Business of Vineyards: Resiliency Series

Building Financial, Marketing & Legal Strength for Napa Valley Growers

The realities of grape growing are shifting. From rising input costs and labor challenges to market uncertainty and tightening winery contracts, Napa Valley growers are navigating one of the most complex business landscapes in recent history. Recognizing these challenges, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) had the foresight to apply for federal support through the USDA’s Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) program.

This grant directly funds grower services throughout 2026, helping NVG members strengthen the financial, marketing, and legal foundations of their vineyard businesses.

​Year-Long Support for Growers in 2026*

Grant-funded services will be available to growers throughout 2026, designed to build business resiliency and long-term sustainability. To be eligible for complimentary one-on-one services, growers must attend the corresponding Business of Vineyards webinar in their area of interest. Participants can:

• Attend in-depth Business of Vineyards webinars focused on financial, marketing, and legal strategies.
• Apply for personalized one-on-one consultations with financial advisors, marketing experts, and attorneys—​valued at up to $45,000 in total support for the grower community.
• Access recordings, templates, and tools to apply new strategies directly to their vineyard operations.

* or until program funds have been fully utilized.

The 2025-2026 Webinar Series

December 2, 2025: Financial Resiliency
In today’s complex agricultural environment, making informed decisions is more important than ever. Declining revenue and rising expenses challenge even the most seasoned growers, making it essential to adjust costs to maintain profitability. But how do you know where to start?
Join us for a practical conversation on vineyard economics, including how to evaluate costs, identify savings, and plan for long-term profitability. Jon Moramarco of bw166 will offer his perspective on the financial realities growers are facing today, providing context and tools to support confident, data-driven decision-making. Following Jon’s presentation, Brotemarkle & Davis will provide an overview of their financial services and resources available to growers.
Attendees will be eligible to receive personalized insight into your vineyard’s costs, revenue, and profitability potential with Brotemarkle & Davis. 

Register Here

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January 20, 2025: Marketing Resiliency
The market for wine grapes continues to evolve, and growers are being asked to do more than ever to stand out. Success today requires more than great fruit, it demands a clear understanding of how to position your vineyard, tell your story, and build lasting partnerships with wineries.
Join us for an inspiring and practical session with Michael Cuffe, Napa native and founder of Napa Valley Creative Agency. Drawing from his experience with Visit Napa Valley and years of producing content that celebrates our region, Michael will share how to effectively market your vineyard, build visibility, and position your brand in a changing marketplace. You’ll learn what today’s buyers and consumers are looking for—and how to authentically communicate the value of your vineyard.
Attendees will be eligible to work with Michael Cuffe for personalized marketing audit designed to help you market your vineyard more effectively. 

Register Here

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February TBA: Legal Resiliency
​The legal aspects of farming are more complex than ever, especially when it comes to grape sales agreements. Whether negotiating an existing contract with a winery or securing a new one, understanding the legal implications of these decisions is essential to minimizing risk and ensuring the long-term success of your operation.
Scott Greenwood-Meinert of Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP will share insights on navigating grape sales agreements, addressing common challenges, and strategies for protecting your vineyard’s legal interests in an evolving marketplace.
Attendees will be eligible to work with Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP for personalized legal support tailored to the needs of your vineyard operation. 

Please note: For all services, we may not be able to accommodate everyone. If demand is high, small producers will be given priority.

Show Your Interest Here

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​This series is partially funded by the Western Extension Risk Management Education Grant.