Trees and Vines

Want to be happier? Eat your Fruits and Vegetables!

(Sources: Silver Lining Psychology blog and cited original research sources, all linked in the text; Photo credit)

When you were a kid, did your parents urge you to eat your vegetables? Did they reason that eating vegetables was part of a nutritious diet that would help to make you big and strong? What they didn’t know at the time, was that a well-balanced vegetable-rich diet also contributes to people feeling happier and attaining  greater emotional wellbeing, and research supports this finding.

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The Psychology Department at the University of Otago in New Zealand asked 281 young people in 2013 to complete a 21-day online food diary. Head researcher, Dr. Tamlin Conner, said, ‘On days when people ate more fruits and vegetables, they reported feeling calmer, happier and more energetic than they normally did.’

Further analysis demonstrated that young people would need to consume approximately seven to eight total servings (the size that could fit in your palm, or half a cup) of fruits and vegetables per day to notice a meaningful positive change. Furthermore, eating fruits and vegetables predicted improvements in positive mood the next day, suggesting that healthy foods may improve mood. (Daily Mail Reporter)

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In another study, in 2012, of 80,000 British adults found that high emotional wellbeing increased with the number of fruit and vegetables consumed daily. Like the previously-mentioned study, well-being peaked at approximately 7 portions per day.

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A study of 5,731 Norwegian adults found that individuals who consumed a healthy diet were less likely to be depressed compared to those who ate a more typical Western diet filled with processed foods.

This study also found that a higher intake of processed and unhealthy foods is associated with increased incidence of anxiety.

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In another study, these same researchers found in 2011 that a balanced and nutritious diet was associated with better mental health in a sample of 3040 Australian adolescents, compared to those who had a diet that was rich in processed foods.

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The effects of nutrition on mental health may start in the womb, according to a study of the diets of Norwegian mothers during pregnancy and that of their children at various points during their first 5 years. Results showed that babies who were exposed to more unhealthy foods during pregnancy had more behavioral and emotional problems during early childhood.

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Diet can also affect your cognitive abilities. Researchers provided twenty sedentary men a nutritionally balanced diet or a high-fat diet for seven days. Compared to the control group, the high-fat group showed decreased memory and attention.

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The bottom line?  What you eat not only affects your body, it affects your mind.  Make the effort to eat a nutritionally-balanced diet that is filled with natural food sources and low on refined and processed foods.  Aim for 7-8 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.  Not only will it make you big and strong, it will also make you happier!

2016-05-31T19:35:30-07:00May 27th, 2014|

2013-14 Recipients of the UC ANR Distinguished Service Awards

Sources: Pamela Kan-Rice, ANR Assistant Director, News and Information Outreach; Kathy Keatley Garvey, Communications specialist (including photo credit)

This week, Barbara Allen-Diaz, vice president of UC ANR, announced the 2013-14 recipients of the ANR Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) which are given biennially for outstanding contributions to the teaching, research and public service mission of the Division of Agriculture and Natural resources.

Allen-Diaz thanked the DSA recipients for providing excellent service to the people of California.

Awards were given in six areas:

Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen in front of the apiary at the Harry H. Laidlaw J. Honey Bee Research Facility (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garbey)

Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen in front of the apiary at the Harry H. Laidlaw J. Honey Bee Research Facility (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garbey)

Outstanding Extension – Eric Mussen, UC Cooperative Extension apiculturist in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis for bees.

Outstanding Research – Mark Battany, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties for viticulture.

Outstanding New Academic – David Doll, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Merced County for nut crops

Outstanding Team – Ken Tate, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis, and Rob Atwill, director of Veterinary Medicine Extension at UC Davis, are the recipients of the Outstanding Team Award. Since 1994, Tate and Atwill have collaborated on a series of projects assessing the potential risk to rangeland surface-water quality and human health from livestock associated pollutants.

Outstanding Leader – Pamela Geisel, former director of the statewide UC Master Gardener Program. Although Pam retired recently,Master Gardenerssince this nomination package was very strong, I believe it’s appropriate and important to give Pam this much-deserved award.

Outstanding Staff – Michael Yang, UCCE agricultural assistant in Fresno County for small farms.

Each of the recipients will receive $2,000 and a certificate, except for the team award recipients, who will receive individual certificates and share $5,000.

2016-05-31T19:35:30-07:00May 25th, 2014|

Grape Consumption May Offer Benefits for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

New research presented this week at the Experimental Biology conference in San Diego, California, suggests that regular grape consumption may help alleviate pain associated with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee, and improve joint flexibility and overall mobility.

Researchers attribute these potential benefits to the polyphenols found in grapes.

The sixteen week clinical study, undertaken by Texas Woman’s University, was designed to investigate the benefits of grape consumption on inflammation and osteoarthritis outcomes.

72 men and women with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were assigned to either consume grapes in the form of a whole grape freeze-dried powder, or a placebo powder.

The study results, presented by lead investigator Shanil Juma, Ph.D., showed that both men and women consuming a grape-enriched diet had a significant decrease in self- reported pain related to activity and an overall decrease in total knee symptoms.

This beneficial effect was more pronounced in females. Additionally, age-related differences were observed: there was a 70% increase in very hard activity for those under 64 years of age consuming the grape powder, while those receiving the placebo reported a significant decrease in very hard activity.

Participants over 65 years, whether consuming grapes or the placebo, reported a decline in moderate to hard activities.

Evidence of increased cartilage metabolism was observed in men consuming the grape- enriched diet; they had higher levels of an important cartilage growth factor (IGF-1) than those on placebo. This protective effect was not observed in the females. The researchers noted that no difference in range of motion was observed for either the grape group or the placebo group.

The serum marker for inflammation (IL1-β) measured was increased in both placebo and grape groups, although much less of an increase was observed in the grape group.

“These findings provide promising data that links grape consumption to two very important outcomes for those living with knee osteoarthritis: reduced pain and improvements in joint flexibility,” said Dr. Juma. “More research is needed to betterunderstand the results of the serum biomarkers, as well as the age and gender differences observed.”

Dr. Juma also shared results from a recent cell study that looked at the effects of whole grape polyphenols on cartilage cell integrity and markers of cartilage health.

Cartilage cells were first treated with various doses of whole grape polyphenols, and then stimulated with an inflammatory agent. Cell proliferation significantly increased – in a dose dependent manner – in the grape polyphenol treated cells in the presence of an inflammatory agent.

Additionally a marker for cartilage degradation was significantly lower with the three highest doses of the whole grape polyphenols when compared to control cells and cells treated with the inflammatory agent, suggesting a possible protective effect of grapes on cartilage cells.

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the natural cushioning between joints – the cartilage – wears away. Millions of Americans are affected by osteoarthritis: according to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 27 million people have osteoarthritis and knees are an area most commonly affected. Osteoarthritis is more likely to occur in people over 45 years of age, and women are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men.

The Experimental Biology conference is a multidisciplinary, scientific meeting focused on research and life sciences, covering general fields of study such as anatomy, biochemistry, nutrition, pathology and pharmacology. The conference is comprised of nearly 14,000 scientists and exhibitors.

2016-05-31T19:35:34-07:00May 9th, 2014|

COMPREHENSIVE CALIFORNIA AVOCADO PRODUCTION COURSE

Apply for “AVOCADO PRODUCTION FOR NEW GROWERS”    a  6-Week Course  
 
Attention new and beginning California avocado growers,
Dr. Gary Bender, Ph.D., is offering a new six-week course entitled “Avocado Production for New Growers.” The course will be held on Thursday afternoons and conclude with a Saturday trip to the UC Cooperative Extension high-density trial and commercial grove.
 
The course is sponsored by UC ANR and UCCE-San Diego and supported by the California Avocado Commission.
 
The course schedule is as follows:
January 30  — Introduction to Agriculture in San Diego County, History of Avocado Production in California
February 6 — Botany, Flowering, Varieties, Harvest Dates, Rootstocks
February 14 (Friday) — Irrigation Systems, Irrigation Scheduling, Salinity Management
February 20 — Fertilization, Organic Production
February 27 — Insect and Mite Control, Disease Control
March 6 — Canopy Management, Tree Spacing, Frost Management
March 13 — Ag Waiver Water School Training
March 15 (Saturday) — Field trip to UC Cooperative Extension high-density trial and commercial grove
 
Because space is limited, register online early or mail in the registration form. The fee is $105 and includes class materials and a bonus publication. For more information, contact Cristina Lomeli at 760.752.4724.
2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

California Ag News…Paso Robles Wine Industry 2014 Events

Paso Robles CAB Collective

Revved Up and Ready for 2014 CABs of Distinction

The Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC) recently announced TODAY dates, venues and new format for its second annual CABs of Distinction event.

After the success of the inaugural CABs of Distinction event (launched last year to celebrate and promote Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux wines produced in Paso Robles, California) and the increased momentum from Paso Robles being named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the PRCC has geared up for even more exciting events in 2014.

Set for April 22 through 26, 2014, CABs of Distinction events will take place in locations across the Paso Robles AVA with enhanced sommelier, media, trade and consumer experiences.

Sommelier Events

The first-ever CAB CAMP is a three-day, all-inclusive opportunity for 20 sommeliers and key buyers to go in-depth with the Paso Robles AVA.

   Tuesday, April 22: Vineyard and winery tours of PRCC member properties, a winery-hosted lunch at Vina Robles, and a tasting and dinner at DAOU Vineyard & Winery.

   Wednesday, April 23: Vineyard and winery tours, a winery-hosted lunch at ADELAIDA Cellars, and an En Primeur tasting at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom with barrel tastings from the as-yet-unreleased 2013 vintage, followed by winery-hosted dinners across the Paso Robles AVA.

   Thursday, April 24: A vintner panel discussion, opportunities for lunch with PRCC member wineries and a library/rare and reserve tasting will be followed by a barbecue at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery.

Media & Trade Events

   Wednesday, April 23: En Primeur tasting at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom with barrel tastings from the as-yet-unreleased 2013 vintage, followed by winery-hosted dinners across the Paso Robles AVA.

   Thursday, April 24: A vintner panel discussion, opportunities for lunch with PRCC members throughout Paso Robles and a Library/Rare and Reserve tasting at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom, followed by a barbecue at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery.

   Friday, April 25: PRCC members will be hosting various events throughout the day. This is an open day for self-directed vineyard tours. Wineries will also be hosting winemaker dinners at wineries and in Paso Robles’ most sought-after restaurants.

Consumer Events

   Friday, April 25: PRCC members will be hosting various events throughout the day. This is an open day for self-directed vineyard tours. Wineries will also be hosting winemaker dinners at wineries and in Paso Robles’ most sought-after restaurants.

   Saturday, April 26: The CABs of Distinction Gala will be held at River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles and will include tastings of PRCC member wines paired with artisanal cheese and Charcuterie chosen by Fromager Zina Miakinkova. Decadent catered lunches will be provided by notable Paso Robles restaurants and caterers (Robert’s Restaurant, Crush Catering and Avant-Garde Experience) and will be served in the CAB Bistro; chocolate tastings, live music, a barrel-making demonstration and glass etching will also be included.

Luxury VIP tickets are available to attend an exclusive panel discussion, enjoy a multi-course gourmet lunch provided by Thomas Hill Organics and continuous access to the VIP Lounge where desserts and drinks will be available throughout the day. Premium-Reserve VIP tickets are available for entry to an Early Access tasting as well as access to the VIP Lounge throughout the day.

Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast, who moderated the inaugural event had this to say about Paso Robles’ Cabernet, “No disrespect to Napa, but it never made much sense to me that one region, and one only, could excel at a particular varietal, in this case Cabernet Sauvignon…and [I] am ready to declare for Paso Robles Cabernet.” Heimoff was echoed in sentiment by Santa Barbara Independent’s Matt Kettmann, who titled a review of the inaugural event as this: “Resetting Radar on Paso Cab: New Collective Reminds Region, World of Roots, Future.”

Tickets for the CABs of Distinction event can be purchased at www.PasoRoblesCab.com. The web site now includes member winery details and contact information, trade tools, and the PRCC blog for extended member features, harvest reports and other news.

Members of the PRCC to date include ADELAIDA Cellars, Ancient Peaks Winery, B & E Vineyard, Calcareous Vineyard, Chateau Margene, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Eberle Winery, HammerSky Vineyards, Hunt Cellars, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jada Vineyard, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, L’Aventure, Le Vigne Winery, Parrish Family Vineyards, Record Family Wines, Robert Hall Winery, Sextant Wines, and Vina Robles.

ABOUT THE PASO ROBLES CAB COLLECTIVE

Formed in 2012, the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective (PRCC) is an independent collaborative effort of leading Paso Robles growers and producers of Cabernet and Bordeaux varietals specific to the Paso Robles AVA in California. The PRCC strives to promote the full potential of the Paso Robles region in producing superior quality, classic and age-worthy Cabernet and Bordeaux varietals that compete with like varietals on a global stage to consumers and media worldwide. For more information, please visit www.PasoRoblesCAB.com.

2016-05-31T19:41:17-07:00January 9th, 2014|

Better Yeast Strains For Wine Being Developed

Renaissance Bioscience Has License For Hydrogen Sulfide-Preventing Yeast Technology

Renaissance BioScience Corp. is pleased to announce TODAY that it has exclusively licensed, from the Regents of the University of California, patented and patent pending technology for the development and commercialization of yeast strains that reduce the formation of hydrogen sulfide in wine and other fermented products.

This proprietary novel technology, invented by Dr. Linda Bisson of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), has undergone five years of commercial field testing and adoption with wineries in the USA and Europe to perfect the commercial yeast strains that are now being made available to the global wine industry as Renaissance brands for 2014 onward.  Renaissance Yeast Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Renaissance BioScience Corp., will be responsible for additional strain development, sales, marketing, and technical support of the commercial wine yeast strains.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless volatile gas that produces a distinctive unpleasant odor in wine, beer and other fermented beverages. H2S is one the most commonly occurring sensory defects experienced in wine and beer production, and creates significant costs for industry. As well as creating costs for the wine and beer manufacturer, H2S has been shown to mask or reduce the positive sensory attributes of wine and beer.

The commercial yeast strains developed over the past five years, based on the UC Davis technology and created with classical selective breeding techniques, not only prevent the formation of H2S, but also have normalsulfur dioxide (SO2) production qualities.  These attributes make the Renaissance Yeast strains an ideal tool for the quality winemaker.

“The University of California, Davis and Dr. Linda Bisson, are recognized as world leaders in wine research.  Renaissance BioScience is proud to be associated with such a renowned technology group,” said Dr. John Husnik, CEO of Renaissance BioScience. He added, “The collaboration between UC Davis and Renaissance BioScience has an opportunity to revolutionize the effect of yeast on wine quality and the economics of wine production, opening up the sensory attributes of the wine by removing the sensory masking effect caused by H2S formation, as well as eliminating costly H2S remediation and protection techniques for the winemaker.”

The launch of the Renaissance H2S preventing wine yeasts in the USA will occur at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, January 28 – 30, 2014 in Sacramento, CA.

About Renaissance BioScience Corp. and Renaissance Yeast Inc.

Renaissance BioScience is a technology company based in Vancouver, Canada that develops platform technologies for yeast, to solve industrial and health problems that occur naturally in food and beverage industries.  Renaissance Yeast Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Renaissance BioScience Corp. and is responsible for the global commercialization of the H2S preventing yeast technology exclusively licensed from UC Davis.

2016-05-31T19:41:17-07:00January 7th, 2014|

Wine Industry Losses A Valiant Leader!

Leo Trentadue

Wine Industry Vintner and Patriarch Passes

Geyserville, CA: On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at the age of 88, Sonoma County vintner and World War II Veteran Leo Trentadue passed away of respiratory heart failure.

Born on July 30, 1925, in Cupertino, California, Leo was raised on his family’s apricot ranch. Always the humble farmer, Leo Trentadue is best known as the wine patriarch of Trentadue Winery in Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. He was a devoted family man, and his passing will be deeply felt by all who knew and appreciated Leo’s brave and magnanimous spirit.

In 1959, Leo and his wife Evelyn Trentadue decided to leave their Santa Clara County roots, and headed north. They settled on their 150-acre ranch of plum trees, and 60 acres of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignan vines. Today, those original vines are still producing excellent fruit, three generations later, on this 225 acre Alexander Valley estate.

Leo Trentadue is also known and appreciated as a celebrated war hero. Leo was awarded both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his World War II participation. At the age of 19, Leo was drafted by the U.S. Army. Shortly thereafter he boarded the S.S. Mauritania, bound for Liverpool. From Liverpool, he was put onto another boat for Cherbourg, west of Omaha Beach. It took his troop three days—without food—to cross the Channel. This was August of 1944, and where he stayed for two months at the front line.

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When Leo Trentadue celebrated his 79th birthday in 2004, it was with a trip to the verdant forests of northern France, exactly 60 years later. Taken with his wife Evelyn and son Victor, according to his earlier accounts, “This is where I was nearly put into the earth by German bullets . . . several times. I might have done well in a casino, in those days. You could certainly have called me ‘Lucky.’ But of all the times I should have been killed, I was most lucky when a bullet went through my left bicep. Had I turned the other way, it would surely have gone through my heart!”

Leo had particularly fond memories of this trip. Quoting earlier recounts, “Everyone says that the French hate Americans, and I will admit that some Parisians may be a little curt. But as soon as we got out into the country, especially where the fighting was all those years ago, we were treated like royalty. People came up to us, saying, ‘If it hadn’t been for you, we’d be speaking German today.’ There were as many as four memorials each day. At Blamont, where I was wounded, we attended a special ceremony. They feted us with food and wine at every event. The red wines were much lighter than ours, and you could drink them almost like beer. What really surprised me was that there were still concrete World War I bunkers—my father had served in the US Army at Verdun, not too far from where I was wounded—that looked like they had been in use yesterday.”

Had that been the case, wine country would have had to forego the excellent, justly famed “Geyserville” Zinfandels; not only from Trentadue, but also from Ridge Vineyards. Together, it was they who initially put those wines on the map.

The deceased is survived by his wife Evelyn Trentadue, son Victor Trentadue, daughters Annette Trentadue, and Leanne Allen. Daughter-in-law Cindy Trentadue. Son-in-law Gary Allen. Grandchildren are the following: Steven and Tyler Trentadue (Victor Trentadue’s children), Crystal Kovanda (husband is Andrew Kovanda), and twins Brittany and Tiffany Allen.

Preceded in death is Annette Trentadue’s daughter Nicole Biagi, who passed away several years ago.

2016-05-31T19:41:17-07:00January 7th, 2014|

After Tough Negotiation, Raisin Price Decided

Raisin Price Set At $1650  Per Ton

 

More Thompson Seedless Vineyards To Be Pushed

 

The Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA) announced that it has reached agreement with its signatory packers on the 2013-14 Natural Seedless raisin harvest announced field price.  The price will be one thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($1,650.00) per ton or eighty-two and one half cents ($0.825) per pound.  The price is calculated using the following formula:

         Base price                                $1,457.00                      $0.7285

         Moisture @ 10%                             80.00                          .04

         Maturity @ 75%                              50.00                          .025

         Container rental                              21.00                          .0105

         Transportation (minimum)              15.00                           .0075

         RAC assessment                            14.00                          .007

         USDA inspection                            13.00                          .0065

         2013 Announced RBA field price     $1,650.00 per ton  $0.825 per lb.

Raisin growers have sent a strong message to the industry that they prefer selling raisins on a 100% basis now and into the future.  With that in mind, the Board of Directors of the Association worked diligently toward a compromise with their signatory packers to establish a fair price that reflects the additional California raisin production for this season. 

The Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) recently estimated the 2013 Natural Seedless raisin crop at 348,437 tons in comparison to deliveries of 311,090 tons last year.  The $1,650 per ton price for the 2013 Natural Seedless raisin crop is a 13% reduction to last year but takes into account the additional crop that is estimated for production as well as the challenging market conditions that the industry will be facing.

The agreement calls for growers to be paid in three installments this year as opposed to four installments last season.  65% of the payment will be due fifteen (15) days after completion of delivery, 20% will be due to growers on or before February 28, 2014, and the final 15% will be payable on or before April 30, 2014.

raisin character

In the past, grower reserve raisins generated funds to assist the industry in marketing additional production into world markets.  The effort to sell this year’s additional production without reserve programs and the temporary elimination of state marketing and promotion funding are two reasons why the RAC assessment of fourteen dollars ($14) per ton has been included in the pricing formula.  This will provide an opportunity for the industry to work together through the RAC in support of efforts to market 100% of each year’s crop without reserves.

As reported from the International Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference in October, there continue to be strong indicators that Turkey has a significantly smaller dried grape crop to market this coming season.  California and Turkey are the two largest producers of dried grapes in the world.  It was also reported that South Africa, Chile, and Argentina have suffered tremendous frost damage in their vineyards, which will severely limit their harvest, which begins in January. The ability to take full advantage of what appears to be a tremendous sales opportunity requires an announced field price.

The Raisin Bargaining Association Board of Directors understood the importance of establishing this important benchmark in a timely manner to sell the maximum amount of raisins this year.  However, they are also well aware of the impact it has on the grower community.  Labor, water, and energy costs have significantly increased for growers over the past twelve months further squeezing their bottom line margins.  As agricultural resources in California are depleted, vineyard owners will continue to seek the best utilization of their land. 

California Ag Today editors spoke with Steven Spate, an RBA Grower representative, and a raisin grower. He said: “We are witnessing a large amount of raisin grape vineyards being removed (between 8,000 and 15,000 acres) from production this year in favor of more mechanized and profitable crops such as almonds, walnuts, and citrus.” 

“Time will tell what impact this acreage reduction will have on the future of the California raisin industry but taking the necessary steps to market this year’s crop was extremely important for the Raisin Bargaining Association to accomplish.  We are now counting on the California raisin packers to sell this crop to provide a better future for the remaining growers in our industry,” Spate said.

Spate added that processors thought the price should have been lower, but growers generally thought that shortages in Turkey and other areas should have boosted the price. “But still, there are excess raisins on the market and it has created a downswing in price.

Growers who are pushing out vineyards say that the lower price is only one factor that is in play. Chronic labor shortages are also encouraging growers to plant a less labor-intensive crop.

2016-08-25T21:49:44-07:00November 26th, 2013|

San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Meeting

Get your RSVP in NOW and SAVE for the 
2013 Winegrape Industry Forum!    

Ticket information and the program for the 2013 Annual Meeting and Winegrape Industry Forum, December 4 & 5 at Pardini’s in Fresno are on sale NOW and can be found HERE.   

This highly anticipated Industry Information will be headlined by Mr. Bob Torkelson, President and COO of Trinchero Family (Sutter Home Wines) Estates.  We wil be honoring Jack Farrior and Marko Zaninovich with our lifetime achievement award.   

Our Annual Event starts out on December 4, with our popular wine dinner.  It’s always a surprise which foods will be prepared, as they are never quite the same thing Pardini’s serves to everyone else.  Bring a bottle of California Wine to share as we enjoy getting to know our speakers, and each other, in a more intimate, celebratory setting. 

December 5 brings our attendees the only complete informational seminar on the California Wine and Grape Industry as it relates to the 60% of the industry here in the San Joaquin Valley.  You will not find any North Coast fluff and self-aggrandizement here!  Our program and online registration form can be found by clicking HERE. 

 Space is always at a premium at this popular industry event, so secure our discounted early reservation price by registering now, or if you have questions, please call Pam or Peter at 559-272-1411.   
2016-05-31T19:43:06-07:00November 25th, 2013|

WINEGRAPE ASSOCIATION NAMES NEW CHAIR

Heidi M. Scheid Elected CAWG Chair

California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced that Heidi M. Scheid, senior vice president of Scheid Vineyards Inc., was elected chair during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting in Sonoma, CA. Interestingly, her father, Al Scheid, served as CAWG Chair in 1978. Scheid takes over the CAWG leadership post from Bill Pauli, of Pauli Ranch in Mendocino County, who completed a two-year term.

“It is an honor for me to be elected the chair of CAWG,” said Scheid. “Since its establishment in 1974, CAWG has made a significant impact as the only statewide organization specifically focused on representing and promoting the interests of California Winegrape Growers. CAWG is the unified voice for effective state and federal advocacy and I look forward to continuing our unique role in the industry through our ongoing development of sound public policies, strengthened through membership growth.”

Scheid joined Scheid Vineyards in 1992 as Director of Planning and served as the company’s Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 2001. Prior to joining Scheid Vineyards she served as a senior valuation analyst at Ernst & Young, LLP and as an associate at the venture capital firm of InterVen Partners.

Scheid has been a director of Wine Market Council since 1990, a wine industry association aimed at expanding the American wine consumer base. She holds an M.B.A. degree from the University of Southern California.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Scheid achieved some noteworthy personal goals this year as she summited both Mt. Whitney (the highest summit in the contiguous United States) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (a dormant volcanic mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania).

The CAWG Board also elected Aaron Lange, of LangeTwins Family Vineyards and Winery in Lodi and Dennis Wittchow, of Lent-Burden Farming in Oakdale, as vice chairs. J.D. Harkey, of Drake Enterprises in Temecula, was elected secretary. Ryan Metzler, of Fruita del Sol in Fresno, was re-elected as treasurer. Nat DiBuduo, president of Allied Grape Growers and Carson Smith, of Carson Smith Farming in Fresno, were re-elected as CAWG At-Large Directors.

CAWG’s elected officers begin their term of office on Dec. 1, 2013.

2016-05-31T19:43:09-07:00November 13th, 2013|
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