With growers and winemakers facing unprecedented losses from the devastating West Coast wildfires, leaders of 10 wine industry groups are seeking help from Congress to obtain immediate disaster relief. Specifically, they are requesting an extension of the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to cover 2020 wildfire-related losses. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WHIP+ provides disaster payments to producers to …

Fires have once again ravaged California’s rural agricultural regions, leaving the most vulnerable in those communities without access to basic resources ranging from gas money to shelter. In response, California’s wine industry has rallied under the umbrella of #CAWineStrong to raise awareness and funds to support those in need. “Though many of our member wineries and growers are at risk …

Michigan State University— It is extremely difficult to stop birds once they have tasted the sweet grapes. Bird damage in the vineyard is a concern in any grape growing region, particularly in small blocks surrounded by forests or other vegetation. The damage begins around veraison when berries begin to accumulate sugar and color and it continues until harvest, even in late …

California’s annual winegrape harvest is underway, and wineries across the state are humming with activity as they transform the grapes into wine. Despite this year’s challenges, vintners are pleased with the quality of the 2020 vintage. As a tribute to this special time, Wine Institute presents eight lesser-known facts about California’s winegrape harvest. Want to experience California wine country‘s harvest? …

Contents of the September Issue: Consumer Behavioral Trends More Long-Term Demand for California Raisins? Fresno State Grape Day University Delivers Vital Info Via Webinar Format The American Grapevine Grape Industry News Briefs California Michigan Missouri Minnesota New York North Carolina Oregon Texas Virginia Washington

In Santa Barbara Wine Country, the Alisos Canyon area has long been revered for its high-quality fruit with its unique affinity towards Rhone-style varietals, and now the TTB has formally recognized Alisos Canyon as the region’s newest American Viticultural Area (AVA). Nestled between the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley, Alisos Canyon is a tightly defined, stand-alone AVA that …

Wine Institute submitted formal comments today to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services urging them to preserve the long-standing guidance on alcohol consumption contained in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines (DGA). Since 1990, the DGA have recommended that adults who choose to consume alcohol should do so in moderation and defined this as no more than one …

After a decade of working with Center of Effort Wine, time seems to have passed quickly. “As I think back, we have accomplished so much in that time. Our wines have found a rhythm, we understand the estate and the land, and we have begun to make adjustments based on deep knowledge of this place,” explains Nathan. Nathan Carlson joined …

Effective August 17th, Shannon Ridge Family of Wines announced the acquisition of Steele Wines, of Finley, California. Shannon Ridge has purchased the Lake County winery facilities and their diverse portfolio of brands and trademarks, including Shooting Star, Stymie, and Writer’s Block. “This merger represents the perfect solution for both parties,” says Shannon Ridge founder and President, Clay Shannon. “Strategically, the …