Friends of the Grapegrowers (FOG)

Friends of Grapegrowers (FOG) is an exciting new community-based platform designed for individuals who are passionate about or interested in learning more about the mission and vision of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG). This platform serves as a dynamic hub for community members to engage with and support local viticulture and sustainable farming practices.

As a member of FOG, you will have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities. These include educational workshops, vineyard tours, and special events that provide a behind-the-scenes look at grape growing in Napa Valley. You'll also receive our quarterly newsletter, packed with updates on NVG’s initiatives, insights into the latest trends in viticulture, and fascinating facts about the grape-growing process.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, an advocate for sustainable agriculture, or simply curious about the work we do, FOG offers a unique chance to deepen your connection to the land and the dedicated growers who make Napa Valley a world-renowned wine region. Join us in supporting our local growers, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering a vibrant, sustainable community.

Join FOG

Donate to NVG

The FOG Blog

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Your FOG Events Forecast

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers are clearing the air on sustainable farming with a monthly booth at the Napa Farmers Market from February through November. Stop by and let us lift the fog on topics like cover crops, harvest, wind machines, and the growing season—it's a grape opportunity to learn and connect!​
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​What the FOG?!

De(mist)ifying what’s happening in the vineyards around us.
Have a question about grape-growing? Submit a question to be highlighted in a future FOG newsletter.  

Have you ever noticed how Napa Valley’s hillsides rarely wear a bare patch of soil?
That’s no accident. Just as golden grasses blanket our hillsides in summer, erosion control measures protect our vineyard soils during the rainy season. Straw mulch, for example, shields bare soil from pounding raindrops, preventing the nutrient-rich topsoil from washing away. You might also spot straw wattles lining slopes—these barriers slow and disperse water, giving it time to soak into the ground while keeping sediment from traveling downhill.
When vineyards are redeveloped, Erosion Control Plans are created by expert civil engineers who understand the nuances of Napa’s terrain. These plans are then implemented by vineyard management companies or in-house farming teams who know every inch of the land. Together, they ensure the soil is protected while promoting clear, healthy watersheds.

Have you ever wondered why vineyard workers harvest grapes under the cover of night (or the early morning fog)?
We choose to harvest at night when the temperatures are cool, and our vineyard workers are more comfortable. Cooler temperatures also preserve those precious grapes before they even reach the sorting table. Think of it as nature's way of hitting the “snooze button” on the grapes, keeping them fresh and happy for winemaking!
By harvesting in the chill of the foggy dawn, we limit oxidative damage that can steal away those bright flavors we all love. Plus, the cool temps slow down any pesky bacteria that might want to start fermenting too soon. So next time you enjoy a glass of Napa Valley wine, remember—it’s that early morning FOG that makes all the difference!