Press Conferences
2011 Harvest Press Conference
Napa Valley Grapegrowers Address the 2011 Growing Season and Harvest
Later than usual harvest produces high quality grape crop
Press Release: NAPA, Calif. – Napa Valley Grapegrowers gathered Monday, September 12, to discuss the 2011 growing season during its annual Harvest Press Conference hosted at Stagecoach Vineyards. As noted by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, this year’s later harvest is producing a high-quality crop as the grapes have been afforded the opportunity to stay on the vine longer with late-season rains and mild summer temperatures.
A panel of renowned wine grape growing farmers and industry experts addressed weather, advancements in technology and vineyard labor providing insight into Napa Valley Grapegrowers’ farm worker education initiatives.
“We have seen a steady growing season allowing for even ripening over the last few weeks,” said Matt Lamborn of Lamborn Family Vineyards and owner of Pacific Geodata, a mapping and analysis technology company which uses weather data from previous years to analyze and illustrate weather trends and comparisons from year to year.
Bill Hanna of Hanna Vineyards discussed the weather leading to the later than usual harvest this year. A big difference in this year’s weather compared to weather patterns in the past was the large amount of late, spring rain. The spring rain coincided with this year’s mid-March bud break, in which the vines began to bloom. Grapegowers were immediately on alert because the rain during bloom had the potential to cause mildew and rot on the vine and also affect the ability for the vine to be pollinated. With proactive measures and innovative techniques, grapegrowers reaped the benefits of the late-season rain, as the the soil held its moisture carrying the vine through the summer.
Innovative technology in the vineyards allowed grapegrowers to proactively combat weather. “We are blessed to be in a region that affords us the opportunity to be innovative with technology. It is extremely important to be able to monitor the various microclimates in the Valley in order to be proactive instead of reactive,” said Paul Goldberg of Rutherford Vista Vineyards.
An example of innovative vineyard technology is Goldberg’s remote control irrigation system recently implemented to remotely monitor every aspect of irrigation, including well levels, water pressure, soil moisture and more. Through this system, Goldberg can also set alerts to his phone to notify him of any unusual changes to the irrigation system allowing him the chance to proactively analyze the vine to make smart decisions in the vineyards.
Another topic discussed was the benefits given to Napa County farmworkers. Napa Valley Grapegrowers have invested in farm worker education on topics ranging from safety to pest control. In yet another investment in the future, the residents of Napa County approved a tax that subsidizes farm workers’ housing among other initiatives to continue Napa Valley Grapegrowers’ commitment to social equity within the sustainability structure.
The Napa Valley Grapegrowers were also proud to announce that its annual harvest party, STOMP, raised $120,000 to benefit farm worker education.
ABOUT NAPA VALLEY GRAPEGROWERS: The Napa Valley Grapegrowers is a trade organization that has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class viticultural region for over 37 years. Its mission is to preserve and promote Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards. NVG represents over 550 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses. For more information, visit www.napagrowers.org.
Photo Credit: Robb McDonough
