At Sunridge Nurseries, being a leader in our industry means more than growing quality vines. It means actively participating in the conversations, research, and initiatives that help shape the future of agriculture and the grapevine industry.
Our team regularly participates in industry boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups focused on grapevine improvement, rootstock research, nursery certification, agricultural leadership, and water sustainability. Through these organizations, our team brings firsthand nursery and grower perspectives to important industry discussions while staying connected to the research and regulatory developments that impact our customers.
California Fruit Tree, Nut Tree, and Grapevine Improvement Advisory Board (IAB)
The IAB advises the CDFA on programs supporting the improvement and availability of high-quality, disease-tested plant material for California's fruit, nut, and grape industries. Northern Interior Sales Manager, Nicholas Podsakoff's participation helps keep Sunridge engaged in the continued development and improvement of clean, high-performing plant material.
CDFA Nursery Advisory Board
The CDFA's Nursery Advisory Board provides industry input and guidance on issues affecting California's nursery industry, including plant health, nursery regulations, and certification programs. Our Vice President of Sales, Dustin Hooper's involvement gives Sunridge an opportunity to contribute practical industry perspective to discussions that help shape the future of California's nursery and grapevine sectors.
CDFA Nursery Regulation & Certification Planning and Scoping Meetings
These meetings bring together industry stakeholders and regulatory representatives to discuss the future of California's nursery regulatory and certification programs. Our Vice President of Operations, Adam Lovgren's participation allows us to provide practical industry perspective and stay engaged as regulations and certification programs evolve.
National Clean Plant Network (NCPN)
The National Clean Plant Network brings together clean plant centers, researchers, industry representatives, and government agencies to protect U.S. agriculture by providing access to pathogen-tested, clean planting material. Through Dustin's participation, Sunridge stays engaged with national efforts focused on plant health, disease prevention, and the continued improvement and availability of clean grapevine material.
California Rootstock Grapevine Improvement Commission Board
The California Rootstock Grapevine Improvement Commission supports research and development focused on grapevine rootstocks and their performance in California vineyards. Through research funding and industry collaboration, the commission helps address evolving challenges and identify rootstock solutions for the future. Adam's role as Research Chair, along with Central Coast Sales Manager, Dave Haggmark's participation, gives Sunridge an active voice in these important research efforts.
Foundation Plant Services (FPS) Advisory Committee – Grapes
Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis plays an important role in providing and maintaining high-quality, disease-tested plant material for California agriculture. The FPS Grapes Advisory Committee brings industry expertise to help guide priorities related to grapevine selections, clean plant material, testing, and the continued advancement of the grapevine program. Dustin's participation allows Sunridge to contribute directly to these efforts and help ensure the needs of the commercial grape industry are represented.
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation develops leaders who can help guide California agriculture through complex challenges and opportunities. Through his involvement as a graduate of Class 48 and Class Liaison, Adam remains engaged in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening connections across the industry.
Cuyama Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
The Cuyama Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency works with local stakeholders to support the long-term sustainability and management of groundwater resources within the Cuyama Basin. As a regular stakeholder representative, Adam helps ensure Sunridge remains engaged in important conversations surrounding water resources and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region.
Our participation in these organizations reflects Sunridge's longstanding commitment to being an active partner in the agricultural community. By contributing our knowledge, experience, and perspective, we can help support meaningful research, responsible regulation, sustainable agricultural practices, and continued innovation across the industry.
For Sunridge, leadership means not only looking at where the industry is today, but helping shape where it goes next.
This week, growers from all over the world are descending on the San Joaquin Valley for the annual table grape field days. Here are some pics from the Grapa Global field days showing some of their popular varieties. It’s always great to catch up with our grower partners and see what the future of table grapes holds!
As we enter the growing season, we're pleased to share that Sunridge Nurseries has officially begun our annual virus testing program, earlier than ever before. At Sunridge, we don't just meet industry standards - we set them.
Every year, we test all of our mother blocks at a 99% confidence level for a comprehensive range of grapevine viruses and other pathogens. This level of sampling and statistical confidence is far more rigorous than typical nursery testing protocols and is something we are very proud to share with our growers.
In 2025, this rigorous protocol resulted in more than 142,000 mothervines tested to help ensure the highest level of confidence in the cleanliness of the cuttings we harvest. For perspective, CDFA tested 4,312 vines statewide under the Grapevine Registration and Certification Program.
Following the latest recommendations from UC Davis, we have advanced our testing schedule to improve late-spring detection of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus, allowing for earlier identification and management of potential issues.
Our investment in nursery sanitation and plant health extends well beyond sampling. Sunridge operates its own accredited, state-of-the-art plant pathology laboratory, allowing us to perform advanced molecular diagnostics with rapid turnaround times. Combined with our isolated mother blocks, strict sanitation protocols, and multiple verification steps throughout propagation and production, this gives us an unmatched level of quality control from the first cutting to the finished vine.
Our growers know that clean plant material is the foundation of a productive vineyard, and protecting that foundation has always been our highest priority.
Thank you for your continued trust in Sunridge Nurseries, where quality begins at the source.
Contact us here or visit our website.
A Look Inside THE ROOT:
Two Varieties Worth Knowing
In this year's edition of THE ROOT, we spotlight two unique Loire Valley grapes: Pineau d'Aunis and Grolleau Noir. Pineau d'Aunis is celebrated for its distinctive peppery spice and vibrant red fruit character, while Grolleau Noir offers bright acidity, fresh berry flavors, and remarkable versatility across sparkling, rosé, and still wines.
These varieties are gaining attention for their ability to bring originality, complexity, and fresh opportunities to today's wine market. Their unique vineyard characteristics and expressive flavor profiles make them exciting options for growers and winemakers looking to diversify their portfolios.
This is just one of several articles featured in our latest newsletter. Inside, you'll also find updates on innovation in plant health, plans for our new lab and future research facility, and the dedicated team helping drive these advancements.
We hope you enjoy reading this year's edition. As always, we welcome your feedback and would love to hear what topics you'd like to see featured in future publications.
Our latest edition of THE ROOT is here!
This year’s issue highlights our state-of-the-art lab and future plans, noteworthy varieties, continued innovation in plant health, and the expert team that makes it all possible. We hope you enjoy the read, and as always, we welcome any feedback or topics you’d like to see featured in future editions!
Grafting Season Update & 2026/2027 Availability
We’re pleased to share that grafting for the season is now complete. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on supporting your success and helping you finish the planting season strong.
For those who may still be finalizing plans or find themselves in need of vines, we encourage you to connect with your sales representative. Our team can provide a list of speculated vine availability for 2027, or excess availability for 2026 to help provide options that align with your vineyard needs.
At Sunridge, our commitment to the industry and to our customers continues year-round. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating last-minute needs, we’re here to help ensure your season is set up for success.
Andrew Jones
VP of Sales - Winegrapes
805-234-4920
Annie Steimle
Regional Sales Manager
North Coast
707-974-2642
Nicholas Podsakoff
Regional Sales Manager
Northern Interior
808-333-9394
Dustin Hooper
VP of Sales - Table Grapes
661-301-7399
Dave Haggmark
Regional Sales Manager
Central Coast
805-391-0905
Sebastian Traviesa
Regional Sales Manager
PNW, Eastern States, Baja
707-975-3646
It was a pleasure collaborating with Tara on her field trip with us to explore how grapevines are made. Sharing our expertise and giving others a closer look at the intricacies of grapevine propagation is something we truly value.
The official YouTube video is now live on her channel. Be sure to check it out!
We extend our commitment to innovation beyond the nursery and into the field using real-time data, AI scouting, and precision water management to support long-term vineyard success.
Here’s how we’re integrating technology into our field operations:
AI-Powered Scouting
Tellia
Tellia is a voice-driven observation platform that captures and organizes field data instantly. Observations are securely stored and fully searchable. Need to know where a specific weed or issue was identified? Simply ask, and Tellia retrieves every relevant entry complete with location, timestamp, and notes. It transforms scouting from note-taking into actionable intelligence.
Precision Irrigation
Hortau
Using soil tension probes and automated irrigation programming, the Hortau system allows us to irrigate based on real-time soil moisture data. This ensures optimal crop health while significantly improving water-use efficiency.
Aerial Technology
Drones and Imaging
These tools allow us to detect variability early, respond faster, and make informed management decisions. This results in stronger vines, smarter use of resources and better vineyard outcomes.
- Spray drones for targeted, efficient applications
- Thermal imaging to identify plant stress before it’s visible
- Multispectral imaging for accurate field estimates and crop assessment
At Sunridge Nurseries, we don’t believe technology replaces experience but simply enhances it. As you plan your next planting or assess your vineyard strategy, partner with us to discover how Sunridge seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with seasoned, hands-on expertise.
At Sunridge Nurseries, innovation isn’t a buzzword, it’s built into every step of our production process. We’ve intentionally partnered with industry-leading technology providers to ensure every vine we ship is grown with precision, consistency, and plant health as the priority.
Here’s how technology has elevated our nursery program:
Precision Fertigation
FLOREP / RiTech
Using the Nutritech system from RiTech, we fertigate with customized nutrient formulations based on crop type and growth stage. Each formula is pre-programmed and can be adjusted instantly, allowing us to deliver the exact nutrients our vines need at each stage from planting through shipping.
Advanced Plant Health
SOBionics Hidroblue System
Our Hidroblue system produces hypochlorous acid (HClO), a non-toxic solution that keeps irrigation lines clean and significantly effective at preventing and treating fungal and bacterial plant diseases. Since implementing this system, we’ve seen over a 90% reduction in powdery mildew. Today, HClO is integrated into nearly every stage of our production and sanitation protocols.
Biological Performance
Impello Biosciences
We partner with Impello Biosciences to incorporate science-backed biostimulants, microbial inoculants, and biofertilizers into our growing program. Products like Dune, Komens, and Continuum support root development, plant vigor, and long-term resilience.
Environmental Monitoring
Wadsworth Greenhouse Control Systems
Our advanced, automated greenhouse control system allows us to control climate, curtain systems and venting entirely with a simple mobile app. Temperature and humidity are continuously monitored to ensure optimal vine growth conditions in our greenhouses. Real-time alerts allow us to respond immediately, protecting plant quality and consistency.
Custom Soil Mixing & Potting Automation
Hort Equipment
Our programmable soil mixing system allows us to tailor substrate blends with precise nutrients and beneficial organisms. Components are blended prior to pot filling to ensure uniformity across every planted vine.
Innovation at the nursery level means healthier vines, improved uniformity, and greater long-term vineyard performance. In our next email, we’ll share how technology continues in the field where data, AI, and precision irrigation guide our decision-making.
Sunridge Nurseries is proud to share the exciting news that our laboratory has recently achieved ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation in Biological Testing through A2LA. A2LA is the largest and most widely recognized accrediting body for testing laboratories in the United States, and this certificate represents a significant milestone for our organization.
Sunridge Nurseries’ state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with the latest testing technologies and operates under rigorous quality management standards to provide our partners with even greater confidence in the quality and integrity of every vine we produce. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities include PCR, RT-PCR, and TaqMan testing methodologies to diagnose a range of plant diseases including viruses, fungi, and bacteria from various grapevine plant parts. Our accreditation also encompasses the testing of irrigation water, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to plant health and safety.
For years, Sunridge Nurseries has led the industry with unmatched virus testing standards, and this new investment and accreditation further affirm our leadership and commitment to excellence. We continue to elevate industry expectations by implementing advanced methodologies and maintaining protocols that exceed current requirements.
Sunridge is proud to be the only grapevine nursery in the industry equipped with a certified laboratory and holding such accreditation. This achievement reflects our long-term investment in innovation, quality, and most importantly the trust of our clients as we aim to provide an even higher level of assurance, service, and confidence in every vine we deliver.