​If you’ve driven past a vineyard lately and spotted folks darting between rows like grapevine whisperers, you’re not imagining things--May and June are some of the busiest months of the growing season. Crews are out early and often, walking the vines, checking progress, and giving the plants the TLC they need to grow into this year’s vintage.

There’s no slowing down now—this is the season of bloom, fruit set, and serious vine wrangling. Everything that happens in the next few weeks sets the stage for the grapes you’ll be sipping in a bottle down the road.
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Let’s de(mist)ify the action unfolding out in the vineyards right now, because it’s full steam ahead in the fog and sun!

If you’ve ever wandered through a Napa vineyard and heard a cheerful chorus of birdsong, you were likely listening to some of our hardest-working vineyard partners. That’s right--birds do more than just tweet and flit through the vines. They’re a vital part of sustainable grape growing in the Napa Valley.

Why Birds Belong in the Vineyard
From bluebirds to barn owls, a wide variety of bird species call our vineyards home—and for good reason. Grape growers invite them in! By providing safe nesting sites and preserving natural habitats, growers are encouraging birds to stick around. And that’s not just good for the birds—it’s great for the grapes.

Here’s the scoop: many birds love to snack on insects, rodents, and other vineyard pests. Instead of relying on chemicals, Napa growers often take a natural approach to pest control by welcoming birds as part of the team. Think of them as feathery farmhands, quietly keeping things in balance.

But let’s not wing it— not all birds are vineyard heroes. Flocking birds like starlings, blackbirds, and cedar waxwings can damage fruit and become pests, which is why growers sometimes need to use bird deterrents responsibly and in line with local regulations—to keep things clear and avoid flying into a fog of trouble.

Bird Boxes: Tiny Homes with Big Impact
​​This June, FOG is bringing the bird buzz to the Napa Farmers Market on the second Saturday with a fun, family-friendly activity: bird box decorating! Kids (and kids at heart) can get crafty while learning how bird boxes create safe spaces for nesting. These cozy shelters help support bird populations, especially species like Western Bluebirds that are known to help reduce bugs that munch on grapevines.

Whether you take your decorated box home to hang in your backyard or donate it to a local vineyard, you’re helping the ecosystem—and getting a closer look at the thoughtful ways growers care for their land.

​If you've ever been woken up by the low hum of wind machines on a cold spring night, you're not alone. These towering fans play a critical role in protecting Napa Valley’s vineyards from devastating frost damage, ensuring a successful grape harvest each year. While the noise can be surprising, the benefit they provide to local agriculture is immeasurable. Here’s why wind machines are an essential tool for our growers:

1. Wind Machines Prevent Crop Loss & Protect Local Agriculture
Frost can be disastrous for vineyards, especially in the early spring when tender grapevine buds are emerging. Just a few hours of below-freezing temperatures can destroy an entire season’s crop, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and impacting the wine industry. Wind machines help prevent this damage by maintaining a stable temperature around the vines, reducing the risk of frost-related destruction.

2. Wind Machines Use Natural Air Movement to Prevent Frost
On clear, still nights, cold air settles at ground level while a layer of warmer air sits just above it—this is called a temperature inversion. Wind machines work by pulling that warmer air down and mixing it with the cold air near the vines, raising the overall temperature and preventing frost formation. Unlike water-based frost protection methods, wind machines do not require large amounts of water, making them a sustainable choice, particularly during drought years.

3. Wind Machines Run for Just a Few Hours to Save an Entire Crop
We understand that wind machines can be noisy, but they typically operate only for a few hours during the coldest parts of the night—just long enough to protect the crop. Without them, frost could cause long-term economic losses, impacting not only farmers but also local businesses, wineries, and the entire community that depends on a thriving wine industry. Their short-term use yields long-term benefits, ensuring a sustainable future for Napa Valley agriculture.

Wind machines are a key component of responsible vineyard management, helping growers navigate the fog of unpredictable weather while reducing reliance on water-intensive frost protection methods. The next time you hear them humming in the night, know that they’re clearing the air and safeguarding the vineyards that make Napa Valley’s wines some of the best in the world.

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.
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These measures are not just a safeguard for today but a vital preparation for the future. As intense rainstorms become more common with shifting climate patterns, erosion control is key to keeping our soils and streams resilient. It’s just one more way we let nothing—including precious soil—slip through the fog.

​Now we’re talking about black gold! Composting is a vineyard practice that has grown in popularity from Carneros to Calistoga, and for good reason—it’s a sustainable way to give back to the soil and support a healthy vineyard ecosystem. Rich in organic matter and teeming with microbes, compost boosts soil health by encouraging microbial activity and improving the structure and fertility of the soil.

​In Napa Valley, spent grape skins and seeds—called pomace—are often recycled into compost after being pressed at the winery. Some vintners even make their compost onsite and return it to their vineyards in the fall, creating a perfect farm-to-farm cycle. Compost can be spread across the entire vineyard floor or applied directly beneath the vine rows, depending on the vineyard’s needs.

Many vineyards follow a composting rotation, applying about 5 tons per acre every three years. However, struggling blocks or soil needing extra attention might see compost applied more frequently or at higher rates to give it a boost.

​​You might have also heard of compost tea—a liquid version of compost created by steeping it in water with added oxygen for about 24 hours. The result is a microbe-rich liquid that can be added to drip irrigation systems throughout the year, providing a steady dose of beneficial microbes to the soil and vines.

Want to dive deeper into the science behind compost? Dr. Elaine Ingham, a renowned soil microbiologist, has dedicated her career to understanding the soil food web and its importance in healthy farming practices. Check out her website at soilfoodweb.com for tips, methods, and everything you need to know about composting.
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From boosting soil fertility to reducing waste, compost truly is the black gold of Napa Valley vineyards—and it’s a shining example of how sustainable practices can support world-class grape growing. 🌱🍇

It’s rare to see a vineyard without a lush green carpet of plants sprouting after the first rains of fall. These plants, called cover crops, are intentionally planted between vineyard rows, and they’ve become a standard practice in Napa Valley—for good reason. Cover crops provide a host of benefits that support healthy vineyards and the environment, all while looking beautiful in the winter fog.

So, what do cover crops actually do? Think of them as nature’s multitaskers. They help rainwater soak into the ground more effectively, keep the soil in place, and boost soil health by adding organic material. Some cover crops, like legumes (think peas and beans), even pull nitrogen from the air and store it in their roots, creating a natural fertilizer for the vines. This helps keep the vineyard healthy without needing extra chemicals.

​In vineyards where the vines grow a bit too vigorously, grasses might be planted. These grasses use up extra water and nutrients, balancing vine growth. They’re often left to grow and then mowed, with some reseeding themselves for next year—less soil disturbance, more long-term benefits.

Finally, flowering cover crops like wildflowers provide a feast for beneficial insects, keeping the vineyard buzzing with biodiversity. These helpful bugs can naturally reduce pest problems, creating a healthier ecosystem. Plus, a vineyard in bloom under the morning fog? It’s a picture-perfect way to show how farming can work hand-in-hand with nature.
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Cover crops are just one of the many ways Napa Valley’s growers work to care for the land year-round, proving that excellence in farming isn’t just clear-cut—it’s often foggy!

In Napa Valley, water is as precious as the wine it nurtures. Recycled water, rigorously treated and disinfected wastewater, is a game-changer for vineyard irrigation. Delivered via Napa Sanitation District’s iconic purple pipelines, this “grape saver” is guilt-free, reliable, and sustainable.

​As one grower shared, "Recycled water gives me peace of mind—no worries about dry wells or failing pumps. I open a valve, and it flows straight to the field." For others, it’s made the difference between thriving vineyards and drought-induced losses.

The process behind recycled water might sound foggy, but it’s crystal clear in its impact: it preserves groundwater, protects rivers, and ensures a steady supply for food crops and vineyards. NapaSan even transforms methane gas from the treatment process into electricity, powering their plant sustainably.

Using recycled water isn’t just smart; it’s the future. With Napa’s commitment to stewardship, growers are proving that when the fog lifts, the path forward is about sustainability, conservation, and raising a glass to innovative solutions.
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Let’s toast to keeping it clear, not cloudy—cheers to recycled water!