Remove, Replant, Repurpose: What’s Next After Mothballing

As vineyard conditions and market realities continue to evolve, growers are facing difficult decisions about what comes next for mothballed or underutilized acreage. Should you continue minimal farming, remove the vineyard, prepare the ground for future planting, or consider an entirely different use?

This session will explore the practical, economic, and viticultural considerations behind those decisions, with perspectives from across California’s major growing regions. Speakers will examine how vines respond to reduced farming practices, the costs and tradeoffs associated with removal and ongoing vineyard management, and options for preparing land that may remain fallow for several years. The discussion will also address soil and cover crop considerations, nursery material availability and lead times, and how decisions made today may affect opportunities three to five years down the road.

Attendees will leave with practical insights and a framework for evaluating the best path forward for their vineyards in an uncertain and changing market.

Moderators:
Charlie Hamilton, KG Vineyard Management, California
Matt Stornetta, Stornetta Made Farming, California

Speakers:
To be announced