The Future of Winegrowing is Regenerative!
Regenerative winegrowing is a dynamic approach that at its core is about profitably farming in alliance with the ecosystem. Holistic management is a framework that guides short and long-term decisions to ensure healthy profits, communities, and land. Hosted by the Paicines Ranch Learning Center and facilitated by Kelly Mulville, Rob Rutherford and Jacopo Miolo, this two-day immersion will lead participants to a deeper understanding of the practical and economic benefits of partnering with nature using consistently sound decisions.
Immersion participants will explore the integration of the holistic management framework and key farming principles as a foundation for regenerative winegrowing.
Who Is This For?
— Educators —
Kelly Mulville – Kelly will present his experience in farming and viticulture with holistic management to design and manage more ecologically, socially, and economically sound farming practices that profitably restore biodiversity to agricultural land. This usually involves a considerable amount of help from livestock. For over 25 years, Kelly has managed and consulted with vineyards, farms and ranches throughout the western USA, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain. Kelly regularly does presentations at numerous conferences throughout the United States and internationally. Kelly has been the vineyard director at Paicines Ranch since 2014.
Rob Rutherford – Rob will be our guide on understanding holistic management as the foundational framework for regenerating vineyards and integrating sheep. Rob has worked as a Certified Educator of Holistic Management and Professor of Animal Science (and taught the incredibly popular Holistic Management course!) at Cal Poly, while also consulting on grazing vineyards. He is the past president of the CA Woolgrowers Association and is currently on a mission to share his wealth and depth of knowledge about the integration of sheep in farming operations.
Jacopo Miolo – Jacopo will be our guide on how the mastery of pruning is a key to creating resiliency in vines and the surrounding ecosystem. For over a decade, Jacopo has been with the master pruners at Simonit & Sirch traveling wine regions around the world and working with a multitude of training systems and grapevine varieties.
— Agenda Topics —
Immersion topics include:
- The four ecosystem processes and how they relate to winegrowing
- Decision-making that aligns values with ecosystem health and profitability
- Determining the right tools, practices, and strategies for your context
- Understanding how thriving biodiversity is the basis for long-term profitability
- The important role of grazing animals in vineyard health and profitability
- Increasing fruit quality and yield while reducing offsite amendments
- Reducing insect pests by increasing biodiversity
- Increasing soil water holding capacity and reducing irrigation use
- The influence of regenerative farming practices on winemaking and wine quality
- Creating resilience in a changing climate
- Learning regenerative vine pruning techniques with Simonit & Sirch (see more info below)
The workshop will include a half-day workshop on regenerative vine pruning techniques led by Simonit & Sirch, an international consulting company specializing in vineyard management. The session will be presented by Jacopo Miolo, their USA General Manager who has extensive global experience with various training systems and grape varieties. During our time together we will examine the most common pruning techniques around the world and their consequences on the plant structure and its efficiency, and how they affect the production and longevity of the vines.
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The Immersion will be taught both in the classroom and in the regenerative vineyard at Paicines Ranch.
Food, Wine & Connection!
— Registration —
** EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW & EXTENDED UNTIL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 at 20% OFF at $440.00 **
>Full-price registration for the two-day workshop is $550.00 and includes 4 meals: lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day. *Save $110 by registering now with the Early Bird 20% discount.
> Scholarships available - see below
The Immersion SOLD OUT last year so we recommend registering soon to reserve your spot!
*Tickets do not include overnight lodging. Lodging and camping options are available by reservation at Paicines Ranch and in the nearby town of Hollister. See information below.
— Lodging & Camping Options —
- Ridgemark - 10 miles from Ranch
- Best Western - located in Hollister, 15 miles from Ranch
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - located in Hollister, 15 miles from Ranch
— Details & FAQs —
For more Frequently Asked Questions for visitors to Paicines Ranch, please visit our FAQ page:
— Location: Paicines Ranch —
Located in central California's San Benito County, Paicines Ranch is a historic 7,600-acre ranch that works to regenerate ecosystems by growing healthy soil, nutrient-dense food and vibrant, diverse communities. Using the practices of regenerative agriculture, the ranch team manages this diverse landscape in partnership with nature and livestock to produce 100% grass-fed-and-finished lamb and beef, and pastured pork, turkey and eggs. Paicines Ranch also grow organic grain, as well as organic grapes in a polyculture vineyard that is designed to be managed by sheep. Over the years, the ranch has become a renown destination for learning about regenerative agriculture through their programs and educational workshops while also serving as a treasured location for hosting weddings, retreats, and events.
Remaining Questions?
— Conveners —
