Contents of the February Issue: Sudden Grapevine Collapse Disease Latest Research Revealed at Tree & Vine Expo A Brand New Sun-Maid Annual Meeting Highlights Raisin Promotion Sonoma County Winegrowers Certification Effort Makes Sonoma County a Global Leader Winter Vineyard Tasks Recommendations from University of Georgia Extension

In a surprise presentation on February 5, 2020, the fourth-annual Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award for major contributions to the American grape and wine industry was given to NGRA Board member Jim Trezise. Jim is former President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and current President of WineAmerica. The Smith Family gave the award during the Annual Leadership …

The 2019 crush totaled 4,085,772 tons, down 9.3 percent from the 2018 crush of 4,506,010 tons.  Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 2,135,112 tons, down 12.8 percent from 2018.  The 2019 white wine variety crush totaled 1,755,141 tons, down 4.3 percent from 2018.  Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 61,051, down 26.0 …

Every aspect of the wine and winegrape industry, from science and technology to trends and markets, came under the microscope as experts, economists, scientists and researchers from around the world shared their perspectives with thousands of industry professionals at the 26th Unified Wine & Grape Symposium (Unified), which wrapped up here today. As the largest wine and grape industry show …

Jodi Devaurs is the new director of trade policy for the California Table Grape Commission. Devaurs’ responsibilities include market access, technical issues, and general trade policy matters for the commission. “Managing technical issues to help growers and shippers move California grapes to market is a key function of the commission, and Jodi’s experience with government affairs and regulatory issues will …

Atlas Vineyard Management, Inc. has acquired the premier vineyard management company, Northwest Vineyard Service, Inc, operating in premium AVA’s in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon. The acquisition includes a great client portfolio with approximately 450 vineyard acres.  The employees of Northwest Vineyard Service Company have all accepted offers to join the Atlas Vineyard Management team securing continuity and a …

Rominger Brothers Farms of Winters has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 20 states. The award is presented annually by Sand County …

Scholarships are being offered by the Washington Wine Industry Foundation (Foundation) for undergraduate and post-graduate students studying viticulture, enology, or related disciplines. All applications are due Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Scholarships include: Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers Scholarship Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers Scholarship was created by growers and vintners dedicated to promoting education in grape growing and wine production. …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1. Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, pictured above, was elected chair. He succeeds Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres, who served in the role …