In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, NVG Executive Director Caleb Mosley speaks with Natalie Collins and John Chandler about the role of the California Association of Winegrape Growers in advocating for growers across the state. They discuss how regional and statewide grower organizations collaborate to address major industry challenges, including market pressures, labor policy, and regulatory issues. The conversation highlights current legislative priorities such as improving wine labeling transparency, expanding opportunities for wineries at farmers markets, and pursuing an agricultural overtime tax credit to help offset labor costs for growers. Despite limited resources, CAWG continues to push proactive policies and unite diverse wine regions to strengthen the future of California winegrape farming. 
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In the episode’s Glass with a Grower segment, Caleb sits down with Lise Asimont of Foley Family Farms to share stories from her career in California agriculture and the wine industry. The conversation offers a candid look at the people behind the vineyards, blending humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on wine culture. Asimont emphasizes that wine should remain approachable and joyful, reminding listeners that the best experiences with wine come from sharing it with others. 

• “We are not a reactionary group. We’re not just fighting bad policy. We’re introducing good policy and trying to get ahead of what’s coming down the road.” - Natalie Collins 
• “I’m a fourth-generation farmer. Farming has been in my family since the late 1800s, so wine grapes are just one part of a long agricultural story for us.” - John Chandler 
• “Wine should be approachable, joyful, and shared with everyone.” - Lise Asimont 
• “Everyone is trying to do more with less right now. Just like our growers, our associations are being asked to solve more problems with fewer resources than ever before.” - Natalie Collins 
• “As growers, we’re busy farming every day. Associations like CAWG are critical because they tackle the issues we simply don’t have time to fight on our own.” - John Chandler 
• “I’ve been in the wine industry for about thirty years now… and I started my career sleeping in my truck during frost season in Santa Maria.” - Lise Asimont 

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 
  

In Episode 21 of Grown in Napa Valley, the podcast celebrates the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 50th anniversary by spotlighting two stories of resilience and reinvention. Ashley Anderson of Cain Vineyard shares her personal and professional journey farming organically on Spring Mountain, detailing the challenges of managing steep, terraced vineyards and navigating the aftermath of the devastating 2020 Glass Fire. Her commitment to protecting the land, nurturing the soil, and honoring the vineyard’s legacy shines through as she recounts the thoughtful replanting efforts and her team’s emotional connection to vines that survived against the odds. Ashley also reflects on the joy and collaboration of planning the Organic Winegrowing Conference, emphasizing the value of community in sustainable farming.
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The episode then shifts to V. Sattui Winery, where Tom Davies reflects on the winery’s own 50-year legacy. In a warm, lively conversation, Tom shares stories of his serendipitous entry into the wine world and how he and founder Dario Sattui built a business rooted in Italian hospitality and direct-to-consumer connection. He highlights the recent transformation of their tasting room into the Mercado del Gusto, designed to foster community and accessibility in contrast to the trend of exclusivity in Napa Valley. From launching natural and non-alcoholic wines to keeping tastings affordable and open to all, Tom’s vision is to keep wine—and the joy it brings—at the heart of Napa Valley life. Both segments underscore a shared commitment to stewardship, innovation, and heartfelt connection to land and people.

• "We farmed maybe more by heart than by bottom line… and that’s one of the reasons I’m lucky to be there." - Ashley Anderson 
• “These vines were like, ‘Please, just let me grow.’ And we couldn’t look at that and say, ‘Take them out.’” - Ashley Anderson 
• “Cain is a classic example of Napa Valley resilience… and now reinventing itself based on what we've all been faced with.” - Caleb Mosley 
• “Wine is about connection. It’s about being social. That’s what the Italian culture gives us—and what we want to share here.” - Tom Davies
• ​“We're not getting more exclusive, we’re opening our doors even wider. You can get a three-wine flight for free. That’s unheard of.” - Tom Davies
• ​“What the hell else are you gonna do with your time? A nice glass of wine with some great food and friends, that’s what makes life.” - Caleb Mosley