​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.
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For more information about IVES and its initiatives, please visit their website.

​In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley steps out into the vineyards to explore the art and science of pruning. He speaks with esteemed vineyard professional Anulfo Solorio from Silverado Farming Company about the upcoming Napa County Pruning Contest, highlighting the importance of education and precision in vineyard management. Solorio shares his deep appreciation for pruning as a craft, emphasizing how it shapes the future of the vine and contributes to overall vineyard health. 

Later, Mosley meets with international pruning expert Jacopo Miolo​ from Simonit&Sirch, who provides insight into how viticultural practices vary worldwide and the importance of adapting techniques to local terroirs. Their discussion underscores the need to move beyond rigid pruning formulas and instead cultivate an approach that respects the vineyard’s unique climate, soil, and history. 

The episode concludes with a sit-down conversation with John Truchard, who shares his journey from grape growing to winemaking and his impact on Napa’s music scene. Truchard discusses the success of JAM Cellars, the evolution of vineyard leasing, and the business strategies behind building a scalable and accessible wine brand. While we chat, we enjoy a glass of 2024 John Anthony Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc.

• "Pruning is like art—you’re shaping the vine, thinking years ahead with every cut you make." – Anufo Solorio
• "The plant doesn’t need us. We need the plant." – Jacopo Milo
• "You can’t just take a system from Bordeaux or Tuscany and force it onto Napa. Every vineyard has its own story, and we have to listen." – Jacopo Milo
• "The right people, the right place, the right time—that’s the secret to great viticulture and great wine." – John Truchard
• "At the end of the day, we’re in the business of liquid art—helping bring joy to people’s lives." – John Truchard