Harvest is usually a bustling, positive time of year, when the fruits of growers’ labors are ripe and ready for the next phase of their journey, whether that’s drying for raisin production, packing and storing for fresh consumption, or pressing for juice or wine. But from coast to coast, this year’s harvest has had a […]
Projects Underway
Grant Helps Growers Better Manage Nutrients
By Brandon Schrand WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences Since the 1960s, American grape growers have followed a set of nutrient management guidelines that often entail more guesswork than precise strategies. An industry-driven project called “High-Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management” seeks to change that. Led by Washington State University’s Dr. Markus Keller, it was one […]
The Truth Is Out There
This month, the NGRA Research Theme Committees began their brainstorming and prioritization process, each with the goal of coming up with one or two ideas that can be progressed into actual research projects. As we dig into the exercise, generating input on industry-needed research, one theme has become bracingly clear. As a community, collectively, we know very […]
Grape Research Goes on Hold
The COVID-19 pandemic will certainly have far-reaching impacts on the world, including the volume and pace of research and to the scientists whose careers depend on collaborating on, conducting and publishing research. As states and municipalities issued shelter-in-place orders this month, one by one, industry and academic conferences were canceled. Government agencies and universities closed […]
Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award Presented to Jim Trezise
FEBRUARY 5, 2020, SACRAMENTO, CA — In a surprise presentation, the fourth-annual Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award for major contributions to the American grape and wine industry was given to Jim Trezise. Jim is former President of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and current President of WineAmerica. The Smith Family gave the award […]
Farm Bill 2018 Passed
On December 20, 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (a.k.a. the Farm Bill) was signed into law and will remain in effect for the next five years. WineAmerica was one of the many specialty crop organizations fighting for a robust bill. As Jim Trezise, WineAmerica President and NGRA Board member, says, “The Farm Bill is a massive […]
November, But Still No Farm Bill
Congress adjourned for the November 6, 2018, mid-term elections without passing a Farm Bill. While it is widely anticipated that they will return after the elections for a lame duck session, it is uncertain whether they will be able to resolve their differences and reauthorize a Farm Bill. Of note are the 39 orphaned programs […]
Portrait of the Perfect Grapevine: Industry Survey of Desirable Traits
If you could grow the perfect grapevine, what would it be or do? What would its fruit be or look like? How would it perform throughout the season, given your climate, soil and labor availability? Essentially, these were the dreams grape and wine industry representatives were asked to entertain when surveyed about the most desirable […]
Call for Nominations: Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award
HONOR A COLLEAGUE AND A LEGEND The late Richard (Rich) Smith of Paraiso Vineyards and Smith Family Wines in the Santa Lucia Highlands of California was first and foremost a family man, and also a successful grape grower, winery owner and respected colleague. Before his passing in 2015, through his significant and selfless contributions of time, energy […]
Excellence in Extension: NVEELC 2018
The 2018 National Viticulture & Enology Extension Leadership Conference (NVEELC) took place May 20-22, hosted by Washington State University (WSU) Viticulture Extension in Prosser–the heart of Washington State wine country. The 50 extension and outreach specialists who attended represented both viticulture and enology, their experience ranged from 30+ years in their post to less than […]