WineBusiness Monthly

The Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA) and USDA are teaming up to develop grape varieties that can handle climate change challenges like heat, frost, and disease. Using modern breeding techniques, they’re speeding up the process of creating vines with traits like disease resistance and adaptability to Virginia's climate. The project focuses on growing grapes that produce high-quality wine, are more cost-effective, and reflect the region’s unique terroir. The goal of improving disease resistance and using tools like robotic scanners to monitor vines is to help local growers and set an example for other regions facing similar challenges. Read the full article by Richard Carey: https://zurl.co/a9Hb

Healthy soil is key to building a thriving vineyard, improving both vine health and grape quality while saving on costs. Vineyards can boost productivity and resist climate challenges by using practices like cover cropping and reducing soil disturbance. Regenerative agriculture is gaining traction as a smart, sustainable approach. Ready to make your vineyard more profitable and eco-friendly? Start prioritizing soil health today and reap the benefits in the long run. For more insights, read the full article by Bryan Avila: https://zurl.co/BjgX

Climate change is reshaping grape ripening and red wine aromas, with rising temperatures accelerating maturity and leading to overripe flavors. Traditionally rare in Bordeaux wines, aromas like stewed plums, dried figs, and prunes are now increasingly common, particularly in Merlot, due to heat stress and berry shriveling. These aromas, linked to compounds like γ-nonalactone and furaneol, result from metabolic shifts in grapes exposed to excessive heat, sunlight, or drought. Adaptation is crucial for preserving wine quality, including optimizing ripeness levels, refining vineyard management, and selecting climate-resilient grape varieties. As climate conditions evolve, the focus shifts from achieving ripeness to controlling it to maintain terroir-driven wine characteristics. Read the full article by Alexandre Pons: https://zurl.co/qPsk

The 2025 Eastern Winery Expo + Conference returns to Lancaster! Registration for the event is now open: https://lnkd.in/ekAS_Zc9

The 2024 WineBusiness Monthly Winery Equipment Survey shows wineries are cutting back on equipment spending due to economic pressures like high interest rates and weaker demand. Nearly half (48%) plan to spend less, with tanks and bottling equipment being top priorities for those upgrading. Small wineries are the most cautious, while larger ones continue to invest. Despite tight budgets, 33% of wineries plan to boost production, especially by buying more grapes and bulk wine. Case studies highlight strategic upgrades improving efficiency and quality, like Dresser Winery’s new press and temperature controls, or Philip Togni’s reliance on durable, well-maintained tools. Read the full report by Andrew Adams: https://zurl.co/OLsC

Registration is now open for Central Coast Insights 2025—secure your spot at the must-attend gathering for wine industry professionals! Register early & save: https://lnkd.in/e8VFc32q

Registration is now open for WiVi Central Coast 2025—don’t miss the premier wine industry gathering in Paso Robles! Register early and save: https://lnkd.in/de4Zv8Uz

Day 2 ?? Thank you to everyone who attended the Wine Industry Financial Symposium and to our incredible speakers for sharing their insights and expertise. See you next year! Allison Luvera Kristin Taylor Tom Steffanci #WIFS2024

King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia, has grown from a family dream into one of the state's top wineries. David and Ellen King moved there in 1995, initially just looking for a place with enough space for a polo field. Soon, though, they planted grapes, and by 2002, they were producing their own wine. French winemaker Matthieu Finot joined the team in 2007, bringing a fresh, terroir-focused style that helped shape the vineyard’s unique wines. Today, King Family Vineyards covers 25 acres (with even more on a neighboring farm) and produces about 16,000 cases a year. It’s not just a winery, though—it’s a destination. Their Carriage House hosts weddings, and the polo grounds attract big Sunday crowds during the season. The Kings plan to expand their distribution beyond Virginia and continue experimenting with sustainable practices and unique wines, putting Virginia wine on the map. Read the full article Linda Jones McKee: https://zurl.co/yaKt

Kaleigh Theriault, Director of Beverage Alcohol Thought Leadership at NielsenIQ, presenting the latest data in the bulk wine and grape market, distribution and depletions, and retail sales. #WIFS2024