Vineyards are rapidly adopting mechanization to deal with the reduced availability of labor. What are the impacts of this new direction by the industry on vineyards and wineries? This Session is designed to address how innovative growers and winemakers are adjusting to the reality of producing high quality fruit with reduced labor inputs. Growers and winemakers across regions land price points will provide information on vineyard and winery practices used for grapes from mechanized vineyards. In addition, wines produced from hand-farmed vs machine-farmed grapes will be presented for evaluation.

Moderator:
Keith Striegler, E. & J. Gallo Winery, California

Speakers:
Melinda Costagen, Trinchero Family Estates, California
Casey DiCesare, Scheid Family Wines, California
Randy Kazarian, Kazarian Vineyard Development LLC, California
Debbie Juergenson, E. & J. Gallo Winery, California
Alison Moore, Trinchero Family Estates, California
Dave Terry, Scheid Family Wines, California