California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • New Documentary Highlights Importance of Raisin Industry in Shaping the Central Valley

    Fresno County is the number one agricultural county in the nation, and grapes have long been among the top commodities bringing tremendous economic value to the community. Many of these grapes are grown by multi-generational farmers for raisin production.

    Byron Russell, a professor of film at Fresno State, took interest in his own family history with the raisin industry, leading to the development of a documentary highlighting the importance of the raisin industry in shaping the Central Valley as we know it today.

    Check out this brief interview, as Byron meets with Joseph Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain. Watch the full documentary HERE.

  • Five Ways to Avoid Expensive Irrigation Repairs & DU Losses

    Irrigation systems today are amazing at getting just the right amount of water where it needs to be to meet a crop’s needs; however, if these systems are not well-maintained, things can go south pretty fast, resulting in distribution uniformity-related losses and expensive repairs. During his presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Irrigation & Soils Advisor Moneim Mohamed noted that regular and proper irrigation system maintenance can prevent expensive repairs.  Watch his video interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network for five key tasks for preventative maintenance.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • From California to Idaho: ASEV Brings the Science of Vineyard Nutrition to a New Frontier

    Bringing together vineyard researchers, enologists, and growers from across the nation, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV), in association with the National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA), will host the Vineyard Nutrition Symposium in Boise, Idaho, as part of the 2026 ASEV National Conference.

    The symposium will highlight the latest advances in monitoring vineyard nutrition considering variability—different soils, climates, and grape markets—that impact grape production in every region. By convening experts in the heart of Idaho’s emerging Snake River Valley, ASEV underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange that benefits both established and developing winegrowing communities.

    From emerging precision technologies to field-level applications, attendees will learn how to use advanced tools and methods to better understand, predict, and optimize vineyard performance. Presentations will bridge research and practice, offering actionable guidance for growers seeking to improve fruit quality, enhance resource efficiency, and strengthen vineyard resilience.

    “Growers are increasingly asking not just what to sample, but how to interpret that data, when to act, and why it matters for the finished wine,” said Patty Skinkis, Ph.D., Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist at Oregon State University and symposium chair. “We’re moving from lab reports to integrated, vineyard-wide data—and ultimately, connecting that to fruit composition and sensory outcomes.”

    Donnell Brown, National Grape Research Alliance added, “The technology is catching up with growers’ need for real-time data. When you combine good science with practical, real-world applications, you can manage nutrition more efficiently and make a measurable difference in fruit and wine quality.”

    The symposium agenda will include presentations on:

    • Sensor Technology Integration: How tools for nutrient monitoring complement traditional sampling
    • Precision Agriculture in Practice: Field comparisons of nutrient sensors and mapping systems
    • Nitrogen and Beyond: New techniques for quantifying and managing nutrients critical to grapegrowing and winemaking
    • Physiology to Flavor: Linking vine nutrition, fruit chemistry, and wine sensory profiles
    • Panel Discussion: “Ask the Researchers—Exploring Vineyard Nutrition from Past to Future”

    The symposium will be held on June 16, 2026, at the Boise Centre in Boise, Idaho, and includes a networking lunch. For detailed information, visit the ASEV National Conference page. Registration will open in spring 2026.

    About ASEV

    The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) is an international community of wine and grape professionals that promotes industry vitality through the exchange of information and support of research and education. ASEV publishes the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture and hosts a variety of platforms for the dissemination of basic and applied research as well as the examination of emerging issues shaping the industry. These include the annual National Conference in June and the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium that is co-hosted with the California Association of Winegrape Growers. The Society also operates the ASEV Foundation, which will provide scholarships and educational opportunities for students in enology and viticulture. The Foundation is currently in the fundraising stage. For more information, visit asev.org.

     About the National Grape Research Alliance

    The National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA) is an industry-led nonprofit membership organization that advances the research needs of all sectors and all regions of the American grape and wine industry, spanning wine, table grapes, juice and raisins, nationwide. We connect industry, academic scientists, and federal and state research agencies to initiate novel research projects and programs to solve industry challenges together. Since our founding in 2005, we’ve been instrumental in securing $65 million in funding for scientific solutions to grape and wine industry issues. Learn more at graperesearch.org.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon’s 400 Year Memory Revealed

    About 400 years ago, a cross between cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc gave birth to cabernet sauvignon. Today, cabernet sauvignon is the world’s most-planted wine grape, dominating vineyards from Napa to Bordeaux. New research from the University of California, Davis, reveals that the grape still carries a kind of gene memory of its parents.

    Clones over the centuries

    Unlike annual crops such as corn or wheat, grapevines are propagated from cuttings, not seeds. Each new vine is essentially a clone of its ancestor. That means every cabernet sauvignon vine grown today is genetically nearly identical to the original 17th-century plant.

    “When you think about it, it’s unusual compared to most crops, which are continuously improved through breeding,” said Professor Dario Cantù, of the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology. “We still cultivate plant material selected hundreds of years ago simply because cabernet sauvignon is so beloved.”

    Scientists have long wondered whether chemical “switches” that help control how genes turn on and off, known as epigenetic marks, remain stable across hundreds of years of clonal reproduction. A new study led by Cantù and published in the journal Genome Biology shows they do.

    “These are modifications that don’t alter the genetic code itself, but sit on top of it,” Cantù explained. “They can be inherited from your parents, but also change as you develop, as you interact with the environment or as you’re challenged by stress or disease.”

    The team used advanced genome sequencing to assess the stability of these epigenetic modifications, which can influence traits like fruit quality and stress tolerance. The study is the first to show that this kind of molecular memory can persist for centuries in a clonally-propagated crop.

    “It’s like sequencing identical twins at 90 and still detecting the parental signatures they inherited, even though their experiences — and much of their epigenome — has changed with age,” Cantù said.

    New genetic analysis tools

    To uncover this, scientists assembled highly detailed genome maps of cabernet sauvignon and its parent varieties, cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc. They analyzed multiple clones of each cultivar and developed a sophisticated genomic model, called a phased sequence graph, that captures subtle genetic and epigenetic variations more accurately than traditional reference genomes.

    This new framework allowed researchers to trace how epigenetic marks are inherited along with DNA, and to understand how those marks affect gene activity. The study showed clonal plants may show minor differences from one vine to another, but their core epigenetic patterns or “gene memory” remain remarkably stable, even across centuries of clonal propagation.

    Clues for climate resilience

    This discovery could help scientists understand how long-lived crops adapt to their environments and whether those adaptations leave stable molecular marks. Cantù noted that if some epigenetic responses to heat, drought or other stresses prove to be stable, they could become targets in breeding.

    “If we know which stress-induced epigenetic changes persist, we could potentially introduce them by exposing plants to specific conditions and select vines that retain those beneficial marks over the long term — without altering their genetic makeup and preserving the defining traits of varieties like cabernet sauvignon.”

    The framework developed for this research can be applied to many other perennial crops. By identifying which inherited markers endure, scientists hope to guide breeding programs for resilience and quality.

    The discovery also carries a historical resonance for UC Davis. In 1997, UC Davis professor and geneticist Carole Meredith first identified cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc as the parents of cabernet sauvignon. Nearly three decades later, Cantù’s team has shown that the grape still bears molecular traces of that ancestral pairing.

    “This work connects a UC Davis classic to a UC Davis first,” Cantù said. “It shows that even after centuries, cabernet sauvignon still holds the molecular memory of where it came from.”

    Other authors include Noé Cochetel, Amanda M. Vondras and Rosa Figueroa-Balderas of UC Davis; Joel Liou and Paul Peluso of Pacific Biosciences.

    This research was partially supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the E. & J. Gallo Winery and the Ray Rossi Endowment in Viticulture and Enology. — By Amy Quinton, UC Davis

  • Raisin Growers Suffer Devastating Losses that Crop Insurance Won’t Cover

    California raisin growers were poised to enjoy a beautiful, high quality crop this year due to ideal spring and summer growing conditions. Stormy weather at harvest, however, followed by a cool spell, dampened their great expectations. American Vineyard Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm met with raisin growers Nick Melkonian and Doug Benik in an unharvested raisin vineyard to assess the situation. This year’s tragedy has also shed some light on a major gap in USDA RMA insurance coverage, impacting up to half of the raisin industry today. Watch this brief interview and learn more in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative Opens Enrollment for Reimbursable Cover Crop Seed

    Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative is pleased to announce open enrollment for the USDA’s newly expanded Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program—building on last year’s successful Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. This year, the program is expanding direct funding to producers, and the new incentive will reimburse producers for the purchase of up to ten acres worth of seed for any perennial conservation cover.

    One choice for the incentive, Oakville bluegrass, is dormant from April through September and doesn’t compete with cash crops for water or nutrients making it ideal for California permanent crops. This low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years when well managed, significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers.

    As part of the USDA’s AMP initiative, producers can now access:

    • Full seed cost coverage for up to 10 acres of Oakville bluegrass
    • An additional $100/acre incentive for up to 100 acres.
    • Support in the form of a grower’s guide, educational field days, and guidance on carbon removal credits.

    “We’re thrilled to put more money in producers’ hands under the Advancing Markets for Producers program, ” said Jeff Thiel, Director at Oakville Bluegrass Cooeprative. Perennial cover like Oakville bluegrass can reduce operating costs over time while also building soil health and conserving water. We’re especially excited to help producers tap into the growing carbon credit market while establishing a proven, cost-effective cover crop.”

    Interested growers can attend an online informational session on October 21 at 11 am by registering at https://bit.ly/ampobc25 or visit https://www.obc.ag/advancing-markets-for-producersfor more information.

    The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative collaboratively creates solutions to the most pressing challenges facing growers. Members work together to uncover best practices in sustainable agriculture tailored to the needs of specialty crop growers. Learnings are shared so all members can benefit from adopting practices that will ensure the long-term sustainability of profits from their farms.

  • Grapes from California Promoted Globally Throughout the Fall

    As the fall and winter seasons approach, the global marketing campaign executed by the California Table Grape Commission (commission) highlights the many ways to share, prepare, and enjoy Grapes from California all around the world.

    California grapes are available now through January with opportunities to promote grapes among festive holiday celebrations. The ongoing campaign offers a comprehensive suite of tools and incentives to encourage retailer promotions including: bonus opportunities, digital promotions, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling. To encourage shoppers to purchase California grapes, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California grapes.

    The execution of a dynamic global marking campaign requires not only a dedicated commission staff, but a network of keen export market representatives. One such representative, Francis Lee, was recently recognized with a service award to honor his 30 years of service to the California table grape industry. “In-country market representatives are exceptionally important to the success of the commission export marketing program,” said Ian LeMay, commission president. “Francis’ work over the past three decades has helped solidify Grapes from California as a globally recognized brand known for its quality, exceptional taste, and safety,” said LeMay.

  • Celebrate California Wine Month and the State’s 175th Birthday Throughout September

    This September there’s more than one reason to raise a glass. September 1 kicked off California Wine Month, officially designated by the California State Legislature as a statewide recognition of one of the world’s most iconic winegrowing regions. And on September 9, the Golden State marks its 175th birthday.

    “California Wine Month is a celebration of the people, places and traditions that make our wines truly unique,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “California wine brings people together across cultures and generations, and behind every bottle is a community that supports more than 1.1 million U.S. jobs and contributes $170 billion to the economy. This month is a reminder of how deeply rooted wine is in our state’s identity and how vital it is to our future.”

    Throughout September, wineries across the Golden State are hosting California Wine Month events and activities, from behind-the-scenes harvest tours and grape stomps to wine and food festivals.

    “California Wine Month shines a light on the hard work and heritage of our state’s winegrowers, many of them multigenerational farmers who care deeply about their land, their communities and the future,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Wine connects people to California in a way that’s uniquely personal. Whether you’re walking a vineyard at harvest or enjoying a bottle at your table, you’re experiencing something truly rooted in our state’s culture and values.”

    From vineyard to table, California wine brings out the best in local flavors, from Sonoma oysters to Santa Maria tri-tip. Back by popular demand, the “Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month” e-book offers delicious inspiration for pairing local wines with California’s seasonal bounty.

    “California wine country is not one singular destination or experience,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “It’s the perfect blend of world-class wines, stunning landscapes and unforgettable hospitality. California welcomes visitors from around the world to explore our wine regions, where every tasting is a chance to connect, reflect and raise a glass to what makes the state special.”

    10 Great Moments in California Wine History

    California’s wine community has come a long way during the last 175 years — and it’s just getting started. Here are some of the most memorable and impactful moments in the state’s wine history.

    1850: California gains statehood. This sets the stage for the wine industry’s growth as Gold Rush migration to Northern California spurs demand and vineyard plantings.

    1933: Prohibition is repealed, allowing wine sales to resume.

    1934: Wine Institute is founded to support the California wine industry’s rebirth.

    1960s–1970s: A new wave of wineries across California usher in a modern era, pairing innovation in winemaking with welcoming visitor experiences that set the stage for global recognition.

    1967: Table wines outsell dessert wines by volume in the U.S. for the first time since Prohibition.

    1976: At the Judgment of Paris, California wines beat France in a blind tasting, gaining worldwide recognition.

    1993: Sales of wines labeled by grape name surpass generic wine sales in the U.S.

    2002: Industry leaders introduce the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing.

    2004: California Wine Month is established to celebrate the wine community’s cultural and economic contributions.

    2005: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that states can’t favor local wineries over out-of-state ones when it comes to shipping wine directly to consumers. This gives wine lovers across the country better access to California wines.

    California Grown along with select restaurants and retail partners are celebrating California Wine Month and the state’s 175th birthday with the California 75 wine cocktail, and a Modern Prune Birthday Cake.
    Images and recipes of the California 75 and Modern Prune Cake may be downloaded here

    About CA GROWN
    California Grown was formed in 2001 to increase awareness and consumption of high-quality California agricultural products. The organization is represented today by more than two dozen commodity organizations and dozens of agricultural entities licensed to use the popular California Grown brand. Image of Locy can be downloaded here. For more information about California Grown, contact Cherie Watte at cher@californiagrown.org.
    californiagrown.org.

  • 3rd Annual Whole Vine Festival to Celebrate the Valley’s ‘Grape-ness’

    The Whole Vine Festival returns to Fresno State for its third year, bringing the community together to celebrate the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural heritage, local talent, and of course, the grape. Designed to bring together growers and consumers alike, all are invited to come and attend this family-friendly event on Saturday, November 1, 2025 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) at the Fresno State Campus (Barstow & Woodrow, parking off Woodrow).

    The San Joaquin Valley is the only region in the United States that grows table grapes, raisin grapes, and wine grapes all in one place. This festival is a tribute to that unique distinction and to the hardworking farming families whose resiliency, humility, and perseverance shape our region.

    Festival Highlights:

    ● Free Admission & Parking – Family-friendly and accessible to all.

    ● Grape & Raisin Tastings – Sample the Valley’s bounty, grown in our own backyard.

    ● Local Wine & Beer Garden – Relax with exceptional regional wines, craft beer, and live entertainment.

    ● Live Music – Featuring Country artist John Pemberton & Band – bring your boots, blankets, and lawn chairs.

    ● Kids Zone – A free, interactive space with ag-based and creative activities that connect kids to our Valley’s roots.

    ● Art, Shopping & Culture – Explore artisan vendors, local businesses, and captivating exhibits celebrating the Valley’s diversity and heritage.

    “Our Valley is rich with people who serve well, work hard, and push for a better life for their families,” said organizers of the Whole Vine Festival. “This event is our way of honoring that legacy and celebrating the beauty and resilience of the community.”

    With support from generous sponsors including California Farm Bureau, American Vineyard Magazine, Fresno State, Farm Credit, California Table Grape Commission, Raisin Administrative Committee, and Fresno BMW, the festival continues to grow as a premier regional event.

    More Info: https://thewholevine.com

    About The Whole Vine Festival:
    The Whole Vine Festival is a premier annual event in the San Joaquin Valley celebrating the heritage of table grapes, raisins, and wine. The festival showcases the Valley’s exceptional flavors, artistry, and community spirit, featuring tastings, live music, cultural exhibits, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. It’s an unforgettable experience that connects food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and families to the agricultural legacy that makes the Valley unique.

  • 76 North American Restaurants Receive Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Inaugural ‘Magnum Award’

    Seventy-six restaurants spanning from Graton, California, to Greenwich, Connecticut, are being honored with the 2025 Sonoma County Magnum Award for their exceptional support and promotion of Sonoma County wines.  Earlier this year, Sonoma County Winegrowers launched this new initiative to recognize restaurants that demonstrate outstanding support for Sonoma County wines and showcasing Sonoma County as a world-class wine region. Each restaurant will receive a uniquely etched magnum bottle, symbolizing their role as an ambassador for Sonoma County’s farmers, winemakers, and wines.

    During the year, Sonoma County wineries submitted nominations of restaurants they felt were deserving of recognition. Input was also provided by partners, trade, and sommeliers from throughout the country. Restaurants were selected based on key criteria, including their commitment to showcasing a diverse range of producers, vintages, and AVAs; fostering strong partnerships with wineries; hosting or promoting winemaker dinners and special events; and thoughtfully highlighting Sonoma County wines through curated lists and pairings that celebrate the region’s rich agricultural legacy.

    “When it comes to promoting and celebrating wines from Sonoma County, these restaurants are the best of the best,” said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “We created this award to recognize and thank restaurants for their efforts to showcase our wine.  Our hope is that people will see the Magnum recognition and continue to support both the restaurant and Sonoma County wines.”

    The 2025 Magnum Award winners are:

    SONOMA COUNTY

    •Baci Café & Wine Bar – Healdsburg, CA

    •Bird & The Bottle – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Ca’Bianca – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Cafe La Haye – Sonoma, CA

    •Cucina Paradiso – Petaluma, CA

    •Cyrus – Geyserville, CA

    •El Dorado Kitchen – Sonoma, CA

    •Glen Ellen Star – Glen Ellen, CA

    •Goodnight’s Prime Steak & Spirits – Healdsburg, CA

    •Guiso Latin Fusion – Healdsburg, CA

    •Harbor House Inn – Elk, CA

    •Hazel – Occidental, CA

    •John Ash – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Montage – Healdsburg, CA

    •Monti’s – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Osake Sushi – Santa Rosa, CA

    •River’s End – Jenner, CA

    •Single Thread – Healdsburg, CA

    •Sonoma Pizza Co. – Forestville, CA

    •Stark’s Steak & Seafood – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Stella – Kenwood, CA

    •Sushi Tozai – Sebastopol, CA

    •The Girl & The Fig – Sonoma, CA

    •The Matheson – Healdsburg, CA

    •The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn – Forestville, CA

    •Timber Cove Resort – Jenner, CA

    •Underwood Bar & Bistro – Graton, CA

    •Valette – Healdsburg, CA

    •Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Willi’s Seafood – Healdsburg, CA

    •Willi’s Wine Bar – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Willow Wood Market Cafe – Graton, CA

    •

    CALIFORNIA

    •71Above – Los Angeles, CA

    •Angler SF – San Francisco, CA

    •Charlie’s – St. Helena, CA

    •EPIC Steak – San Francisco, CA

    •Lazy Bear – San Francisco, CA

    •Lucky’s – Montecito, CA

    •Press – St. Helena, CA

    •Rutherford Grill – Napa, CA

    •Spago – Beverly Hills, CA

    •Spruce – San Francisco, CA

    •Stanly Ranch – Napa, CA

    •The Ahwahnee – Yosemite, CA

    •The Charter Oak – St. Helena, CA

    •The Edge Palm Springs – Palm Springs, CA

    •The Spinnaker – Sausalito, CA

    •Wally’s Wine – Santa Monica, CA

    •Waterbar – San Francisco, CA

    UNITED STATES & BEYOND

    •Annie Gunn’s – Chesterfield, MO

    •Bern’s Steak House – Tampa, FL

    •Blackberry Farm – Walland, TN

    •Buck & Rider – Phoenix, AZ

    •Canlis – Seattle, WA

    •Eleven Madison Park – New York, NY

    •Gramercy Tavern – New York, NY

    •Joe’s – Chicago, IL

    •Joe’s – Las Vegas, NV

    •Joe’s – Washington, D.C.

    •Manta– Waimea, HI

    •Mastro’s – Houston, TX

    •Meli-Melo – Greenwich, CT

    •Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston, TX – Galleria & Downtown

    •Peak – New York, NY

    •RPM Italian – Chicago, IL

    •RPM Italian – Las Vegas, NV

    •RPM Italian – Washington, D.C.

    •RPM Seafood – Chicago, IL

    •RPM Steak – Chicago, IL

    •Summer House – Chicago, IL

    •The Inn at Little Washington – Washington, VA

    •The Little Nell – Aspen, CO

    •The Palm – Orlando, FL

    •The Palm – Mexico City, Mexico

    •The Post Oak Hotel – Houston, TX

    •Willie G’s – Houston, TX

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

    Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

    In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

    SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

    Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.