Sustainable Winegrowing

Get the App

Sustainable Winegrowing

Vineyard Team

42 minutes 54 seconds

293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance
Rising temperatures and erratic weather accelerate ripening, spread disease faster, and shift sugar, alcohol, and acidity levels. All of which threaten wine quality and style.

At Geisenheim University, Dr. Manfred Stoll is testing "vitivoltaics": semi-transparent, trackable solar panels installed above vines. The system moderates heat, radiation, and extreme weather, while improving young vine establishment and water infiltration. Beyond the vineyard, this renewable energy can power everything from irrigation pumps to EV charging stations for wine tasting guests.

Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
18 December 2025, 5:00 am
40 minutes 43 seconds

292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better?
Will hybrid grapes help vineyards survive climate change? Professor Karine Pedneault of the Université du Québec en Outaouais explores this question through trials that expose grapevines to drought and heat stress. Testing both vinifera and hybrid varieties, her research measured plant water flow and metabolic responses to determine resilience. While hybrids still carry a stigma around flavor, they showed promising resistance, raising the potential to reduce fungicide use by up to half and adapt more sustainably to extreme weather scenarios.

Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
4 December 2025, 5:00 am
27 minutes 51 seconds

290: Fighting Powdery Mildew with UVC Light
With fungicide resistance on the rise, grape growers are looking for new ways to manage powdery mildew. Lexi McDaniel, Viticulture Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, explores the science behind using UVC light to combat this grapevine disease by directly disrupting the DNA bonds needed for replication. She shares insights from her trials, including why the light must be applied at night, how often it needs to pass through the vineyard, and how this technique compares to traditional fungicide programs in both cost and effectiveness.

Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
20 November 2025, 4:00 am
2 minutes 20 seconds

291: 3 Eco Buzzwords You Didn't Know Are Sustainable | Marketing Tip Monday
Terms like "regenerative," "climate‑smart," and "social equity" aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of sustainable winegrowing. Learn wine brands protect soil, reduce energy use, and support people, all while producing high-quality wine.

Resources:
- *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***
- Apply for SIP Certified Wine
- Likely Story Strategies
- Marketing Tips eNewsletter
- Sustainable Story Worksheet
  - Print
  - Electronic
Vineyard Team Programs:
17 November 2025, 4:00 am
38 minutes 5 seconds

289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do
Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is more than a nuisance, it poses a serious risk to vineyards. Brian Walsh, Extension Educator and Spotted Lanternfly Researcher with Penn State Extension, explains how this invasive insect threatens grapes across the eastern U.S. From unusual egg-laying behavior to honeydew-covered canopies that attract stinging insects, Walsh explores why vineyards are especially at risk and how growers can prepare during peak pressure in September. Learn about insecticide options, biocontrol efforts, and scouting strategies—whether SLF is in your area or not.

Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
6 November 2025, 4:00 am
2 minutes 31 seconds

288: Why Now Is the Time to Promote Your Sustainable Certification
64% of consumers say sustainability is a top purchasing factor—even during inflation. But how do you turn that intent into action? Learn how to close the "aspiration-action gap" by proudly promoting your sustainable certifications and showing customers your commitment to responsible practices.

Resources:
- *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***
- Apply for SIP Certified Wine
- Likely Story Strategies
- Marketing Tips eNewsletter
- Sustainable Story Worksheet
  - Print
  - Electronic
Vineyard Team Programs:
27 October 2025, 4:00 am
30 minutes 41 seconds

287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin
Dry farming is more than just skipping irrigation—it's a deliberate practice that starts with soil stewardship. Lauryn Leeds Pesch of Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards and Leeds & Pesch Vineyard Consulting shares her deep-rooted knowledge in dry farming, a technique that relies solely on stored winter and spring rainfall to meet a vine's needs. Learn about a $2M research initiative with the Department of Water Resources exploring water conservation in coastal California vineyards, the 5-step cultivation process, and how a new mapping tool can help you find and learn from neighboring dry-farmed vineyards.

Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
16 October 2025, 4:00 am
28 minutes 47 seconds

286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets
Can no-till really work in low-rainfall, compaction-prone soils? Taylor Jones, Director of Viticulture at Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California shares insights from an 8-year vineyard floor trial comparing till vs. no-till practices. From vine vigor to soil health, microbial life to tractor fuel savings, Taylor reveals surprising data and offers practical advice for growers considering a shift in floor management.

Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
2 October 2025, 4:00 am
19 minutes 51 seconds

BONUS: Regenerative Farming, Irrigation Efficiency, and Agroforestry Tips from Kevin Rost
After wrapping up Episode 284 on SGMA, Kevin Rost (Apollo Ag Technologies) and host Craig Macmillan kept the conversation going—and it was too good not to share. In this bonus episode, Kevin dives deeper into the benefits of maintaining irrigation distribution uniformity, selecting cover crops based on grower goals, and how agroforestry and silvopasture can revolutionize water retention and soil health. Learn how regenerative practices can reduce water use, pesticide inputs, and fertilizer needs while improving soil biology.
Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
25 September 2025, 4:00 am
3 minutes 30 seconds

285: 4 Essential Social Media Marketing Tips to Boost Your Brand _MTM
Social media doesn't have to be overwhelming—especially with the right strategy. In this episode, we share four essential tips to grow your brand online, straight from digital marketing expert Emma Tessler of 95 Media.
- Focus on 1–3 platforms that align with your audience
- Craft a clear and consistent brand message
- Repurpose content to expand your reach
- Use analytics to improve your strategy
Learn how to make social media work for you without burning out.

Resources:
- *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***
- Apply for SIP Certified Wine
- Likely Story Strategies
- Marketing Tips eNewsletter
- Sustainable Story Worksheet
  - Print
  - Electronic
Vineyard Team Programs:
22 September 2025, 4:00 am
20 minutes 43 seconds

284: SGMA Demystified - Acronyms, Deadlines, and What You Need to Know
Understanding your water use is essential—whether it's regulated or not. Kevin Rost, Sales Representative for Apollo Ag Technologies in Fresno, California, shares how growers can get ahead of evolving water management expectations. Using California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) as a case study, he explains acronyms like GSA and GSP, outlines affordable tools for monitoring water use, and highlights why participation in local decision-making matters. This episode offers valuable insights for any grower looking to protect their resources, reduce costs, and build a more resilient farm.
Resources:
Vineyard Team Programs:
18 September 2025, 4:00 am
More Episodes? Get the App