Vineyard Team Connects Growers with the Experts Shaping Sustainable Winegrowing
September 1, 2026 (California) — What do modern grape varieties, intelligent sprayers, and biological pest management have in common? Growers can hear from leading experts on each through the Sustainable Winegrowing podcast, then continue the conversation at the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo.
This connection is part of Vineyard Team’s commitment to making timely, research-based education accessible to growers. The Sustainable Ag Expo extends that education through two days of in-person seminars and a tradeshow in San Luis Obispo, California plus on-demand online courses available to two-day attendees before and after the event. Whether listening to the podcast on the road, taking an online course on their own schedule, or connecting with experts in person at the Expo, growers have multiple ways to access sustainable winegrowing experts.
“It is obvious that the Vineyard Team podcasts are peer-to-peer as they are concise, relevant, trustworthy and about the length of time it takes to get between different vineyards,” said Greg Pennyroyal, Vineyard Manager at Wilson Creek Winery and Professor of Viticulture at Mount San Jacinto College.
Hear From the Experts Before the Expo
Several past podcast guests will take the stage at the Sustainable Ag Expo, November 10–11in San Luis Obispo, California.
Dr. Michelle Moyer of Washington State University, the 2026 Expo headliner, previously joined the podcast in episode 38 to discuss integrated pest management, powdery mildew, water stress, and the growing role of data in vineyard decisions. At the Expo, she will explore the latest innovations in grape breeding with Modern Grape Varieties and Their Role in Sustainable Farming, followed by a grower panel.
Thank you to headliner session sponsor Beckstoffer Vineyards.
Dr. Brent Warneke of Oregon State University explored intelligent sprayers in Episode 219, including how sensor-controlled equipment can improve pesticide application efficiency and reduce waste. At the Expo, his session Vineyard Sprayer Toolbox: Technologies, Tradeoffs, and Opportunities will examine the range of spray technologies available to growers and the tradeoffs behind each.
The podcast-to-Expo connection does not stop there. Listeners can tune in to Dr. Pam Marrone, Dr. Akif Eskalen of UC Davis, and Dr. Charlotte Decock of Cal Poly on topics ranging from biological pest management to vineyard soil health before hearing their latest research at the Expo.
Education That Fits a Grower’s Schedule
Like the podcast, the Sustainable Ag Expo’s online program gives growers the flexibility to continue learning and earn continuing education hours when their schedules allow. Access to 11 on-demand courses are included with a two-day Expo ticket, with courses available. October 12 through December 13.
Dr. Patty Skinkis of Oregon State University is one of several Expo experts who has previously joined Vineyard Team on the podcast. In the recent episode 320, she shares findings from long-term rootstock trials examining drought tolerance, yield, and canopy growth. This fall, her online Expo course will explore new technologies for vineyard nutrient monitoring, including precision viticulture, improved tissue sampling, and hyperspectral data.
Take the Conversation Further
Since 2005, the Expo has brought the industry together to share research, practical experience, and ideas that move sustainable winegrowing forward.
This year’s Expo returns November 10–11 with two days of seminars, 60+ exhibitors, continuing education opportunities, and networking with 500+ industry professionals.
Explore the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo program and purchase tickets at sustainableagexpo.org.
Don’t forget to search Sustainable Winegrowing on any major podcast platform to listen and subscribe.
About the Sustainable Ag Expo
The Sustainable Ag Expo is a multi-day seminar and tradeshow that connects farmers, ag professionals, and pest control advisors with the latest in sustainable farming research, resource issues, and business trends. Hosted by Vineyard Team, the event draws decision-makers representing over 225,000 acres of vineyards, orchards, and row crops.
About Vineyard Team
Arising from growers’ interest to educate and guide themselves towards sustainable winegrowing practices, Vineyard Team has become an internationally recognized leader in the sustainability movement since 1994.
