not. Kevin Rost, Sales Representative for Apollo Ag Technologies in Fresno, California, shares how growers can get ahead of evolving water management expectations. Using California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) as a case study, he explains acronyms like GSA and GSP, outlines affordable tools for monitoring water use, and highlights why participation in local decision-making matters. This episode offers valuable insights for any grower looking to protect their resources, reduce costs, and build a more resilient farm. Resources: Appolo Ag TechnologiesGroundwater: Understanding and Managing this Vital ResourceKevin Rost on LinkedInSustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Ultimate Irrigation Playlist Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Most of the world’s wine grapes, like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, come from Vitis vinifera, a species prized for fruit quality but highly vulnerable to cold, pests, and disease. Assistant Professor Soon Li Teh of the University of Minnesota is developing new cold-hardy cultivars by combining traditional breeding with DNA technology—essentially 23andMe for grapes. His work taps into the resilience of native American species to improve winter survival and disease resistance. But it’s no quick fix: the process from initial cross to cultivar release takes 18 to 25 years. Resources: 135: Cold Hardiness of Grapevines 155: Sustainable Vineyard Management Across Different Climates 217: Combating Climate Chaos with Adaptive Winegrape VarietiesGrape Breeding and Enology project websiteGrape breeding at the University of MinnesotaSoon Li The, LinkedIn Soon Li Teh, University of Minnesota Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

AI won’t replace you, but it can help you do more. Marketing expert Tamara Bingham (Likely Story Strategies) shares 5 practical ways wineries can use AI to save time, repurpose content, and plan smarter. Tune in for quick tips to work more efficiently and stay creative. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***Apply for SIP Certified WineLikely Story StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterPrintElectronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Originally developed to combat phylloxera, rootstocks are now being researched as a solution to one of viticulture’s challenges: drought. Dr. Suraj Kar, Assistant Professor of Viticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explores the 150-year history of rootstocks and their evolving purpose. He explains the complex influence rootstocks have on drought tolerance, vine vigor, and fruit set—and how long-term research is identifying those best suited to support vine longevity in a changing climate. Resources: 110: How to Develop a New Vineyard Site 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate ChangeDifferences in grapevine rootstock sensitivity and recovery from drought are linked to fine root cortical lacunae and root tip functionFoundation Plant Sciences Grape Registry: Grapevine VarietiesIrrigation and rootstock effects on the phenolic concentration and aroma potential of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes Researchers pinpoint drought-resistant traits in grape rootstocks Root pressure–volume curve traits capture rootstock drought toleranceSuraj Kar, Ph.DThe influence of grapevine rootstocks on scion growth and drought resistance Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – Discount Code PODCAST25 Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Want to get your winery featured in the press? Start with a better press release. Erin Kirschenmann, Managing Editor of Wine Business Monthly and founder of Novel Pairings, shares what makes a press release newsworthy. She explains how to tailor your message, capture editors’ attention with the five Ws, and why showcasing the human side of your brand matters. Learn how to craft more effective press releases and make your brand stand out. Resources: 265: How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025 276: The Business Case for Employee Engagement in the Wine Industry | Marketing Tip MondayErin Kirschenmann on InstagramNovel PairingsWine Business Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Why do most tasting room guests show up? It’s not for the wine. Dan McCole (Michigan State University) shares research-backed tips to elevate customer experience through atmosphere, staff engagement, and showcasing accolades. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** 257: Understanding Winery Visitors – Increase Sales with your Messaging 2025 SIP Certified Sustainable StoriesApply for SIP Certified WineMarketing Tips eNewsletterPrintElectronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

Fungicide resistance in powdery and downy mildew is a growing challenge in Australian vineyards. Ismail Ahmed Ismail, Senior Research Officer at the South Australian Research and Development Institute, discusses a decade-long national study on fungicide resistance in Australian vineyards. Listeners will learn how spore trapping is being made practical and affordable, the use of phenotyping and genotyping to detect resistance, and why monitoring fungal populations is critical for sustainable disease management across FRAC groups. Resources: 266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV LightAustralian Fungicide Resistance Extension NetworkFRAC Code List©* 2024 Improving the understanding of fungicide resistance in Australian viticultureStatus of fungicide resistance in Australian vineyards and developing strategies for monitoring Understanding fungicide resistance in powdery mildew, downy mildew and botrytis Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member

How do volatile phenols from wildfire smoke interact with wine chemistry? Mango Parker, Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute, breaks down the science of smoke taint in wine. From identifying early markers like guaiacol and 4-methylguaiacol to uncovering the complex web of over a thousand compounds involved, Mango shares insights from two decades of research into how smoke transforms wine—from vineyard to barrel. Resources: 145: New Class of Compounds Linked to Smoke Taint in Wines 143: Can Barrier Sprays Protect Against Smoke Taint in Wine? Australian Wine Research Institute – Smoke TaintMango ParkerMango Parker - Google ScholarMango Parker - LinkedInPrevalence of Wildfire Smoke Exposure Markers in Oaked Commercial Wine Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member