Sustainable Winegrowing

Vineyard Team

Get the latest science and research for the wine industry with Sustainable Wine Growing. Vineyard Team brings you industry professionals and experts on resource issues and business trends related to sustainable agriculture to help you put sustainability into practice.

  1. 304: Vineyard Mothballing: Costs, Risks, and Long-Term Yield Consequences

    19 MAR

    304: Vineyard Mothballing: Costs, Risks, and Long-Term Yield Consequences

    With current market shifts, vineyard mothballing can buy growers time—but it requires strategy, not abandonment. Chris Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, draws on research in Australia and field experience in California to outline what minimal management really looks like. From pruning approaches and livestock integration to pest and disease management, irrigation by rootstock and soil type, and long-term yield risks, he explains how to reduce costs now without compromising a vineyard's future—or risking fines.  Resources:   4/8/2026 REGISTER: Tailgate | Mothballing Roundtable Chris Chen - Twitter Out of Sync: vineyard responses to changing conditions  Partial Solar Radiation Exclusion with Color Shade Nets Reduces the Degradation of Organic Acids and Flavonoids of Grape Berry (Vitis vinifera L.) UCCE North Coast Viticulture UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County UCCE Viticulture Publications Online - North Coast  Support the Podcast:  Make a Donation  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing

    31 min
  2. 302: New Cover Crop Tool for Western Growers

    5 MAR

    302: New Cover Crop Tool for Western Growers

    Cover crops play a critical role in building healthy, resilient soils in vineyards and agricultural systems. Sarah Light, Agronomy Farm Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, shares how cover crops protect soil from wind and heavy rain, improve water infiltration, and increase on-farm biodiversity. She introduces a newly released cover crop selector tool developed for Western growing regions, with guidance on species selection, termination practices, and grower goals such as reducing compaction, fixing nitrogen, and supporting pollinators. This practical resource helps growers choose the best cover crops for their location, crops, and management objectives.  Resources:   151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health  159: Under-Vine Vegetation to Control Vine Vigor 298: How Cover Crops Shape Grapevine Root Systems Cooperative Extension, Sutter-Yuba Counties Cover Crop Decision Tool Cover Cropping in California's Water Scarce Environment Cover Crop Resources Sarah Light's Research  New tool helps farmers select cover crops UC Ag Experts Talk: Considerations for Cover Crops and Weed Management (video)  Support the Podcast:  Make a Donation  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing

    32 min

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Get the latest science and research for the wine industry with Sustainable Wine Growing. Vineyard Team brings you industry professionals and experts on resource issues and business trends related to sustainable agriculture to help you put sustainability into practice.

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