California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • California Table Grape Commission Expands Global Marketing Focus with Announcement of Chief Marketing Officer

    The California Table Grape Commission bolstered its global marketing focus with the promotion of Alyson Dias to the new position of Chief Marketing Officer.

    Dias is responsible for leading the development of an integrated, strategic, global marketing campaign targeting consumers and the trade in the U.S and export markets to motivate purchase of California table grapes. Her responsibilities include stewardship of the Grapes from California brand, directing consumer and trade research, and strategic campaign development to motivate movement of grapes to the marketplace and motivate purchase by shoppers.

    “Alyson is now responsible for overseeing the global marketing program which includes domestic and export markets and the leading of a larger marketing team,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the commission. “The success of such a vital and extensive marketing campaign calls for a dedicated individual to lead the effort; Alyson’s comprehensive background, and her keen and thoughtful attitude make her ideal for the role of CMO,” said Nave.

    Rachel Coelho (right) and Nick Nakashian (left) will fill two new positions within the established domestic and export marketing team of the California Table Grape Commission

    In addition to Dias stepping into her new role, Rachel Coelho and Nick Nakashian of the commission will fill two new positions within the established domestic and export marketing team, now led by Dias. Serving as Assistant Director of Marketing, Social Media and Influencers, Coelho develops and shares commission content and messaging on all commission social media platforms as well as manages social media influencer and retailer-tagged radio programs. Serving as the Assistant Director of Marketing, Content Development and Analysis, Nakashian is responsible for analyzing consumer response to commission messaging and using the learnings to shape content development in key communication areas.

    “Being able to bring all of the marketing elements under one umbrella is an important step forward to ensure the impactful delivery of key commission messaging around the globe,” Nave said. 

  • California Goodness Campaign Highlights Pride in Growing Table Grapes

    With the harvest underway in both the Coachella and San Joaquin Valleys, California grapes are available around the country and shoppers and retailers can celebrate the California Goodness that comes with every bunch of California table grapes.

    As the season kicked off, so did The California Table Grape Commission (commission) California Goodness campaign, to remind shoppers and retailers alike that when they purchase California grapes, they are supporting an industry of table grape growers and farmworkers dedicated to producing a high-quality, safe, and healthy product to shoppers around the world.

    The campaign features a series of videos shot in the table grape growing regions of California with growers and farmworkers sharing their pride in producing table grapes for the world to enjoy. The first set of videos features a grower and several farmworkers in the Coachella Valley. Their stories are being shared on GrapesfromCalifornia.com and on commission social media platforms. Similar stories from the San Joaquin Valley will be gathered and shared later this season. Another video that shows shoppers how to find California grapes on packaging is also airing on social media.

    In addition to the videos, California Goodness radio spots are available for retailers.

    “Shoppers should know that when they purchase California table grapes, they are not only choosing the best-tasting, highest-quality grapes in the world, they are also supporting growers, farmworkers, their families, and the communities in which they work and live,” said Kathleen Nave, commission president.

    Videos featuring a grower and farmworkers in Coachella Valley can be viewed HERE.

  • Allied Grape Growers Hires Tim Mendonca, Promotes Staff Members

    Allied Grape Growers (AGG) has named Tim Mendonca as full-time grower relations representative in the Central Valley. He will cover the east side of Fresno County and the region south of Hwy. 180 down to Kern County. As a member of the grower relations team, Mendonca will be responsible for liaising with association members and growers and facilitating grape deliveries on association contracts.

    Mendonca comes to AGG with more than a decade of experience in the industry. He graduated from Fresno State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in viticulture, then went on to work for Agajanian Vineyards and Vie-Del Company. In addition to his formal education and experience working with local grape buyers, Mendonca earned his license as a certified pest control advisor (PCA). He is the president of the Fresno State Viticulture Alumni Association and has served as an alternate on the Winegrape Inspection Program Advisory Board.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Tim into the dedicated AGG family,” AGG President Jeff Bitter said. “With his viticulture degree, wine industry background and pest management expertise, he has just the right mix of knowledge and experience to benefit AGG for years to come. Tim is an excellent addition to our team.”

    Mendonca said, “I am looking forward to working with the AGG staff and growers to help accomplish our unified goals and objectives. It’s great to be part of the team I have always enjoyed doing business with in the past.”

    Staff Promotions

    AGG has promoted Karl Lehman from manager to director of Central Valley operations and Chad Clark from manager to director of North Coast operations. Lehman has been with AGG since 2006 and Clark since 2010. Additionally, Kevin Rogers was promoted from North Coast grower relations to manager of North Coast grower and buyer relations. He has been with AGG since 2016.

    “Karl, Chad and Kevin have all been incredible assets to AGG for many years and they are committed to the success of our members,” Bitter said. “We are proud of their hard work, dedication and leadership.”

  • 2022 California Wine Grape Crop & Market Update

    Various climate/weather-related disasters over past several years have limited California grape production, and this year appears to be no different with a spring freeze impacting some grape growing regions of the state.  Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers as he shares a statewide outlook for the 2022 wine grape crop and how that will fit into current wine market trends. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Fellow Wines of Clarksburg Take Home Best In Show for White Wines in California

    Fellow Wines, a subscription-based wine company out of Clarksburg, CA, takes home the top prize at the California Commercial Wine Competition through the California State Fair. The 2021 Chenin Blanc was awarded top accolades this year out of the 1,953 wines evaluated, winning Double Gold, Best in Region, and Best in Show for white wines in the competition.

    “I’m excited that through this award, Clarksburg is getting some notoriety as a high-quality winegrowing region.” says Fellow Winemaker, David Ogilvie. “Since the 1970s our little AVA has long been sending grapes to be blended into high-quality wines from other regions and this award helps to further highlight Clarksburg as a region that can stand on its own.”

    David Ogilvie, Phil Ogilvie, and Tom Merwin, local farmers and childhood friends, started Fellow Wines with the vision to share Clarksburg with the world. As fourth and seventh generation farmers in the region, they understand the importance of a truly sustainable farm-to-table winery. Striving to remain authentic to the consumer, they are the farmer, the winemaker, and the retailer and promise to never hide the fruit in the winemaking process.

    “One thing that I love about this label is that I get to be in control of the whole process starting from bud break in the vineyard to bottling our wine”, Ogilvie states. “As farmer and winemaker, I get to ensure the quality measures are put in place along the way from soil to bottle and I think that shows in the final product.”

    Fellow Wines start at $20.00 per bottle through their website’s online store but through their subscription service you can enjoy 3-bottle and 6-bottle subscription packages starting at $49.00 with shipping included. Fellow Wines brings it’s customers the best of the Clarksburg area at the best price, delivered for free right to your door-step. For more information about their wines, subscriptions services, or to grab a bottle of the Award Winning 2021 Chenin Blanc, visit fellowwines.com.

  • California State Fair Announces Commercial Wine Winners

    The California State Fair is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 California Commercial Wine Competition. The highly anticipated event returned last week for three days at Cal Expo.

    This year, a panel of 44 official judges led by Chief Judge Mark Chandler tasted and evaluated 1,953 California wines from 443 California wineries. The competition, which had been on a 2 year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, celebrates the wine growing and wine producing industry in California. It is open only to wines made with fruit grown and produced in the eleven growing regions across the State of California. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style, and region based upon the source of the grapes.

    A 2019 Sangiovese from Las Positas Vineyards in Livermore Valley collected Best of Show Red honors. The Best of Show White title was given to Ogilvie Merwin Ventures’ Fellow’s Brand 2021 Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg.

    Top wines, including the Best of Region and Best of California winners, will be featured at the California State Fair in the Save Mart Wine Garden for visitors to enjoy July 15 through July 31, 2022.

    There were a total of 21 Best of Regions Awards, 18 Best of California Awards, the Best Value Award, 3 Best of Micro Winery Awards, and the coveted Golden State Winery of the Year Award. A huge congratulations to South Coast Winery to winning the Golden State Winery of the Year Award! South Coast has won the Golden State Winery of the Year Award in 2008, 2009, 2013, and 2016, making 2022 their fifth win. Total medals awarded were 99 Double Gold, 257 Gold, 878 Silver, and 583 Bronze.

    Dating back to 1854, the California State Fair Wine Competition is America’s oldest and most prestigious wine event. For more than 160 years, the California State Fair has showcased the Best of the Golden State.

    Complete results and competition information can be found on the California State Fair website at CalExpoStateFair.com/California-Commercial-Wine

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future. The 2022 State Fair will include a comprehensive list of competitions, including California’s best commercial wines, cheeses, craft beers, cannabis, olive oils, and fine arts, among others.

  • Spring Freeze Devastates Clarksburg CA Vineyards

    Several wine grape growing regions of California were impacted by freeze events this spring. How severe are the impacts and how will this affect the 2022 vintage? Watch this brief interview with Tom Merwin from the Clarksburg Wine Growers & Vintners Association as he shares his perspective of what he’s seeing in the Clarksburg AVA.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Lake County Winegrape Commission Awards New Ag Scholarship

    The Lake County Winegrape Commission recently awarded its inaugural “Future of Agriculture” scholarship to Atlantis Jones, a senior graduating from Upper Lake High School.

    The $5,000 scholarship, awarded on behalf of Lake County Winegrowers, was presented during the Upper Lake High School’s Senior Scholarship and Awards Night.

    “It is so rewarding to see the positive impact that an award like this can have on a student,” said Jonathan Walters, chair of the Lake County Winegrape Commission Board of Directors. “It was a really special evening.”

    The Commission’s scholarship is awarded to one deserving Lake County student who will attend a four-year university, and selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and a demonstrated interest in agriculture.

    “Lake County Winegrowers are honored to be able to give back, to support youth in our community as they further their education and pursue careers that support the agricultural industry in Lake County,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

    The Future of Agriculture Scholarship is the latest extension of the organization’s efforts to support and inspire high school students. The Commission collaborated with Lake County Farm Bureau to develop “Cultivate – Careers in the Winegrape Industry,” a program that introduces high school students to careers in viticulture, winemaking, marketing, and sales. Cultivate was held as an in-person seminar at Ely Stage Stop in early 2020, as a virtual video series in 2021, and as part of the First Annual Lake County Career Ag Days at the Lake County Fairgrounds in 2022.

    “A big part of sustainability is growing the workforce of tomorrow,” Sommerfield said. “With these programs, we hope to contribute to both the long-term success of Lake County youth and long-term sustainability of Lake County agriculture.”

    About the Lake County Winegrape Commission

    Established in 1991, the Lake County Winegrape Commission (LCWC) has been instrumental in developing the Lake County region’s unwavering commitment to farming high-quality winegrapes, promoting the winegrowers’ brand, and creating greater awareness of the winegrowing region within the wine trade and among wine lovers. A state agency with efforts focused on marketing, research, and education, LCWC has launched innovative programs like Master Vigneron Academy®, the Elevation of Wine, and the International Sauvignon Blanc Symposium. For more information, visit www.lakecountywinegrape.org

  • Growers Petition for a Sonoma County Winegrape Pest & Disease Control District

    Over the course of more than 18 months, a group of viticulturists and vineyard owners have been working together to research both the benefits of, and the process for establishing a Winegrape Pest and Disease Control District in Sonoma County. They have engaged in research and discussed an effort with elected and appointed Sonoma County Officials, University of California Cooperative Extension & UC-ANR, Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, Napa County Winegrape Pest and Disease Control District Board of Directors, State Legislators, and other Pest Control Districts throughout California.

    The California Winegrape Pest and Disease Control District Law enables owners of wine grape acreage within Sonoma County to petition the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to acknowledge and establish a Wine Grape Pest and Disease Control District. The Sonoma County Winegrape Pest & Disease Control District Coalition is organizing this petition effort for the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

    Included is a petition of support and frequently asked questions about the functionality of the Special District. Please take a moment to read through the benefits of such a district, visit https://sonomacountypcd.org, review what Napa’s WGPDCD has been working on for the last 20 years, and give your support in petitioning the Board of Supervisors to allow the formation of one in Sonoma County, which would allow collaboration in ongoing pest control efforts, not only with each other, but with neighboring districts to form area wide protection from harmful pests.

    Coalition member and Grower Relations Manager at Jordan Vineyard & Winery Dana Grande shared, “I have been a part of the group working on this for the last 24 months. A Pest and Disease Control District (PCD) for Sonoma County winegrapes is something that I have thought we needed for a very long time. When I heard about the opportunity to assist in the exploratory committee, I jumped in… Ultimately, the dollars spent will be up to the discretion of the PCD Board, but we envisioned that those funds would be used for local research, augmenting pest monitoring, pest mitigation and exclusion, and mobilization of efforts should an exotic pest be discovered in our County. Our neighbors in Napa County have had a PCD for the last 20 years. We can look to their model to envision what might be funded in Sonoma County.

    Bryon Sheets from Doc’s Ranch Vineyard added, “With all the challenges us growers face, it just makes sense to have this additional community resource to help us fight the important battle against invasive pests.”

    Karina Maher, a grower and doctor in Glen Ellen shared her support of the district as well, quoting Benjamin Franklin, that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” She continued, “As a pediatrician, I know this to be true for human health. Similarly, the time to prevent and recognize wine grape pest and disease infestations is before they get out of control. The Winegrape Pest and Disease Control District in Sonoma County will help do just that. The time is now.”

    Sonoma County growers are invited to Download and sign the petition HERE. “Please return your completed petition to us as soon as possible,” requests Jason Saling, grower and leader of the Sonoma County Winegrape Pest Control District Coalition. ” Your support is appreciated. It is through this effort that winegrowers of Sonoma County can secure and protect their agricultural interests now and into the future.”

    Don’t hesitate to reach out to Jason Saling at 707-328-5290 or SonomaCountyPCD@gmail.com for more information.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What is a Winegrape Pest & Disease Control District?

    A Pest & Disease Control District (PCD) is a grower funded, grower run Board serving the needs and priorities of the agricultural commodity that funds it.

    How is a PCD funded?

    As defined in the California Food and Ag Code, Section 6200-6290, funding is generated by a minor per planted wine grape acre assessment. The assessment is collected annually by the County Assessor as part of property taxes, and 100% of those funds are placed into a trust account specific for Pest & Disease Control District. The assessment is capped by State law at $5.00 per planted acre of wine grapes.

    Who forms the PCD Board? How do Growers/Owners know where the assessment dollars are spent?

    Wine grape landowners or their duly authorized representatives serve on the PCD Board. Meetings of the Board must comply with the Brown Act. Meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted ahead of the meeting. Agenda and non-agenda items can be addressed by growers at each meeting. Budgets are formed annually and formally presented at Board meetings. Directors, appointed by the Board of Supervisors serve a three-year term. The district is re-authorized by the BOS for 5-year terms.

    Why do we need a PCD now, can’t we wait until we discover a new pest threat in our vineyards?

    No. A PCD serves to manage both established pests, and works to avoid the establishment of new pest threats. A PCD is funded for a cohesive and coordinated system for detection and eradication. Without a PCD, individual expenses could be very high, and isolated eradication efforts may not banish the pest from our industry. Long-term effects could include increased costs for insecticides, increased labor costs for monitoring, establishment of new pest control compliance agreements, organic growers losing certification due to use of non-certifiable insecticides, fruit quality issues, and tarping/monitoring grape loads at harvest.

    A Sonoma County PCD will serve to promote and protect the long-term sustainability of our industry by ensuring that our integrated pest management activity remains resilient, protecting both our agricultural interests and our natural resources.

    How does a Sonoma County Wine Grape PCD add value to my vineyard?

    Over the last 20 years, Sonoma County wine grape growers have seen the introduction and establishment of Vine Mealybug (VMB.) Additionally, Light-Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), Virginia Creeper Leafhopper, Glassy-winged Sharpshooter, and European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) have all threatened the integrity of wine grape production in the County.

    A PCD will ensure that early activities for eradication of an invasive pest will be coordinated and can use funds to ensure that those costs don’t fall squarely on individual landowners.

    The PCD will:

    • – Establish a pool of funding dedicated solely for early detection, monitoring, and mitigation of wine grape pests and diseases

    • – Create an open forum and dedicated grower board to respond to grower / owner input to determine areas of greatest need, focusing on localized research and education/outreach

    • – Coordinate with UCCE / UC ANR, Sonoma County Ag Commissioner to leverage funding and labor resources

    • – Coordinate with neighboring regions, i.e. Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Marin and Solano Counties to extend a buffer zone around Sonoma County’s high value wine growing region

    • – Communicate, coordinate, and cooperate in establishing local research priorities to the UCCE / UCANR

    • – Establish a Board with a County level voice for requesting co-funding as required from Sonoma County BOS, and State and Federal Grant opportunities.

      Does Napa County have a Pest and Disease Control District?

      Yes. On January 4, 2022, the Napa County BOS renewed the NCPCD for its fifth consecutive 5-year term since its inception in 2002, when GWSS was first identified as an impending threat to the industry. The District was in place and ready when European Grapevine Moth was discovered, and quickly mobilized trapping efforts to successfully delimit and restrict the migration, and, within two years, eradicate the pest by working in tandem with and resources provided by the UCCE, Napa County Ag Commissioner, and CDFA.

      Additional examples of work funded by the NCPCD:

    – Vine Mealybug mapping identifying hotspots and published a GIS web map,
    o Public, Grower, and Field worker training and education on VMB,
    o Coordinated mating disruption to decrease insect population, and
    o Funded and Coordinated Anagyrus wasp release to augment biological control;

    – Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) –
    o Supplementing funding to ensure that 100% of nursery shipments are inspected,
    o Increasing trapping and seasonal monitoring now that GWSS is established in Solano County

    – Pest Identification workshops for all manner of pests, new and exotic threats to the industry

    But our Agricultural Commissioner already does plant inspections. Why do we need a PCD?

    The Sonoma County Department of Agriculture administers exclusion programs to keep invasive and injurious pests out of Sonoma County. In 2020, staff inspected 1069 nursery stock shipments for GWSS. Additionally, they deployed trap programs for other invasive insects and those 6531 traps were serviced 52,721 times. As robust as our AC’s programs are, their priorities are directed at specific pest species and ratings as defined by CDFA. As State and County funding for specific pest management/exclusion programs diminishes over time, PCD’s can step in to further fund prevention and monitoring for a wine grape specific pest, disease, or research not addressed by State or County priority.

  • Dan Rotlisberger Named Vineyard Manager for Robert Young Vineyards

    Effective April 18th, Dan Rotlisberger has been named Vineyard Manager, Robert Young Estate Vineyards, reporting to CEO Jim Young.

    “We are delighted to welcome Dan to our family vineyards and look forward to his contributions to our future growth,” said Jim Young. “We interviewed many candidates, but Dan’s professional experience and strong ties to the Sonoma County community made him a natural choice to help lead us into the future. The family is also pleased that Dan is a distant relative of our family, being the great grandnephew of my mother, Gertrude Rotlisberger” Young added.

    “I am honored to join the Young family in the evolution of this historic premium estate vineyard,” Rotlisberger said.

    Dan, a fifth generation Alexander Valley farmer, brings over 14 years of professional vineyard management in Sonoma County to his new role. Most recently the Senior Viticulturalist at Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, Dan oversaw the complete management of approximately 1,200 acres of vineyards in Alexander Valley and Mendocino County. He graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Double Major; BS in Viticulture and Enology and earned an Executive MBA from Sonoma State. Dan has served on the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission as the first Sustainability Committee Chairman and was noted in the North Bay Business Journal’s “Forty under 40” young professionals in 2016. He lives in Alexander Valley with his wife Jacqueline and his two children.

    The winery and vineyards are located at 4960 Red Winery Road, Geyserville, CA 95441. More information at  https://www.ryew.com/.