California Ag Network

Tag: Whole Vine Festival

  • 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.

  • Local Chefs at Whole Vine Festival Awarded for Innovative Use of California Table Grapes

    To support the local and innovative culinary use of grapes, the California Table Grape Commission sponsored a competition at the recent Whole Vine Festival, awarding cash prizes to the top three food trucks incorporating grapes from California on their menus. A $1,000 grand prize was awarded to Rice and Spice for their Thai Papaya (and grape) salad. Runner up $250 prizes went to Marcelino’s Wood Fired Pizza for their Whole Vine Pie (grape & balsamic glaze reduction drizzled over cheese blend topped with arugula and fresh sliced grapes) and their dessert pizza (with red grapes, brie and honey), and Madtown’s Burger & Tacos for their Grape Pollination Salad and PB&J Burger.  Watch this brief interview with Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau as she introduces the grand prize winner and shares more details with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network.

  • Whole Vine Festival, 2nd Edition, to be Dedicated to Jon Marthedal

    As grape growers and consumers prepare to gather and celebrate the San Joaquin Valley grape industry, Saturday, October 19 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 20 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Whole Vine Festival on the Fresno State Campus, festival organizers are pleased to announce the dedication of the second year of the Festival to Central Valley grape grower Jon Marthedal.

    Marthedal’s family has been farming in the Valley for over a century, and he has valiantly carried on the legacy of feeding the world as a responsible steward of the land. It is very fitting for Marthedal to be receiving this special honor on the grounds of his alma mater, Fresno State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Ag Business. In addition to farming grapes, blueberries and almonds, Marthedal provides custom farming services for many of his neighbors and serves on numerous boards and committees in the community, such as the Farm Credit Council and the Raisin Administrative Committee.

    “I met Jon Marthedal while he was serving as the Chairman of Sun-Maid Growers,” shared Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau.  “Jon, along with Nat DiBuduo who we dedicated our inaugural Whole Vine Festival to, has been a great mentor and rallying supporter of the Whole Vine Festival.  Jon and I have had countless conversations that have helped shape the Festival to what we enjoy today. I have often called him my ‘corner man’ as he has coached me through hard things. He shared the vision of a festival celebrating the rich heritage of grape-growing and its impact on our Valley communities. He is also a doer and has not hesitated to jump in and help out with the festival in many ways, getting the job done in the true form of a farmer.”

    Jon Marthedal in a California Ag Network interview with Matthew Malcolm, Editor of American Vineyard Magazine

    Matthew Malcolm, Whole Vine Festival Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of American Vineyard Magazine, added, “We are thrilled for the opportunity to honor Jon Marthedal and invite all to join us during the Opening Ceremony in doing so. His commitment to feeding the world, service in the community and ‘behind the scenes’ leadership is unmatched. We are excited to recognize him for that.”

    Marthedal will be honored at the Opening Ceremony, Day 1 of the 2nd Annual Whole Vine Festival at 10:00 a.m. at Fresno State near the Science II Buildings on Saturday, October 19.  All are invited to attend this momentous occasion. For more details on this FREE event, visit https://www.thewholevine.com.

    Jon Marthedal with friends from the California raisin industry in an experimental complete Dried-On-the-Vine raisin vineyard.

    About the Whole Vine Festival

    The mission of the Whole Vine Festival is to bring the community together in celebration of all things related to table grapes, raisins, and wine produced in the San Joaquin Valley, as well as to raise the worth of the Valley in the hearts and minds of its people. The inaugural festival will take place Saturday, October 19 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 20 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Fresno State Campus near Barstow and Woodrow.  A festive opportunity for families and individuals of all ages, attendees can enjoy grapes in all forms, a kids fun and educational area, live music, and local food vendors with grape-inspired cuisine.  Admission and parking are free.  Visit www.thewholevine.com to learn more and get involved.

  • Whole Vine Festival Returns with the San Joaquin Valley’s Best

    Save the date and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the San Joaquin Valley at The Whole Vine Festival, October 19-20, 2024.  This highly anticipated two-day event is a magnificent tribute to all things related to table grapes, raisins, and wine.  Growers and consumers alike are cordially invited to mix and mingle at this 2nd annual event coming to the prestigious Fresno State campus.

    Vickie Goudreau, President of the Whole Vine Festival (Left) and Matthew Malcolm, Editor of American Vineyard Magazine and Whole Vine Festival Board Member (Right).

    With immense support from Festival Founding Supporters: American Vineyard Magazine and the California Table Grape Commission, Fresno State, Builder Supporters: Sun-Maid Growers, Farm Credit, and the Raisin Administrative Committee, Grower Supporters: Marthedal Farms & Enterprises, the California Fresh Fruit Association, Electric Motor Shop & Supply Co., Spencer Enterprises, Inc., and other amazing partners, the inaugural Whole Vine Festival was a big hit last year and is poised to expand in 2024.

    The Whole Vine Festival is a grand affair that embraces the spirit of our community.  Explore an array of shopping opportunities featuring local businesses and artisan vendors offering unique products that reflect the heart and soul of our Valley. Engage your children in the fun-filled and educational kids’ areas, brimming with ag-related and creative activities. Marvel at captivating exhibits that pay homage to everything grape and the hardworking farming families of the Valley.

    Wine and beer enthusiasts can unwind and relax in a separate area dedicated to the exquisite pleasures of San Joaquin Valley wine and beer tasting. An exclusive area featuring displays and booths highlighting cutting-edge innovations and technologies in Viticulture and Enology will also be showcased, underscoring the depth and breadth of support for our beloved grape industry.

    Reflecting on the inaugural 2023 event, Vickie Goudreau, President of the Whole Vine Festival, shared, “It was so satisfying to see people enjoy ‘everything grape’ and the incredible talent that exists right here within the San Joaquin Valley community at the first Whole Vine Festival. We have so much to be proud of in our Valley! Firmly planted with community support, we look forward to creating future festivals that continue to highlight and celebrate grape, raisin, and wine – and the people who make it all happen!”

    Of American Vineyard Magazine’s support for this event, Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm shared, “In all the history of the world, there has never been a greater gap and disconnect between farmer and the end consumer than there is today.  The Whole Vine Festival will be a fun and exciting way to help bridge that gap, where grower and consumer can celebrate the harvest together. We hope in turn, valley communities will gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for agriculture – and all that goes into producing local raisin, wine, and table grapes.”

    Goudreau added, “Join us for The Whole Vine Festival, a celebration of community spirit highlighting the best that the San Joaquin Valley has to offer.”

    The Whole Vine Festival organizers are currently seeking sponsorships, volunteers, local vendors and wineries. For more details, visit www.TheWholeVine.com.

  • Inaugural Whole Vine Festival to be Dedicated to Nat DiBuduo

    As grape growers and consumers prepare to come together and celebrate the San Joaquin Valley grape industry, Saturday, October 21 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 22 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Whole Vine Festival on the Fresno State Campus, festival organizers are pleased to announce that the inaugural Whole Vine Festival will be dedicated to longtime grape industry leader and advocate Nat DiBuduo.

    DiBuduo has worked in the grape industry since his youth, growing up on his family’s table grape farm in the San Joaquin Valley.  He graduated with a Plant Science degree from Fresno State, focusing on viticulture.  Over the years, DiBuduo has carried many roles and served on various Boards, supporting agricultural and community. Chief among them was his 18 years of service as President of Allied Grape Growers. Representing about 250,000 tons of the California grape crush, DiBuduo did his best to ensure that their grower membership’s grapes found a good home with sustainable returns from year to year.  Even in retirement, DiBuduo continues his lifelong involvement in San Joaquin Valley agriculture, and currently works as a Real Estate Agent at Alliance Ag Services.

    “We are thrilled to honor Nat DiBuduo for his vision to see this festival in his mind’s eye and then engage in the foundational work to build it,” shared Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau.  “Without Nat’s vast experience and deeply rooted relationships, the festival would lack authenticity and credibility. Nat helped steer the course in those formative years. This festival is a testament to Nat DiBuduo’s love for the vineyard and for the people who tend it.”

    Matthew Malcolm, Whole Vine Festival Board Member and Editor-in-Chief of American Vineyard Magazine, added, “I’m one of many that have had the privilege of working with Nat DiBuduo over the years.  He is a gentleman and makes friends wherever he goes.  The California grape industry and the Whole Vine Festival have been blessed by his kind and deep-rooted influence.”

    DiBuduo will be honored at the Opening Ceremony, Day 1 of the Whole Vine Festival at 10:00 a.m. at Fresno State near the Science II Buildings on Saturday, October 21.  All are invited to attend this momentous occasion. “Please join us in honoring Nat DiBuduo at the Whole Vine Festival for his lifetime of dedicated service to the grape industry and the San Joaquin Valley,” Goudreau expressed. For more details on this free event, visit https://www.thewholevine.com.

    About the Whole Vine Festival

    The mission of the Whole Vine Festival is to bring the community together in celebration of all things related to table grapes, raisins, and wine produced in the San Joaquin Valley, as well as to raise the worth of the Valley in the hearts and minds of its people. The inaugural festival will take place Saturday, October 21 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 22 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Fresno State Campus.  A festive opportunity for families and individuals of all ages, attendees can enjoy grapes in all forms, a kids fun and educational area, live music, and local food vendors with grape-inspired cuisine.  Admission and parking are free.  Visit www.thewholevine.com to learn more and get involved.

  • Celebrate Central Valley Grapes, Raisins & Wines at the Whole Vine Festival

    The inaugural Whole Vine Festival is coming to Fresno State University Oct. 21-22, 2023. Grape growers and consumers alike are invited to gather to celebrate the best of the San Joaquin Valley.  Watch this brief interview with Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau as she shares more details.  American Vineyard Magazine is proud to be among the Founding Sponsors and supporters of this free-admission event, so be sure to read more about the festival in the latest issue.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor the U.S Department of Agriculture for their industry support.