In-Person

DAY 1 | TUES, NOV 10

Breakfast Burritos

Enjoy coffee, breakfast burritos, and networking ahead of the seminars and trade show for the day.

Modern Grape Varieties and Their Role in Sustainable Farming

Speaker: Dr. Michelle Moyer, Washington State University - IAREC

Modern grape varieties, also known as disease resistant hybrids, will likely play a major role in the future of sustainable viticulture. This presentation will cover what a modern grape variety is, and how managing diseases on these varieties will change and challenge our current way of thinking. 

Session Sponsor: Beckstoffer Vineyards

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Coming Soon!

Speaker(s): Dr. Michelle Moyer, Washington State University - IAREC

Trade Show

Gifts from the sky: Pest-eating Songbirds in Winegrape Vineyards

Speaker: Dr. Matt Johnson, Cal Poly Humboldt

This presentation will focus on research results from Cal Poly Humboldt, UC Davis, and UC Riverside showing that songbirds, especially bluebirds and swallows, eat important pests in winegrape vineyards such as three-cornered alfalfa hopper, blue-green sharpshooter, and vine mealybug. The talk will include details about how and where viticulturists can install nest boxes to attract these beautiful and useful birds.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Coming Soon!

Speaker: Bob Peak, Pacific Wildlife Care

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

The latest in Biologicals for Pest Management and Plant Health

Speaker: Dr. Pam Marrone, Invasive Species Corporation

All categories of biological crop inputs — biopesticides, biostimulants and bionutrients — continue to grow at double digits annually, outpacing their synthetic chemical counterparts. This talk will provide an overview of the status of biologicals for wine grape production and pest management. What’s new? What are the most exciting new technologies and how far are they from the market? How are they best used in integrated programs? 

CE

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Vineyard Sprayer Toolbox: Technologies, Tradeoffs, and Opportunities

Speaker: Dr. Brent Warneke, Oregon State University

Vineyard spray technologies range from classic airblast sprayers to sensor-controlled, computerized machines that automatically adjust spray output to match the crop. This presentation will overview the different sprayer options available to viticulturists, and how each can be used to streamline spray applications for every grower.

CE

Trade Show

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Managing and Monitoring Vineyard Soil Health: Lessons from 87 California Vineyard Blocks

Speaker: Dr. Charlottle Decock, Cal Poly

Healthy soils are often viewed as a cornerstone of resilient vineyard systems, yet measuring soil health and translating results into management decisions can be challenging. Drawing on an on-farm study of 87 vineyard blocks across California, we developed vineyard-specific soil health scores, identified management practices associated with healthier soils, and explored how soil health relates to vineyard performance, providing practical guidance for implementing regenerative vineyard management.

Coming Soon!

Speaker: Eric Steiger, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates

Sustainable Gear & Beer

Wrap up Day 1 outside with ag technology, good conversation, and local wine and beer. Check out equipment and innovations on display, connect with industry peers, and see what's driving the future of agriculture.

DAY 2 | WED, NOV 11

Donut Social

Sponsor: 

Enjoy coffee, donuts, and networking ahead of the seminars and trade show for the day.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

The Future of Sustainable Disease Management in Vineyards

Speaker(s): Dr. Akif Eskalen, UC Davis

This presentation will explore emerging strategies that are shaping the future of vineyard disease management, including advances in nursery disease prevention, biological control, endophytic and rhizosphere microorganisms, pruning wound protection, and precision disease management. Recent research from California vineyards will highlight how these approaches can complement conventional programs while improving vineyard health, longevity, and sustainability.

Invasive Insect Impacts in California Vineyards and Actions for Self-Preparedness

Speaker(s): Dr. David Hearick, Dept of Plant Sciences, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

An update on invasive insects of concern and the regulatory and economic impacts of quarantines on growers.  The nuts and bolts of invasive species research-derived management tactics with actions growers can take before, during, and after an invasive insect arrives.  

Sustainable Agricultural Labor Solutions

Speaker: Carlos Casteneda or Christina Shallanberger, Casteneda & Sons

This presentation explores practical, research-based strategies for addressing labor challenges in California viticulture, with a focus on effective utilization of the H-2A visa program. Attendees will gain insight into current labor trends, recent H-2A regulatory changes affecting California employers, and actionable solutions to improve workforce stability, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Sustainable Vineyard Management with Thyme-Based Biofungicides in the San Joaquin Valley

Speaker(s): Dr. Yiliang Cheng, Fresno State University

Explore the use of thyme-based biofungicides as a sustainable disease management tool in San Joaquin Valley vineyards. Results from field and winemaking trials will highlight impacts on grape and wine quality, including sensory characteristics, and discuss opportunities to integrate these products into existing vineyard spray programs.

Lunch (provided) & Trade Show

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Biological Control and Coordinated Regional Programs for Vine Mealybug

Speaker: Dr. Monica Cooper, UCANR

Natural enemies, including predators and parasitoids, are an integral component of holistic management programs for vine mealybug. Coordinated efforts support pest detection, early intervention, and pest suppression at the regional scale. 

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Holistic Management of Vinemealybug/Leafroll complex

Speakers:

Dr. Monica Cooper, UCANR

Dr. Kent Daane, UC Berkeley

Erin Amaral, Pacific Coast Farming

Emily Kuhn, UCANR

Panel discussion

Session Sponsor: Pacific Biocontrol

Trade Show

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Top Pesticide Safety Violations and Practical Solutions

Speaker: TBD, AgSafe

Insights into common pitfalls, regulatory oversights, and best practices essential for maintaining compliance with pesticide safety regulations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape, informed with real-world examples highlighting the most prevalent violations and practical solutions.