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Sustainable Winegrowing

Vineyard Team

Get the latest science and research for the wine industry with Sustainable Wine Growing. Vineyard Team brings you industry professionals and experts on resource issues and business trends related to sustainable agriculture to help you put sustainability into practice.

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Thursday · 36 min
326: Increasing Microbat Activity for Vineyard Pest Management
Microbats are tiny natural predators with a big appetite for insects, but the uniform structure of a vineyard can keep them from venturing far into the block. Matt Fowles, Owner and CEO of Fowles Wine, noticed that vineyard blocks near trees had less moth pressure than those bordered by open grassland. He shares how that observation inspired a system of vertical structures designed to give microbats echolocation points and encourage them to move deeper into the vineyard. Early trials show increased bat activity and promising potential for natural pest control in vineyards. Resources: 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard 306: Using Barn Owls for Gopher and Rodent Control in Vineyards Bat Navs: A project by Fowles – Series Trailer Fowles Wine Activates $500K Grant to Go Into Bat for Aussie Viticulture, Safeguarding Against Costly Pests Matt Fowles - Fowles Wines - a cool-climate wine producer Microbats (little bats) Microbat | Wikipedia The bats safeguarding against pests in vineyards What are 5 species of microbats? Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#325
Monday · 4 min
325: 4 Wine-Focused Social Media Tips: Q&A with Heather Daenitz | Marketing Tip Monday
Social media keeps changing, but wineries can stay relevant with a focused strategy. Heather Daenitz (Craft & Cluster) shares practical advice on Instagram Stories, audience engagement, searchable content, authentic video, and content series that help wineries connect with wine consumers. Resources: Apply for SIP Certified Wine Join the SIP Certified Wine Finder (Members Only) Marketing Tips eNewsletter Real Stories, Real Impact SIP Certified Marketing Toolkit Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#324
August 20 · 34 min
324: Why Great Wine Isn't Enough: The Science of Liking
Why we like wine has less to do with our taste buds than you might think. Zata Vickers, professor of Food Science and Nutrition and director of the Sensory Center at the University of Minnesota, explains the science behind why we like what we like. Learn how repeated exposure, positive social experiences, and even the words used to describe wine influence our preferences. Along the way, she shares surprising insights into what babies' reactions can teach us about taste and why food preferences are learned more often than they're born. Resources: 257: Understanding Winery Visitors – Increase Sales with your Messaging 309: Create Memorable Winery Experiences That Drive Sales | Marketing Tip Monday Food Science Seminar Zata Vickers Zata Vickers | Google Scholar Zata Vickers | LinkedIn Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#323
August 10 · 2 min
323: Nature's Night Shift | Sustainable Story
Mesa Vineyard Management teamed up with Cal Poly to track barn owls and understand where they hunt in an effort to help growers strengthen natural pest control in vineyards. Resources: Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Real Stories, Real Impact SIP Certified Marketing Toolkit Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#322
August 6 · 33 min
322: Managing Spotted Lanternfly with Biological Control
Biological control is emerging as one of the most promising tools against spotted lanternfly. Anne Johnson, postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, explains how spotted lanternfly damages grapevines by draining plant sap and producing honeydew that fuels sooty mold. She shares new research showing that North American predators, including spiders, praying mantises, and birds, are already helping keep this invasive pest in check. Learn which biological control strategies show the most promise, why removing tree of heaven matters, and how community science is accelerating discoveries for sustainable spotted lanternfly management. Resources: 96: Spotted Lanternfly - Threat to California 175: How to Prepare for Invasive Pests in Your Vineyard 289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do Allies Against an Invasive: Interactions Between Spotted Lanternflies and Native Species (Seminar) Anne Johnson | Google Scholar Anne Johnson | Michigan State University Birds Biting Bad Bugs | Facebook Natural insect predators may serve as allies in spotted lanternfly battle Predation of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) by generalist arthropod predators in North America Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide Spotted lanternfly may use 'toxic shield' to fend off bir predators Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#321
July 27 · 2 min
321: 4 Ways to Get More from Every Social Media Post | Marketing Tip Monday
Boost your social media marketing without creating more content. Discover four simple strategies to improve SEO, help the right audience find your posts, increase saves and shares, build authentic connections, and repurpose content to maximize your reach. Resources: Apply for SIP Certified Wine Join the SIP Certified Wine Finder (Members Only) Marketing Tips eNewsletter Real Stories, Real Impact SIP Certified Marketing Toolkit Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#320
July 16 · 36 min
320: How Grapevine Rootstocks Affect Drought Tolerance, Yield, and Canopy Growth
Choosing the right grapevine rootstock can improve drought resilience without sacrificing yield. Patty Skinkis, Viticulture Extension Specialist and Professor in the Horticulture Department at Oregon State University, shares findings from long-term Oregon rootstock trial comparing mature and young vineyards. Learn which rootstocks produced larger canopies and higher yields with less water stress, why traditional low-vigor choices may struggle in no-till systems, and how this research is shaping an updated guide to help growers select rootstocks for climate resilience, vineyard establishment, and future production. Resources: 281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity Evaluating Drought-Tolerant Rootstocks in Cool Climate Wine Grapes for Climate Change Resilience Patricia Skinkis | Google Scholar Patricia Skinkis | Instagram Patricia Skinkis | LinkedIn Patricia Skinkis | Oregon State University Patricia Skinkis | Research Gate Rootstock drought tolerance under dry-farmed conditions in Oregon's Willamette Valley Rootstock effects on mature Pinot noir growth and productivity under cool climate, dry farmed conditions Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#319
July 13 · 1 min
319: From Remote to Reliable | Sustainable Story
While Santa Barbara's Foxen Canyon area is known for its natural beauty, reliable cell service is not one of its amenities. Read More.
#318
July 2 · 25 min
318: The Hidden Life of Grapevine Roots: When Roots Really Grow
Many winegrape growers don't realize that grapevine roots are constantly growing, dying, and regenerating throughout the season. In this episode, David Eissenstat, Professor Emeritus at Penn State University, explains how decades of root research have challenged the myth that roots only grow at bloom and after harvest. He shares how underground research techniques reveal the hidden life of grapevine roots, why young roots drive water and nutrient uptake, how root growth changes with temperature and moisture, and what growers should know about managing vineyards with a deeper understanding of root biology. Resources: 281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity Crop load – physiology, modelling and relationships to root growth in grapevines David Eissenstat Importance of internal hydraulic redistribution for prolonging the lifespan of roots in dry soil The Efficiency of Nutrient Acquisition over the Life of a Root Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#317
June 29 · 5 min
317: Print Media Isn't Dead | Marketing Tip Monday
Think print is a thing of the past? Think again. Discover why print remains a powerful marketing tool for wineries, offering lasting impressions, stronger recall, and a personal touch that digital channels can't always match. Learn how to make your print materials work smarter and more sustainably. Resources: Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Real Stories, Real Impact SIP Certified Marketing Toolkit Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#316
June 18 · 29 min
316: Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper: Monitoring, Models, and Management
Three-cornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH) is the only confirmed insect vector of grapevine red blotch virus in Vitis vinifera, yet many growers first realize they have the pest only after spotting petiole girdling in the vineyard. Cindy Kron, North Coast IPM Advisor at UC ANR, shares findings from two years of weekly sweep-net monitoring at Oakville Research Station that revealed TCAH adults are present well before bud break, suggesting grapevines are not their preferred host. She explains the insect's life stages, why legumes serve as key feeding and reproductive hosts, and why detecting early instars remains a major challenge for vineyard IPM. Cindy also discusses how degree-day models may help growers better time tillage to reduce TCAH populations and limit grapevine red blotch risk. Resources: 71: New Techniques to Detect Grapevine Leafroll Disease 131: Virus Detection in Grapevines Can a pesky treehopper be foiled because its growth is regulated by temperature? Cindy Kron How to use a model for reduction of three-cornered alfalfa hopper in vineyards Identification of Nonhost Cover Crops of the Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper (Spissistilus festinus) Use of Ground Covers to Control Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Hemiptera: Membracidae), and Other Suspected Vectors of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Weather Models and Degree Days Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#315
June 8 · 1 min
315: Nature's Lawn Mowers | Sustainable Story
Meet Gilbert the Pig and friends. These goats, sheep, and Kunekune pigs replaced herbicides and mowing with year-round weed control. And they're adorable. Resources: Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Real Stories, Real Impact SIP Certified Marketing Toolkit Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#314
June 4 · 26 min
314: Cut Bird Damage and Costs: Real Grower Results Using Vineyard Lasers
Wine grape growers are turning to precision technology to mitigate bird damage while reducint labor and material costs. In this episode, Joseph Traut (Cypress AgTech) joins growers Chad Foster (Maverick Farming) and Paul Ramirez (Loma Escondida Farming) to share real-world experience using an autonomous, silent laser system that protects 20–30 vineyard acres per unit. Learn how to optimize placement, program effective coverage patterns, and time use from mid-June through harvest. Hear which bird species are easiest to deter, where challenges remain, and how this approach supports sustainable, worker-safe vineyard management. Resources: 6/10/2026 REGISTER: Technology Field Day Tailgate 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard Autonomous Bird Laser Deterrent (video) Cypress AgriTech | Sustainable Farming Technology | United States Joseph Traut, Vice President, Cypress AgriTech Maverick Farming Riley Boylan, President, Cypress AgriTech Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#313
May 25 · 2 min
313: Train Your Team to Talk About Sustainability | Marketing Tip Monday
Two-thirds of consumers say sustainability matters when choosing what to buy. Learn how to equip your tasting room team with simple, authentic talking points that help guests connect with your values and turn every interaction into a memorable brand experience. Resources: Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Real Stories, Real Impact SIP Certified Marketing Toolkit Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#312
May 21 · 49 min
312: Why the Best Ag Tech Is Built With Growers
The biggest challenge in ag tech isn't innovation — it's making tools that actually work on the farm. Matthew Hoffman, General Partner and Head of Farms at Reservoir, shares how the company is helping ag tech startups develop tools that solve real farming challenges. By partnering directly with specialty crop producers, including winegrape growers, Reservoir gives companies access to farms, equipment, and real-world feedback to refine technologies before they reach the market. Matthew highlights emerging innovations in autonomous equipment, robotics, machine vision, and farm management technology, and explains why grower involvement is essential to creating solutions that fit the realities of vineyard operations. Resources: 6/10/2026 REGISTER: Technology Field Day Tailgate 129: The Efficient Vineyard Project 233: The Gap Between Space and Farm: Ground Truthing Satellite Data Models 249: Making it Easier to Use Satellite Data in Agriculture Matthew Hoffman - LinkedIn Reservoir Reservoir - LinkedIn Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#311
May 11 · 1 min
311: A Softer Way to Fight Fungus in Vineyards | Sustainable Story
Andy Fles, Vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars, wanted to make his fungicide program even more sustainable. So, he set up an experiment that put "soft" materials head to head with his usual program. Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#310
May 7 · 30 min
310: Can Your Vineyard Soil Hold Enough Water Without Irrigation?
Can your soil hold enough water to carry vines through the season without irrigation? Miguel Garcia, Regenative Agriculture Project Manager at Napa RCD, shares findings from a 15-vineyard study across California's North Coast. By measuring organic matter, soil respiration, active carbon, and aggregate stability, the project evaluates how soils store and supply water over the growing season. Learn how cover crops, tillage practices, and deep root systems shape soil and moisture dynamics, and how dry-farmed vineyards compare with the broader soil health database. Resources: 4/28/26 Dry Farm Site Tour, New Cuyama, CA | REGISTER 5/21/26 The Science and Practice of Dry Farmed Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA | REGISTER 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change 181: Can Applying Compost Reduce Water Use? 287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin California Winegrape Dry Farming Potential Map Dry Farming in Coastal California Vineyards Napa County Resource Conversation District North Coast Soil Hub Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#309
April 27 · 9 min
309: Create Memorable Winery Experiences That Drive Sales | Marketing Tip Monday
Memorable winery visits don't happen by accident. They're designed. Craig Macmillan (Niner Wine Estates) shares how storytelling, insider access, and well-trained staff turn winery tours into long-lasting customer relationships. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Stories Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#308
April 16 · 32 min
308: Balancing Cost, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Vineyard Management
Making the best sustainable farming decisions isn't about choosing one solution; it's about weighing the best strategies for your vineyard. Lucas Pope, Vice President of Altera Solutions, shares how growers can balance performance, cost, and long-term impact by understanding trade-offs. Lucas dives into developing a vineyard for efficiency, the best irrigation setup, composting, herbicide-free practices, and fungicide resistance, while emphasizing collaboration with clients to select the best approach for each unique site. Resources: 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light 219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money 302: New Cover Crop Tool for Western Growers Alterra Solutions Healthy Soils Playlist Pre-Season Checklist for Powdery Mildew Management | DPR 1 - O; CCA 1 - IPM Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing
#307
April 13 · 1 min
307: Planting for Pollinators | Sustainable Story
147 native plants now create a thriving monarch butterfly sanctuary. What started as a passion project now supports biodiversity with minimal maintenance. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Marketing Tips eNewsletter Planting for Pollinators | Sustainable Story Sustainable Story Worksheet | Electronic Support the Podcast: Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing

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