Partner Event - U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit

AGENDA OVERVIEW
Please note, the agenda is subject to change.

Day 1: Wednesday, May 6, 2026  |  1:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Afternoon Sustainable Vineyard and Winery Tour
Tour bus begins at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center, visits Seven Hills Vineyard, Ferguson Vineyard and Les Collines Vineyard and ends with a tour of Echolands Winery. Bus returns guests to the Marcus Whitman after dinner.

U.S. Sustainable Wine Walk-Around Tasting & Reception, Echolands Winery
Join us for a unique tasting opportunity of U.S. sustainably produced wines from California, Washington, Oregon, New York and other states — and a welcome reception. Discover wineries leading the way in sustainable practices — each sharing their unique approach to building a more sustainable wine industry. From innovative packaging to reduce their winery’s carbon footprint to habitat management in the vineyard, a wide array of practices will be featured. This is an excellent opportunity to taste, compare and connect with fellow sustainable wine professionals while exploring practical packaging and sustainability innovations that are shaping the industry's future.

Welcome Dinner and Keynote Address, Echolands Winery 
Keynote Speaker: Erin Fitzgerald, Strategic Advisor & Founder, Fitzgerald Consulting      

Day 2: Thursday, May 7, 2026  |  9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Meeting Market Demand Through Sustainable Wine Packaging and Certification
Sustainability and packaging are increasingly important considerations in wine supply chains. Market trends around lighter-weight bottles, alternative formats and reduced carbon footprints are fundamentally changing how wineries approach packaging and sustainability strategies. In this session, learn about marketplace expectations for wine suppliers and winery perspectives on responding to these market trends through their packaging and sustainability decisions. Learn how certifications and climate commitments influence purchasing decisions and gain practical insights on positioning your winery to succeed in today's sustainability-conscious marketplace.

Effectively Communicate Your Sustainability Story
Gain insights into how to integrate sustainability into your communications and learn what makes sustainability messaging resonate with consumers and trade. Discover proven strategies that can transform how you share your sustainability story with authenticity and impact.

From Intention to Impact: Climate Action Strategy & Implementation for Vineyards and Wineries
Climate change demands climate action — but getting started can be overwhelming. This panel brings together experts that will provide insights on how to integrate climate action planning into your business structure and share tips on how to move from climate commitment to concrete action.  

Lunch with Optional Roundtable Discussions
Enjoy lunch while connecting with peers through optional, informal roundtable discussions on key sustainability topics. Participants may join a facilitated discussion of interest, or choose an open table to relax, network and reconnect with colleagues. 

Attracting & Retaining the Next Generation of Wine Sustainability Professionals 
Social sustainability includes how businesses interact with people, including employees, customers and communities. This panel explores multiple pathways for developing the next generation of wine industry professionals, including mentorship programs, educational programs and succession planning. Hear from industry leaders about fostering talent, connecting with mentorship programs in your area and building frameworks that cultivate long-term careers in wine.

Technology Solutions for Sustainable, Climate-Resilient Winegrowing
As climate change reshapes growing conditions, technology offers critical tools for adaptation and resilience. Discover practical technological solutions that can help vineyards and wineries of all sizes increase their sustainability.