GenNow
Date: August 13th
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Sonoma County Winegrowers office: 3245 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
We’re excited to invite young professionals to our GenNow Social! Join fellow professionals from Sonoma County’s agriculture, viticulture, wine, and hospitality industries for an evening of networking, conversation, and community.
Hosted at the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ office, this is a great opportunity to connect with peers, expand your network, and meet others who are passionate about our local industry. We’ll provide the Sonoma County wine and light appetizers, you bring the conversation!
RSVP HERE
Applications Open for USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the payment rates for the one-time bridge payments available through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. The program will deliver approximately $1.6 billion in direct assistance to specialty crop producers affected by rising production costs, market disruptions, trade-related challenges, and growing competition from imports.
Winegrape Payment Rate
USDA has established the following payment rate for grapes: Processed Grapes (Winegrapes): $225 per acre. Both bearing and non-bearing acreage are eligible. USDA specifically recognized that non-bearing acreage continues to incur substantial costs despite generating little or no revenue.
How to Apply
Pre-filled ASCF applications will be available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage report by April 24, 2026, for eligible specialty crops. Only one application is required for all ASCF-eligible specialty crops nationwide. Producers who have a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online starting June 1, 2026.
Application timeline:
June 1, 2026: Online applications open
June 8, 2026: Applications available through local FSA offices
August 7, 2026: Application deadline
Click Here to Learn More or Apply
Early Bird Ticket Pricing Available for the DTC Wine Symposium
January, 19-21
Monterey, CA
The DTC Wine Symposium is the nation’s premier conference dedicated to direct-to-consumer sales and marketing for the wine industry. As a fundraiser for Free the Grapes!, the symposium features dynamic speakers, tactical workshops, and a trade show, offering attendees actionable insights and strategies for navigating the evolving wine market. It focuses on current trends, consumer behavior, and best practices in areas such as marketing, sales, and wine club management, aiming to help wineries maximize profitability through their DTC channels.
Early Bird Ticket Sales are now available before Labor Day Weekend
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
UCCE North Coast Viticulture Resources
The UC Cooperative Extension has many upcoming events and resources beneficial to North Coast growers. Click the link below to learn more about upcoming events!
