Twelve years ago, when Ashley Leonard and Dan Strengier first brought InnoVint’s unique, data-based software to the wine industry, it would have been difficult to comprehend how fully AI technology would revolutionize winery operations. But that’s exactly what’s happening with InnoVint’s all-in-one winery operating system that’s been empowering wineries since its inception: InnoVint is now weaving AI throughout its cutting-edge platform to make functions like Vineyard Tracking, Wine Production, Inventory Management and Cost Accounting practices easier and more effective than ever before.  Strengier, InnoVint’s Co-Founder and CTO describes InnoVint’s new AI capabilities as “exponentially more efficient.” “AI can literally capture analyses written on a messy napkin and import a 30-page PDF document flawlessly,” Strengier testifies. “It can create complex work orders for panels of analytics and additions on tanks in seconds – and do it from anywhere. Doing this work manually just is

Today’s warehouses face constant pressure to move product faster, protect employees, reduce damage, and make better use of every square foot. That is why warehouse technologies have become such an important part of modern operations. The right tools can improve visibility across the floor, support stronger safety practices, and help teams make smarter day-to-day decisions. At Papé Material Handling, we help businesses across the West evaluate technology as part of a larger warehouse strategy that includes equipment, fleet tools, automation, layout planning, and power solutions. A practical way to think about warehouse technologies is to focus on the results they support. In most operations, the biggest priorities include safer traffic flow, better uptime, stronger space utilization, and clearer insight into how equipment is being used. The most valuable technologies are the ones that help solve those real operational challenges. Operator Assistance and Safety Technology Safety technol

The global shift toward sustainability is palpable across nearly every sector. Within the wine and spirits industries, this movement has gained remarkable traction, driven by consumers’ increasing demand for environmentally responsible products. 2026 brings about more pressure for industry to put sustainability at the center of all operations, but also provides opportunities for businesses to flourish by staying ahead of the trends in innovative and sustainable advancements. Here are four sustainability trends to keep an eye on in 2026: Regenerative practices for wine and spirits Recent years have seen a boom in conscious agricultural practices through the philosophy that all aspects of agriculture are connected. This philosophy emphasizes the careful utilization of land management to restore and regenerate the ecosystems and land we use, leaving it in better health for future generations.  Regenerative principles are a push back against traditional industrial agriculture practi

Your Next Pinot Program Could Start Here Cool-climate Pinot Noir sourcing is already underway, and this 2026 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offering stands out as a premium opportunity for wineries looking to secure fruit from one of California’s most respected Pinot-growing regions. Known for its coastal influence, fog-driven mornings, and extended growing season, the Sonoma Coast consistently produces Pinot Noir with vibrant acidity, layered red fruit, and elegant structure — a style highly sought after for premium programs and expressive vineyard-designate wines. As wineries continue planning future vintages and locking in vineyard sources, listings like this provide timely access to high-demand Pinot Noir fruit before availability tightens deeper into the season. View Listing Secure Sonoma Coast Pinot Before Harvest Nears As wineries continue planning for the 2026 vintage, early vineyard sourcing conversations are already gaining momentum — especially for high-demand varietals like Pino

Why some wineries get recommended by ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity — and how yours can too. Consumers are changing how they search for wineries. Google still matters, but more people are now using AI search tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and voice assistants to ask direct questions like: What winery in Napa has views and doesn’t require reservations? Best dog-friendly winery near Charlottesville open on Mondays Best winery for a girls trip in Paso Robles Which wine club is best for Cabernet lovers? Family-friendly wineries near me with outdoor space AI Visibility Is Already Driving Real Results This shift is not theoretical. Recent website analysis from Duda found that AI-crawled websites generated: 320% more human traffic 270% more form submissions 250% more click-to-call actions For wineries, that could mean more tasting room inquiries, reservation requests, event leads, and online sales opportunities. As consumers increasingly ask AI tools where to visit, what

With rising costs and complex supply chain, companies in the food and beverage (F&B) industry may find themselves at a disadvantage if they lose cost visibility and if the accounting system and operational controls aren’t tightly aligned. Operating in a highly-competitive market and understanding your company’s cost structure is not just about financial reporting—it’s a strategic advantage. Explore common cost accounting challenges that face the F&B industry and some practical ways to address them. Communicating and understanding that product costing is not just an accounting issue but rather a responsibility of every department is imperative for the company to be successful. 1. Volatile Raw Material Prices Agricultural products like wheat, dairy, sugar, proteins, coffee beans, and cocoa can be highly volatile due to various factors that impact their price which can include climate conditions, regulatory changes, geopolitical situations, and currency fluctuations. If not accoun

As inventory grows and SKU counts increase, many warehouses feel pressure before they run out of space. The real challenge often shows up in the aisles, at the rack, and around staging areas where congestion slows operations. The right narrow aisle solution can increase storage density, enhance maneuverability, and keep goods moving smoothly. Instead of expanding your footprint, many facilities can unlock capacity by rethinking equipment, racking, and traffic flow. At Papé Material Handling, this broader approach connects layout planning, operator-focused technology, lift trucks, racking, automation, and fleet management to keep warehouse operations running efficiently and safely. Safety and Productivity Go Hand in Hand With tighter spaces, control, visibility, training, and maintenance become even more important. In a narrow aisle environment, small inefficiencies can quickly lead to product damage or increase the risk of injury. That’s why productivity and safety need t

Four 2026 Napa Valley Grape Listings from One Source This month’s featured grape offerings bring together four red varietals from the same seller, giving wineries a focused opportunity to explore multiple lots through one point of contact. From the bold color and structure of Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot to the depth, lift, and blending flexibility of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this collection offers winemakers a practical way to build or refine a 2026 red wine program with intention. Whether you’re sourcing fruit for a standalone bottling, strengthening a Bordeaux-style blend, or planning ahead for the coming harvest, these listings provide a strong starting point for conversations around availability, fit, and program needs. Cabernet Franc An expressive red variety that can bring lift, aromatics, and finesse to blends or standalone bottlings. View Listing Petite Verdot A classic blending variety with color, tannin, and aromatic intensity for Bordeaux-style program

Hedge Faster. Farm Smarter. Now available: Rinieri CRV 132 Vine Hedger — a practical, high-efficiency solution for vineyards preparing for canopy management as the growing season ramps up. As shoots extend and canopy density increases, hedging becomes a critical step in maintaining vine balance, airflow, and sun exposure — all of which directly impact fruit quality and disease pressure. Equipment like the Rinieri CRV 132 helps streamline this process, allowing vineyards to reduce labor demands while maintaining clean, consistent cuts across rows. With canopy work approaching quickly, listings like this offer a timely opportunity to get ahead of the season and improve operational efficiency. View Listing The WIN Marketplace is built to connect buyers and sellers across the wine industry, and equipment listings like this Rinieri CRV 132 Vine Hedger highlight how the platform helps vineyards access the tools needed to manage critical stages of the growing season. As canopy management be

Advantages of early AI search visibility for wineries and how-to system for achieving results. AI is quickly becoming the first place consumers turn when deciding what wine to buy, which winery to visit, and what experiences are worth their time. For wineries, this shift represents more than a new marketing channel. It is a fundamental change in how discovery, consideration, and purchase decisions are made. The key insight: AI search visibility compounds over time. Wineries that invest early in being visible, understandable, and trusted within AI-driven search environments gain a measurable advantage that grows. Each mention, citation, and recommendation strengthens future visibility, creating a flywheel effect that late adopters will struggle to match. This is not about quick wins or isolated tactics. It is about building a durable presence across the digital ecosystem that AI systems rely on to generate answers. As these systems learn from consistent signals, brands that show up earl