4th U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit  |  May 6 - May 7, 2026 

Day 2: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

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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.
Speakers:

• Sylvia Bronson, Chief Marketing Officer, Scheid Family Wines

• JJ Williams, General Manager, Kiona Vineyards and Winery

• More speakers to be announced. 

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​Effectively Communicating 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. 

Speaker: Courtney Cochran, Principal, STUDIO SOIF

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From Intention to Impact: Climate Action Strategy & Implementation for Vineyards & 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.  
Speakers:

• Aaron Schreiber -Stainthorp, Strategic Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Squared

• Dave Pittard, Owner, Buttonwood Grove Winery & Six Eighty Cellars

• More speakers to be announced. 
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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 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.
Speakers:

• Jean Dodson Peterson, Ph.D., Chair of Viticulture and Enology, Washington State University

• More speakers to be announced. 

 

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. 

Speakers:​

• ​​Kade Casciato, Manager and Viticulturist, Ciel du Cheval

• David Markel, Research and Development Manager, Willamette Valley Vineyards​

• More speakers to be announced. 

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Walla Walla, Washington Locations:

• Walk-Around Tasting, Welcome Dinner & Keynote: Echolands Winery

• Conference: Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

Find information about lodging, flights and ground transportation here. 
 

Audience:
Growers, vintners, regional winery and vineyard associations, trade, media and others committed to sustainability.