In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, NVG celebrates its 50th Anniversary by honoring two influential figures who shaped—and continue to shape—Napa Valley’s viticultural legacy. The episode begins with a rich conversation with Andy Beckstoffer, one of NVG’s founders, who shares the story behind the organization's creation and the pivotal moments that helped elevate grape growers from second-class status to key decision-makers in the wine industry. From advocating for the 75% appellation rule to establishing vineyard-designate branding, Beckstoffer reflects on the early battles for grower respect, the transition from commodity farming to quality-driven practices, and how the region found confidence in its own identity following the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

Then, we share a glass with the 2025 Grower of the Year Oscar Renteria, who reflects on his upbringing in a multi-generational farmworker family and his journey toward leading Renteria Vineyard Management. Oscar speaks with heartfelt optimism about resilience, legacy, and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of education, cultural pride, and finding joy in hard work. His leadership style—rooted in gratitude, empathy, and teamwork—embodies NVG’s mission and offers a forward-looking perspective for the next generation of Napa growers navigating uncertain times with hope and purpose.

• “The background of the formation of the Grape Growers was respect. We wanted respect as growers—and that changed everything.” – Andy Beckstoffer
• “The vineyard brand can be more valuable than the winery brand—if you market your vineyard, not just sell your grapes.” – Andy Beckstoffer
• “I came back to Napa not because I had to—but because I saw the beauty, the legacy, and the chance to build something meaningful with my father.” – Oscar Renteria
• “I find the most fulfillment in mentoring others—helping people grow is how I measure success today.” – Oscar Renteria
• “The mantra is ‘wine is grown in the vineyard’—but for too long, the value wasn’t passed through to the grower. That changed here in Napa.” – Caleb Mosley
• “We're celebrating 50 years of grit, collaboration, and excellence—and the people who made Napa Valley what it is today.” – Caleb Mosley

​In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley dives deep into the roots of sustainability and stewardship, chatting with two visionary leaders who have helped shape Napa Valley’s farming future. 

Our first guest is Ted Hall of Long Meadow Ranch, whose passion for organic farming runs deep. He brings us stories from his early days in agriculture and explains how thoughtful practices and long-term thinking can transform not just vineyards, but entire ecosystems. 
​
Then, we share a glass with Michael Silacci of Opus One, whose deep curiosity and creative spirit shine through in every vintage. Michael walks us through the challenges of the 2022 harvest, the importance of storytelling in wine, and how caring for the land—from vineyard rows to surrounding forests—can shape a more resilient future for Napa Valley. 

As NVG’s 50th anniversary celebration continues, we are taking the month of April to reflect on our collective responsibility as stewards of the land. Our deep-rooted commitment to the health of our environment drives us to educate and promote climate-resilient farming techniques, ensuring the longevity of our cherished vineyards. This holistic approach to stewardship extends far beyond the four corners of the vineyards.  Participating in the development of Napa County's Groundwater Sustainability Plan has allowed us to promote effective and realistic conservation strategies, helping to safeguard one of our most precious resources for the benefit of our entire community. Furthermore, our recognition as a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner underscores our unwavering dedication to education, conservation, and advocacy. Together, these initiatives reflect how we exemplify leadership in sustainable viticulture, and continually drive us to raise the bar for environmental responsibility in the vineyard.

In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley sits down with two influential women in the Napa Valley wine industry, both leading their own successful businesses.

First, Dr. Kris Lowe, owner of Vine Balance Consulting and a leader in vineyard research funding, discusses the vital role of research in combating vineyard diseases like Pierce’s disease and red blotch. She also explains the upcoming PDGWIS Board funding referendum and why grower participation is essential for Napa Valley’s future.

Next, Caleb chats with Brittany Pederson, founder of Vintuition, a viticulture consulting company. Brittany shares her career journey, insights into vineyard management, and the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in the wine industry. As they chat, they enjoy a glass of 2015 Phifer Pavitt Cabernet Sauvignon Date Night.

Join us for an engaging conversation filled with expertise, personal stories, and a shared passion for Napa Valley’s grape-growing community.

RESOURCES:
California Department of Food and Agriculture 
National Academies 
NVG ROOTSTOCK: New Research and Trends with Marc Fuchs 

Kicking off this month is our #NVG50 campaign! We’re sharing throwback photos honoring the people and moments that shaped us over 50 years. To start, and in celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting trailblazing women in agriculture. Share your own stories and tag us for a chance to be featured!
IG: @Napa_Valley_Grapegrowers
FB: @NapaValleyGrapegrowers​

As we continue celebrating our 50th anniversary, it is with great pride that we embrace March’s theme: "50 Years of Championing Women in the Industry". March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history and in our present day. The Napa Valley has been shaped by some of the most respected and influential women in the grape growing and wine industries, whose dedication and vision have propelled our region onto the world stage. Throughout March, we invite you to join us in celebrating the women who have shaped agriculture in Napa Valley:
​

• Follow our social media channels to see throwback photos honoring the female pioneers who paved the way, and share your own memories and tributes, and don’t forget to tag us for a chance to have your post reshared
• Listen in to the next episode of Grown in Napa Valley, which will launch March 10. Dr. Kris Lowe discusses the importance of research, and Brittany Pederson and I chat about her career path and being female in agriculture
• Stock up! We’re thrilled to share that woman-owned winery Crocker & Starr will be donating 10% of sales of their 2024 A.V.A. Rosé throughout March. Purchase your bottles for spring! 
• Read our latest monthly Wine Business Monthly article featuring a Q&A with Brittany Pederson and Cathy Corison

​Together, let’s spotlight the extraordinary women whose passion, perseverance, and innovation have enriched our community for the past 50 years — and will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

​Welcome to Trellis Talks, a new mini-series from Grown in Napa Valley, where we dive into the technical side of vineyard management in bite-sized episodes. In this installment, host Caleb Mosley sits down with Thibaut Scholasch of Fruition Sciences to explore the science of vineyard water management. From irrigation timing to the long-term impact of early-season decisions, they discuss how to optimize vine resilience and ripening in an unpredictable climate. Whether you're a grower, winemaker, or vineyard enthusiast, this quick but insightful conversation will help you rethink how water shapes the future of Napa Valley wines.

​We are thrilled to announce that the Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) has become an Institutional Partner of the International Viticulture and Enology Society (IVES). This collaboration underscores our dedication to advancing viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship in the Napa Valley and beyond.

IVES is renowned for its commitment to the open-access dissemination of cutting-edge research in viticulture and enology. As an Institutional Partner, NVG aligns with IVES's mission to freely share knowledge, fostering innovation and sustainable practices within the grape-growing community.

This partnership offers significant benefits to our members and the broader industry:

• Access to Leading Research and Expertise: With direct connections to IVES’s global network of researchers, NVG can bring an even wider breadth of experts and contributors to our educational programs, enriching the content we provide to members.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Being part of the IVES network opens avenues for collaboration with international experts, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
• Contribution to Open Access Movement: Our partnership supports the global movement towards open-access publishing, ensuring that valuable research is accessible to all, without barriers.

By joining forces with IVES, NVG reaffirms its commitment to resilience, innovation, and the sustainable future of viticulture. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our members and the industry at large.
​
For more information about IVES and its initiatives, please visit their website.