Sonoma County: Field Day for Sustainable Vineyards

(Wines&Vines) - Harvest is pending, and the Sonoma County Winegrowers are inviting grapegrowers to learn about the latest advances in sustainable vineyard technology. With co-sponsors Santa Rosa Junior College and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, SCW is hosting its annual Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day at SRJC’s Shone Farm in Forestville on Aug. 8.

Some of the presenters provided Wines & Vines with exclusive previews of their offerings. See the complete agenda and registration information below.

Bee there, bee aware

Honeybees, essential for pollination, are finding it more difficult to land a square meal in California farmlands, according to Kathy Kellison of Partners for Sustainable Pollination. Kellison will speak about “bee-friendly farming” including honeybee health issues, agricultural practices to improve their health, bee gardens in vineyards and making landscapes bee-friendly.

Vineyards are natural havens for honeybees, and these beneficial insects can thrive in a symbiotic relationship with vines and cover crops. “Beekeepers do not have the resources to own enough land to provide their bees with natural sources of pollen from plants,” Kellison explained.