• January 7 2026
• Category: eNews

For winegrape growers navigating evolving climates, rising input costs, and rapid technological change, the Grapegrowing Track at the 2026 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium offers practical solutions, peer-tested insights, and forward-looking perspectives you can bring directly back to your vineyard. Across three days of learning and connection, these breakout sessions focus on operational innovation, economic benchmarking, and sustainable vineyard practices to support growers of all scales.

Pause or Proceed: Evaluating the Future of Your Vineyard
Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 9:15 – 10:45 am

Every block of vines comes with a critical question: Is it time to sustain, reshuffle, or replant? This foundational session guides attendees through the key factors that should influence that decision, from vine age and productivity to market trends and climate pressures. Whether you’re wrestling with crop decline, variety shifts, or infrastructure investments, this discussion equips you with a framework to assess vineyard futures with confidence.

Moderator: Norm Peters, Silver Oak, California

Speakers:

• Larry Bettiga, University of California Cooperative Extension, Monterey County
• Alex Cabrera, Results Partners LLC, Oregon
• Tyler Klick, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, California
• Brad Petersen, Silver Oak Cellars, California

Technology in Vineyard Operations: Practical Use and Real-World Challenges
Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Technology is everywhere, but is it being used where it matters most? This session moves past gadget hype to focus on tools that give growers real leverage, from basic data management to advanced sensors and field platforms. Panelists discuss how to make data actionable and how to connect disparate tools so insights lead to smarter decisions in the vineyard, without overwhelming your budget or day-to-day workflow.

Moderator: Tim Hammerich, Future of Agriculture Podcast, Idaho

Speakers:

• Bart Haycraft, Jackson Family Wines, California
• Douglas Wood, Trinchero Family Estates, California

New Benchmarking for Vineyard Budget Success: Insights and Practical Applications
Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 1:00 – 2:45 pm

Strong vineyard performance starts with understanding your economics. In this joint session spanning Grapegrowing and Business/Operations tracks, growers gain access to regional benchmarking data illustrating true cost structures across major California grape-growing regions. Beyond the numbers, a panel of industry leaders shares how to apply benchmarks strategically to budgeting, resource allocation, and goal setting so you can grow smarter and more profitably in this competitive environment.

Moderator: Randy Heinzen, Vineyard Professional Services, Inc.

Speakers:

• Tim Kensinger, AgWest Farm Credit, California
• Craig Ledbetter, Vino Farms LLC, California
• Kara Maraden, Foley Family Farms, California
• Daniel Sumner, University of California, Davis
• Scott Williams, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, California

Back to the Vineyard: Weed Management
Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 2:45 – 4:00 pm

Weed pressure isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a productivity and sustainability challenge. This session returns to fundamental viticulture but through a modern lens, exploring how traditional mechanical methods can be coupled with current tools and techniques to reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Growers will come away with tactical insights for optimizing under-vine practices, improving soil health, and tailoring strategies to specific blocks or operational goals.

Moderator: Matt Stornetta, Stornetta Made Farming, California

Speakers:

• Garrett Buckland, Premiere Viticultural Services, California
• Hilary Graves, Booker Vineyard, California
• Charlie Hamilton, KG Vineyard Management, LLC, California

Why Attend These Sessions

From evaluating block longevity to making tech work for your team, and from understanding vineyard economics to fine-tuning field operations, this Grapegrowing Track is built for growers who want real takeaways and actionable insights. Each session blends expertise with pragmatic discussions rooted in today’s vineyard challenges, ideal for growers looking to sharpen both their strategy and their operations.

Register now and be part of this conversation!