California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $44,000 in Student Scholarships

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $44,000 in college scholarships to eight students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.

    “The scholarships, awarded annually by the CAWG Foundation, serve as a powerful testament to our profound gratitude for the families of vineyard employees. The workforce is the very essence of our industry, and these scholarships stand as a heartfelt expression of our immense appreciation,” stated Davindar Mahil, Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors.

    The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have truly excelled in various aspects. From academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities to making a positive impact through public service and active community engagement. In addition to considering financial need and scholastic ability, the board also values a strong spirit of community service, a track record of leadership, and a personal essay that embodies their journey.

    Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $603,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.

    This year, five scholarships at $8,000 each were awarded to students attending a four-year University of California or California State University campus, one two-year scholarship at $2,000 was awarded to a student attending a California community college, and two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students through the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Created by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students who plan to pursue a career in the winegrape industry and are studying viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients / $8,000 each

    Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School
    Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School
    Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School

    Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipient / $2,000

    Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship / $1,000 each

    David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH

    Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    Sofia is a hardworking first-generation college student who hopes to own her own business and/or work in the sports industry. Sofia has excelled in school, being named one of her high school’s top 40 students, an award that she was nominated for and voted on by staff. She has excelled in school, skipping a grade, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and being actively involved in CSF, student council, and golf. Sofia attended a CADA/CASL leadership conference at UC Santa Barbara where she grew as a leader. She plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall and major in business.

    Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School

    Harmandeep is a passionate and dedicated student with a strong appreciation for the field of science. In the fourth grade, Harmandeep joined the Science Olympiad team and his love for science has never wavered. He served as the captain of the Tokay High School’s Varsity Science Olympiad team where he broadened his knowledge in all aspects of science. This experience led him to his career goal of becoming a healthcare professional. He hopes to one day provide quality healthcare in the Central Valley. Harmandeep has volunteered within his community at the Sikh Temple, San Joaquin County Medical Society, and the NorCal Science Festival. Harmandeep plans to attend UCLA, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Agricultural Pest Management.

    Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School

    Faith is the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree. She is goal- oriented, driven, and values her education. Throughout her high school career, Faith has been active in 4-H and FFA and was one of 43 seniors to receive a gold academic pin for being involved in scholastic extracurriculars while maintaining multiple jobs. Faith plans to become an agricultural inspector after college because of a passion she developed through livestock and crop judging contests in FFA. Faith is a dynamic leader and served as the Mother Lode Sectional FFA Vice President. Faith plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Agricultural Business.

    Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep

    Juan is an eager and dedicated student who is actively involved in his school and community. Born in Mexico, Juan and his family immigrated to California in 2010. Juan will be the first in his family to achieve their dream of a college education. Juan is a devoted student and has maintained a 4.0 since the seventh grade, and recently received many awards for his scholastic achievements including Advanced Honor Roll, Exemplary Award, Most Improved, and Outstanding Academic Success. He has an exceptional work ethic and is intrinsically motivated by his desire for knowledge. Juan plans to attend Cal Poly, Pomona or San Diego State in the fall majoring in Hospitality and Tourism.

    Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School

    Julie is a goal-oriented student with a deep appreciation for the winegrape industry. Julie’s career path took shape when she completed her first Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in FFA working in a vineyard with her grandfather. She performed all tasks including tying grapes, pruning vines, and conducting sugar tests. Her experience in FFA helped shape her career goal to grow winegrapes and work as a grape processor. Julie is actively involved in sports, extracurricular activities, and community service projects while maintaining a 4.1 grade point average. Pursuing grape production is more than

    just a SAE project to Julie, it is a way to continue her family’s history – something she deeply values. Julie plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and major in Viticulture and Enology.

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH

    Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Edgar is the son of immigrant parents who pushed him to focus on his education and pursue a college degree. Edgar’s dedication to his studies and his exceptional critical thinking capabilities drive his aspirations to major in music and become an audio engineer. He is passionate about music production in all forms including music, movies, and video games. Edgar takes his education very seriously and is enamored with studying Spanish-speaking culture. Outside of school, Edgar volunteers at Ironman Triathlons because of his desire to help others and learn about the effort and commitment required to put on these events. Edgar values giving back to his community through volunteer activities. Edgar plans on attending Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall.

    ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1000

    David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School

    David is a tenacious, resilient, motivated, and hardworking student who has shown great leadership in his extracurricular activities at Mission Prep High School. David has a deep history in the agricultural industry, growing up on his family’s ranch, one that he hopes to continue as he gains knowledge and further understanding of the wine, farming, and business industries. David raised livestock and participated in 4-H since he was 5 years old and worked at multiple wineries in Paso Robles where he was able to explore different aspects of the industry. David plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture and Enology.

    Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School

    Mindy is a first-generation college student with a strong love for the winegrape industry that has been a part of her life since she was born. Her enthusiasm for the cultivation of winegrapes comes from working alongside her grandfather and father in the vineyard on the weekends. In high school, Mindy was a part of the Cabrillo High School Viticulture Program where she became the Vineyard Manager Lead. As the lead, Mindy managed the vineyard including identifying brix levels, tending to irrigation problems, pruning, and more. Mindy plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture & Enology to achieve her career goal of becoming a vineyard manager.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

  • CA Raisin Grower Shares Experience with Two New Complete DOV Varieties

    As the cost of labor increases and availability around harvest tightens, California raisin growers are hopeful that two new complete dried on the vine (DOV) varieties will make a big difference for the future of the industry.  Austin Hubbell of Marthedal Enterprises is one such grower who has had the unique experience in harvesting both varieties, which appear to have promise.  Watch this video with Austin and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • PD/GWSS Board Grants $2.7 Million in New Funding for 17 Research Projects

    The PD/GWSS Board recommended $2.7 million in new funding for 17 research projects investigating PD, grapevine viruses, and vectors over the next three years. Sixteen projects are new and one is an expansion of a previously approved project. Additionally, 10 previously approved multi-year projects received continued funding for a little more than $1 million for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The recommendation was approved by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.

    “We were pleased with the high number of research proposals we received, especially the increase in projects addressing grapevine viruses,” said Dr. Kristin Lowe, PD/GWSS Board research coordinator. “Every research project the PD/GWSS Board funds brings the winegrape grower industry closer to solutions for the pest and disease problems growers face.”

    The Board has invested over $55 million since 2001 in research and outreach to protect vineyards, prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and deliver practical and sustainable solutions. Click to learn more about Board-funded research.

  • Why Sun-Maid Growers Acquired Plum Organics

    When Sun-Maid Growers announced its acquisition of baby food brand Plum Organics in 2021, it came as a surprise to many.  Naturally, raisin growers wanted to know how this might benefit the California raisin industry, beyond simply growing and diversifying Sun-Maid’s portfolio.  Watch this brief interview with Sun-Maid Growers Executive Chairman Harry Overly as he explains.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • Rhone Rangers To Honor Sonoma Wine Grape Grower Frederic Cline

    The national Rhone Rangers will present its seventh Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, June 24, 2023, to recognize the significant contributions made by an individual to the American Rhone wine movement. This year’s honor will be bestowed to Frederic Cline, founder and owner of Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma, CA. Cline is also one of the original founders of the Rhone Rangers organization.

    A native of Los Angeles, Frederic Cline spent his summers as a teenager in Contra Costa County at his grandfather Valeriano’s farm. Valeriano, an Italian immigrant, shared with Cline a European approach to winemaking, and taught him how to farm grapes with care and intention. This sparked a lifelong love of agriculture and winemaking, with Cline attending U.C. Davis to study viticulture.

    In 1982, Frederic Cline started Cline Family Cellars in Oakley, California, making his first vintages from original plantings of head-trained and dry-farmed Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Carignane, with some plantings dating back to the 1880s. In 1989, Cline and his wife Nancy purchased a 350-acre horse ranch property in the Los Carneros region of Sonoma County, which is home to the present-day location of Cline Family Cellars. Cline’s love for Rhone varietals led him to initially plant Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, which were viewed with skepticism at the time. To help raise awareness for these obscure varietals, Cline co-pioneered, with other industry legends, the original Rhone Rangers. Cline has devoted his career to sustainable farming practices in the vineyard, the preservation of heritage vineyards in Contra Costa, and to his passion for sharing the highest quality Rhone-style wines with the world at accessible price points.  Cline Family Cellars will celebrate forty-one years in business this year. “It is a great pleasure that the Rhone Rangers have the privilege of honoring foundational leaders in the wine industry with the Lifetime Achievement honor.  Fred and his family have never wavered from their dedication to crafting fine wines from the classic Rhone varieties. They have built a foundation for all Rhone Rangers making wines from these varieties in the United States today,” noted national Rhone Rangers President Craig Camp of Troon Vineyard.

    Past Rhone Rangers Lifetime Achievement honors have been awarded to notable Rhone wine luminaries, including Randall Grahm – Bonny Doon Vineyard (2013), Robert Haas – Tablas Creek Vineyard (2014), Robert “Bob” Lindquist – Qupé/Lindquist Family Wines (2015), Bill Easton – Terre Rouge (2016), Sondra Bernstein – the girl and the fig (2017), and Gary Eberle -Eberle Winery (2021).

    The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Frederic Cline during the Rhone Rangers Summer Gala evening wine dinner, to be held at Cline Family Cellars on June 24, 2023.  The evening will include eminent speakers from the Rhone wine community and a stellar selection of Cline Family wines, in the exquisite outdoor setting of Cline Family Cellars.  Tickets are $250 per person and include a multi-course dinner, in addition to VIP Access to reserve wines at the afternoon wine tasting. The afternoon Rhone Rangers wine tasting will be held on the Cabana Lawn at the winery, featuring 30 Rhone Ranger wineries from throughout the national organization, representing Sonoma, Napa, Lodi, El Dorado, Lake County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Oregon, and Texas. Wine tasting only tickets are available for $75 per person. For tickets and additional information on participating wineries, please visit www.rhonerangers.org.

    About the Rhone Rangers

    Founded in 1998, the Rhone Rangers are a group of 100+ wineries throughout the United States dedicated to making wines from the 22 grape varieties originally made famous in France’s Rhône Valley. These varieties range from the better-known Syrah and Viognier to the up-and-coming Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Roussanne, and obscure grapes like Counoise and Picpoul.

    The Rhone Rangers started from a small gathering of American vintners who began meeting informally in the 1980s. As their numbers expanded, the non-profit organized under the name “Rhone Rangers,” with a focus on promoting the enjoyment of Rhône varietal wines produced in the United States. These grapes include the 22 traditional varieties approved by the French government for the Côtes du Rhône, as well as Durif (Petite Sirah). For a wine to qualify as a Rhone Rangers wine, the winery must be a member of the national organization and 75% of the wine’s content must include one or more of the twenty-two traditional Rhone grape varieties. For more information, please visit www.rhonerangers.org.

  • Leadership Transition Planned for California Table Grape Commission

    Ian LeMay, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association will become President & CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025. LeMay will succeed Kathleen Nave who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink. Nave joined the commission in 1987 and plans to retire in the spring of 2025. LeMay will join the commission staff as incoming president once he finds and successfully transitions his successor.

    “We are thrilled that Ian accepted the offer to join the commission team and to transition into the lead role,” said Nave. “Ian is successfully leading an important industry organization now and will bring his experience, expertise, character, and knowledge of the issues growers face to the work of the commission. Having worked closely with Ian since he took over as president of the association almost four years ago I have seen his commitment to growers exhibited many times and truly look forward to working with him and watching him take on the worldwide promotion of California table grapes!”

    According to Nave, the California Table Grape Commission has a history of choosing its President & CEO carefully and then allowing time for the incoming leader to transition into the role. In its 55 year history there have been only three commission presidents, two of whom served for over 25 years.

  • Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Makes Emergency Relief Donation

    Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is proud to announce they have activated their Emergency Relief Fund to support the needs of vineyard and agriculture workers, and those in our communities who have been impacted by recent storms and flooding. SCVF has donated $50,000 to Community Action Partnership Sonoma County (CAP Sonoma) and their Sonoma County Organizations Assisting in Disasters (COAD) Program. A check presentation ceremony was held on April 13 at the CAP offices.

    “Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County is grateful for the support from Sonoma County Vintners Foundation,” said Kathy Gonzales-Kane, Chief Program Officer for CAP. “This funding is critical to the work we are doing in partnership with the Sonoma County Communities Active in Disaster (COAD) and the Sonoma County Long-Term Recovery Group to support the recovery of those who suffered significant damage to their homes or livelihood during the 2023 winter flooding.”

    In January 2023, COAD mobilized to partner with Sonoma County on two Winter Storm Recovery Support Centers (RSCs) and a hotline, where 1,110 intakes for emergency assistance were completed. CAP Sonoma and COAD then distributed Emergency Flood Assistance payments of $250-$800 to 1,008 eligible applicants. They also distributed gift cards to 1,000 households in three months. After 110 households reported being either displaced from their homes or in need of infrastructural support, they are being provided with long-term recovery support by COAD’s Long-Term Recovery Group (of which CAP Sonoma is a core member).

    SCVF is also partnering with Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) to expand relief to more members of the local community. The Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to Catholic Charities to provide disaster case management and financial assistance.

    “We are deeply privileged to continue assisting our community in this time of need and are grateful for the continued generosity and support of our Sonoma County wine community, Community Foundation Sonoma County, and our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation partners and donors,” said Michael Haney, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. “We are proud to partner with our friends at CFSC once again and it is truly an honor to provide this essential assistance during these challenging times. Providing this type of support for those in need is exactly why we formed the SCVF Emergency Relief Fund.”

    The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Emergency Relief Fund was created to adapt to the needs of the Sonoma County community as unfortunate and emergency situations arise. Over the past five years, the SCVF Emergency Relief Fund has donated over $380,000 to provide needed resources for wildfire, flood, and pandemic support and emergency relief programs.

    “At Community Foundation Sonoma County, we are deeply committed to fostering the resilience and recovery of our community and offering support to the families and individuals affected by recent events,” said Elly Grogan, Interim Vice President for Community Impact, Community Foundation Sonoma County. “We are proud to join forces with the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation in providing a $100,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. Our combined efforts will strengthen vital disaster relief programs, accelerating the healing process and ensuring that our community emerges stronger and better prepared for the future.”

    In addition to providing financial support, Sonoma County Vintners encourages businesses, community support organizations and individuals to make donations to assist with flood relief efforts and disaster mitigations in our community.

    Please consider making a tax-deductible charitable contribution online to SCVF today at sonomawine.com/foundation and designating it for the Emergency Relief Fund.

    About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
    Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to the local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is an accredited 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988. Its purpose is to consistently support local nonprofit organizations that address issues within the Sonoma County community. SCVF cultivates a vibrant and diverse Sonoma County by elevating lives through charitable events and philanthropic giving. Fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. With SCVF’s many initiatives including the Emergency Relief Fund, the organization is able to impact all needs, ranging from the immediate to the long term. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.

    About Sonoma County Wine Auction
    Sonoma County Wine Auction brings the region’s renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Named one of the nation’s top charitable auctions by Wine Spectator, the proceeds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations. Since its inception, Sonoma County Wine Auction has raised millions of dollars to help fund charitable organizations focusing on education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture, and has supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Learn more at sonomacountywineauction.com.

    About Community Action Partnership Sonoma County (CAP Sonoma)
    Community Action Partnership Sonoma County (CAP Sonoma) changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes Sonoma County a better place to live. CAP Sonoma cares about the entire community and is dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. CAP Sonoma’s mission is to create pathways for economic security that last from one generation to the next. They partner with low-income families to help them achieve financial stability by building community and advocating for social and economic justice. CAP Sonoma has been fighting poverty and challenges among Sonoma County’s most vulnerable populations since 1967. They offer comprehensive family-centered, evidence-based programs throughout Sonoma County. Learn more at capsonoma.org.

    About Community Foundation Sonoma County
    Community Foundation Sonoma County is the hub of philanthropy for the county, connecting people, ideas, and resources to benefit all who live here. Founded in 1983, CFSC works with philanthropists to create plans that will make an impact in our community and become part of their family’s legacy. CFSC launched the Sonoma County Resilience Fund for disaster recovery in 2017 and has granted more than $17 million to support local recovery efforts. Since 1983, CFSC has made more than $292 million in grants to nonprofit organizations working to better their communities. Learn more at sonomacf.org.

  • Garrett Buckland Announced Napa Valley Grower of the Year

    Garrett Buckland has been honored with the 2023 Napa Valley Grower of the Year award. Buckland is a partner at Premiere Viticultural Services, a vineyard consulting company based in Napa.

    As an active member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, for over 10 years he has served on the board of directors in various roles, including past president, vice president, and treasurer, and is a founding member of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation. However, his community service goes well-beyond the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. He serves on the Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee, volunteers for the Napa Resources Conservations District, where he surveyed Huichica Creek, Dry Creek, and Sulphur Creek, sits on the Clean Plant Material Advisory Board, is past president of the Napa Valley Vit Tech Group, is past conference chair of the Association of Applied IPM Ecologists, and worked on the Napa River Historical Ecology Project. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable farming and has successfully converted over 500 acres of vineyards from conventional to organic farming.

    In 2002, Buckland and Steve Matthiasson joined forcesto create Premiere Viticultural Services. As a partner of the business, Garrett works with landowners in the development of their properties. His goal is to help them advance farming practices and works with winemakers to elevate wine quality. In his “free time”, Garrett has published dozens of articles to the Napa Valley Register, plus viticultural best practices papers for the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and is often cited for television, print, and radio regarding the growing season.

    NVG President Mary Maher noted, “I couldn’t be more excited to recognize Garrett Buckland as our 2023 Grower of the Year. His commitment to this organization and the future of Napa Valley grape growing is second to none. We need more next generation leaders like Garrett, he’s an asset to the community, and motivates us to continually do better.”

    Buckland was born and raised in the Napa Valley. He continues to dedicate his career to pursuing viticultural excellence, and is a vocal advocate for agriculture, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and the Napa Valley as a whole.

    Garrett is an avid outdoorsman, with an interest in fly fishing, hunting, bird watching, and gardening. He and his wife, Nathalie, live in Napa with their two children, Juliette, and Marten.

    Nominations for the Grower of the Year come from the NVG membership. The recipient is chosen by a special Selection Committee made up of Past Presidents, current Directors, and active committee members. The award criteria include: a strong commitment to sustainable practices; recognized leadership in agricultural preservation; dedicated community focus, contributions to the Napa Valley Grapegrowers; and someone who actively promotes Napa’s reputation for the highest quality vineyards.

    About the Napa Valley Grapegrowers

    The Napa Valley Grapegrowers is a non-profit trade organization that has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class viticultural region for 46 years. Its mission is to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for the Napa Valley.  NVG represents 685 Napa County grape growers, vineyard managers, and associated businesses.

    For more information, visit our website Napa Valley Grapegrowers

    Follow Napa Valley Grapegrowers on Facebook and Instagram

  • Introducing the New Viticulture Farm Advisor for Tulare & Kings Counties

    The UC Cooperative Extension is pleased to introduce one of their newest Viticulture Farm Advisors, Joy Hollingsworth, who will be serving primarily table grape growers in Tulare and Kings Counties. Watch this video interview to get to know Joy, her history, and the research and extension she is currently focusing on.  Joy can be reached at 559-684-3313 or joyhollingsworth@ucanr.edu.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • Combatting the Arch Nemesis Pest of the CA Grape Industry

    The arch nemesis pest of the California grape industry continues to spread to more grape growing areas. Vine mealybug damage not only leads to black sooty mold on grapevine leaves and clusters, but it can also transmit and spread grapevine leafroll associated viruses that have been devastating vineyards.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Kern County Entomology Advisor David Haviland as he encourages an integrated or combination approach to combatting this pest.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.