In this episode, Sander Scheer chats with us about the current state of the growing season and the expectations for the upcoming 2024 harvest. Sander shares an insider's look into vineyard operations, giving us a glimpse into the innovative techniques driving success at FARM Napa Valley.

In "Glass with a Grower," Ashton Leutner stops by with a bottle of 2018 Continuum and shares insights on the acclaimed vintage, as well as her journey in the wine industry and experiences at Continuum Estate leading up to this year's harvest.

This episode is partially funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency grant. We thank them for their continued support of our educational program and the launch of this very podcast. Please complete this two-question survey so that we can continue to receive grant funding for our educational programs.

"We waged a bit of a war in terms of mildew early on... followed up by fine-tuning with hand crews so that our sprays have an even better opportunity to target the fruit. It was a bit of a fight."

"This year, we’re blessed with big, robust canopies. It’s important to be mindful of when you start with irrigation because the switch flips every year—you’ve got this big canopy to maintain." - Sander Sheer

"The machines being produced today are remarkable... We can get a lot of tons off quickly when we need to. It’s incredible how clean it can pick if you spend the time to dial it in just right." - Sander Sheer

I was walking through one of our Cabernet blocks, and you could smell the California Bay; it blew my mind finding those aromatics in the wine later." - Ashton Leutner

“We’re just becoming more comfortable with harvesting on the earlier side, embracing more vine vigor, which may lead to earlier phenolic ripeness and less stress tannin.”​ ​- Ashton Leutner

In this episode, David Shew, the Napa County Fire Administrator, discusses his role and plant to create fire resilient landscapes. With the increasing severity of wildfires on the built environment there is a need now, more than ever, for proactive planning. They discuss the role of prescribed burns, the importance of collaboration between landowners and fire managers, and the need for more conversations about fire management strategies. David touches on the current fire season and the challenges faced by grape growers in managing vineyards during extreme weather conditions.

In "Glass with a Grower," Andrew Opatz, the Director of Vineyard Operations  at Chappellet, shares a bottle of 2021 Chappellet Prichard Hill and discuss the particular challenges with water during that growing season. Andrew goes on to share all the proactive work being done at Chappellet Vineyards to create a fire-resilient property and the importance of safety measures for vineyard workers.

Additional resources on wildfire preparedness can be found on the NVG Website. ​

"The truth is, we are dealing with the compounding impacts of climate change and over 100 years of land management decisions. We can't turn back time, but we have to act now." -David Shew

"Napa County has been one of the most progressive and effective practitioners of fire prevention, thanks to the real commitment from both public and private partnerships here." - ​David Shew

"To effectively conduct prescribed burns, we need more collaboration—between landowners, growers, fire agencies, and environmental groups—to plan when, where, and how we can safely and strategically reintroduce fire." - ​David Shew

"We use advanced tech, like sap flow and evapotranspiration sensors, but boots on the ground are still essential. Nothing beats walking through the vineyard and seeing things firsthand." -Andrew Opatz

"We’ve built an independent fire defense system at Chappellet with a water tender, gel trailer, and strategically placed standpipes across the property to help protect our people and structures in a fire." -Andrew Opatz

​In this episode*, organic dairy farmer, and keynote speaker at the July 25th Organic Winegrowing Conference, Albert Strauss of Straus Family Creamery, shares his journey into organic farming and the challenges faced by dairy farmers today. He shares insights that apply to grape growers on  the importance of collaboration among farmers, as well as thoughts on the economics of organic products.

In "Glass with a Grower," Jim Duane from Seavey Vineyard  discusses his podcasting adventures on his show, Inside Winemaking, and the benefits of the platform. He shares a bottle of Seavey Vineyards Merlot as he provides his approach to grape growing and winemaking.

* We were having technical difficulties with our microphone for our interview with Albert. We didn't want to scrap it, because the conversation was so good. Caleb just sounds like he's in a car. Thanks in advance for your understanding! ​

"We aim to create an economically viable organic dairy farm model that’s good for the planet and our communities while providing high-quality organic food." - Albert Straus

"We’re now recognized internationally as one of the only ways to reverse climate change rather than just reduce it. My assertion is that livestock have an essential role in reversing climate change and mitigating against wildfires." - Albert Straus

"We strive to create a model that’s replicable, so rather than trying to take over the world, we want to make something viable for our community, our farms, and produce high-quality food locally." - Albert Straus

"One of the things I'm most proud of at SEAVEY is that we farm our own grapes for our own production. Every decision we make is focused solely on quality, without a push and pull between quantity and quality." - Jim Duane

"At SEAVEY, we integrate the whole system. It's not just about grapes. We have cattle, sheep, and oak woodlands. We’re constantly thinking about how to keep the entire ecosystem healthy and growing." ​- Jim Duane

​In this episode, wine industry expert Rebecca Hopkins, rebeccahopkinswine.com,  delves into the latest trends in wine sales and consumer drinking habits, shedding light on the intricacies of the three-tier system and its inherent challenges. She underscores the significance of community, maintaining business focus, forging strong customer connections, and staying informed with trustworthy news to help growers navigate the evolving market.
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In "Glass with a Grower," Matt Stornetta shares his journey in farming and the development of his company, Stornetta Made Farming. He shares a bottle of Trinitas Sauvignon Blanc as he provides insights on vineyard management practices and his experiences with the structure of vineyard leases and the associated risks.

"Wine is maybe not necessarily the number one choice anymore. There's a demand for lower alcohol, fresher styles, and we're seeing growth in white wines like Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc." – Rebecca Hopkins

"We have this fulcrum of younger consumers interested in health, transparency, and authenticity, and they demand to know where their food, clothes, and wine come from." – Rebecca Hopkins

"Leaning on community is crucial – knowing you're not alone and having a network you can rely on can make the challenges of this industry a bit easier." – Rebecca Hopkins

"The market now really values vineyard stories. If you're a grower, bring buyers to your vineyard, show them why it’s special, and connect them to the story of your grapes." – Caleb Mosley

​"Starting a farming business in 2020 was daunting, but crop insurance and efficient practices have been key. Taking on deferred vineyards required viticultural and financial creativity, but it’s been rewarding." – Matt Stornetta

BMO Wine Market Report
Wine Business Monthly Daily News
Wine Industry Network
Podcast – The FourTop with Martin Reyes MW and Katherine Cole  
Wine Market Council
WBM: How Neo-Prohibitionists Came to Shape Alcohol Policy

​In our inaugural episode of Grown in Napa Valley, we cover what all growers are thinking about constantly, the weather; and what resources NVG provides to help work alongside Mother Nature. We chat with three guests: Erick Moldstad from Precision Forecasting, Justin Leigon from Pina Vineyard Management, and have a Glass with a Grower, Mary Maher, Silverado Farming Company & Harlan Estate.

This episode is partially funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency grant. Please complete this two-question survey so that we can continue to receive grant funding for our educational programs.

"I can attest to the value of these weather alerts…they’re an incredible tool and just such an asset to have in your inbox every morning." – Caleb Mosley

"You have to be a certain kind of crazy to be a farmer…we just like to hang out in the outdoor casino." – Justin Leigon

"Every year is different. I go into each vintage with a plan, but it keeps me excited every day." – Justin Leigon

"It's so important for everyone – vineyard, cellar, warehouse crews – to understand the collective effort that creates such amazing wine." – Mary Maher
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"It’s fascinating to see the evolution in vineyards and how each decision, from pruning to harvest, shapes the wine in the bottle." – Mary Maher