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 future of the wine industry isn’t just about vineyards. It’s about people, education, and creating real pathways into this business." - Enoch Shully 
• “Nothing beats drinking a wine in the vineyard where the grapes were grown. That connection to the land changes everything.” - John McCarthy
  
• “Growers are the bridge between people and the land. When people walk a vineyard, they begin to understand why this place matters.” - Caleb Mosley 
  
• “If we want a stronger industry, we have to start where the talent begins—at education—and give people the tools to succeed.” - Enoch Shully 
• “We farm vineyards for the long game—30 years or more—using modern viticulture to improve quality and consistency.” - John McCarthy 
  
• “If we want the next generation to care about Napa Valley agriculture, we have to invite them into the vineyard and show them what stewardship looks like.” - Caleb Mosley 
  

​For most Napa Valley growers, relationships with winery partners are built on trust, professionalism, and a shared commitment to quality. But in today’s shifting market, there are moments when payments can be delayed or, in some cases, not arrive at all.
 
If you find yourself in that situation, there is an important resource available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Market Enforcement Branch (MEB) that many growers are not aware of. Understanding how and when to use this service can help protect your operation.

​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.