Growing Forward is an online conference series focused on educating & supporting Grapegrowers throughout the vineyard growing cycle and preparing them for the year ahead. The series features academics, agricultural experts, and notable industry professionals addressing current challenges and issues impacting the grower community.
Decision Time: Preparing for the Risk Factors of Smoke & Fire Exposure
Broadcast Date: Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 • 9:00 am (PT)
Wildfires have become an annual concern for grape growers around the globe, bringing devastation to crops and affecting wine quality for entire vintages. WIN’s latest Growing Forward webinar will prepare winegrowers to make more informed decisions in the event their vineyards are impacted by fire and/or smoke. Topics will range from determining the level of risk, what should or should not be in growers’ contracts, leveraging the correct data to mitigate risk, negotiating access permits for essential jobs in the event of an evacuation, farmworker safety protocols, contingency harvest plans, and more. Presented by industry experts, this session is for any grape grower looking to be better positioned in the event their grapes are at risk for smoke exposure.
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Watch Our Previous Growing Forward Sessions:
Our past sessions focused on key takeaways from the 2020 California Crush report; the 2021 bulk and grape market; regenerative viticulture; and the impact the West Coast wildfires continue to have on grower contacts and crop insurance, and how to protect your ag business.
New Learnings & Best Practices on Grape Powdery Mildew and Soil Moisture Monitoring
As bud break begins this season, two of the biggest concerns for grape growers are grape powdery mildew (GPM) and pre-irrigation of their vineyards. As the growing season progresses, another major concern is how to best utilize limited irrigation water resources. This session, led by Bryan Rahn, CPAg/SS, CCA and president of Coastal Viticultural Consultants, Inc. (CVC) will provide information for GPM and soil moisture/plant monitoring best practices that lead to more efficient GPM treatments and irrigation water use. The session will include vineyard managers from Silver Oak Winery and Trinchero Family Estates to share their experiences along with the results of implementing the programs presented
Session Panel:
Bryan Rahn, MODERATOR – President / Coastal Viticultural Consultants, Inc.
Allison Bettis, Viticulturist / Silver Oak Winery
Matt Frank, Senior Director of Vineyard Operations / Trinchero Family Estates
Dylan Rahn, Viticulturist, Vineyard Manager / Coastal Viticultural Consultants, Inc.
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Regenerative Farming: The Future for Grapegrowers?
A deep-rooted agricultural practice has resurfaced in modern vineyards—regenerative farming. While not a new concept, the term is circulating within the wine industry, touted as a step above sustainable, organic, and even biodynamic viticulture. This session aims to define what regenerative agriculture in practice means in terms of grape growing, its benefit over other sustainable measures, and best practices for transitioning a vineyard.
Session Panel:
Stacy Briscoe, Wine Journalist & Editor
Craig Camp, winegrower / Troon Vineyard
Paul Dolan, Co-Founder / Truett-Hurst Inc.
Jordan Lonborg, Viticulturist / Tablas Creek
Paul Skinner, President / Vineyard Investigations; Owner / Sequum Wines
Smoke Exposure: A Growers Perspective
The 2020 harvest was a sad reminder that wildfires are an ongoing environmental hazard for California growers. Effects of fire and smoke damage extend out of the field as well: we’re now re-defining grower-producer contractual agreements; re-evaluating crop insurance decisions, and re-assessing what tests are needed—and available—to ensure quality fruit and wine. This session will look at all of the above and feature a panel of experts who will share their recommendations to the grape-growing community on how to evolve with the current climate and work toward a profitable future for your business.
Session Panel:
Lise Asimont, Co-founder & Viticulturist / Dot Wines, LLC
David Balter, Partner / Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty
Jeff Bitter, President / Allied Grape Growers
Brian Clements, Vice President / Turrentine Brokerage
John Trinidad, Partner / Dickenson Peatman & Fogarty
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California Crush Report: Implications for 2021
The session, led by Glenn Proctor, partner of global wine and grape broker Ciatti Company, will present the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Annual Grape Crush Report and highlight the most important implications for wineries and growers for the upcoming harvest as well as the bulk wine market.
Session Panel:
Todd Azevedo, Partner, Broker / Ciatti Company
Johnny Leonardo, Broker / Ciatti Company
Greg Livengood, President, Partner, Broker / Ciatti Company
Glenn Proctor, Partner / Ciatti Company
Chris Welch, Partner, Broker / Ciatti Company
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