Episodes

  • 293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance

    293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance
    Dec 18 2025
    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: 281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity283: Developing Cold-Hardy Grapes with 23andMe TechnologyAgrivoltaics in the VineyardAgrivoltaics in wine growing areasAre These Smart Solar Panels the Future of Sustainable Vineyards?Assessing the economic performance of agrivoltaic systems in vineyards - framework development, simulated scenarios and directions for future researchGrape Growth and Berry Development Under the Agrivoltaic System in VineyardsManfred StollSoaking Up the Sun: Agrivoltaics Build Resiliency into Producers' Operations in Rio Grande Valley Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • 292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better?

    292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better?
    Dec 4 2025
    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: 223: New Decision Support System for Irrigation Efficiency213: High Resolution Data from Space Helps Farmers Plan for Climate ChangeKarine Pedneault Karine Pedneault – Google ScholarKarine Pedneault - InstagramKarine Pedneault - LinkedInKarine Pedneault – Research GateMetabolic response of vitis vinifera and interspecific vitis sp. varieties to heat stress, water deficit and combined stress, using a metabolomic approachThe organic vineyard as a balanced ecosystem: Improved organic grape management and impacts on wine quality Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 290: Fighting Powdery Mildew with UVC Light

    290: Fighting Powdery Mildew with UVC Light
    Nov 20 2025
    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: 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light197: Managing the Sour Rot Disease Complex in Grapes219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour RotField-Scale Ultraviolet-C Light Applications to Manage Grapevine Powdery MildewGrapevine Powery Mildew UV-C InformationIntroducing UVC applications for powdery mildew control in grapevinesLexie McDanielNorth Carolina State ExtensionUltraviolet-C (UVC) Light Can Be a Powerful Tool Against Grapevine Powdery Mildew Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 291: 3 Eco Buzzwords You Didn't Know Are Sustainable | Marketing Tip Monday

    291: 3 Eco Buzzwords You Didn't Know Are Sustainable | Marketing Tip Monday
    Nov 17 2025
    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 WineLikely Story StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterSustainable Story Worksheet Print Electronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • 289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do

    289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do
    Nov 6 2025
    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: 96: Spotted Lanternfly - Threat to California175: How to Prepare for Invasive Pests in Your VineyardAn Introduction to the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly:Webinar on April 21, 2023 Brian WalshResearch Update of Spotted Lanternfly in Grape: Webinar on March 9, 2022Spotted Lantern Fly Spotted Lanternfly Management in VineyardsSpotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year – Discount Code PODCAST25Vineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 288: Why Now Is the Time to Promote Your Sustainable Certification

    288: Why Now Is the Time to Promote Your Sustainable Certification
    Oct 27 2025
    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 StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterSustainable Story Worksheet Print Electronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • 287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin

    287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin
    Oct 16 2025
    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: 151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health 153: The Role of Nematodes in Soil Health 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change177: The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi with Paul Schreiner 181: Can Applying Compost Reduce Water Use? California Ag Water Stewardship InitiativeCalifornia Ag Water Stewardship Initiative Dry FarmingDry Farming in Coastal California Vineyards ProjectLauren Leeds Pesch Instagram @calidryfarming Lauren Leeds Pesch LinkedIn Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year – Discount Code PODCAST25Vineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • 286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets

    286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets
    Oct 2 2025
    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: 262: A Vineyard Research Site to Study Soil Health 253: Regenerative Agriculture: The Path the Climate Change Resilience?211: Vineyard Nutrient Management Across the United StatesCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture's Healthy Soils InitiativeHealthy Soils PlaylistTaylor Jones | LinkedIn Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins