276: The Business Case for Employee Engagement in the Wine Industry | Marketing Tip Monday
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Release Date: 06/23/2025
301: Turning Sustainability into Sales | Marketing Tip Monday
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Consumers want transparency and sustainability—and they reward it with loyalty and sales. This episode breaks down four key ways to communicate sustainability, from tasting rooms to sales channels, showing how clear, credible messaging builds trust and drives purchasing decisions. Resources: Support the Podcast: Vineyard Team Programs: - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings - A trusted...
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300: From Sour Rot to Succession Planning: Craig Macmillan's Favorite Podcast Moments
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
A decade of viticulture education is right at your fingertips. Executive Director Beth Vukmanic interviews longtime host Craig MacMillan to celebrate ten years and 300 episodes of the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Together, they reflect on some of Craig’s most memorable interviews—from new discoveries in sour rot and space-to-farm technology, to using storytelling to sell more wine and tackling leadership transitions. Resources: Support the Podcast: Vineyard Team...
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299: A Winery, a Festival, and a $150,000 Investment in Music Education | Sustainable Story
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
While the Whale Rock Music Festival is renowned for rocking the Central Coast every year with live music and family-friendly activities. The event has an even greater purpose: supporting Templeton High School musicians through the parent-volunteer organization, TIMBA. Resources: Sustainable Story Worksheet Vineyard Team Programs:
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298: How Cover Crops Shape Grapevine Root Systems
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Root systems are more than just anchors, they are the plant’s stomach, communicating with their environment through a network of microbes. Suzanne Fleishman, Assistant Professor of Root Biology at Penn State University, introduces the emerging field of Root Agroecology, which integrates plant physiology and omic methods to improve sustainability in vineyards. She shares insights from a five-year red fescue cover crop trial showing reduced pruning weights and improved vine balance, as well as shifts in rhizosphere microbiomes. Her future goal? A grower tool that predicts the...
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297: Consumers Want Sustainable Wine—Here’s How to Be Seen | Marketing Tip Monday
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Eco-conscious wine lovers are willing to pay more for sustainable products—but they won’t dig for details. In this Marketing Tip Monday, learn how to meet consumer demand for sustainability by making it easy. With 60% of younger and multicultural wine buyers preferring sustainable wines, visibility is key. Show your story at a glance with the SIP Certified logo on your label. It’s fast, simple, and signals your commitment to people and the planet. Resources: Vineyard Team Programs: ...
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296: Using Lasers for Bird Pest Management
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Lasers may offer a chemical-free way to deter bird pests in vineyards and other agricultural systems. George Gallagher, Department Head of Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explains why bird pressure goes beyond crop loss, raising concerns about disease risks like salmonella, E. coli, and transmission of avian influenza. He shares results from a controlled study using a handheld laser, aimed at birds’ feet, to measure how long it took them to respond. The research showed that different birds react differently. George highlights the importance...
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295: Wine Law Essentials: Contracts, TTB, Social Media & More
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Legal oversights can cost wine brands dearly, but with the right guidance, many are entirely preventable. Lindsey Zahn, Managing Partner of Lindsey Zahn P.C. Alcoholic Beverage Law Firm, breaks down the top four legal pitfalls wineries and wine brands must avoid. From building solid contracts and understanding who owns what, to navigating TTB labeling rules, producing non-alcoholic wines, and staying compliant with social media advertising laws, this episode arms you with practical knowledge to reduce risk and protect your business from penalties. Resources: ...
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294: Rooted in Community: Winery Stories of Generosity | Marketing Tip Monday
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Foxen and Niner show impactful ways to weave generosity into everyday business. As you plan for 2026, think about the unique ways your brand can meaningfully engage with your local community. Then, share your team’s participation, spotlight the organizations you support, and tell the stories that highlight your values. Resources: Vineyard Team Programs:
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293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Rising temperatures and erratic weather accelerate ripening, spread disease faster, and shift sugar, alcohol, and acidity levels. All of which threaten wine quality and style. At Geisenheim University, Dr. Manfred Stoll is testing "vitivoltaics": semi-transparent, trackable solar panels installed above vines. The system moderates heat, radiation, and extreme weather, while improving young vine establishment and water infiltration. Beyond the vineyard, this renewable energy can power everything from irrigation pumps to EV charging stations for wine tasting guests. Resources: ...
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292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better?
Sustainable Winegrowing with Vineyard Team
Will hybrid grapes help vineyards survive climate change? Professor Karine Pedneault of the Université du Québec en Outaouais explores this question through trials that expose grapevines to drought and heat stress. Testing both vinifera and hybrid varieties, her research measured plant water flow and metabolic responses to determine resilience. While hybrids still carry a stigma around flavor, they showed promising resistance, raising the potential to reduce fungicide use by up to half and adapt more sustainably to extreme weather scenarios. Resources: ...
info_outlineDiscover how prioritizing employee engagement can elevate your sustainability efforts and business success. This episode explores real-world examples from Niner Wine Estates, Ancient Peaks, and Hope Family Wines, where workplace culture, strong benefits, and community involvement turn staff into long-term, loyal brand ambassadors. Learn why engaged employees are key to implementing best practices and creating meaningful customer connections.
Plus, find out how to start empowering your team with a free 30-minute online course.
Resources:
- *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course ***
- 2025 SIP Certified Sustainable Stories – get inspired
- Apply for SIP Certified Wine
- Marketing Tips eNewsletter
- Sustainable Story Worksheet