In this special episode we take you out into the field to explore two impactful programs: the Patrick Foley Fields of Opportunity Summer Mentorship Program and NVG’s Paso Adelante committee.

First, we attend the Fields of Opportunity graduation, where 30 students completed an intensive 8-week summer mentorship. We heard firsthand from  students, their mentors, and special guests. Then, Cris Romero, a founding member of Paso Adelante, shares how this new initiative is paving the way for young professionals in viticulture and winemaking.

Tune in to discover how these programs are shaping the future of our wine industry and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders right here in Napa Valley.

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.

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. ​

​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! 

​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.

Additional Resources:
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, 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.