2026 Fresno State Grape Day California’s grape industry came together at Fresno State Grape Day to explore the latest research, innovations and management practices shaping the future of viticulture. From vineyard technology and sustainable growing methods to networking with industry professionals, the biennial event gave growers and researchers the opportunity to share ideas and discover new tools for success.
Tag: sustainable viticulture
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Sonoma County Winegrowers Unlocks National Growth Opportunities
At its annual Dollars & $ense meeting today, themed, “The Next Chapter: Elevating What Works and Expanding What’s Possible,” Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) announced a strategic reorganization and renewed organizational focus to build demand, expand partnerships, and increase sales of Sonoma County wines to support long-term grower success.
The moves reflect a proactive response to an evolving marketplace and are designed to ensure Sonoma County remains competitive, relevant, and well-positioned for future growth.
Moving forward, Jennifer Dieckmann, currently Chief Operating Officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers, will assume the role of Executive Director and COO, leading the organization’s day-to-day operations, program execution, and team leadership, while maintaining operational excellence and strengthening grower and stakeholder engagement across all initiatives.
At the same time, Karissa Kruse, as Chief Executive Officer, will leverage her proven track record of building high-impact partnerships and market-driven programs to focus more deeply on strategic leadership, business development, market expansion, and national partnerships that elevate the Sonoma County wine region and drive demand.
Together, this leadership structure allows Sonoma County Winegrowers to maximize its strengths—pairing strategic vision and partnership-building at the top with disciplined execution and operational excellence—ensuring strategies move from vision to measurable impact for growers.
“We want to play offense,” said Kruse. She added, “Our growers have always been changemakers – they don’t wait for conditions to improve or hope the market will turn; they lead with intention. With the full support of our grower-led board of directors, we are bringing that same relentlessly proactive mindset to our organization to sharpen our focus, build strategic partnerships, and create new pathways to sell more Sonoma County wine. When our wines succeed in the marketplace, our growers also succeed which drives a new era of growth for our farms, our wines, and our region.”
The move follows months of thoughtful evaluation of the evolving wine marketplace including a deep assessment of challenges and opportunities, a review of what SCW programs have delivered the greatest impact, and a clear focus on how to scale those successes through strategic partnerships and business development.
Since Kruse became the organization’s chief executive in 2013, SCW has evolved from a regional, single-purpose trade organization into a nationally recognized leader in sustainability, workforce development, innovation, collaboration, and wine region branding.
Looking ahead, SCW will build on this strong foundation by expanding strategic partnerships, advancing innovative farming practices, and strengthening the relevance of the Sonoma County brand – not only within the wine industry, but across the broader hospitality and consumer landscape.
“The success of winegrowers in Sonoma County can only happen when there is success for Sonoma County wines. For years, SCW has been building a strong foundation comprised of a number of programs that build upon one another to raise awareness, attract notable partners, and support the brand,” said Bret Munselle, of Munselle Vineyards and chairman of the SCW board of directors. He added, “Now, with these new moves, we are going to scale up what has worked including our strategic partnerships to improve marketplace sales, protect farming in the future and keep the Sonoma County brand in demand for years to come.”
In her new role, Kruse will focus on building and activating high-impact partnerships, advancing new business opportunities, and expanding markets in support of long-term demand for Sonoma County wine.
To help make the vision a reality, a series of strategic objectives were developed including:
•Expanding and diversifying markets for Sonoma County wine and grapes;
•Drive tourism and direct engagement
•Be the region of choice to realize best in class partnerships programs and resources;
•Make best uses of resources;
•Provide thought leadership that drives action;
•Build diversified and sustainable revenue streams; and,
•Support winegrowers and Winery Collaborative members.
“For our winegrowers, wineries and our county, we must win in the marketplace, ensure farming has a future; and maintain Sonoma County’s wine and tourism relevance,” said Kruse.
During the Dollars & $ense meeting, SCW highlighted its robust portfolio of SCW programs and partnerships designed to strengthen demand, elevate the Sonoma County brand, and support long-term grower success.
•Building on its leadership in sustainability and innovation, SCW expanded its Farm of the Future initiative as a living laboratory for next-generation farming practices —launching Reservoir Farms, Sonoma, and collaborating with industry leaders including John Deere, Ford Pro, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology.
•The organization continued to invest in workforce development through the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation, including the nation’s first vineyard employee Leadership Academy.
•On the market-facing side, SCW deepened strategic partnerships across food, sports, hospitality, and media—launching the first-ever Major League Baseball wine club in partnership with the San Francisco Giants and collaborating with professional sports franchises including the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Chicago Bears, and Houston Rockets—to reach new audiences and drive consumer engagement.
Together with national partnerships with Food & Wine, GuildSomm, Landry’s, and Lettuce Entertain You, these efforts reinforced Sonoma County’s position as one of the world’s most trusted, relevant, and respected wine regions.
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.
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Lodi Winegrape Commission Elects Youngest Leadership Team In 34-Year History
A new generation of leaders is stepping forward to guide the Lodi wine region into the future. During its August meeting, the 2025–2026 board of directors of the Lodi Winegrape Commission assumed service and elected fresh leadership as the next generation of winegrowers assumes key roles alongside seasoned industry veterans.
The board appointed a historic slate of officers representing the youngest leadership team in the Commission’s 34-year history. Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez was elected chair, Hadyn Schatz vice chair, Pieter den Hartog secretary, and Scott Armolea treasurer. Together, this new leadership embodies the dynamic energy and forward-thinking vision needed to navigate today’s evolving wine industry.
Commissioners remain unchanged for the 2025–2026 term, with all current members continuing their service – Scott Armolea, Pieter den Hartog, Jason Eells, Dirk Heuvel, Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez, Farrah Felten Jolley, Joan Kautz, Diego Olagaray (chair, 2023–2025), and Hadyn Schatz. Galen Schmiedt joins current alternates Gerardo Espinosa, Joe Larranaga, Colton Machado, Brett Pieretti, and Mitch Spaletta.
A Legacy of Innovation Continues
This transition continues a legacy of service as Stokes, along with Schatz and den Hartog, are carrying forward their families’ multi-generational commitment to the region. They follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who also served on the Commission’s board of directors:
- Rodney Schatz, Peltier Winery & Vineyards — 1991–1999 (chair, 1997–1999)
- Bill Stokes, Stokes Brothers Farms — 2003–2011
- Pieter den Hartog, Den Hartog International Farms, Inc. — 2013–2019
This generational turnover reflects the deep agricultural roots and family commitment that defines Lodi’s winegrowing community, while bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and market adaptation.
Leading through Industry Evolution
Stokes holds leadership roles at both Stokes Vineyards and Stokes Brothers Farms, focusing on vineyard operations and sustainability, and is the owner of La Belle Nue Wine. She has served on the Commission’s board of directors since 2020, previously holding the offices of secretary (2023–2024) and vice chair (2024–2025), and also serves on the Commission’s Grower Marketing Committee. Stokes is a graduate of the California Agriculture Leadership Program and, alongside her husband, Jeff Iniguez, recently assumed the lease of her family’s old vine Zinfandel ranch, continuing a generational connection to Lodi. Her election as chair represents both continuity and change for the region.
“Lodi is a place where I learned the value of hard work, family, and farming from a young age,” says Stokes. “While the market is shifting, our purpose remains the same; to uplift this region by telling its story and sustaining our community. Our parents helped to build this commission in 1991, not just as growers but as visionaries, and today we honor that legacy by embracing what it means to lead in a new era.”
“This year’s board reflects a meaningful shift, with a new generation stepping confidently into leadership roles,” said Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director Stuart Spencer. “These talented young professionals are inspiring the entire community as they take the reins alongside seasoned leaders. That blend of fresh energy, forward-thinking vision, and deep agricultural heritage positions us well to continue advancing Lodi as California’s most dynamic wine region.”
The board also welcomes back Galen Schmiedt as an alternate for 2025–2026. Schmiedt is a fourth-generation grape grower and vineyard owner actively involved in his family’s business, Carl Schmiedt Farming. He previously served eight consecutive years as a commissioner from 2012–2020, including a term as chair (2015–2017), and brings valuable institutional knowledge to support the new leadership team.
Honoring Dedicated Service
Rolling off the board of directors are Garret Schaefer (JW Moore Vineyards) and Todd Maley (Maley Vineyards), who each completed six consecutive years of service from 2019–2025. Both continue their active involvement with the Commission, with Schaefer serving on the Grower Marketing Committee and Maley on the Winery Marketing Committee.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Garret and Todd for their years of dedicated service to the Lodi winegrowing community,” said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Their leadership, insight, and deep commitment to the region have left a lasting impact. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to their continued involvement in the community.”
About the Lodi Winegrape Commission
Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture. The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers cultivating 85,000 acres of winegrapes. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.
About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)
A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate more than 130 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to more than 85 wineries – from boutique producers to legacy brands – specializing in hand-crafted wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.
Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 75,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.