Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center
2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy, Napa, CA 94558​

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The Background:

ROOTSTOCK has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley's winegrowing community for over 17 years. Initially known as the "Vit Fair" tradeshow, later the "Wine & Grape Expo," ROOTSTOCK has continuously evolved to meet the needs of Napa’s growers and industry leaders. In 2023, the event shifted to a new programming format designed to provide deeper, more focused insights into the challenges that growers face today. 

2026's Focus:

The 2026 ROOTSTOCK Conference turns to the workforce that sustains Napa Valley's vineyards year-round, exploring how growers are adapting to a shifting labor landscape while supporting the people and practices that define quality winegrowing.

Key themes include:

• State of the Valley: This year, ROOTSTOCK opens with the first State of the Valley, a new annual presentation built for Napa Valley growers, vineyard managers, winery partners, and everyone whose work depends on this place. National reports can tell you where the wine industry is headed. The State of the Valley tells you what that means here: our vineyards, our acreage, our winery partners, and our shared future. In one session, three trusted voices will give a clear, local picture of where Napa Valley stands today and what to plan for next.
• One Year Under California's New Overtime Law: What the Data Shows: A data-driven look at the first full year of California's farm labor overtime law, pairing UC Berkeley economic research on hours and earnings with worker survey findings on job satisfaction.
• Understanding H-2A: A historical address level-setting the audience on the history of migrant labor in California, including the Bracero program and the major UFW-era struggles, and how Napa Valley fared coming out of those movements.
• Labor Law for Vineyard Employers: practical insights and proactive strategies for reducing liability, responding to enforcement challenges, and protecting their businesses in the year ahead.

Breakfast sponsored by:

Lunch sponsored by:

Who Should Attend?

ROOTSTOCK is designed for a wide range of industry professionals committed to advancing Napa Valley's viticultural excellence. Attendees should include:

• Vineyard Owners & Managers 
• Winery Executives & C-Suite Leaders 
• Viticulturists & Vineyard Operations Directors 
• Compliance Officers & HR Managers 
• Farm Labor Contractors & Crew Leaders 
• Sustainability & Certification Professionals 
• Industry Service Providers
• Vit & Enology Focused Students*

* Student Admission: This event has a small number of complimentary student admissions. If you are a young professional studying to get your V&E degree and attending an accredited institution, you may request student admission. 
Please complete this form to be considered. ​

This event is partially funded by the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.