May 27, 2014
Robinson Lake Vineyard                                                      Photo by Ari Lopez
A Note from the Commission President ...

Over the recent holiday weekend, it was a delight to see both visitors and vineyards responding to our region's sunshine and warm temperatures -- it is evident that both our growing season and our tourist season are now in full swing.

 

LCWC Board Member and Research/Education Chair Randy Krag recently joined me in a presentation to the Lake County Association of Realtors� (LCAOR). At the request of Rick White, LCAOR President and LCWC Affiliate Sponsor, we showed the "Lake County Rising" video followed by a casual Q&A. Audience members -- all prominent local agents -- were engaged and asked questions about soil and topography and the importance of appellations in the growing of grapes.

 

As you continue your efforts in the business of quality winegrape growing, we hope you will let us know how the Commission can help you.

The Commission will need your assistance, too. We will be sending two surveys your way, and we ask that you take a few moments to review them and respond accordingly. The first is the final phase of surveys for our CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant, which wraps up in June.

 

The second will aid us in another project. The Commission has contracted with Christian Miller of Full Glass Research to conduct a supply/demand analysis to understand the various market opportunities for Lake County grapes in the marketplace today. Many of you might recall Christian was one of the keynote speakers at our second Momentum! seminar in January. Your comments will be used to help inform this report.

 

Please watch for these surveys -- your response is critical to our efforts.

 

Thank you so much in advance!

 

Cheers,

Debra

In This Issue
Sustainability:  Stewardship and Quality Winegrapes

LCWC is introducing a new section of the e-news to keep you informed about educational programs and activities focused on quality winegrape growing practices and land stewardship. These include sustainability certification and LCWC's Master Vigneron Academy.

 

Check out some of the photos from the Master Vigneron Academy meeting held in April: 

Jeff Lyon during MV Academy visit 041714
Jeff Lyon speaks to MV Academy class. Photos by Ari Lopez


 

Jonathan Walters, Robinson Lake Vineyards, with the class. 
 

State Board of Food and Agriculture Meeting to Focus on Groundwater Discussions 

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will focus on issues related to agricultural groundwater use at its meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 'N' Street (Main Auditorium), Sacramento.

 

"Groundwater is an important aspect of California's integrated water portfolio," said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. "How we address surface water through storage, infrastructure and operations is as equally important. Farmers throughout the state need to remain engaged in these important discussions."

 

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representative and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

 

This meeting will be streamed online at: 

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/LiveMediaStream.html
UC Davis Preliminary Study Released
The University of California Davis' study Preliminary 2014 Drought Economic Impact Estimates in Central Valley Agriculture can be found at:  http://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10933

Funds May Be Designated for Winegrape Pest Research

LCWC's outreach efforts to raise awareness about the threat posed by and need for research funding for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug are bearing fruit.

 

 WineBusiness.com writer Roger Lansing reported that the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is among winegrape pests recently identified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Pierce's Disease/Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board for possible outreach and research funding.

 

Lansing noted in his article, "Although designation by itself does not obligate the Board to fund activities related to these pests, it does position the Board to quickly respond to specific outbreaks or finds with education and outreach efforts, and it allows the Board to target research projects for longer-term control efforts." 

 

LCWC Board Member Broc Zoller has provided significant knowledge and insight on the issue. Broc represented LCWC at the PD/GWSS Board meeting in Sacramento in January where he presented the case for funding research proposals for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

 

To read more of Lansing's article, click here: http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=131882 

Grape and Wine Marketplace 

 

WANTED: 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Bulk Wine

Contact Jack Cole with Hindsight Wines.

Leave a message at (707) 965-0809.

 

Looking to Sell or Buy Grapes or Juice?

Remember to post your grapes and bulk wine listings for free on the Commission's  web site.  

Upcoming Events 

2014 Lake County Wine Awards Competition - Judging
June 11
Brassfield Estate Winery, Clearlake Oaks
 
2014 Lake County Wine Awards Competition - People's Choice Awards 
June 14
Langtry Estate and Vineyards, Middletown
 
Additional events can be found on the Commission's web site Calendar. Check out this month's happenings! 
Bellissimo logo

Meet Our Affiliate Sponsors  

 

Bellissimo! Wine Country Catering
Barbara Flynn and her business, Bellissimo! Wine Country Catering, are no strangers to the Lake County Winegrape Commission. Bellissimo! has provided catering to several Commission events, and it is one of the Commission's helpful Affiliate Sponsors.

 

Bellissimo! provides catering for special events, gala affairs, cocktail parties and other gatherings throughout Lake County. Read More 

 

Umpqua Bank Umpqua logo

Umpqua Bank, a Lake County Winegrape Commission Affiliate Sponsor, is on Forbes' Best Banks list this year and made Fortune's list of "Best Companies to Work For," bank representatives have announced.

 

As the West Coast's largest independent community bank with locations throughout California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada, Umpqua Bank provides a wide range of personal and business banking products and services. Umpqua takes pride in offering exceptional customer service and in supporting the communities in which its branches are located.  Read More 

Resources

"Living with Drought"- A one-stop resource compiled by UC Cooperative Extension with links to several UC, state, and national resources.  http://celake.ucanr.edu/Living_with_Drought_547/   

 

The Lake County Winegrape Commission's Drought Resource Web Page:

http://www.lakecountywinegrape.org/lcwc/drought-resources/  

Affiliate Sponsors
Vintage Nurseries logo
Umpqua logo
Allied Grape Grower logo
North Coast Vineyard Services logo

Bob Bartley Pump logo

PG&E logo

Ag Unlimited logo

Novavine logo
Savings Bank logo
Ranch Systems logo
Lincoln Leavitt logo
American AgCredit logo
Guillaume logo

Ranch winery logo

Peterson logo


Ag Unlimited Lyman logo
Westgate Petroleum logo
Turrentine logo

Bellissimo logo