California Ag Network

Tag: Mendocino County

  • Mendocino Winegrowers Announces New Executive Director

    Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI) is excited to announce Diego Mendoza as the organization’s new Executive Director. MWI, a 501c6 focused on supporting the grape growers and winemakers of Mendocino County through education and marketing initiatives, hired Mendoza earlier this month after the previous Executive Director announced her resignation due to a move out of the area.

    Mendoza is a Mendocino county local with deep ties to the wine industry: he grew up watching many of his family members at work in the vineyards, and his strong community ties and love for his home county make him a natural fit for the role. His technical abilities, marketing acumen, and long-standing goal of giving back to the community that raised him are among a few of the reasons he was selected. Mendoza is the founder of Mendozino, a marketing and creative services agency, and has experience as an IT and network engineer with a focus on improving communications, integrating technology, and streamlining systems.

    “The hiring committee was so impressed with Diego; it was clear he had given a lot of thought to what he could bring to the position and how he could help evolve the organization,” says MWI Treasurer Chris Buchanan, who is also the owner and winemaker of Terragena Wine.

    Mendoza is starting from a sprint as one of the flagship events of the organization, Taste of Mendocino, is coming up on Saturday, June 28 at the Wyndham Garden Inn in Redwood Valley. This beloved annual event invites locals and visitors alike to savor both the wine and culinary culture of one of California’s most iconic wine regions, at a fraction of the price one might pay at a similar event in Napa or Sonoma counties.

    The selection of Mendoza as the new Executive Director is important both for the success of Taste of Mendocino and for the future of MWI as the wine industry continues to face strong headwinds amidst declining consumption, increased tariffs, and the impacts of climate change. “Diego has a unique perspective which allows him to see the big picture while also generating clear and actionable goals to elevate the image and reach of Mendocino,” says Buchanan. “This is not the time for anyone in the industry to settle for how things have always been done; this is a time to push ourselves to grow and evolve, and Diego is going to help MWI do just that.”

    The recent designation of Mendocino County by Wine Enthusiast magazine as the American Wine Region of the Year is an opportunity to raise the bar for all producers in the county, and MWI is committed to leveraging this and all other opportunities to increase awareness of the award-winning wines being made in the region. With Mendoza at the helm, the MWI governing board is optimistic about the organization’s future.

    To learn more about MWI and Taste of Mendocino, visit www.mendowine.com.

    About MWI
    Mendocino Winegrowers Incorporated (MWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the vintners and grape growers of Mendocino County. With a focus on education, marketing, and sustainability, MWI plays a pivotal role in elevating the visibility of the region’s wines, both nationally and internationally.

  • Mendocino Winegrowers Successfully Passes ‘Mendocino County’ Labeling Law

    Mendocino WineGrowers (MWI), the wine marketing organization for Mendocino County, is proud to announce their success in getting conjunctive labeling passed for the County.  As of January 1, 2023 all wines labeled with an AVA located in Mendocino County must also include “Mendocino County” on the label.  This designation is a huge coup for an area whose grapes are prominently used in many notable Californian wines, but is still a lesser known region for the average consumer.  Conjunctive labeling has been proven to successfully enhance the recognition of AVAs, especially smaller AVAs, as per a study done by Sonoma State in 2017 on the effects of labeling.

    The MWI Board began exploring the idea of a conjunctive labeling program to improve consumer identification and understanding of the region’s wines early in 2018. Given the strong evidence that conjunctive labeling programs benefit the regions that enact them, a draft proposal for Mendocino County was crafted by MWI. The language, largely based on the successful Monterey program, was designed for simplicity and minimal impact on wineries.  MWI worked closely with Californian Senator Mike McGuire who drafted bill SB1009 and championed it through the State Senate, winning approval by Governor Newsom and ultimately achieving its approval.

    “Conjunctive labeling is crucial to growing consumer recognition, as proven by its success with other notable regions such as Napa and Sonoma.  We are thrilled to have this new vehicle to get Mendocino County the spotlight it deserves. Our wines are highly coveted, yet many consumers mistaken them for other regions and with this new tool we feel we can broaden our customer base and grow the already impressive following we have achieved so far,” said Bernadette Byrne, Executive Director of Mendocino WineGrowers, Inc.
    Exact details of the new labeling law are as follows:
    WHAT: Any wine labeled with an AVA that is located entirely within Mendocino County or a vineyard designation within Mendocino County, must also include “Mendocino County” on the label.
    PLACEMENT: “Mendocino” (if the AVA falls within the Mendocino AVA boundary) or “Mendocino County” would be placed on the front OR back label.

    TYPE SIZE: For containers 188 ml. or larger, type size would be 2 mm. or larger. For containers of 187 ml. or less, type size would not be smaller than 1 mm.

    OTHER LABELING: Other AVAs, vineyard designations and/or appellations could also appear on the label (as long as the wine is qualified under TTB regulations).

    EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2023

    Mendocino County has a long history of winemaking which dates back to the mid-1800s when the first Italian immigrants settled the green hillsides. Still today, the majority of the region’s 570 vineyards remain in the hands of family farmers, many of whom have lived for two or more generations on their land—some tracing their roots to the first settlers. The deeply rooted winegrowing community of farmers share a common passion for growing quality grapes, stewarding the land and producing outstanding wines.
    Although Mendocino is one of the largest wine-producing counties in California, the area planted with wine grapes (17,470 acres) represents only about 0.8% of the total County area. The diversity of the growing conditions leads to numerous winegrowing regions, each with a distinct personality, and twelve of these regions are approved American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Mendocino includes the world renown Anderson Valley AVA and the geographically unique Mendocino Ridge AVA, the only non-contiguous AVA in America. Red grapes represent the majority of the Mendocino grape acreage, the most widely planted are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Syrah but other common varietals are Petite Sirah, Carignane, Grenache, Sangiovese and Barbera. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most popular white grapes followed by Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Pinot Gris. This wide array of grapes favors the production of a broad range of wine styles, including sparkling wines of exceptional quality.

    ABOUT MENDOCINO WINEGROWERS

    Mendocino WineGrowers Inc (MWI) is an alliance of grape growers and vintners working together to promote the grapes and wines from Mendocino County.  The group was formed in 2012 to promote the quality and image of Mendocino County grapes and wine with three target audiences: 1) decision-makers who buy grapes, 2) press and trade groups who write about, sell, or recommend wine, and 3) consumers who buy wine.  MWI is run by the Executive Director, Bernadette Byrne, and a volunteer Board of Directors.

  • CAWG Mourns Passing of Founding Chair Richard Keehn

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened to share that Richard Keehn, a founding member of CAWG and the first chair of its board of directors, passed away on Dec. 20, 2019.

    Following a decorated 15-year career in the U.S. Army, Keehn began farming winegrapes in Mendocino County in the early 1970s. In the years that followed, he became one of the industry’s most devoted leaders.

    In 1974, California winegrape growers were challenged by numerous issues, including low prices and unfair business practices, pest and disease management, and several new state and federal laws. Keehn and several winegrape growers believed they would be stronger industry advocates if they organized as a group. They met with Bank of America and each grower signed a personal guarantee of $10,000 to launch CAWG.

    Thanks to the foresight and efforts of Keehn and fellow founding members, CAWG was created and has become an effective statewide organization protecting and promoting the interests of California winegrape growers. CAWG is now in its 46th year.

    Keehn served as CAWG’s chair for four years (1974-1978) and as a director for seven years. He also contributed his leadership and expertise to other agricultural endeavors, such as the California World Trade Commission Advisory Council, California Board of Food and Agriculture, American Vineyard Foundation and Wine Institute. Keehn was the recipient of the 2014 CAWG Leader of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual whose record of exceptional leadership has benefitted California’s wine industry and is an inspiration to others.

    Keehn’s obituary provides more details about his life, career and accomplishments, as well as donations in his honor. For more information, please contact Karen Keehn at kskeehn@gmail.com.

  • CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available For Healthy Soils Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 9, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP). The program provides funding for incentivizing and demonstrating soil health practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve soil health.

    The HSP has two components: the HSP Incentives Program and the HSP Demonstration Projects.

    The HSP Incentives Program provides financial assistance for implementation of soil health practices that sequester soil carbon and reduce GHG emissions. California farmers and ranchers, as well as Federal and California recognized Native American Indian Tribes, are eligible to apply.

    The HSP Demonstration Projects showcase California farmers’ and ranchers’ implementation of HSP soil health practices. By using demonstration projects, awardees can help support widespread adoption of soil health management practices throughout the state.  Not-for-profit entities, University Cooperative Extension, federal and university experiment stations, Resource Conservation Districts, Federal and California-recognized Native American Indian Tribes, and farmers and ranchers in collaboration with any of the aforementioned entities are eligible to apply.

    A total of up to $1.6 million will be awarded for the projects, with no more than $500,000 allocated specifically for HSP Demonstration projects.

    This grant process may prioritize funding to agricultural lands in counties where a state of emergency was declared in 2017 due to wildfires under executive orders signed by Governor Edmond G. Brown, Jr. These counties include: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Ventura and Yuba.

    Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically by April 13, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Awards will be made based on a first-come-first-served basis and will be subject to administrative and technical reviews prior to being funded.

    For detailed information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the CDFA Healthy Soils Program website at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/.

    CDFA will hold two workshops and two webinars to provide information on program requirements and the application process (see below). CDFA staff will provide guidance on the application process, provide examples, and answer any questions. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email grants@cdfa.ca.gov with his or her contact information, the number of seats required, and the workshop location.

    Orange County – Tuesday, March 13, 2018
    1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – HSP Incentives Program
    2.30 pm – 4:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects
    OC Fair and Event Center – Board Room
    88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

    Yuba City – Friday, March 16, 2018
    9:00 am – 10:30 am – HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects
    University of California Cooperative Extension Sutter/Yuba
    142 Garden Highway
    Yuba City, CA 95991

    Webinar – Monday, March 19, 2018
    9:00 am – 10:30 am – HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects

    Webinar – Wednesday, March 21, 2018
    9:00 am – 10:30 am – HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects

    To register for the webinars, please visit the program webpage at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/.

    Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov with general program questions. For information regarding free-of-charge technical assistance provided by non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs), and California academic institutions, applicants should refer to www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils.

    NOTE – The HSP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.  The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.  California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more.  At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California.  For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at:  www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

  • Wildfires in Wine Country

    CAWGThe California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened by the loss of lives, structures and property due to wildfires in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

    We share our deepest sympathies with the thousands of people who have been and will be affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to the firefighters, first responders and community members who are helping to protect lives and property.

    “In the coming days, we will have a clearer picture of the extent of damage that has occurred to vineyards and wineries and the response needed to aid recovery,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “Until then, our thoughts and prayers go to all of those impacted by this unfolding disaster and to the men and women who are bravely battling these fires.”

    CAWG will work with members of the California congressional delegation, key federal officials and other wine industry organizations to ensure adequate resources are provided for disaster response and recovery efforts.

    Below you will find resources for crop and property insurance claims, as well as simple ways you can lend a helping hand to those affected by the fires.

    Crop Insurance Claims

    If you have a Federal Crop Insurance Policy in place, there may be multiple reasons for calling in a notice of potential loss to your agent:

    • Direct Damage: If you have encountered direct damage to your vineyard, resulting in lost crop due to fire, you should immediately contact your crop insurance agent to report the loss. Direct damage, such as fire, to a crop is a covered cause of loss.
    • Smoke Taint: The smoke in the air can cause smoke taint rendering the affected crop a total loss, partial loss or possible quality loss. If you suspect that smoke taint may become a reality in your vineyard, again, you should notify your crop insurance agent immediately to report the potential damage. Smoke taint can be a covered cause of loss, however there are certain conditions that must be met in order for a claim to be viable. Click here to learn more about what to do in the case of potential damage from smoke taint.
    • Inability to Harvest: If you are precluded from being able to harvest your crop, due to wildfire inhibiting your access to your vineyard; you could have a potential cause of loss. While rare, this could very well be the case for some who may not be able to reach their vineyard for some period of time. If you are unable to access your vineyard, it is best that you reach out to your crop insurance agent to notify them of the situation.

    Keep in mind, crop insurance only covers the crop, not the vines. Even if you have the slightest possibility of damage, you should contact your agent immediately. Also, remember that a payable claim is ultimately dependent on your insurable acreage, average yields, coverage levels, prices per ton and guarantees of the policy.

    > How to file a Federal Crop Insurance Claim – Do’s and Don’ts

    To find out more, or if we can help direct you to a preferred insurance provider,

    please contact the CAWG office at 916.379.8995.

    Property Loss Claims

    After a loss has occurred, you will be facing many problems you probably have not confronted before. It may be helpful to keep the following in mind:

    • Contact Your Insurance Agent Or Insurance Company As Soon As Possible- Your insurance agent will gather the information necessary to file a claim with your insurance company on your behalf. If you do not have an insurance agent, contact your insurance company.
    • Protect Property From Further Damage: When it is possible and safe to do so- prevent further damage to your property by covering broken windows, damaged roofs and walls. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs. If your business or home has sustained extensive damage, please do not go back inside until cleared to do so by emergency personnel.
    • Take Photos of the Damaged Property and Prepare an Inventory of Property Damaged
    • Business Income Coverage- If you have Business Income coverage, it may provide protection against certain financial losses that are sustained if your business is unable to operate due to a covered loss.
    • Loss of Use Coverage: Your Farm or Homeowner’s policy includes a limit for Loss of Use. This coverage is intended to assist with temporary housing and additional living expenses if you are unable to occupy your home after a covered loss. Make certain to retain all receipts for these expenses for remittance to your claims adjuster.

    How to help evacuees of fires…

    If you are searching for ways to assist those affected by the fires, here are some options to lend a helping hand:

    As always, please contact the CAWG office if there is any way we can be of assistance.