January Seminar: Wine Industry Changes
January 15, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Wine Industry Changes: Where Do We Go From Here?
Date/Time: January 15, 1:00-3:00pm
Venue: Castoro Cellars, 1513 Bethel Rd., Templeton, CA 93465
Seminar Details:
The wine industry is in a challenging period as it has been for the last two years. What are the prospects for 2025 and the near future? Will the wine business outlook and grape sales improve? Will there be sufficient labor? Are there viable alternatives to wine grape farming? Join us at Castoro Cellars on January 15 for in-person presentations and a panel discussion at IGGPRA's first grower seminar of 2025. Hear from local experts and industry professionals what growers can expect heading into the new year, and options for dealing with what lies ahead.
- Eddie Urman, the new Central Coast grape broker for Turrentine Brokerage, will present on the current state of the grape sales market and forecast for 2025.
- Steve Vierra, the local expert on spirit-quality agave cultivation, will present on alternative crops that require less irrigation than wine grapes.
- IGGPRA Board members Mindy Allen and Steve Baker will present other important industry updates.
CEUs: None
Speakers:
- Eddie Urman, Central Coast Grape Broker, Turrentine Brokerage
- Steve Vierra, Certified Professional Soil Scientist, Director of Vineyard Operations Derby Wine Estates
- Mindy Allen, IGGPRA Board Member
- Steve Baker, IGGPRA Board Member
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Eddie Urman Eddie’s background in vineyard management gives him unique insights into the nuances of Central Coast viticulture. Known for his dedication and straightforward communication style, he’s committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of grape sourcing, market trends, and long-term strategies. Outside of work, Eddie enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking with his wife, and spending quality time with their red Labrador, Frank. He’s also an avid football fan and brings the same enthusiasm to his personal interests as he does to supporting California’s wine industry. |
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Steve Vierra Steve graduated in 1999 from Cal Poly with a degree in soil science, and joined the Vineyard Professional Services company. While there, he became a Certified Professional Soil Scientest and designed and installed a number of well-renouned Paso Robes vineyards. His vineyard experience spans over 2 decades, including time in New Zealand, Chile and Australia. Steve came to Derby in 2010. Today, he oversees all the growing, harvesting and maintenance of Derby's three vineyards, and plays a pivotal role in negotiating grape sale contracts with many local wineries each year. |
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Mindy Allen Minda has been on this wild but fulfilling career path since 2000. She took a leap of faith in 2010 and started Custom Vineyard Application which focuses on the vineyard management/consulting aspect of viticulture. |
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Steve Baker Steve is an experienced winery and vineyard owner with a demonstrated history of working in the wine industry. Skilled in Marketing, Wine, Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, and Winemaking. |
As always, our seminars are FREE for Members (limit 2 people per membership) and just $30 per person for Guests. Feel free to invite other vineyard owners and managers that you think might be interested in the topics this month.
