2019 CAWG Summer Conference in Sonoma June 25-26

SACRAMENTO, May 23, 2019 – The 2019 California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Summer Conference will be held June 25-26 at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Highlights include an educational speaker program, presentation of the 2019 CAWG Awards of Excellence and the inaugural CAWG Foundation Golf Tournament. The conference is open to CAWG members and non-members.

 

“We are pleased to host our conference in Sonoma this year, where growers in the county are nearing their goal of becoming the nation’s first 100 percent sustainable winegrowing region in 2019,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “Our exceptional speakers will share their in-depth knowledge about current issues affecting businesses. In addition, attendees will be able to network with colleagues, honor outstanding leaders and enjoy some time away from the office and vineyards before the busy harvest season.”

 

JUNE 25 / SPEAKER PROGRAM

 

Keynote Address
Speaker: Corey Beck, CEO, Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Francis Ford Coppola Winery has compiled an enviable track record of growth and expansion, and introduced new and innovative products to the marketplace. With a keen eye on current trends and future opportunities, Beck will share his vision for the winery and California’s wine industry.

 

Session 1: What’s Driving the Trend in Industry Acquisitions and Consolidation?
Speaker: Mario Zepponi, Zepponi & Company
Wine industry asset sales and consolidation continue to grab headlines. Who wins and who loses? And what does it all mean for growers and the wine category? Zepponi, a leading advisor to the global beverage alcohol industry on mergers and acquisitions, will provide an inside look at the fundamental drivers of recently concluded transactions that are reshaping the wine industry.

 

Session 2: Controversy and Fear Over Crop Protection Tools – What is the Real Story?
Speaker: Jay Vroom, Vroom Leigh Agriculture, LLC
The former CEO of CropLife America and a policy expert on crop protection products, Vroom will provide insight into some of the current controversies, litigation and public fears surrounding crop protection products. How can the public be assured these products are safe and will farmers continue to have access to these important tools?

 

Session 3: Strategies to Secure and Retain a Viable, Productive Workforce
Speakers: Mike Testa, Coastal Vineyard Care; Carlos Castaneda, Castaneda & Sons/Sarc, Inc.; Earl Hall, Hall Management Corp.
Vineyard workers are essential to the success of California’s vineyards, but growers struggle with labor shortages, rising costs and the ever-increasing burden of state regulations. Testa, Castaneda and Hall – all farm labor contractors – will share their insights and tips on how to succeed in a challenging labor climate.

 

Session 4: Utilizing the Crush Report to Make Sound Business Decisions
Speakers: Jeff Bitter, Allied Grape Growers; Gabriel Froymovich, Vineyard Financial Associates
The Grape Crush Report has a lot of useful data, but it isn’t useful unless you know how to use it. Industry experts Bitter and Froymovich will advise about how to best utilize this data for contract strategy, strategic investment and business forecasting. This is a can’t-miss session!

 

JUNE 25 / CAWG AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE HONORING HOXSEY, GOEHRING
The evening of June 25, Andrew Hoxsey and Brad Goehring will be honored as the CAWG Grower of the Year and CAWG Leader of the Year, respectively. Hoxsey is a Napa Valley grower and one of the owners of Yount Mill Vineyards and Napa Wine Company. Goehring is a Clements grower and owner of Goehring Vineyards, Inc.

 

JUNE 26 / CAWG FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
The inaugural CAWG Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at the Sonoma Golf Club (8:30 a.m. shotgun start), followed by an awards ceremony and reception. The foundation raises funds to provide scholarships annually to high school seniors pursuing higher education.

 

EVENT DETAILS
For registration, sponsorship and hotel details, visit www.cawg.org (calendar & events tab) or call the CAWG office at 916-379-8995. The deadline to register for these events is June 14. Discounted room rates at the Fairmont are available until May 30. The conference is approved for three hours of professional development and .5 hours of integrated pest management continuing education units.

 

Media contacts:
• Meredith Ritchie, CAWG Communications, (916) 984-4473, meredith@cawg.org
• Natalie Collins, Director of Member Relations, (916) 379-8995, natalie@cawg.org