Local Opportunities

Check this page for local educational opportunities hosted by the Lodi Winegrape Commission, universities, ag associations, and more. *ALWAYS* confirm event details with hosts!

To get your event posted, email the details in the format below to Dr. Stephanie Bolton, stephanie@lodiwine.com, with the subject line “New LodiGrowers.com Event.”

VINEYARD TEAM: SUSTAINABLE AG EXPO.

Dates:  Tuesday, November 11 – Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Venue:  Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo CA

Cost:  For pricing click HERE |  Lodi grower discount code ($50 off): LODI50

Credits:  20+ CE hours (DPR & CCA)

Topics & Speakers:  For the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  Join the Sustainable Ag Expo to connect with top researchers, growers and ag companies, earning continuing education hours while gaining actionable tips to boost your business. Hear from over 40 experts, including Stephanie Bolton, Ph.D., of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, speaking on whole farm profitability. Attend in-person seminars and access virtual courses at your own pace.

Registration (required):  To register, click HERE.


AVM: GRAPE, NUT & TREE FRUIT EXPO.

Date:  Friday, November 14, 2025

Time:  7:00am – 2:00pm

Venue:  The BIG Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S Chance Ave, Fresno CA

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Credits:  CE credits (PCA & CCA) applied for

Topics:

  • Carpophilus Beetle & Red Leaf Blotch Threats
  • Cutting Raisin Production Costs
  • Micronutrient Management
  • Crop Insurance for Grape Growers
  • On-Farm Wildlife Management
  • Laws & Regulations
  • Tree & Vine IPM

Description:  This year, the expo will feature free breakfast and tri-tip lunch, an industry trade show and presentations and seminars on the state of the raisin, table grape, wine, almond, walnut, pistachio and tree fruit industries. Also new this year is a partnership with the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association in presenting their annual Lifetime Achievement Award.

Registration (required): To register, click HERE.


DELTA AG FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER DINNER.

Date:  Friday, November 14, 2025

Time:  4:30pm

Venue:  Jackson Hall, Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi CA

Cost:  $75

Description:  The event aims to raise funds for sustainable agriculture and natural resource initiatives in the region. Attendees will enjoy food catered by Delta College Culinary Arts students, hear inspiring speakers and have the opportunity to support the growth and preservation of agricultural and natural resources for future generations.

Tickets (required):  For tickets, click HERE.


CD11 LODI IPM NETWORK BREAKFAST MEETING: TRUNK DISEASE.

Date:  Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Time:  8:00 – 9:30am

Venue:  Burgundy Hall, Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi CA

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Credits:  1.5 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) approved

Topic & Speakers:

  • Trunk Diseases — Akif Eskalen, PhD (Professor, Plant Pathologist, UC Davis)

Who Should Attend:  Local Pest Control Advisers (PCAs), growers who manage their own pest control (Private Applicators) or who have pest control questions, anyone looking for viticulture DPR CE credits, viticulture technical advisors and winemakers/grower relations personnel interested in learning about vineyard pest management.

Description:  Our group meets monthly to discuss current vineyard pests and their management. The goal is to create a strong local network for communicating the best IPM strategies and for support in solving viticulture anomalies. This month Dr. Eskalan hosts a trunk disease workshop to dissect vines, identify the disease and discuss IPM strategies for healthy vineyards.

RSVP:  To the Lodi Winegrape Commission by phone 209.367.4727 or email info@lodiwine.com.


ORGANIC GROWER SUMMIT.

Dates:  Wednesday, December 3 – Thursday, December 4, 2025

Times:  7:00am – 6:00pm, Wednesday | 7:00am –12:45pm, Thursday

Venue:  Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, 1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey CA

Cost:  Click HERE

Description:  This annual event is hosted by Farm Progress and Western Growers. Discover the latest trends, techniques and innovations in organic farming. Immerse yourself in engaging educational sessions, learn from insightful keynote presentations and explore a jam-packed tradeshow floor connecting the entire organic agricultural community.

Registration (required):  To register, click HERE.


CD11 LODI IPM NETWORK BREAKFAST MEETING.

Date:  Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Time:  8:00 – 9:30am

Venue:  Burgundy Hall, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi CA

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Credits:  1.5 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) applied for

Topic:  TBD

Who Should Attend:  Local Pest Control Advisers (PCAs), growers who manage their own pest control (Private Applicators) or who have pest control questions, anyone looking for viticulture DPR CE credits, viticulture technical advisors and winemakers/grower relations personnel interested in learning about vineyard pest management.

Description:  Our group meets monthly to discuss current vineyard pests and their management. The goal is to create a strong local network for communicating the best IPM strategies and for support in solving viticulture anomalies.

RSVP:  To the Lodi Winegrape Commission by phone 209.367.4727 or email info@lodiwine.com.


UC DAVIS: VITICULTURE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM.

Dates:  Monday, January 12 – Friday, April 2, 2026

Venue:  Online

Cost:  $1650 per class or $6,000 for full tuition (pay in full & save 10%) | certificate fee $125

Topics:

  • Understand the importance of grapevine anatomy and how it impacts plant growth
  • Identify grape cultivars through leaf, growing tip and cluster morphology
  • Apply rootstock differences for determining the appropriate one for your vineyard site
  • Recognize the importance of clean stock and how these plants are produced
  • Comprehend the annual growing cycle and how chemical constituents change during maturation

Description:  This program is designed to provide current and aspiring vineyard managers and other wine industry professionals with comprehensive technical knowledge and practical application for commercial winegrape production. Gain foundational knowledge and skills in quality grapevine production, site assessment, vineyard management, and pests and disease control for winegrapes. For full program details, click HERE.

Registration (required):  To register, click HERE.


2026 UNIFIED WINE & GRAPE SYMPOSIUM.

Dates:  Tuesday, January 27 – Thursday, January 29, 2026

Venue:  SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, Sacramento CA

Cost:  For pricing, click HERE

Topics & Speakers:  TBD

Description:  Built with the joint input of growers, vintners and allied industry members, the Unified Symposium has served as a clearinghouse of information important to wine and grape industry professionals for 26 years. The Unified Symposium also hosts the industry’s largest trade show of its kind. The trade show will host several hundred vendors showcasing their products and services.

Registration (required):  TBD


ASEV NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

Dates:  Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18, 2026

Time:  8:00am – 6:00pm

Venue:  The Grove Plaza, Boise Centre, 850 W Front St, Boise ID

Cost:  TBD

Topic:  TBD

Description:  A platform to gather and discuss scientific and technological advances for the benefit and evolution of the grape and wine industries. It provides a stimulating and collegial atmosphere for industry, students and academics to learn, engage and network.

Registration (required):  TBD


UCCE & UC IPM: AIR BLAST SPRAYER CALIBRATION.

VenueOnline

Cost:  FREE (without DPR credit) | Fee to earn DPR credit

Credits:  1.5 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) and 1 hr DPR CE (LAWS & REGS) 2 hrs CCA CE (IPM) approved

Description:  This course was developed for anyone who works with air blast sprayers or is involved with ensuring successful pesticide applications in trees and vines. This includes pesticide handlers, pest control advisors, growers and supervisors. The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video. View the full description HERE.

For more information including technical requirements please contact Cheryl Reynolds, UC ANR, at creynolds@ucanr.edu.


WILD FARM ALLIANCE: ROLE OF BIRDS ON FARMS – CERTIFICATION.

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Description:  This 10-lesson virtual course teaches agricultural professionals and farmers how to support beneficial birds and manage pest birds on farms. By learning how to assess the farm’s avian needs and opportunities, farms can be designed to provide for a diversity of beneficial birds. If pest birds are a problem, they can be discouraged with specific practices during the shorter periods when they cause damage. The sessions cover the latest research, tools, and resources, and are given by experts in avian pest control, entomology, ornithology and conservation. This course was first offered via webinar format in early 2022. View the lesson recordings at your own pace.

To view the lessons:  Click HERE.


WILD FARM ALLIANCE: HABITAT ON FARMS – AVIAN PEST CONTROL SERVICES.

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Credits:  4 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) approved

Description:  Participants will learn about research that shows the benefits of installing habitats in and around farms to attract beneficial birds that provide valuable pest control services. After completing a course, Wild Farm Alliance will email you a certificate of completion within one week. You must submit the certificate to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to receive your credits.

To view the lesson:  Click HERE.


WILD FARM ALLIANCE: NEST BOXES & PERCHES – AVIAN PEST CONTROL SERVICES.

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Credits:  3 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) approved

Description:  Participants will learn about the research showing the benefits to the farm of installing Western Bluebird and other songbird nest boxes, Barn Owl and American Kestrel boxes, and songbird and raptor perches to gain these birds’ valuable pest control services. After completing a course, Wild Farm Alliance will email you a certificate of completion within one week. You must submit the certificate to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to receive your credits.

To view the lesson:  Click HERE. For questions about the process or need help accessing the completion certificate email ashleyc@wildfarmalliance.org.


Organizations Hosting Training Seminars and Educational Events

Many of these qualify for LODI RULES Standards 1.6 & 2.8

Ag Safe Conference

American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) annual meeting

American Vineyard Grape Expo

Association of Applied IPM Ecologists (AAIE) annual conference

California Plant and Soil Conference (California Chapter of the ASA)

California State University-Fresno Biennial Grape Day

California Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA) Meetings and Workshops

Clarksburg Grape Day

Dollars and Sense Tradeshow and Seminar

Foothill Grape Day

Lodi Farm Safety Day

Lodi Grape Day (every February)

Lodi District Grape Growers Association Seminars and Workshop 

Lodi Winegrape Commission (LWC) Seminars and Workshops

Napa Valley Viticulture Fair

Rootstock: Napa Valley Grapegrowers

San Joaquin Farm Bureau Seminars and Workshops

San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium

San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Annual Meeting and Industry Forum

Sonoma Grape Day

Sustainable Ag Expo (San Luis Obispo every fall)

University of California-Davis extension courses and seminars (RAVE, etc.)

Unified Wine and Grape Symposium (every January in Sacramento)

Vineyard Economics Seminar

Wine Industry Financial Symposium

WINexpo

World Ag Expo (every February)


UC IPM Online Trainings

The UC Statewide IPM Program provides online courses that reflect current advances in pest management and related topics. Selected courses are approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for Continuing Education Units. Some are also approved for structural units from the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB).

Check out the UC Integrated Pest Management website for online pieces of training – some are free and some charge a fee: ipm.ucanr.edu/training/index.html.