Written By Jess Trapeni, Photos by BJ Poss
On June 30, 2026, approximately 160 vineyard managers, growers, winemakers, researchers, students, and industry partners gathered at Southwest Mountain Vineyards for the Virginia Vineyard Association’s Summer Technical Meeting. One of Virginia’s newer vineyard properties, Southwest Mountain Vineyards, proved to be an outstanding host, providing a beautiful setting, excellent hospitality, and a welcoming environment that encouraged conversation throughout the day.
This year’s meeting focused heavily on vineyard floor management, soil health, sustainability, and adapting to the challenges of the 2026 growing season. From practical equipment demonstrations to university research and grower panel discussions, attendees left with actionable ideas they could implement in their own vineyards.
One of the highlights of the event was the VVA Vineyard Worker Scholarship Program. Through this initiative, five vineyard employees received scholarships to attend the meeting while their employers continued to pay them for the day. The program aims to invest in the future of Virginia viticulture by encouraging vineyard workers to pursue continued education, build industry connections, and grow into management positions. This will be particularly important during challenging seasons with reduced fruit tonnage.
Session Highlights
Opening Remarks from AJ Greely, VVA President
Key takeaways:
- Virginia is working toward establishing a grape and bulk wine clearinghouse to better connect buyers and sellers within the state before sourcing fruit or wine elsewhere.
- Growers were reminded to report frost and crop losses to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) representative, ensuring those losses are documented for potential assistance programs.
Gear & Ground: Equipment Forum
One of the most interactive portions of the day, the Equipment Forum allowed attendees to rotate through equipment stations while speaking directly with manufacturers and vineyard equipment specialists.
Highlights:
- Hands-on demonstrations of vineyard equipment.
- Opportunities to ask technical questions directly to vendors.
- Valuable discussions on machinery options for vineyards of varying sizes and management styles.
Perspectives on Vineyard Floor Management
This grower panel featured representatives from vineyards across Virginia, each sharing how they approach vineyard floor management under different growing conditions.
Highlights:
- Diverse perspectives on under-vine management strategies.
- Discussions on equipment selection, timing of operations, nutrient management, and adapting to this year’s frost and freeze events.
- A refreshing look at how many Virginia vineyards are moving beyond traditional practices and tailoring management to their own sites.
Under-vine Cover Crops for Sustainable Vine Health
Dr. Drew Harner, Virginia Tech
Dr. Harner presented current and ongoing Virginia Tech research evaluating under-vine cover crops.
Highlights:
- Research comparing different cover crop species.
- Effects on soil health, vine performance, and soil moisture.
- Practical guidance for growers interested in introducing cover crops while matching management intensity to their operation.
Pest and Disease Update
Dr. Mizuho Nita & Jonathan Ames, Virginia Tech
As always, the annual disease update provided timely information for growers navigating an unusual season.
Highlights:
- Disease management recommendations following spring frost events.
- Considerations for extended phenological stages.
- Updates on ongoing research into grape downy mildew management.
Soil Cultivation Versus Herbicides for Weed Control
Dr. Kendra Baumgartner, Next Vintage Consulting
This presentation explored the advantages and limitations of two common weed management approaches.
Highlights:
- Comparing cultivation and herbicide programs.
- Understanding potential impacts on vine roots and weed populations.
- Factors growers should consider when selecting the best approach for their vineyard.
Soil Health Aspects of Vineyard Floor Management
Dr. Drew Harner & Ryan Stewart, Virginia Tech
The final technical session focused on one of the most important long-term investments a vineyard can make: healthy soils.
Highlights:
- Presentation of soil health data collected from Virginia vineyards.
- Discussion of microbial activity, nutrient cycling, water availability, and long-term vineyard productivity.
- Practical applications of soil health research for Virginia growers.
The 2026 Summer Technical Meeting showcased the strength of Virginia’s vineyard community. From experienced growers sharing lessons learned in the field to researchers presenting the latest findings, the meeting emphasized collaboration and continual improvement throughout the industry.
Presentation slides from the meeting will be available on the VVA website for attendees wishing to revisit the material.
Be sure to save the date for the 2027 Virginia Vineyard Association Winter Technical Meeting, returning to Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg during the last week of February.
Finally, a sincere thank you goes to the many vendors and sponsors whose continued support makes events like these possible. Their commitment to Virginia viticulture allows the VVA to continue providing high-quality educational programming and networking opportunities for growers across the Commonwealth.