Vineyard Team’s 2026 Lineup: Grower Education for a Changing Industry 

In 2026, winegrape growers have access to Vineyard Team’s expanded educational programs. With field-based Tailgates, industry collaborations, and the return of the Sustainable Ag Expo, this year’s lineup is designed to help growers navigate regulatory pressure, shifting grape markets, and rapidly evolving vineyard technology. 

Across the Central Coast and beyond, growers can turn to Vineyard Team for practical, research-backed education that growers can apply directly in their operations. 

 

Grower-Driven, In-Field Learning 

The season began with a virtual deep dive into Ag Order 4.0, delivering timely guidance on water and nutrient management compliance. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, access to clear, science-based information remains critical. A recording of the session is available online. 

In-person Tailgate meetings will continue throughout the year, focusing on the issues growers are managing right now: 

• Mothballing Roundtable | April 8 | Soledad 

• Holistic Soil Health | May 8 | Paso Robles 

• SGMA: Regional Updates & What It Means for You | June 2 | Lompoc 

• Technology Field Day | June 10 | Soledad 

• Managing Pierce’s Disease: Lessons from Growers | June 26 | Lompoc 

From groundwater regulations under SGMA to vineyard mothballing strategies in a tight grape market, each session addresses real-time operational challenges. Tailgates bring growers, researchers, and industry professionals together in the field to exchange practical insight and share what’s working. 

 

Industry Updates & Collaborative Learning 

In addition to Tailgates, Vineyard Team is partnering with key industry organizations to broaden access to expert insight and regional updates. 

2026 collaborations include: 

• UC Davis Viticulture & Enology “On the Road” 
  (with UC Davis) 
  February 25 | Paso Robles | Ticketed, includes lunch 

• Dry Farm Site Tour | New Cuyama 
  (with CAFF and CSWA) 

• Industry Update: Grape Markets, Grower Resources, and Updates 
  (with Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance) 
  May 20 | Atascadero | Ticketed, includes lunch 

• The Science and Practice of Dry Farmed Vineyards | Paso Robles 
  (with CAFF and CSWA) 

• Spanish Pre-Harvest Safety: Train-the-Trainer 
  (with Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance) 
  July 10 | Paso Robles | Ticketed, includes lunch 

These events provide growers with direct access to university research, market analysis, and workforce safety resources, strengthening the connection between science, policy, and day-to-day vineyard operations. 

 

The Sustainable Ag Expo Returns 

The year’s programming will culminate with the Sustainable Ag Expo, November 10–11, 2026 in San Luis Obispo. 

The Expo brings together growers, researchers, and solution providers for two days of education, exhibits, and networking focused squarely on vineyard management, resource efficiency, automation, regulatory updates, and business resilience. Attendees earn DPR and CCA hours while exploring tools and strategies to remain competitive in a challenging environment. Tickets are available now. 

In a time of regulatory complexity, market uncertainty, and technological change, Vineyard Team’s 2026 events are built to give growers the clarity, connection, and practical knowledge they need to move forward with confidence. 

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