Sustainable Winegrowing

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...

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, t...

With fungicide resistance on the rise, grape growers are looking for new ways to manage powdery mildew. Lexi Mc Daniel, 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 appl...

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 Wine Likely Story Strategies Marketing Tips...

Spotted lantern f ly (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 r...

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...

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 Departm...

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...

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 h...

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 audience Craft a clear and consistent brand message Repurpose content to expand your reach Use analytics to improve your strategy   Lea...

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...

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 t...

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 Wine Likely Story Strategies Marketing Tips...

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-...

 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 pre...

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 Stories –...

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 gen...

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...

Discover how prioritizing employee engagement can elevate your sustainability efforts and business success. This episode explores real-world examples from Niner Wine Estates, Ancient Peaks, and Hope Family Wines, where workplace culture, strong benefits, and community involvement turn staff into long-term, loyal brand ambassadors. Learn why engaged employees are key to implementing best practices...

Pest Friends is a hands-on simulation that helps farmers make smarter Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decisions—by making the field a game board. Grant Loomis and Jason Thomas, Extension Educators with the University of Idaho, created Pest Friends to help players experience the real-life consequences of pest control. Players manage population dynamics, reacting to pest pressures, and decide when—...

Can hybrid grapes revolutionize the wine world? Adam Huss — Host of the Beyond Organic podcast and Co-owner of Centralas Cellars breaks down what a hybrid truly is, explaining how traditional breeding — and nature itself — has long crossed grape species. With over 70 grape species worldwide, today's modern hybrids are the result of generations of crossing, backcrossing, and innovation. We explore...

[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Training season is fast approaching. It's time to get your hospitality staff prepared to welcome a range of guests from experienced enthusiasts to first timers. [00:00:10] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday. With SIP Certified. We know that your customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer form episodes help you learn about the latest science and...

Meet your vineyard night-shift rodent patrol —barn owls. Bob Peak, a dedicated volunteer at Pacific Wildlife Care, shares how these incredible predators consume up to 30 gophers or voles a night. Learn fun facts about their short lifecycle, nesting habits, and how to properly install nest boxes (hint: ventilation and road direction matter!). Discover how you can encourage barn owls to thrive on yo...

As biological technologies continue to advance, many growers are exploring how best to integrate them into their farming operations. Nevada Smith, Head of Marketing North America, and Robert Blundell, Research Plant Pathologist, both with Pro Farm Group, highlight the role of biological pesticides and biofertilizers in sustainable winegrowing. Biological pesticides, derived from microbial sources...

[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Sustainable farming practices are essential to protect the environment, improve a long-term agricultural productivity and support healthy communities. [00:00:08] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday with SIP Certified. We know that customers are looking for wines labeled as sustainable. While our longer form episodes help you learn about the latest science and research for the...