Napa, CA (November 26, 2024) – The Napa Valley Grapegrowers hosted ROOTSTOCK 2024 on Tuesday, November 19 at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, focused on two significant viral threats to vineyard health: Leafroll Virus and Red Blotch Disease.
Difficulties mitigating the spread of both Leafroll Virus and Red Blotch Disease are causing increased concern for growers due to the reductions of fruit quality, and negative impact on vineyard profitability. With no cure available, the importance of early detection, innovative management practices, and cutting-edge research has never been higher. ROOTSTOCK featured expert-led sessions and panel discussions that dove into the latest research and mitigation strategies to address these viruses.
“Preventing the spread of red leaf viruses requires a community effort. We must all work together,” stated NVG Director Justin Leigon of Piña Vineyard Management. “Local neighborhood groups have been building strong social networks to foster collaboration and share experiences, and the academic community has made significant progress in understanding how red blotch spreads and has identified effective mitigation methods, such as targeted vine removal.”
“The fact that an event like this specifically regarding Red Blotch was held shows how important this issue is,” added ROOTSTOCK speaker and viticulturist Jake Maus of Colinas Farming Company. “I am hopeful that we can continue to raise awareness, and I think attendees were able to walk away with a better understanding of the science regarding the disease and the different angles growers are taking when addressing the problem.”
ROOTSTOCK was designed for and attended by a wide range of industry professionals committed to advancing Napa Valley’s viticultural excellence, including grape growers and vineyard owners, vineyard managers, winemakers, viticulturists, pest control advisors and consultants, nurseries and plant material providers, and industry advocates. ROOTSTOCK also provided a number of complimentary student admissions for young professionals studying to obtain Viticulture and Enology degrees.
2024 was the second year ROOTSTOCK was held in an enhanced programming format, providing attendees more in-depth educational content, a collaborative learning environment, and actionable takeaways to implement in their vineyards. Blending the latest scientific insights with techniques growers and winemakers conduct in real world situations has proven to be an effective method to empower growers with timely information leading to impactful results.
“Napa Valley Grapegrowers’ events like ROOTSTOCK give growers access to the latest research, best farming practices, and technological advancements,” Leigon added. “These events also provide a space for the grower community to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge.”
ROOTSTOCK has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley’s winegrowing community for over 17 years. Initially known as the ‘Vit Fair’ tradeshow, later the ‘Wine & Grape Expo’, ROOTSTOCK has continuously evolved to meet the needs of Napa’s growers and industry leaders.
To learn more, please visit napagrowers.org/nvgrootstock.
This holiday season, support NVG by donating through the CanDo’s Napa Valley Give!Guide. Donations are open until December 31 at candogiveguide.org/nonprofits/napa-valley-grapegrowers.
About the Napa Valley Grapegrowers
For nearly 50 years, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class viticultural region. Its mission is to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for the Napa Valley, and it represents over 600 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses. For more information, visit napagrowers.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
