California Ag Network

Tag: American Vineyard Magazine

  • CAWG Explains New Smoke Exposed Wine Grape Research & Grower Assistance

    Over the last few years, many western wine grape growers have had issues around harvest with wildfires, and some have even had their grapes rejected by the wineries due to the smoke exposure from these relentless fires.  Many of these growers were even under contract.  This regular wildfire pattern does not appear to be changing anytime soon, and there is very limited information on smoke taint in grapes, and at what point a crop merits rejection.  That is why the industry has received some funding to conduct more research in this field of study and previously impacted growers now have the opportunity to recoup some of their losses through the USDA Farm Service Agency.  Watch this interview with John Aguirre, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers as he explains and read more in the September issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days.  Learn more HERE.

  • California Wine Grape Harvest Update with Allied Grape Growers

    How is the 2019 California wine grape crop and harvest progressing?  And what are the current trends in the wine market?  Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support and attend their upcoming Grapevine Clonal Field Days.  Learn more HERE.

  • California Wine Country’s Back Roads

    Here’s a discovery well worth toasting: A research team led by Professor Brandon Gaut with the University of California, Irvine and Professor Dario Cantu with the University of California, Davis has deciphered the genome of the Chardonnay grape. By doing so, they have uncovered something fascinating: grapes inherit different numbers of genes from their mothers and fathers. Their paper has just been published in Nature Plants.

    The team devoted three years of study to what are known as structural variants, or chromosome changes, in the genomes of the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to determine their genetic similarity. Each of the fruits has about 37,000 genes.

    “Each of us inherits one copy of their gene from their mother and one from their father,” said Professor Gaut. “One would assume that the grapes inherit two copies of every gene, too, with one coming from each of their two parents. However, we found there was just one copy, not two, for 15 percent of the genes in Chardonnay, and it was also true of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Together, that means that grape varieties differ in the presence or absence of thousands of genes.”

    “These genetic differences probably contribute to many of the differences in taste between wines made from different grape varieties” said Professor Cantu. And they definitely contribute to one important feature of grapes: their color.

    The research team showed that red grapes have mutated into white grapes on several different occasions. Each mutation included a large chromosomal change that altered the number of copies of key color genes. Fewer copies of the color genes cause white grapes.

    In addition to providing key scientific knowledge to vintners, the scientists say their findings have important implications for understanding the nutritional values among other fruits and vegetables. Structural variations have largely been unexplored in plant genomes, but Professor Gaut says the research is important for understanding what lies within the fruits and vegetables we eat. “For example, even between the various types of heirloom tomatoes, structural variations could account for differing nutritional values,” he said. “Better understanding the genetic composition of species enables us to access tools that improve plant breeding.”

  • Sonoma County Winegrowers to Participate in Ag’s First Climate Certification Program

    Five years ago, the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) made a bold declaration to the wine world that its more than 1,800 winegrowers were committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% certified sustainable wine region in 2019.

    Today, Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers, addressed the local winegrowing community to announce that Sonoma County now has a record-breaking 99%  of its local vineyards certified sustainable.  Kruse also announced that SCW will continue to build on its sustainability leadership as an exclusive participant in the California Land Stewardship Institute’s Climate Adaptation Certification Program which is the first program of its kind available in the world for agriculture.

    While carbon farm plans have been utilized by some farmers and ranchers in the past, this new climate adaptation certification marks the first time farmers will have a certification and a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and carbon sequestration program that includes all three main GHG  – carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. This voluntary climate adaptation program will be customized to site and operations with growers documenting their reductions, monitoring  their greenhouse gas emissions and undergoing an annual audit.  After launching and piloting the effort in Sonoma County vineyards, the program will be available to other wine regions around the world.

    “When our leadership realized that 99% of the vineyards in Sonoma County were going to be certified sustainable, they began looking ahead and identified climate adaptation certification as the next natural step for Sonoma County Winegrowers,” stated Kruse.  She added, “Climate change is a critical threat, yet there is little information available on the role agriculture can play.  This program addresses that by focusing on the importance of local solutions to combat a global concern. We are excited that this new certification program highlights the unique role and opportunity agriculture and local communities have in climate adaptation and mitigation.”

    The Climate Adaptation Certification program is a customized farm plan that will track the impact of climate friendly farming practices and develop recommendations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The certification program will focus on proven scientific concepts that growers can implement without compromising their farming practices.  It will limit nitrous oxide emissions and focus on carbon sequestration to improve the health of the soil and the farm. The program meets both the State of California’s climate goals and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soil goals.

    Each participating vineyard in Sonoma County will have its own land management program developed specifically to address the sequestration of nitrous oxide and carbon emissions.  The greenhouse gas reductions will be monitored and documented with the information shared with farmers and the general public.

    “Through the Climate Adaptation Certification program, both the grower and the public will be able to better understand the role of vineyards in climate change and the immediate benefits of agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon,” said Laurel Marcus, executive director of the California Land Stewardship Institute.  She added, “We are excited to collaborate on this pilot project with the Sonoma County Winegrowers who have demonstrated great leadership in land stewardship and environmental responsibility.”

    Sonoma County’s wine industry is primarily comprised of multi-generational family businesses.   There are 59,218 acres planted to vineyards, which accounts for only 6% of Sonoma County’s total acreage.  In fact, more than 40% of Sonoma County’s vineyard parcels are less than 20 acres, with 80% of the county’s vineyards less than 100 acres.

    Duff Bevill, Bevill Vineyard Management and past chair of the SCW board of directors, is often referred to as the godfather of sustainability by the locals and is credited with playing a key role in bringing the idea of committing to 100% sustainability to the SCW board and local growers.  He is excited about participating in the first Climate Adaptation Certification program for vineyards.

    “I have long felt that sustainability is the best approach to ensure we protect our land for future generations, improve the quality of life for our employees, and enhance the community where we live and work,” said Bevill.  He added, “That foundation is critical as we now look to reduce and document greenhouse gas emissions and further our carbon sequestration efforts.  Though the issue is big, there is little understanding as to what solutions can make a difference.   This program excites me because it has a lot of depth to it and it will enable us to actually monitor and determine how best to lower our impact through a combination of best management practices.”

    Sonoma County has some of the world’s most recognized grape growing areas in the world with the first vineyards dating back to 1812.  The region’s unique combination of rich geological history, fog patterns generated by its more than 50-miles of Pacific Ocean coastline and topography has given rise to 18 unique American Viticultural Areas (AVA), with plans to designate more. Each AVA offers distinct climate, soils, temperature areas, elevations and historical significance perfect for growing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more.

    Sonoma County is also home to almost 500 wineries whose wines are renowned throughout the world.  In 2018, SCW launched its “Sustainably Farmed Grapes” logo for wineries to use on their wines beginning with the 2017 vintage.  To use the label, wines must be using at least 85% certified sustainable Sonoma County winegrapes following an audit by SCW.

    “What is most exciting is that given that we are a certified sustainable wine region and participating in the first Climate Adaptation Certification for vineyards, consumers can always purchase Sonoma County wines with confidence knowing that we are the global leader in growing and making great wine while minimizing the impact on the environment,” said SCW’s Kruse.

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

    The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCW has oversight by California Department of Food and Agriculture which supports producer regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world.

    In January 2014, SCW committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in 2019. As of September 12, 2019, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable wine region in the world.  SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).  Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org

     

  • Sonoma Winegrowers Closing the Gap to Reach 100% Sustainability

    As many are aware, Sonoma County Winegrowers launched a unified effort within the community and bold five year goal back in 2014 to achieve 100% sustainability.  In the final year and stretch to reach this goal, they have made phenomenal progress, but will they achieve their goal?  Watch this brief interview with Amy Tesconi to find out, and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support HERE.

  • Winery Numbers Increase, Distributors Consolidate — What’s a Mid-size Winery to Do?

    With the number of wineries in the US higher than ever, and only a few retailers controlling the bulk of wine distribution, what’s a mid-size winery to do to get their product through the supply chain?  Watch this brief interview with wine broker Glenn Proctor from the Ciatti Company as he shares a few recommendations and read more it in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Will there be Room in the Tanks for the 2020 Wine Crush?

    As wine inventory movement has been pretty slow since the spring, there is some concern in the industry whether there will be room in the tanks for the 2019 crop that is beginning to mature.  Watch this brief wine market update with Wine Broker Glenn Proctor from the Ciatti Company as he explains, and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Could CA Farmers Lose CalEPA & Science-Based Pesticide Regulation?

    Anti-pesticide sentiment has never been more prevalent, as California courts and anti-agricultural organizations frighten the public with non-science based claims of the harmful effects of crop protection materials such as glyphosate.  What farmers need to understand though now, is that much more than glyphosate is currently at stake.  The legislature is now being pressured to change the whole pesticide regulatory system as we know it.  Watch this brief interview with Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations with the California Association of Winegrape Growers to learn more.

  • Wine Grower Brad Goehring, CAWG Leader of the Year

    With the annual Summer Conference of the California Association of Winegrape Growers came the announcement and presentation of CAWG’s Leader of the Year award, honoring Lodi wine grower Brad Goehring.  Watch this brief presentation honoring Goehring, as delivered by John Duarte of Duarte Nursery at the Awards of Excellence dinner in Sonoma.  Read more the grower leaders that make this industry great in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • The Difference Between Fungicide Resistance & Sprayer Coverage/Calibration Issues

    Fungicide Resistance is a real issue in the grape industry in regards to powdery mildew control.  Growers need to take this seriously and be able to recognize signs of it in their vineyards; however, sometimes what may appear to be a resistance problem may actually be an issue of poor sprayer calibration/coverage.  Watch this brief video with Research Plant Pathologist with the USDA Walt Mahaffee as he explains and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.  Don’t currently receive the magazine?  Subscribe for free at: https://malcolmmedia.com/american-vineyard-subscriptions/