California Ag Network

Tag: Sustainable Winemaking

  • 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.

  • Popular Grape Camp Returns to Sonoma County

    Sonoma County Winegrowers has just announced it is bringing back one of its most popular programs this fall when Grape Camp returns.  This three-day immersion in all thing’s agriculture, wine and food in Sonoma County is an experience of a lifetime.  From vineyard immersions led by growers to sommelier-led wine tastings to unforgettable farm to table gatherings, the camp allows participants to learn first-hand why Sonoma County is a wine and food mecca.

    “Grape Camp is much loved by past campers because it is true wine country immersion! The best part is getting to meet so many of our local family farmers and winemakers,”  said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “We took a few years off, but we regularly received inquiries asking if Grape Camp was going to return, so we are thrilled to bring back this ‘bucket list’ experience for wine lovers.”

    Grape Camp is more than an event — it is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. From picking grapes alongside multi-generational farmers to blending wines and dining under the stars, guests will savor the region’s bounty in its most authentic form. Grape Camp offers a unique blend of Sonoma County’s luxurious hospitality and its grassroots winegrowing heritage.

    Sonoma County is home to more than 495 wineries, over 100 wine grape varieties and 19 distinct wine growing appellations, as well as 50 miles of coastline—more than any other wine region in California.  The region’s dynamic landscape and commitment to sustainability make it the perfect place to learn, sip, and savor. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply wine-curious, Sonoma County Winegrowers invites you to be part of the story — from vine to glass.

    Grape Camp will be held September 28 through October 1, 2025. Space is limited, so reserve your space now by visiting https://sonomawinegrape.org/grape-camp-2025/.

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers: Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grapegrowers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).