WineBusiness Monthly

Amaterra Winery in Portland, Oregon, has pioneered an innovative gravity-flow winemaking system using a patent-pending bridge crane to streamline production. Designed by Pat O'Brien, the crane system allows for efficient movement of fermentation tanks and barrels between two levels of the winery. This system maximizes space, reduces labor, and improves workflow by eliminating the need for forklifts and pallet jacks. The cranes also serve as punch-down devices, with a concrete bucket, called "Four-Matts," that allows for efficient cap management during fermentation. The system requires less manpower, minimizes physical strain, and enhances productivity, earning Amaterra a Top Project Design award and two pending patents. Read the article by Tamara Turner: https://zurl.co/Tpb7j??

Companies, especially in the wine industry, are expanding their hiring efforts to tap into more diverse talent. By focusing on inclusion, businesses not only bring in fresh ideas but also improve employee retention, which helps cut hiring costs. Gallo and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) are looking for talent from places like athletics, Greek organizations, and hospitality. Internship programs also play a big role in attracting diverse candidates and improving long-term retention. Smaller wineries are hiring people with transferable skills, even if they don’t have experience in the wine industry. The article highlights the importance of addressing unconscious bias in hiring through strategies like bias training and anonymizing resumes. In the end, inclusive hiring leads to better business results, more innovation, and lower turnover. Read the article by Katherine Martine: https://zurl.co/OW63Q

Farmers in Napa Valley are teaming up with songbirds and barn owls to naturally control pests in winegrape vineyards. Research shows that installing nest boxes boosts bluebird populations, which may help manage insect pests, while barn owls significantly reduce rodent numbers by hunting thousands of gophers and mice each year. Scientists are studying how these birds impact pest populations and how vineyard management can optimize their effectiveness. Beyond pest control, attracting wildlife aligns with sustainable farming practices and appeals to eco-conscious consumers. Could birds be the secret ingredient to greener, more resilient vineyards? Read the full article by Matthew D. Johnson and Daniel S. Karp in the March issue: https://zurl.co/ndnc1

Ancient Peaks' 2020 Pearl Cabernet Sauvignon is a true gem, crafted from the best vineyard blocks in the unique Santa Margarita Vineyard AVA. To reflect its luxury status, designer Jessica Arnold revamped the label with an elegant black background, pearl and bronze foils, and embossed textures that represent the vineyard’s diverse soils. The result? A design that honors the winery’s cowboy heritage while standing out on shelves. Get featured in a WBM Pack Design Spotlight by entering the 2025 PACK Design Awards: https://zurl.co/SW2kY

Wine Sales Update ?? Off-premise table wine sales dropped nearly 6% in December, with total yearly sales falling 4% to $17.6 billion. Despite declines across most price tiers, wines in glass priced at $20-$24.99 held steady at $934 million. Meanwhile, nonalcoholic wine sales surged nearly 30% to $89 million, reflecting growing consumer interest in moderation. Read the full report: https://zurl.co/F0BKz

Join us next week in Lancaster at the 2025 Eastern Winery Exposition + Conference, the largest production wine and grape trade show in the East! ?? Dates: March 25-27, 2025 ?? Location: Lancaster County Convention Center Event Highlights: ?? Workshops (March 25): Deep dives into Safety & Bioprotection Issues and Winery Administration & Tax Compliance. ?? Trade Show (March 26-27): Explore wall-to-wall exhibits featuring the latest in winemaking supplies, equipment, and services. ?? Conference Sessions (March 26-27): Engage in sessions on Enology, Marketing, and Viticulture, including the License to Steal? Wine Marketing Conference. ?? Networking Opportunities: Attend the Welcome Wine Reception on March 25 and the 13th Annual EWE Industry Celebration Dinner on March 26. Secure your spot today! Custom registration options are available, including workshops, conference sessions, and trade show access. For detailed pricing and to register, visit: https://zurl.co/JU78x

Lucie Morton’s research confirms that Cynthiana and Norton are distinct grape varieties, challenging a long-held belief in the Eastern U.S. wine industry. Using historical records, ampelography, and DNA sequencing, Morton traces Cynthiana’s origins to Ohio, not Arkansas, and highlights its differences from Norton in taste, growth, and resilience. With renewed interest in these heritage grapes, Morton and Dr. Dean Volenberg are working to properly identify and preserve them for future winemaking. The Norton-Cynthiana Network aims to promote and educate on their unique qualities, ensuring their survival and appreciation. Read the full article in the March issue: https://zurl.co/ue5jb

Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and associations who made the 2025 WiVi Central Coast a success! We can’t wait to see you again—save the date for next year’s WiVi on March 12, 2026, in Paso Robles!

California’s recycling system has struggled due to poor funding and outdated policies. Senate Bill 1013, enacted in 2024, requires wineries selling in California to register with CalRecycle, pay recycling fees, and add a 10-cent deposit per bottle. The first year faced delays and confusion, with many wineries still waiting for approval. To improve recycling access, CalRecycle invested $70 million in 2024 for 250 new sites and plans to add $138 million in 2025. By 2025, retailers must offer bottle redemption or join cooperatives. Many people still use curbside bins, reducing glass recyclability. The bill could generate $48 million from winery fees, helping expand recycling infrastructure and move California toward a more sustainable, circular economy. Read the article by Sarah Brown: https://zurl.co/TJ3bK