Hank Wetzel, Founder and Family Partner of Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg, has been elected Wine Institute Board Chairman for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The election was held at Wine Institute’s 85th Annual Meeting of Members in Calistoga. Other board officers elected are John Sutton of The Wine Group in Livermore, first vice chairman; Suzanne Groth of Groth Vineyards & …

As the farm labor force in California continues to shrink and costs continue to climb, growers have been compelled to mechanize much of their farming tasks.  Harvesting is one of the most labor-intensive tasks for California raisin growers, and fortunately, mechanical harvesting is an option for them.  The technology has been around for quite some time now; however, some growers …

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance is excited to announce that this year’s Signature Sonoma Valley captivated a sold-out audience by providing them with exclusive opportunities to access acclaimed vineyards, taste world-class wines from rare vintages, and enjoy educational events led by iconic leaders in the wine industry. Taking place May 16 through 19, more than 650 discerning travelers and wine enthusiasts from around …

The National Association of Wine Retailers and Connecticut consumers have reasons to celebrate with Governor Ned Lamont’s signing of Senate Bill 647, which legalizes shipments of wine from out-of-state wine stores and wine retailers to residents of the state. The legislation, championed by Senator John Fonfara, means consumers may begin receiving wine shipments from some of America’s best wine retailers …

SACRAMENTO, June 4, 2019 – California Association of Wine grape Growers (CAWG) President John Aguirre has issued the following statement: “In November 2018, in the wake of wildfires that devastated a number of California communities and prevented many growers from selling their 2018 wine grape crop, the California Association of Wine grape Growers (CAWG) and other California grower organizations asked …

SACRAMENTO, June 4, 2019 – The House Appropriations Committee on June 4 approved a bill that includes $1.5 million in research funding to address issues related to smoke exposed wine grapes. The committee approved the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill on a 29 to 21 vote. “We appreciate the committee’s decision …

The Washington Wine Industry Foundation awarded $43,000 in scholarships to 13 students pursuing careers in the wine industry. The awards were made from four funds: Walter J. Clore Scholarship– Established in 1997 by the Washington Winegrowers Association to recognize and honor the research and lifetime achievements of this pioneering Washington vintner. Six students were awarded Clore Scholarships. Foundation Fund Scholarship– …

  As California faces more frequent and severe droughts, agriculture, which relies on irrigation from surface water and groundwater, could become expensive and unsustainable. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, looked at using a “free” resource — rain water stored in the soil — and found that optimizing its use could go a long way to help meet demand …

Ceres Imaging, an aerial imagery and analytics company that improves decision making by providing farmers a comprehensive view of their farm, next month will present the first two webcasts of the Advances in Imagery audio series. The company is providing this free program in collaboration with Malcolm Media, publisher of American Vineyard Magazine, Pacific Nut Producer Magazine and more. Advances in …

(Fresno, CA) – Today, Randy Giumarra, the Chairman of the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) Board of Directors announced that Ian LeMay will serve as the new president of CFFA. LeMay will succeed GeorgeRadanovich, who has held the position since 2016 and will be leaving CFFA to promote sound ag labor policy inWashington, DC. Chairman Giumarra stated “Ian’s appointment is …