Growing Regenerative Viticulture

Join us for an inspiring two-day deep dive into regenerative viticulture, designed to equip growers with practical strategies for building soil health, enhancing agroecosystem resilience, and producing exceptional quality grapes. This event is for anyone interested in growing their leadership.

On November 18, hosted at Opus One, we're partnering with the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation to launch the One Block Challenge (1BC) in Napa—an accessible onramp for growers ready to pilot regenerative practices on a smaller scale and leverage a peer-to-peer learning network. The day begins with a two-hour workshop from Chuck Schembre of Understanding Ag exploring the "why" behind regenerative agriculture and how to evaluate your context and begin the transition. You'll then hear from Caine Thompson and Stephen Cronk (RVF Board members) about 1BC's approach and impressive achievements from Paso Robles to New Zealand, followed by a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Napa Green Vineyard Program Manager Ben Mackie, featuring Thompson (Robert Hall & O'Neill), Tod Mostero (Dominus Estate), and Hilary Graves (Booker Vineyard) sharing real-world insights on implementing regenerative practices, continuous learning and adaptation, and achieving measurable success.

November 19th will be a boots in the soil field day at Bedrock Vineyard in Sonoma, where we'll focus specifically on reducing or eliminating tillage—a cornerstone practice for regenerative viticulture. Morgan Twain-Peterson and Jake Neustadt will share Bedrock's approach and insights adapting low- and no-till approaches to old vine and dry-farmed vineyards, while Chuck Schembre provides technical expertise on the below- and above-ground benefits of these practices. We'll also feature a demonstration of Sectormentor's cutting-edge platform for tracking regenerative indicators and essential farm data, with special discounts available for attendees.

Whether you're interested in beginning or expanding regenerative practices through the 1BC, or deepening your commitment through Napa Green's expert-supported Vineyard certification, this event brings together some of the most experienced voices in regenerative viticulture to help you build a more resilient, productive, and sustainable operation.

AGENDA - TUESDAY, NOV. 18

Opus One Field House

9-11:00 am The Why and Initial How of Regenerative Ag

Chuck Schembre, Regenerative Specialty Crop Consultant, Understanding Ag

11-11:20 am Break

11:20-11:35 am Introduction to the One Block Challenge

RVF Board Members: Caine Thompson Managing Director, Robert Hall Winery & Head of Sustainability, O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, and Stephen Cronk, Co-founder and President of Maison Mirabeau

11:35-12:45 Real-World Insights into Benefits, Challenges & Results of Regenerative Ag

Moderator: Ben Mackie, Vineyard Program Manager, Napa Green

Speakers: Caine Thompson, Tod Mostero, Director of Viticulture & Winemaking, Dominus Estate, Hilary Graves, Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager, Booker Vineyard

12:45-1:45 Lunch catered by Severiano De Loera & Sign-up for One Block Challenge

AGENDA - WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19

Bedrock Vineyard

9:30-10:45 am Vineyard Tour & No-Till Transition

Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, Owner & Winemaker, and Jake Neustadt, Director of Viticulture, Bedrock Wine Co.

10:45-11:15 am Below- and Above-Ground Benefits

Chuck Schembre, Understanding Ag

11:15-12 pm Tracking & Understanding Regenerative Indicators

Victoria Nicol, Strategic Partnerships, Sectormentor

Nathan Wood, Vineyard Manager, Johan Vineyards (Willamette)