Sustainable Winegrowing
Food
About
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.
Episodes
- 311: A Softer Way to Fight Fungus in Vineyards | Sustainable Story
In episode 311, Andy Fles, Vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars, details an experiment comparing traditional fungicide programs with
- 310: Can Your Vineyard Soil Hold Enough Water Without Irrigation?
Miguel Garcia discusses a 15-vineyard study on California's North Coast evaluating how soil properties like organic matter affect water retention for dry-farmed vines. The project measured soil health indicators to understand water storage…
- 309: Create Memorable Winery Experiences That Drive Sales | Marketing Tip Monday
Craig Macmillan from Niner Wine Estates discusses how intentional design, including storytelling, insider access, and staff training, creates memorable winery experiences that foster customer loyalty and increase sales. Resources for susta…
- 308: Balancing Cost, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Vineyard Management
In episode 308 of Sustainable Winegrowing, Lucas Pope of Altera Solutions discusses balancing cost, efficiency, and sustainability in vineyard management. He covers strategies like irrigation, composting, herbicide-free practices, and fung…
- 307: Planting for Pollinators | Sustainable Story
Episode 307 of Sustainable Winegrowing discusses how 147 native plants established a monarch butterfly sanctuary, supporting biodiversity with low maintenance. The episode also touches on resources for telling sustainable stories and suppo…
- 306: Using Barn Owls for Gopher and Rodent Control in Vineyards
Barn owls are natural predators of gophers, voles, and mice, three of the most common vertebrate pests in vineyards. Matt Johnson, Professor in the Department of Wildlife at Cal Poly Humboldt University, studies how farms and wildlife can…
- 305: 3 Easy Ways to Promote Your Sustainability | Marketing Tip Monday
Wine buyers care about sustainability—but are you talking about it? Learn three practical ways to share your sustainable winegrowing story through tasting room interactions, sales conversations, and social media that builds trust with toda…
- 304: Vineyard Mothballing: Costs, Risks, and Long-Term Yield Consequences
With current market shifts, vineyard mothballing can buy growers time—but it requires strategy, not abandonment. Chris Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, draws on research in Australia and field experi…
- 303: Too Salty to Irrigate: A Vineyard's Unexpected Water Solution | Sustainable Story
When a newly dug well revealed water too salty for irrigation, Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard faced a serious threat to vine health and wine quality. Discover how a reverse osmosis system and an unexpected salt-loving grass transformed a c…
- 302: New Cover Crop Tool for Western Growers
Cover crops play a critical role in building healthy, resilient soils in vineyards and agricultural systems. Sarah Light, Agronomy Farm Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, shares how cover crops protect soil from wind and heavy rain, im…
- 301: Turning Sustainability into Sales | Marketing Tip Monday
Consumers want transparency and sustainability—and they reward it with loyalty and sales. This episode breaks down four key ways to communicate sustainability, from tasting rooms to sales channels, showing how clear, credible messaging bui…
- 300: From Sour Rot to Succession Planning: Craig Macmillan's Favorite Podcast Moments
A decade of viticulture education is right at your fingertips. Executive Director Beth Vukmanic interviews longtime host Craig MacMillan to celebrate ten years and 300 episodes of the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Together, they reflect…
- 299: A Winery, a Festival, and a $150,000 Investment in Music Education | Sustainable Story
While the Whale Rock Music Festival is renowned for rocking the Central Coast every year with live music and family-friendly activities. The event has an even greater purpose: supporting Templeton High School musicians through the parent-v…
- 298: How Cover Crops Shape Grapevine Root Systems
Root systems are more than just anchors, they are the plant's stomach, communicating with their environment through a network of microbes. Suzanne Fleishman, Assistant Professor of Root Biology at Penn State University, introduces the emer…
- 297: Consumers Want Sustainable Wine—Here's How to Be Seen | Marketing Tip Monday
Eco-conscious wine lovers are willing to pay more for sustainable products—but they won't dig for details. In this Marketing Tip Monday, learn how to meet consumer demand for sustainability by making it easy. With 60% of younger and multic…
- 296: Using Lasers for Bird Pest Management
Lasers may offer a chemical-free way to deter bird pests in vineyards and other agricultural systems. George Gallagher, Department Head of Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explains why bird pressure goes beyond crop loss, raisin…
- 295: Wine Law Essentials: Contracts, TTB, Social Media & More
Legal oversights can cost wine brands dearly, but with the right guidance, many are entirely preventable. Lindsey Zahn, Managing Partner of Lindsey Zahn P.C. Alcoholic Beverage Law Firm, breaks down the top four legal pitfalls wineries and…
- 294: Rooted in Community: Winery Stories of Generosity | Marketing Tip Monday
Foxen and Niner show impactful ways to weave generosity into everyday business. As you plan for 2026, think about the unique ways your brand can meaningfully engage with your local community. Then, share your team's participation, spotligh…
- 293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance
Rising temperatures and erratic weather accelerate ripening, spread disease faster, and shift sugar, alcohol, and acidity levels. All of which threaten wine quality and style. At Geisenheim University, Dr. Manfred Stoll is testing "vitivol…
- 292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better?
Will hybrid grapes help vineyards survive climate change? Professor Karine Pedneault of the Université du Québec en Outaouais explores this question through trials that expose grapevines to drought and heat stress. Testing both vinifera an…
- 290: Fighting Powdery Mildew with UVC Light
With fungicide resistance on the rise, grape growers are looking for new ways to manage powdery mildew. Lexi McDaniel, Viticulture Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, explores the science behind using UVC light to comb…
- 291: 3 Eco Buzzwords You Didn't Know Are Sustainable | Marketing Tip Monday
Terms like "regenerative," "climate‑smart," and "social equity" aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of sustainable winegrowing. Learn wine brands protect soil, reduce energy use, and support people, all while producing high-q…
- 289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is more than a nuisance, it poses a serious risk to vineyards. Brian Walsh, Extension Educator and Spotted Lanternfly Researcher with Penn State Extension, explains how this invasive insect threatens grapes across…
- 288: Why Now Is the Time to Promote Your Sustainable Certification
64% of consumers say sustainability is a top purchasing factor—even during inflation. But how do you turn that intent into action? Learn how to close the "aspiration-action gap" by proudly promoting your sustainable certifications and show…
- 287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin
Dry farming is more than just skipping irrigation—it's a deliberate practice that starts with soil stewardship. Lauryn Leeds Pesch of Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards and Leeds & Pesch Vineyard Consulting shares her deep-rooted knowledge in…
- 286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets
Can no-till really work in low-rainfall, compaction-prone soils? Taylor Jones, Director of Viticulture at Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California shares insights from an 8-year vineyard floor trial comparing till vs.…
- BONUS: Regenerative Farming, Irrigation Efficiency, and Agroforestry Tips from Kevin Rost
After wrapping up Episode 284 on SGMA, Kevin Rost (Apollo Ag Technologies) and host Craig Macmillan kept the conversation going—and it was too good not to share. In this bonus episode, Kevin dives deeper into the benefits of maintaining ir…
- 285: 4 Essential Social Media Marketing Tips to Boost Your Brand _MTM
Social media doesn't have to be overwhelming—especially with the right strategy. In this episode, we share four essential tips to grow your brand online, straight from digital marketing expert Emma Tessler of 95 Media. Focus on 1–3 platfor…
- 284: SGMA Demystified - Acronyms, Deadlines, and What You Need to Know
Understanding your water use is essential—whether it's regulated or not. Kevin Rost, Sales Representative for Apollo Ag Technologies in Fresno, California, shares how growers can get ahead of evolving water management expectations. Using C…
- 283: Developing Cold-Hardy Grapes with 23andMe Technology
Most of the world's wine grapes, like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, come from Vitis vinifera , a species prized for fruit quality but highly vulnerable to cold, pests, and disease. Assistant Professor Soon Li Teh of the Universi…
- 282: 5 Smart Ways Wineries Can Use AI to Save Time and Stay Creative | Marketing Tip Monday
AI won't replace you, but it can help you do more. Marketing expert Tamara Bingham (Likely Story Strategies) shares 5 practical ways wineries can use AI to save time, repurpose content, and plan smarter. Tune in for quick tips to work more…
- 281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity
Originally developed to combat phylloxera, rootstocks are now being researched as a solution to one of viticulture's challenges: drought. Dr. Suraj Kar, Assistant Professor of Viticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explores the 150-year…
- 280: How to Write a Wine Industry Press Release That Actually Gets Picked Up
Want to get your winery featured in the press? Start with a better press release. Erin Kirschenmann, Managing Editor of Wine Business Monthly and founder of Novel Pairings, shares what makes a press release newsworthy. She explains how to…
- 279: 3 Ways to Improve Your Customer Experience | Marketing Tip Monday
Why do most tasting room guests show up? It's not for the wine. Dan McCole (Michigan State University) shares research-backed tips to elevate customer experience through atmosphere, staff engagement, and showcasing accolades. Resources: **…
- 278: Fungicide Resistance in Powdery and Downy Mildew: 10 Years of Vineyard Research
Fungicide resistance in powdery and downy mildew is a growing challenge in Australian vineyards. Ismail Ahmed Ismail, Senior Research Officer at the South Australian Research and Development Institute, discusses a decade-long national stud…
- 277: Tainted or Toasted? Decoding Smoke Markers in Wine
How do volatile phenols from wildfire smoke interact with wine chemistry? Mango Parker, Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute, breaks down the science of smoke taint in wine. From identifying early markers lik…
- 276: The Business Case for Employee Engagement in the Wine Industry | Marketing Tip Monday
Discover how prioritizing employee engagement can elevate your sustainability efforts and business success. This episode explores real-world examples from Niner Wine Estates, Ancient Peaks, and Hope Family Wines, where workplace culture, s…
- 275: Pest Friends: The IPM Simulator Changing How Farmers Think
Pest Friends is a hands-on simulation that helps farmers make smarter Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decisions—by making the field a game board. Grant Loomis and Jason Thomas, Extension Educators with the University of Idaho, created Pes…
- 274: Beyond Foxy: The Case for Hybrid Winegrapes
Can hybrid grapes revolutionize the wine world? Adam Huss — Host of the Beyond Organic podcast and Co-owner of Centralas Cellars breaks down what a hybrid truly is, explaining how traditional breeding — and nature itself — has long crossed…
- 273: Learn How to Talk SIP with This Simple Framework | Marketing Tip Monday
[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Training season is fast approaching. It's time to get your hospitality staff prepared to welcome a range of guests from experienced enthusiasts to first timers. [00:00:10] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday. With SIP…
- 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard
Meet your vineyard night-shift rodent patrol —barn owls. Bob Peak, a dedicated volunteer at Pacific Wildlife Care, shares how these incredible predators consume up to 30 gophers or voles a night. Learn fun facts about their short lifecycle…
- 271: Integrating Biological Solutions
As biological technologies continue to advance, many growers are exploring how best to integrate them into their farming operations. Nevada Smith, Head of Marketing North America, and Robert Blundell, Research Plant Pathologist, both with…
- 270: Regenerative Farming Practices: Water, Soil, and Habitat | Marketing Tip Monday
[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: Sustainable farming practices are essential to protect the environment, improve a long-term agricultural productivity and support healthy communities. [00:00:08] Welcome to Marketing Tip Monday with SIP Certified.…
- 269: From Surplus to Strategy: Managing the Grape Market's Challenges
Amid news of oversupply and decreased demand, the wine industry has an opportunity to adapt to the changing market. Audra Cooper, Director of Grape Brokerage, and Eddie Urman, Central Coast Grape Broker at Turrentine Brokerage, discuss key…
- 267: Your Green Wine Glossary | Marketing Tip Monday
[00:00:00] Beth Vukmanic: A label can provide a lot of information about a wine. The next time you walk down the wine aisle, look for common terms and symbols like vintage, place of origin, percent alcohol, and even the SIP certified logo.…
- 266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour Rot
Managing pests like powdery mildew, downy mildew, botrytis, and sour rot can be a complex challenge. Andy Fles, Vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars in Michigan, shares insights from his USDA Sustainable Ag Research Education producer gr…
- 268: How to Tackle Leadership Transitions Successfully
Succession planning is essential for businesses navigating leadership changes due to retirement, promotions, or new opportunities. Erin Hoffman, Partner and Senior Consultant at Collaboration Business Consulting shares key strategies for s…
- 265: How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025
Social media like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn can feel like a lot to handle. Emma Tessler, Founder & CEO of Ninety Five Media, has some great advice to help you stand out online. She says it's important to have a clear brand…
- 264: (Rebroadcast) How to Talk SIP with 6 Wine Consumer Segments | Marketing Tip Monday
Every wine enthusiast has different preferences, behaviors, and levels of investment in their pursuit of great wine. A few years ago, Wine Intelligence identified six distinct consumer segments in the US market and we wondered "how can we…
- 263: Make Better Wines with Bioinformatics
Tiny microbes have a big impact on wine quality. Aria Hahn, CEO and co-founder of Koonkie, Inc., discusses the exciting work her bioinformatics organization is doing in the field of metagenomics. Hahn explains the differences between genet…