Free webinar will present PD/GWSS Board-funded research on climate-driven disease risk and area-wide control strategies — amid a breaking statewide alert over GWSS-infested grapevines sold at Costco stores
Healdsburg, CA (June 10, 2026) – Wine Industry Network (WIN) has opened registration for Growing Forward, a virtual Vineyard & Grower focused conference series tackling the most pressing topics and issues faced throughout the grape growing cycle. The second session of the 2026 series, “The Evolving Risk of Pierce’s Disease in the North Coast,” will be broadcast on June 30, 2026, at 10:00am.
Pierce’s Disease has historically posed lower risk to North Coast vineyards, in part because cold winter temperatures suppressed survival of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) — the invasive insect that serves as the primary and most aggressive vector for the disease. But warmer winters, longer growing seasons, and shifting vector ranges are changing that calculation. This session will share the latest PD/GWSS Board-funded research on Pierce’s Disease ecology and the control strategies that today’s growers need to understand.
The timing is especially urgent. Just weeks before this session, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued a statewide public alert after grapevines shipped from a Fresno County nursery to Costco Wholesale locations across Northern California were found to be infested with GWSS.
The session will include resources to help growers stay informed about this rapidly developing situation and understand what area-wide programs are doing in response.
The Growing Forward Virtual Conference serves as a platform designed to educate and support growers, preparing them for the year ahead and equipping them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in our ever-evolving industry. With a focus on addressing current challenges and issues impacting the grower community, the conference features renowned experts, academics, and industry professionals as speakers.
Registration is free and the session will broadcast on Tuesday, June 30 at 10:00am (PT).
For more details and to register visit: wineindustryadvisor.com/growingforward.
About Wine Industry Network (WIN)
Wine Industry Network is THE business resource for the North American Wine Industry sharing news and information, supplying products and service resources, and providing education & industry networking opportunities.
