On November 10–11, the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo will bring growers, researchers, and agricultural professionals together in San Luis Obispo for two days of education, innovation, and industry connections.
Between sessions, attendees can explore the trade show, discover new technology, catch up with industry peers, and enjoy a lineup of special events made possible by Expo sponsors.
Here's what's happening beyond the seminars.
Day 1 | Tuesday, November 10
Breakfast Burritos
7:00–8:00 AM | Sponsored by JB Dewar
Coffee, breakfast burritos, and familiar faces. Kick off the Expo with a chance to connect with fellow attendees before heading into the day's seminars and trade show.
Lunch
12:00–1:00 PM | Sponsored by Bio SI
Lunch is more than a break in the schedule. Attendees can explore the trade show, sample wines from The Ojai Vineyard, and meet some feathered guests during a live animal showcase with Pacific Wildlife Care.
It's an opportunity to enjoy lunch, visit exhibitors, and discover something new before the afternoon sessions.
Sustainable Gear & Beer (+ Wine!)
5:00–6:00 PM | Sponsored by Vineyard Robotics
After a full day of learning, head outside for Sustainable Gear & Beer!
The Expo parking lot becomes a gathering place for agricultural technology, equipment demonstrations, and conversation. Explore innovations on display, connect with industry peers, and enjoy local beer and SIP Certified wine while discovering what's next in agriculture.
Day 2 | Wednesday, November 11
Donut Social
7:00–8:00 AM | Sponsored by All American Drilling
A Vineyard Team tradition! Start Day 2 with coffee, donuts, and conversation before another morning of seminars and exploring the trade show.
Whether you're reconnecting with someone from Day 1 or making a new introduction, it's an easy way to start the morning.
Tri-tip Lunch & Trade Show
12:00–1:00 PM | Sponsored by Budbreak Innovations
Take a break for a tri-tip lunch and another opportunity to visit exhibitors and connect with fellow attendees.
During lunch, attendees can also learn about SoCalREN Agriculture, which offers energy efficiency rebates and resources to help agricultural operations make equipment upgrades and achieve lasting savings.
Explore, Connect, and Make the Most of Your Expo Experience
With 60+ exhibitors and hundreds of agricultural professionals gathering in one place, the Sustainable Ag Expo offers opportunities to exchange ideas, discover resources, and build relationships throughout both days.
A special thank-you to JB Dewar, Bio SI, Vineyard Robotics, All American Drilling, and Budbreak Innovations for sponsoring these events and helping make the Expo experience possible.
The 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo takes place November 10–11 in San Luis Obispo, California. Breakfast, lunch, the trade show, and these special networking opportunities are included with in-person registration.
Explore the full program and register.
Some of the hardest-working vineyard pest managers have wings!
At the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo, we're putting birds in the spotlight with two back-to-back sessions exploring how songbirds and barn owls can help growers manage vineyard pests naturally.
10:30 AM | Gifts from the Sky: Pest-eating Songbirds in Winegrape Vineyards
Dr. Matt Johnson (Cal Poly Humboldt) will share research on how songbirds help control vineyard insects, including vine mealybug and sharpshooters, and how nest boxes can encourage these beneficial birds.
11:15 AM | Vineyard Pest Control with Barn Owls
Bob Peak (Pacific Wildlife Care) will explore how barn owl nesting boxes can support rodent management. Plus, attendees will have the chance to meet two live barn owls following the session!
Each session is approved for 0.75 DPR (Other) and 1 CCA (IPM).
And the wildlife encounters don't stop there!
During lunch, enjoy a wine tasting from The Ojai Vineyard and visit the Pacific Wildlife Care animal showcase for an up-close look at more local wildlife.
📅 November 10–11 | San Luis Obispo, CA
🎟️ Don't miss these sessions! Get your Expo ticket >>>
Continuing education should do more than check a box. At the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo, growers and agricultural professionals can earn DPR and CCA hours while exploring research, technology, and practical strategies they can put to work in the vineyard.
Hosted by Vineyard Team November 10–11 in San Luis Obispo, California, the Expo combines two days of expert-led education with online courses available before and after the event, giving two-day ticket holders even more time to learn and earn on their own schedule.
Attendees can earn up to 20 DPR and 27.5 CCA continuing education hours through a flexible combination of in-person sessions and online courses. The in-person program offers 10.5 DPR hours, including 1 hour of Laws & Regulations, and 15 CCA hours, with an additional 9.5 DPR and 12.5 CCA hours available online.
Put CE Hours to Work
The in-person program focuses on research and strategies growers can apply to vineyard decisions today.
Dr. Michelle Moyer of Washington State University will open the Expo with a look at modern grape varieties and how advances in grape breeding could shape disease management and sustainable viticulture. Later that morning, Bob Peak of Pacific Wildlife Care will show how growers can encourage barn owl populations for natural rodent management, followed by an opportunity to see two live barn owls.
Day two turns to vineyard disease, pests, and compliance, beginning with emerging disease-management strategies from Dr. Akif Eskalen of UC Davis and closing with AgSafe’s practical look at common pesticide safety violations and how to prevent them.
Two Extra Weeks to Earn Online
For growers balancing harvest, vineyard work, and continuing education requirements, the learning doesn’t end when the Expo closes.
Two-day ticket holders receive access to 11 on-demand courses from October 12 through December 13, two weeks longer than last year. That extended window means more time to complete courses and earn CE hours when schedules allow.
Online courses cover current research and emerging approaches, including vineyard nutrient monitoring powdery mildew management, electric weed control, and more.
Beth Vukmanic, Executive Director of Vineyard Team said, “By combining two days of in-person learning with extended access to online courses, we’re giving attendees more flexibility to earn their hours while choosing education that is relevant to the decisions they make in the vineyard.”
Learn, Earn, and Connect
Attendees will also connect with 500+ growers and agricultural professionals, explore products and technology from 60+ exhibitors, and continue conversations with researchers and industry experts outside the seminar room.
The 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo takes place November 10–11 in San Luis Obispo. Two-day registration includes the in-person program, online courses, tradeshow access, breakfast and lunch, Sustainable Gear & Beer, the Donut Social, and additional networking opportunities.
Explore the program and purchase tickets at sustainableagexpo.org.
Vine mealybug may be small, but managing it takes a big-picture approach. At the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo, researchers and growers will come together for an afternoon exploring the latest science, biological control strategies, regional coordination, and real-world experience managing one of California vineyards’ most persistent pests.
The afternoon starts with a tri-tip lunch, followed by two hours dedicated to vine mealybug and the leafroll complex. From predators and parasitoids to coordinated programs and grower experience, the sessions look beyond a single treatment to explore how different management strategies can work together.
Start with Tri-Tip, Stay for the Mealybugs
From 12:00–1:00 PM, attendees can grab a provided tri-tip lunch, visit the trade show, and connect with fellow growers and industry professionals before settling in for an afternoon of pest management education.
Then at 1:00 PM, Dr. Monica Cooper of UCANR will present Biological Control and Coordinated Regional Programs for Vine Mealybug.
Natural enemies, including predators and parasitoids, are an important part of holistic vine mealybug management. Dr. Cooper will explore their role alongside coordinated regional efforts that support pest detection, early intervention, and suppression across vineyards.
The session is approved for 1 DPR - Other; 1 CCA - IPM.
Tri-tip lunch & session sponsored by Budbreak Innovations.
Then, Growers Join the Conversation
At 2:00 PM, the conversation expands from research to what vine mealybug and leafroll management looks like in the field.
Holistic Management of Vine Mealybug/Leafroll Complex brings together Erin Amaral of Pacific Coast Farming, Dr. Monica Cooper of UCANR, Dr. Kent Daane of UC Berkeley, and Emily Kuhn of UCANR and VineIQ for an hour focused on managing the interconnected challenges facing vineyards.
The discussion will bring research and grower experience together, giving attendees a chance to hear about management strategies, lessons from the field, and how different approaches can fit into a more holistic program.
Session sponsored by Pacific Biocontrol.
Research + Real-World Experience
The vine mealybug sessions are part of a broader Sustainable Ag Expo program designed to connect growers with research and practical strategies they can put to work. Across two days, attendees can explore pest and disease management, soil health, water, technology, labor, farm economics, and other issues shaping agriculture today.
The Sustainable Ag Expo will be held November 10–11, 2026, at the Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo.
Learn more and register at SustainableAgExpo.org.
Two-day ticket holders also gain access to 11 online courses!
What makes the Sustainable Ag Expo worth stepping away from the vineyard for? Two days of research-backed education, practical solutions, and opportunities to connect with the people shaping the future of winegrowing.
Hosted by Vineyard Team, the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo returns November 10–11 to the Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, California. The event brings together growers, researchers, pest control advisors, and agricultural professionals for a program designed to address today's vineyard challenges.
Continuing Education That Fits Your Schedule
The Sustainable Ag Expo makes it easier for agricultural professionals to earn valuable continuing education hours while gaining knowledge they can apply in the field.
Two-day registration includes access to both the in-person program and 12 on-demand online courses, offering attendees the opportunity to earn more than 20 combined Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) continuing education hours.
Online courses remain available through December 13, giving attendees additional flexibility to complete their education after the in-person event.
Research and Solutions You Can Bring Back to the Vineyard
The 2026 program features leading researchers and industry experts sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing winegrowers.
Session topics include:
Modern grape varieties and their role in sustainable farming
Biological pest management and vineyard disease control
Soil health and vineyard management practices
Sprayer technologies and precision applications
Vine mealybug and leafroll management
Emerging agricultural technology and automation
Attendees will hear the latest research, ask questions directly of experts, and explore approaches they can evaluate for their own operations.
Connections Beyond the Seminar Room
The Sustainable Ag Expo also creates opportunities for growers and agricultural professionals to connect outside the classroom.
With more than 60 exhibitors showcasing vineyard equipment, technology, products, and services, attendees can discover new solutions and connect directly with the companies developing them.
Several networking events offer additional opportunities to continue conversations throughout the two days:
Breakfast Burritos: Tuesday, November 10, at 7 AM - Sponsored by JB Dewar
Day 1 Lunch: Tuesday, November 10 at 12 PM - Sponsored by BioSI
Sustainable Gear & Beer: Tuesday, November 10, at 5 PM - Sponsored by Vineyard Robotics
Donut Social: Wednesday, November 11, at 7 AM - Sponsored by All American Drilling
Tri-tip Lunch: Wednesday, November 11, at 12 PM - Sponsored by Budbreak Innovations
From conversations over breakfast to exploring new technology with fellow growers, these events create space to exchange ideas, reconnect with colleagues, and build new industry relationships.
Make the Most of Two Days
Whether the goal is to complete continuing education requirements, discover new approaches to vineyard management, or reconnect with industry peers, the Sustainable Ag Expo offers plenty to bring back to the vineyard.
The 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo takes place November 10–11 at the Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, California.
View the full program and register at SustainableAgExpo.org.
New technology is changing how growers approach some of the vineyard’s most persistent challenges. At the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo, growers and agricultural professionals can explore how innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and UV light are moving from research into practical vineyard management.
From machines that can take on multiple jobs throughout the growing season to UV technology that targets vineyard pathogens, this year’s program looks at tools designed to help growers work more efficiently while reducing inputs.
Fighting Vineyard Pathogens with Light
What if managing powdery mildew meant turning on the lights?
The online course Using UV Light to Fight Grapevine Pathogens explores how UV light can help manage powdery and downy mildew while reducing reliance on fungicides. Attendees will learn about equipment, robotics, trial results, and impacts on vines, yield, and mites.
This online course is sponsored by Saga Robotics, helping bring innovative vineyard technology and practical education to growers and agricultural professionals.
The Expo’s 11 online courses open October 12 and are included with two-day registration. Courses are available on demand through December 13, giving attendees additional opportunities to earn DPR and CCA continuing education hours on their own schedule.
Innovation with a Practical Purpose
This session are part of a broader Sustainable Ag Expo program focused on research and technology growers can put to work. More than 30 speakers will cover pest and disease management, soil health, water, automation, labor, farm economics, and other issues shaping agriculture today.
The Sustainable Ag Expo will be held November 10-11, 2026, at the Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo. Two-day registration includes the in-person event plus access to 11 online courses available October 12 through December 13.
Learn more and register at SustainableAgExpo.org.
The Sustainable Ag Expo returns to San Luis Obispo November 10–11, bringing together practical vineyard education, continuing education hours, new technology, and hundreds of agricultural professionals. And this year, a two-day Expo ticket goes well beyond the two days attendees spend in person.
Two-day ticket holders receive access to 11 on-demand online courses, giving attendees another way to earn CE hours before and after the event. Courses open October 12 and remain available through December 13, with two additional weeks to complete online education this year.
Combined with the in-person program, attendees can take advantage of 20+ hours of continuing education, including DPR and CCA credit, on topics ranging from vineyard pest and disease management to technology, soil health, regulations, and more.
Two Days in San Luis Obispo
The in-person Expo features 10+ CE hours, 60+ exhibitors, and networking with more than 500 growers, researchers, PCAs, and agricultural professionals.
The trade show is officially sold out, filling the Madonna Inn Expo Center with companies showcasing the latest equipment, technology, products, and services for agriculture.
Beyond the sessions and trade show, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to connect throughout the two-day event, from morning coffee and breakfast to networking events and Sustainable Gear & Beer.
Online Learning Starts October 12
Attendees don’t have to wait until November to start learning. The Expo’s 11 on-demand courses open October 12, allowing two-day ticket holders to begin earning CE hours nearly a month before the in-person event.
Courses can be completed at your own pace through December 13, making it easier to fit continuing education into harvest and year-end schedules.
A Few Sponsorship Opportunities Remain
While Expo booths are sold out, businesses still have opportunities to reach growers and agricultural professionals through the event.
Just three online course advertising opportunities remain, extending sponsor visibility beyond the Expo floor while growers and PCAs complete courses and earn DPR hours on demand through December 13.
As Vineyard Industry Products’ Sunni Ashley shared:
“We connect with growers through opportunities throughout the Sustainable Ag Expo. And we get to see our customers from all over the country all together in one place!”
One ticket. Two ways to learn. Join us November 10–11 in San Luis Obispo and take advantage of online education from October 12 through December 13.
You put effort into source sustainably grown grapes. But wine enthusiasts shopping for wine don’t always know that.
The solution? Let your bottles tell the story.
51% of U.S. wine consumers say they trust organic/sustainable food or drink claims more when the product is certified (Wine Market Council, 2025).
The SIP Certified seal shows shoppers that your brand protects people and the planet through third-party verified, science-based sustainability practices.
Your Questions Answered
What is it? Wine certification is a process that allows brands that make wines with at least 85% SIP Certified fruit to display the SIP Certified logo on their bottles.
Who can apply? Any brand that uses SIP Certified grapes, either estate or purchased.
When can I apply? Apply any time! For first-time certified wines, apply at final blend, prior to bottling.
How do I apply? 5 easy steps in the SIP Certified database! Watch the tutorial to learn how.
Why get certified? 64% of consumers rank sustainability as a top 3 value driver. Using a sustainability seal on your bottle tells consumers your wine is sustainable.
Ready to get started? Log into the SIP Certified database.
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Vineyard Team Connects Growers with the Experts Shaping Sustainable Winegrowing
What do modern grape varieties, intelligent sprayers, and biological pest management have in common? Growers can hear from leading experts on each through the Sustainable Winegrowing podcast, then continue the conversation at the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo.
This connection is part of Vineyard Team’s commitment to making timely, research-based education accessible to growers. The Sustainable Ag Expo extends that education through two days of in-person seminars and a tradeshow in San Luis Obispo, California plus on-demand online courses available to two-day attendees before and after the event. Whether listening to the podcast on the road, taking an online course on their own schedule, or connecting with experts in person at the Expo, growers have multiple ways to access sustainable winegrowing experts.
"It is obvious that the Vineyard Team podcasts are peer-to-peer as they are concise, relevant, trustworthy and about the length of time it takes to get between different vineyards," said Greg Pennyroyal, Vineyard Manager at Wilson Creek Winery and Professor of Viticulture at Mount San Jacinto College.
Hear From the Experts Before the Expo
Several past podcast guests will take the stage at the Sustainable Ag Expo, November 10–11in San Luis Obispo, California.
Dr. Michelle Moyer of Washington State University, the 2026 Expo headliner, previously joined the podcast in episode 38 to discuss integrated pest management, powdery mildew, water stress, and the growing role of data in vineyard decisions. At the Expo, she will explore the latest innovations in grape breeding with Modern Grape Varieties and Their Role in Sustainable Farming, followed by a grower panel.
Thank you to headliner session sponsor Beckstoffer Vineyards.
Dr. Brent Warneke of Oregon State University explored intelligent sprayers in Episode 219, including how sensor-controlled equipment can improve pesticide application efficiency and reduce waste. At the Expo, his session Vineyard Sprayer Toolbox: Technologies, Tradeoffs, and Opportunities will examine the range of spray technologies available to growers and the tradeoffs behind each.
The podcast-to-Expo connection does not stop there. Listeners can tune in to Dr. Pam Marrone, Dr. Akif Eskalen of UC Davis, and Dr. Charlotte Decock of Cal Poly on topics ranging from biological pest management to vineyard soil health before hearing their latest research at the Expo.
Education That Fits a Grower’s Schedule
Like the podcast, the Sustainable Ag Expo’s online program gives growers the flexibility to continue learning and earn continuing education hours when their schedules allow. Access to 11 on-demand courses are included with a two-day Expo ticket, with courses available. October 12 through December 13.
Dr. Patty Skinkis of Oregon State University is one of several Expo experts who has previously joined Vineyard Team on the podcast. In the recent episode 320, she shares findings from long-term rootstock trials examining drought tolerance, yield, and canopy growth. This fall, her online Expo course will explore new technologies for vineyard nutrient monitoring, including precision viticulture, improved tissue sampling, and hyperspectral data.
Take the Conversation Further
Since 2005, the Expo has brought the industry together to share research, practical experience, and ideas that move sustainable winegrowing forward.
This year’s Expo returns November 10–11 with two days of seminars, 60+ exhibitors, continuing education opportunities, and networking with 500+ industry professionals.
Explore the 2026 Sustainable Ag Expo program and purchase tickets at sustainableagexpo.org.
Don't forget to search Sustainable Winegrowing on any major podcast platform to listen and subscribe.
Over the past year, Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholars received financial support, one-on-one mentorship, and guidance as they navigated college. For many, they are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Our new Impact Report shares what these students accomplished and how the program supports children of California’s vineyard and winery workers on their path toward a college degree.
See the impact: