California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • Saving Money on Sustainable Farming with Sonoma’s Dutton Ranch

    Sonoma County farmers have been outstanding examples of moving towards new and innovative sustainable practices on their farms. Sustainability takes many forms though, and accounts for the health and prosperity of both the land and the steward. There are costs with implementing sustainable practices on the farm, but many of these can return savings to the farmers as well, such as apple and wine grape grower Steve Dutton’s recent investment in renewable energy. Watch this brief interview and read more about sustainable farming in American Vineyard and California Fresh Fruit Magazines.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Mann Packing’s New Facility in Gonzales, CA to Now Include Fresh-Cut Fruit Products

    Mann Packing Co., Inc. (“Mann”), a subsidiary of Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., and one of the largest suppliers of packaged vegetables in North America is excited to announce the addition of a fresh-cut fruit area to its new facility in Gonzales, California. This new section of the facility will allow Mann Packing to grow its fresh-cut fruit and organic fresh-cut fruit business and provide a new space to help the brand continue to meet consumer needs.

    Separate from the Value Added Vegetable part of the Gonzalez Plant, the Fresh-Cut Fruit area will allow for added retail convenience, as fruit will be cut to order. This will allow for the elimination of inventorying and for deliveries to be made directly from the Gonzalez plant. This new area of the plant is especially unique as it uses many vertically integrated products such as pineapples, melons and grapes.

    “As a trusted Fresh Del Monte brand, we are excited to now be processing our fresh-cut fruit in a brand new, state of the art plant,” said Parker Javid, Vice President of Sales at Mann Packing. “Our team is always working to find new and innovative solutions to meet the needs of our consumers and we are excited to offer our customers greater freshness and efficiencies by combining both fresh-cut fruit and vegetables on one truck and in a direct shipment from our plant.”

    In addition, the Gonzales facility has a state-of-the-art sanitation and cleaning protocols, allowing for a high focus on food safety for cut fruit. Beyond face masks, hair nets and constant hand sanitation, the new facility has separate processing and raw material areas. Additionally, the facility also boasts a 260-foot-tall wind turbine to help Mann Packing continue its mission of sustainable processing. Wash water from the facility will also be reclaimed into industrial waste systems for use on local golf courses and city landscaping. 

    The MANN brand has been a symbol of produce innovation during the last 80 years. Now, as a part of Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., Mann Packing Co., Inc. will continue to delight shoppers with wholesome, innovative and delicious products.

    For more information on Mann Packing, including where to find its products, visit veggiesmadeeasy.com. For recipes and more, visit the company’s social media channels including, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

     
    ABOUT MANN PACKING CO., INC.
    Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Gonzalez, CA, Mann Packing Co., Inc. is one of the largest suppliers of western vegetables, BROCCOLINI® baby broccoli and sugar snap peas in North America. In 2018, Mann Packing was acquired by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. Today, operating as the Fresh Del Monte vegetable division, Mann Packing continues to lead the way in product innovation. Mann Packing is consistently vigilant in food safety, employee wellness and quality assurance, making for one of the most trusted brands in the industry.
     
    ABOUT DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE N.A., INC.
    Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is one of North America’s leading marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables.  Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. markets its products in North America under the Del Monte® brand (as well as other brands) used under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc., a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 125 years. Del Monte Fresh N.A., Inc. is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Foods, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited, Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd.

  • National Raisin Co Vaccinates Essential Ag Employees, Continues Feeding the World

    Whoever would have thought a raisin packing facility would be not only be receiving and shipping raisin product, but also turn into a drive-thru vaccination clinic?  It’s true, and National Raisin Company has already assisted in getting 1,000 essential ag workers vaccinated for COVID-19 — exactly one year from the start of the pandemic.  Watch this brief interview with LindaKay Abdulian and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

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

  • Napa Valley Wine Grape Crop Update

    Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) announces that bud break has begun in Napa Valley, marking the beginning of the winegrape growing season.  “We’re seeing the first signs of bud swell on Pinot Noir in the Carneros AVA, with some buds pushing their first leaves this week” said Chris Hyde, General Manager at Hyde Vineyards and NVG member, “within the month, dependent on weather conditions, bud break will ramp up throughout our property.”

    Bud break is close for vineyards north of Carneros, as well.  “It’s a very exciting time in Napa Valley.  While we’re seeing buds swell, we’re not quite to bud break,” said Justin Leigon, Viticulturist for Piña Vineyard Management, whose vineyards are located in the Oak Knoll District, Pope Valley, and Wooden Valley, to name a few, “the earlier varieties, like Sangiovese, are very close, and we’re about 3-4 weeks out for Cabernet Sauvignon.”

    “Due to lower average temperatures, bud break will likely occur about two weeks later than in 2020.  The cooler weather is welcome now, but once buds push through, our focus will be frost,” said Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko, Business Manager for Yount Mill Vineyards located in the Yountville and Oakville AVAs.

    In total, the valley saw an average of 8.3 inches of rain between October 2020 and February 2021.  While Napa County saw more inches compared to 2020, reservoirs are low.  “For grape growers that rely on sprinklers for frost protection, rain is necessary and welcome,” Leigon said, “the rain we received this week will benefit the root system, recharge the soils, get the creeks running, and help fill our ponds.”

    Water supply aside, grape growers are optimistic heading into the brand-new growing season.  “We’re optimistic about the vaccination rollout, especially in terms of labor,” Leigon said, “Our whole vineyard team has been vaccinated and things are feeling a bit more “normal” headed into the season.”

    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 45 years.  Its mission is to preserve and promote Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards. NVG represents 685 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses.

    For more information, visit our website Napa Valley Grapegrowers

    Follow Napa Valley Grapegrowers on Facebook and Instagram

  • Three Ways to Improve Color in Red Wine Grapes

    Color is an important aspect of red wine grape quality.  Watch this brief interview with Luca Brillante from the Fresno State Department of Viticulture and Enology has he shares three things growers can do to improve color management and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Raisin Bargaining Association Introduces Combination Pricing Program

    The California raisin industry is evolving as growers and packers navigate through difficult times.  The Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA) is adapting as well to protect the interests of its members and negotiate sustainable prices for raisin growers.  Watch this brief interview with RBA Chairman Dwayne Cardoza as he introduces a new combination program for 2020 raisin crop pricing and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Eyes on the Skies as Vineyards Push Towards Bud Break

    Sonoma County Winegrowers — As the calendar changes to March, Sonoma County vineyards are starting to awaken following a long, dry winter. Bud break marks the traditional start of the new year for the 2021 vintage meaning each day ahead is filled with a task intended to bring about the best harvest later this year. Given that bud break comes at the end of winter in a year when more rain is desired, those winter storms also bring the potential risk of harmful frosts at a time when the vines are most vulnerable. However, this time of year, it is the nature of growers to be excited about the new season getting underway.

    “This is one of my favorite times of the year as you can begin to see new life in the vineyard and feel the optimism for a great year among everyone,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “In talking with growers throughout the county, bud break seems to be a little later this season, closer to the historic norms. I hope this is a sign of a normal year given all that we have endured the past few years.”

    As is always the case, white varieties such as chardonnay vines are the first buds to emerge, and growers are seeing some initial signs of bud break but still in the early stages. As the bright yellow color of daffodils and mustard appear to signal the arrival of spring, growers will welcome any rain Mother Nature can provide as the 2021 season officially begins.

    Here some early insight from the “front vines” of our AVA’s:

    Dry Creek Valley – There are numerous reports of some early bud break primarily in Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. The general feeling this year is bud break is a little early but not significantly early. It has been a dry winter prompting concerns that vines could revert to “drought mode” and, perhaps hold back production, but the pending arrival of spring brings renewed optimism for a stellar year.

    Russian River Valley – Early reports are that bud break is starting a little later than recent year but closer to the normal timing of the past. While bud break can be seen in chardonnay vineyards throughout the AVA, early reports are that it should start soon with pinot noir. Here in the Russian River Valley, concerns about the dry winter persist.

    Alexander Valley – With pruning just completed, bud break is not expected for another week or more. Overall, bud break is running about two weeks behind last year, closer to normal of years past. Cabernet and other red varieties are not expected to bud for at least 3 weeks.

    Green Valley – Bud break is starting to show in some Chardonnay vineyards though it takes some hunting to find it. The general feeling is the timing is pretty normal. However, in the next few weeks, bud break will appear not only in the Chardonnay vineyards but throughout Green Valley. The dry winter is a top concern and rain is wanted in the worst way. In the meantime, local growers are perfectly content to wait while enjoying “daffodil heaven!”

    Fort Ross/Seaview – Over on the coast in far western Sonoma County, the cold temperatures this winter have kept the vines dormant. Mid-March has been the typical start of bud break, so the timing this year appears to be normal. Like elsewhere in the county, it is extremely dry in Fort Ross/Seaview.

    Sonoma Valley – With little rain this winter, some growers in Sonoma Valley are already considering irrigation, this is far earlier than any time in recent memory. Bud break is coming on fast but nothing of significance to report at this time.

  • 2nd U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit Announced for April 2021

    The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, LIVE, Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing, Oregon Wine, New York Wines, Washington State Wine, Washington Winegrowers and Wine Institute are co-hosting the 2nd U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit on April 19-21, an all-virtual event.

    Growers, vintners, association leaders, trade, and other industry professionals from around the globe will gather virtually to hear about the U.S.’s ever-increasing interest in sustainable winegrowing, get up close and personal with sustainable winegrowers in the field, and learn how they are adapting practices in the face of climate change.  Attendees will gain insight into bringing this movement to their own wine regions, vineyards and wineries and learn how to distill these practices into unique messaging that resonates with consumers and trade while credibly communicating the U.S. wine industry’s commitment to a global audience.

    The Summit will begin on April 19th (11:30 am–1:00 pm PST) with the “Explore U.S. Sustainable Wine Tasting & Seminar,” a unique opportunity to taste sustainably grown and produced wines from California, Oregon, New York and Washington featuring Evan Goldstein, MS (moderator) and vintners from the four partner states. (To taste along, a wine kit must be purchased in advance.)

    On April 20th (10:00 am–12:00 pm PST), Food & Wine’s Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle will give a keynote address on sustainable winegrowing trends and observations on sustainable winegrowing, followed by a workshop on messaging sustainability to consumers and trade.  In the afternoon (1:00–2:00 pm PST), participants will go on a virtual four-state sustainable vineyard and winery tour – no sunscreen or hat needed!

    On the final day, April 21st (10:00 am–12:00 pm PST), the first session will be a panel focused on grower perspectives on climate change resiliency, moderated by San Francisco Chronicle’s Wine Critic, Esther Mobley. The second session will be a conversation between Julia Coney (Wine Journalist and Founder of Black Wine Professionals) and Elaine Chukan Brown (American Specialist for JancisRobinson.com and Co-Founder of Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum) about diversity, equity and inclusion, the social pillar of sustainability.

    To learn more, and to register for the event, please visit: sustainablewinegrowing.org/summit.

    The 2021 Summit sponsors include American Vineyard Magazine, Certified Sustainable Protected Harvest, Napa Green and Master the World. Tasting sponsors are Ampelos Cellars, Bedell Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Hartford Family Winery, Stoller Family Estate and Wente Vineyards. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; for more information, contact info@sustainablewinegrowing.org. 

  • New Grapevine Rootstock Characteristics & Availability

    The University of California grapevine breeding program has recently come out with some exciting new rootstocks with great characteristics the better manage pests, diseases, and even drought conditions. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund, as he shares what what growers should know about some of the specific traits and availability of these rootstocks. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Shopper Research Data Shows Increased Purchase of Fresh Grapes

    Findings from a recent consumer research study that gathered insights on purchase, consumption, and shopping behaviors among U.S. primary shoppers ages 25 to 73 were released today by the California Table Grape Commission.

    Among the key findings:

    •   46% of primary shoppers consider fresh grapes to be a staple in their household, increased from 32% in 2019. Another 35% report that grapes are purchased often in their households.

    •   57% of primary shoppers always or usually decide to purchase fresh grapes before going into the store, up from 42% in 2019.

    •   56% of primary shoppers report purchasing fresh grapes about once per week or more often. This is an increase from 52% reported in 2019.

    •   36% of primary shoppers have purchased fresh grapes via online ordering. 70% of those

      shoppers report they are very likely to continue to purchase fresh grapes via online ordering in the next 12 months; another 28% are somewhat likely.

    •   Primary shoppers report that at $2.48 per pound, fresh grapes are priced reasonably; they are seen as a bargain at $1.59 and begin to seem too expensive at $3.74. Grapes are considered to be so inexpensive that product quality is a concern when priced at $0.84 per pound. 

      “Given the challenges of 2020, especially the challenges with grocery shopping during a pandemic, these research results are important,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. “Primary shoppers are increasingly considering fresh grapes as a staple, confirmed by their increased planning tendencies and their increased purchasing frequency.”

      The study used quotas and weighting to assure accurate reflection of U.S. Census figures for age, gender, geographic region, and race/ethnicity.