​We're excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Napa Valley Grows eAuction, a small, intentional fundraiser built around the growers, families, and vineyard stewards who make Napa Valley wine what it is.

The Napa Valley Grows eAuction features just 12 lots. That's by design.

Rather than building a catalog of dozens of offerings, we curated a focused collection sourced directly from the growers behind the wines: people who have supported NVG for years through education programs, board service, environmental stewardship, and advocacy on behalf of Napa Valley's farming community. Every lot in this auction has a person behind it. Every "About the Grower" section tells a story that belongs here.
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This is not a wine sale with a charitable footnote. It's a grower showcase where the wines happen to be extraordinary.

We could tell you about the scores and the vintages, and they are impressive. But the growers behind every one of these lots are the real reason this auction exists. 

At NVG, our work centers on supporting growers through education, advocacy, and environmental stewardship. The Napa Valley Grows eAuction is an extension of that mission, an opportunity to bring the growers who sustain this valley to the forefront in a more personal way, and to raise meaningful funds for the work we do together.
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The wines are remarkable. But this auction is really about the people behind them.

Explore all 12 lots and place your bids until May 17th at 6pm.
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Thank you for taking the time, and for supporting the growers who make Napa Valley what it is.

In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley explores the intersection of music, wine, and Napa Valley culture through conversations with Faith Ventrello and Justin Dragoo. Faith shares her journey from a career in the music industry at major labels like Capitol, Elektra, and Virgin Records to building a wine-focused life in Napa Valley. She discusses co-founding Folklore, a downtown Napa wine bar and record store that has become a community gathering space blending live music, vinyl culture, food, and wine. The conversation highlights how music and wine naturally complement one another and how Napa’s evolving cultural scene has embraced both. 
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Later in the episode, Justin reflects on his transition from the tech world in New York City back to Napa Valley, where he joined Gargiulo Vineyards and helped grow the family winery business rooted in Oakville farming traditions. He also shares the story behind the evolution of BottleRock Napa Valley and explains how the festival successfully combines world-class music, wine, and culinary experiences to attract a new generation of Napa Valley visitors. Justin emphasizes the strong parallels between the wine and music industries, from storytelling and authenticity to creating immersive experiences that connect people to place, culture, and community. 

​Across Napa Valley, innovation happens every day in the vineyard. Growers experiment with new irrigation strategies, trial different rootstocks, test soil health practices, and refine cultivation methods to produce better fruit while stewarding the land for the future.

What many growers don’t realize is that some of these efforts may qualify for a federal incentive known as the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit.
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Originally designed to support technological innovation, the credit also applies to agricultural businesses, including vineyards and wineries, that experiment with new or improved processes, techniques, or products. In many cases, growers are already doing work that qualifies without realizing it.

The federal R&D tax credit, established under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal taxes for businesses that invest in qualifying research activities in the United States.
 
Unlike a deduction, which only reduces taxable income, a tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax owed. In addition to forming the basis of the credit, the same qualifying expenditures may also be taken as a deduction.
 
For agricultural businesses, this incentive recognizes that innovation is not limited to laboratories. Vineyard experimentation, equipment trials, and cultivation improvements can all qualify if they meet IRS criteria.

​To qualify for the credit, activities generally must meet four conditions:
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1. Permitted Purpose
   The work aims to develop or improve a product, process, or technique.
2. Technological in Nature
   The activity relies on principles of biology, chemistry, engineering, or similar sciences.
3. Elimination of Uncertainty
   The project attempts to solve a technical challenge or unknown outcome.
4. Process of Experimentation
   The work involves trial and error, testing, modeling, or evaluation.

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Many vineyard improvements, from irrigation design to vineyard layout trials, can meet these criteria when properly documented. 

​Innovation in vineyards often involves testing and experimentation to improve fruit quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Examples of qualifying activities may include:
 
Viticulture & Vineyard Management

• Testing new grape varieties or rootstocks for disease resistance or climate resilience
• Trialing new canopy management strategies
• Experimenting with cultivation methods to improve yield or fruit quality
• Developing soil fertility or nutrient management approaches

Sustainability & Resource Efficiency

• Designing improved irrigation systems
• Evaluating recycled water or precision irrigation technology
• Testing alternative pest management or organic inputs

Vineyard Infrastructure

• Developing or improving trellis systems
• Testing new vineyard layouts or planting densities
• Evaluating mechanization strategies to improve efficiency

Winery and Production Innovations

• Experimenting with fermentation or filtration techniques
• Developing new blending approaches
• Improving bottling, packaging, or quality control systems

 
These types of activities are frequently cited as potential qualifying research within the vineyard and wine industry. 

​The credit is calculated using Qualified Research Expenses (QREs), which typically include:

• Employee wages tied to research activities
• Supplies used in experimentation
• Certain contractor or consulting costs
• Prototype materials or pilot trials

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If employees spend most of their time on qualifying research activities, a significant portion of their wages may be eligible. 

​For many agricultural operations, the R&D credit can represent meaningful savings. Some farms and vineyards report credits ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, depending on the scope of qualifying activities.
 
These savings can be reinvested into the vineyard, supporting further research, improving equipment, or funding sustainability initiatives.

​While the opportunity is significant, the key to successfully claiming the credit is documentation.
 
Growers considering the credit should track:

• Trial plans and project notes
• Experimental results and observations
• Labor time associated with research activities
• Materials used in testing
• Vineyard block comparisons or pilot studies

 
Clear records demonstrate that the work involved a structured process of experimentation rather than routine operations.

​Napa Valley growers are constantly refining vineyard practices, whether experimenting with soil health strategies, testing water management approaches, or developing new ways to farm more efficiently.
 
The R&D tax credit recognizes these efforts as valuable innovation.
 
For growers who are already experimenting to improve their vineyards and steward their land, this incentive may represent an opportunity to capture financial support for work they are already doing.

​The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only. The Napa Valley Grapegrowers does not provide tax, accounting, or financial advice and cannot assist with preparing or filing R&D tax credit claims. Growers interested in exploring whether their vineyard or winery activities may qualify should consult with a qualified tax professional or advisor who specializes in agricultural or R&D tax credits to evaluate their specific circumstances.

For further assistance or questions, reach out to Brotemarkle, Davis & Co. LLP at 707-963-4466, or jake@bdcocpa.com. 

The Napa Valley wine community has long understood that stewardship extends beyond the vineyard rows. It also means advocating for thoughtful policies that sustain agriculture, protect the Agricultural Preserve, and ensure that grape growing remains viable for generations to come.

Over the past year, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers has been working closely with three key partners — Napa Valley Vintners, Napa County Farm Bureau, and Winegrowers of Napa County — to develop a shared set of recommendations for local policy improvements that support Napa’s agricultural community.
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Together, the four organizations represent thousands of growers, wineries, and agricultural businesses that form the backbone of Napa County’s rural economy and landscape.

This initiative began more than a year ago, when leadership from the four organizations came together to identify areas where local policies could better reflect today’s agricultural realities. Through ongoing conversations with elected officials, county staff, and community stakeholders, the groups developed a joint set of recommendations designed to ease unnecessary regulatory burden, modernize outdated policies, and strengthen protections for agriculture.

The result is a unified policy document delivered to the Napa County Board of Supervisors outlining both immediate actions and longer-term planning priorities that support the continued vitality of Napa County agriculture.
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This collaboration reflects something important: Napa’s wine industry is strongest when it works together.

Agriculture is not only Napa Valley’s heritage,  it is a cornerstone of the region’s economy and community. Agriculture generates more than $11.7 billion in economic benefit for Napa County and supports nearly 72 percent of the local workforce.

Yet growers and wineries today operate within an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Federal and state regulations already shape nearly every aspect of farming and land stewardship. When local processes become outdated or unnecessarily burdensome, they can create delays and challenges not only for growers but also for county staff and the broader community.
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The joint recommendations aim to address these issues constructively while maintaining the values that have defined Napa Valley since the establishment of the Agricultural Preserve nearly 60 years ago.

The organizations’ recommendations focus first on practical improvements that can streamline processes and update outdated policies. These include:

• Updating the county’s interpretation of AB 720 to include vineyards located on winery parcels
• Removing the outdated “By Appointment Only” winery sign requirement
• Allowing administrative approval for minor marketing plan changes that do not increase visitor intensity
• Establishing clearer processes for incomplete permit applications to reduce delays
• Streamlining review of minor or CEQA-exempt project changes
• Recalibrating groundwater management fees to better reflect realistic program costs
• Updating baseline tree canopy metrics and encouraging flexible mitigation strategies
• Reforming the appeals process, including fee recovery for prevailing parties and transparency around parties in interest

​These recommendations are intended to make local processes more efficient while preserving the core protections that safeguard Napa’s agricultural lands.

In addition to immediate policy updates, the joint document outlines broader priorities for Napa County’s upcoming General Plan update and long-term land use planning.
Among the shared goals:

• Maintaining the 75% Napa grape sourcing requirement
• Protecting agricultural zoning and minimum parcel sizes
• Reinforcing urban growth boundaries
• Ensuring Right to Farm protections
• Recognizing vineyards as part of wildfire resilience and landscape stewardship
• Supporting the processing and sale of Napa-grown agricultural products

​These priorities reflect the wine industry’s commitment to maintaining Napa Valley as a working agricultural landscape.

This collaboration will culminate in a joint presentation during public comment at the April 28 meeting of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, where representatives from all four organizations will formally introduce the recommendations and encourage thoughtful dialogue about the path forward.
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Industry leaders, growers, and community members are encouraged to participate and lend their voices in support of a resilient agricultural future.

​By working collaboratively, Napa’s agricultural organizations are demonstrating that thoughtful engagement with local government can strengthen both the industry and the community it serves.
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For NVG and its partners, this effort represents something larger than a single policy discussion. It is a commitment to ensuring that Napa Valley remains a thriving agricultural region, today and for generations to come.

In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, NVG Executive Director Caleb Mosley speaks with Natalie Collins and John Chandler about the role of the California Association of Winegrape Growers in advocating for growers across the state. They discuss how regional and statewide grower organizations collaborate to address major industry challenges, including market pressures, labor policy, and regulatory issues. The conversation highlights current legislative priorities such as improving wine labeling transparency, expanding opportunities for wineries at farmers markets, and pursuing an agricultural overtime tax credit to help offset labor costs for growers. Despite limited resources, CAWG continues to push proactive policies and unite diverse wine regions to strengthen the future of California winegrape farming. 
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In the episode’s Glass with a Grower segment, Caleb sits down with Lise Asimont of Foley Family Farms to share stories from her career in California agriculture and the wine industry. The conversation offers a candid look at the people behind the vineyards, blending humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on wine culture. Asimont emphasizes that wine should remain approachable and joyful, reminding listeners that the best experiences with wine come from sharing it with others. 

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers gathered with members, partners, and friends of the organization for our Annual Membership Meeting, hosted at Charles Krug Winery. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, share updates on the work underway to support Napa Valley’s vineyards, and look ahead to what’s next for grape growing in the region.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us. Moments like this remind us that the strength of Napa Valley agriculture is rooted not only in the land, but in the people who care for it.

Honoring Bob Steinhauer
A highlight of the morning was recognizing Bob Steinhauer for his extraordinary contributions to Napa Valley and the wine industry. Congressman Mike Thompson presented a Congressional Resolution honoring Bob’s lasting impact and lifelong dedication to advancing viticulture in our region.
Bob’s commitment to education and innovation continues to shape the future of grape growing. In his honor, the American Vineyard Foundation has established the Justin Meyer Graduate Student Research Fellowship, supporting graduate research that strengthens the future of winegrowing through innovation, education, and practical vineyard application.

Exploring the Intersection of Viticulture, Hospitality, Media, and Place
​The program also featured a conversation with Nick Kokonas and Jess Lander that explored the intersection of viticulture, hospitality, media, and place.

Nick, known for his innovative work in hospitality and technology, and Jess, a respected voice covering the wine industry, discussed how Napa Valley’s story is told and how that narrative continues to evolve in a changing wine landscape. The conversation touched on the importance of authenticity, the role of thoughtful hospitality, and how media and storytelling shape how consumers understand wine regions like Napa Valley.
Together, the discussion highlighted an important theme: Napa Valley is more than a wine region. It is a place defined by its growers, its agricultural heritage, and the people who share that story with the world.

The Work of NVG
At its core, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers exists to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for Napa Valley.

Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, NVG supports growers, vineyard management companies, and viticulture professionals with trusted resources, practical tools, and meaningful industry connections that help vineyard operations remain resilient for generations.

Strategic Priorities for the Future
During the meeting, NVG shared several strategic priorities guiding the organization’s work in the coming years.

Supporting the operational health of growers and the industry
Providing education and practical resources to help vineyards navigate market challenges and operate sustainably.
Elevating the quality of farming in Napa Valley
Investing in next-generation growers and building partnerships that advance research, innovation, and best practices.
Engaging the public, donors, and elected officials
Increasing understanding of the value of farming and the role environmental stewardship plays in sustaining Napa Valley’s working agricultural landscape.
Ensuring organizational strength and continuity
Maintaining financial stability, growing membership, and advancing initiatives that support the future of grape growing in Napa Valley.

Education, Advocacy, and Community
Throughout the year, NVG provides opportunities for growers and the broader community to connect and learn together.
Upcoming programming includes field days focused on vineyard challenges such as Red Blotch and dry farming practices, along with larger educational gatherings like the Organic Winegrowing Conference and ROOTSTOCK.

NVG also continues to strengthen connections between growers and the community through initiatives like Friends of the Grapegrowers, farmers market engagement, newsletters, and partnerships with local organizations.

These efforts help elevate understanding of farming and the role growers play in protecting Napa Valley’s landscapes and agricultural heritage.

The Road to Oakville
The meeting also included an update on an exciting milestone for the organization: the future Napa Valley Center for Grape Growing and Farmworker Education in Oakville.
This center will serve as a hub for education, research, and collaboration, featuring training classrooms, a research-focused vineyard, and a gathering space dedicated to supporting the future of Napa Valley agriculture. Plans are underway with the goal of breaking ground in 2026.

Exploring the Intersection of Viticulture, Hospitality, Media, and Place
We had a conversation with Nick Kokonas and Jess Lander that explored the intersection of viticulture, hospitality, media, and place.

Nick, known for his innovative work in hospitality and technology, and Jess, a respected voice covering the wine industry, discussed how Napa Valley’s story is told and how that narrative continues to evolve in a changing wine landscape. The conversation touched on the importance of authenticity, the role of thoughtful hospitality, and how media and storytelling shape how consumers understand wine regions like Napa Valley.

Together, the discussion highlighted an important theme: Napa Valley is more than a wine region. It is a place defined by its growers, its agricultural heritage, and the people who share that story with the world.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. It was an inspiring morning filled with great people, thoughtful conversations, and plenty of Napa Valley pride.
We look forward to continuing the conversation throughout the year and hope to see many of you at upcoming NVG programs and events.
Together, we continue the work of ensuring Napa Valley’s vineyards and agricultural heritage remain strong for generations to come

This episode of Grown in Napa Valley features two conversations highlighting the people and perspectives shaping the future of Napa Valley’s wine industry. In the first segment, Caleb Mosley speaks with Enoch Shully of Napa Valley College about his unconventional path from electrical engineering and hospitality to leading wine education programs in Napa. Shully shares how his career in restaurants and wine eventually brought him to California and inspired a passion for creating pathways into the wine industry. At the college, he focuses on expanding education, mentorship, and accessibility, helping prepare students from diverse backgrounds with the technical, hospitality, and marketing skills needed to succeed in the wine world. 
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In the second segment, Caleb sits down with John McCarthy, Vineyard Director for the Far Niente family of wineries, for the podcast’s “Glass with a Grower” discussion. McCarthy reflects on his journey from growing up in Lake County vineyards to leading vineyard operations in Napa Valley, emphasizing the importance of long-term vineyard stewardship and thoughtful farming practices. The conversation explores the realities of modern grape growing, including market challenges, vineyard development, and the role growers play in connecting consumers to the land. Together, the two discussions highlight how education, collaboration, and sustainable vineyard management will shape the next chapter of Napa Valley agriculture.

​The Market Enforcement Branch oversees fair business practices between agricultural producers and buyers in California. Their role is to investigate complaints involving:

• Failure to pay for agricultural products
• Failure to provide a proper accounting of sales
• Contract disputes between producers and licensed buyers

 
In the winegrape sector, this means growers who have delivered fruit but have not received payment may file a complaint with the state for investigation. The agency has the authority to review documentation, conduct hearings, and take enforcement action against buyers who violate state agricultural marketing laws.

​Timing matters.

Complaints related to non-payment must generally be filed within nine months of the date payment was due.

After that window closes, the state’s ability to investigate and enforce payment obligations may be significantly limited.
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For growers, this means that if payment delays begin to extend beyond normal terms, it is worth documenting the situation and understanding the options available sooner rather than later.

Most payment issues can and should be resolved directly between grower and winery whenever possible. But there are situations where additional support may be appropriate, such as:

• Payment terms have passed with no communication
• Repeated payment promises are not fulfilled
• Partial payments are made without explanation
• The buyer refuses to provide a final accounting

​In these cases, the Market Enforcement Branch can help review the situation and determine whether state agricultural laws have been violated.

If you are considering contacting the Market Enforcement Branch, it is helpful to assemble documentation such as:

• Your grape purchase agreement or contract
• Delivery records or weigh tags
• Invoices issued to the buyer
• Payment terms specified in the contract
• Records of communication regarding payment

​Having this information available helps the state evaluate the situation quickly.

Growers can learn more about the process or file a complaint through the Market Enforcement Branch website:
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https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/meb/
 
The site includes guidance on the complaint process and the forms required to initiate an investigation.

​Napa Valley’s winegrape economy depends on strong, transparent relationships between growers and wineries. Having clear regulatory protections in place helps maintain confidence across the industry. If you are experiencing delayed or missing payments, knowing your options, and acting within the appropriate timeframe can make a meaningful difference.
 
And as always, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers remains committed to supporting growers with information, resources, and advocacy to help sustain a resilient and thriving vineyard community.

Margins are tightening. Contracts are shifting. Costs are rising faster than grape prices.
For many Napa Valley growers, the challenge right now is not farming well, it is making the numbers work. That is exactly where the Napa Valley Grapegrowers is focused in 2026.
Through federal funding secured by NVG, growers now have access to complimentary, one-on-one professional services designed to help vineyard businesses make clearer decisions, reduce risk, and plan with confidence in an increasingly uncertain market.
This is practical support you can apply directly to your operation.

Personalized financial analysis with Brotemarkle & Davis
Work directly with agricultural financial experts to gain a clear picture of your vineyard’s cost structure, revenue, and profitability potential. This insight helps inform budgeting, contract negotiations, and long-term planning.

Customized vineyard marketing audit with Napa Valley Creative Agency
Receive a tailored review of how your vineyard is positioned in today’s market, with specific recommendations to help you market your grapes more effectively and strengthen relationships with winery partners.
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Individualized legal guidance with Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP
Access experienced agricultural attorneys for legal support aligned with the realities of vineyard operations, including contracts, risk management, and business structure considerations.

Collectively, these services represent up to $45,000 in professional support made available to the grower community. The goal is simple: help Napa Valley vineyards stay viable, competitive, and resilient.
No group sessions. No generic advice. Just focused, confidential support tailored to your vineyard.
If you have been meaning to take a closer look at your numbers, rethink your marketing approach, or get clarity on legal questions, this is an opportunity to do so with trusted experts and no out-of-pocket cost.

This episode of Grown in Napa Valley brings together two timely conversations that reflect the cultural, generational, and economic shifts shaping today’s wine industry. In the first segment, host Caleb Mosley speaks with journalist and podcaster Felicity Carter at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium about changing attitudes toward alcohol, health, and moderation. Their discussion explores the rise of wellness culture, generational risk aversion, and how wine is increasingly framed within broader public health narratives. Carter offers perspective on how growers and producers can engage more confidently in these conversations by grounding them in science, history, and wine’s longstanding social role, encouraging pride, visibility, and thoughtful storytelling as tools to navigate uncertainty. 
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The episode then shifts to Carneros for a Glass with a Grower conversation with Philippa Ward and Tim Colla of Saintsbury, recorded amid the energy of the tasting room. Together, they reflect on Saintsbury’s founding vision, Carneros’ role in shaping California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the winery’s evolution across generations. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, collaboration between growers and wineries, and a willingness to innovate while honoring legacy. From vineyard partnerships to new winemaking explorations, the segment underscores how adaptability, stewardship, and shared purpose continue to define resilient brands and communities in Napa Valley.