Vineyard Nutrition Symposium

Vineyard Nutrition from Sensing to Sensory

June 16, 2026 | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm | Location: Boise Centre, Boise, Idaho

This symposium will highlight the latest advancements in vineyard nutrient monitoring, from research breakthroughs to practical applications. Topics will cover sensor technologies, how data from these sensors is interpreted alongside current industry practices like tissue sampling, and the role of nutrient monitoring in supporting vine health, productivity, and wine quality, including sensory characteristics. The scope will be broad, offering comprehensive insights into vineyard nutrition over the long term.

Participants will explore the range of sensor technologies available for vineyard systems, how they integrate with other farm data, and how they can aid in decision-making. A review of research will explain the importance of vineyard nutrition for plant productivity and present findings on the evaluation of standard sampling methods, leading to current best practices. The symposium will conclude with a focus on how vineyard nutrition influences fruit chemistry, including phenolic content and sensory qualities, providing valuable insights for winemakers.

Symposium

Symposium Chair:

Patty Skinkis, Oregon State University, Corvallis

Program:

Program is subject to change.

8:00 am – 8:10 am	Setting the Stage: Exploring the Future of Vineyard Nutrition Markus Keller, Washington State University, Prosser Donnell Brown, National Grape Research Alliance
8:10 am – 8:30 am	Rooted in Reality: Grower Practices, Technology Adoption, and the Value of Vineyard Nutrition Patty Skinkis, Oregon State University, Corvallis
8:30 am – 9:15 am	Precision Agriculture in Viticulture: A New Lens on Nutrient Management Jan van Aardt, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
9:15 am – 10:00 am	Vineyard Nutrient Sensors: Field Comparisons and Insights Rob Chancia, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
10:00 am – 10:15 am	Break
10:15 am – 11:00 am	Precision Nitrogen Sensing in Vineyards: Design and Demonstration Alireza Pourreza, University of California, Davis
11:00 am – 11:45 am	Smart Mapping: Turning Vineyard Data into Nutrient Prescriptions Terry Bates, Cornell University, New York
11:45 am – 12:45 pm	Lunch (box lunch provided)
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm	The Future of Vineyard Diagnostics: Revisiting Tissue Testing Protocols Matt Fidelibus, University of California, Davis
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm	Targeted Technology: Enhancing Tissue Sampling with Satellite Guidance Manushi Trivedi, Cornell University, New York
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm	Vine Vitality: Linking Nutrition to Physiological Performance Markus Keller, Washington State University, Prosser
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm	Break
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm	Nutrients and Wine Chemistry: Linkages to Phenolics and Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen Jim Harbertson, Washington State University, Tri-Cities Amanda Stewart, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
4:15 pm – 5:15 pm	Ask the Researchers: Exploring Vineyard Nutrition from Past to Future Panel Moderator: Eric Pooler, Nuveen Natural Capital, California Program speakers
5:15 pm – 5:30 pm	From Insight to Action: Closing Thoughts on Nutrient Management Markus Keller, Washington State University, Prosser

Organizing Committee:

• Patty Skinkis (Chair), Oregon State University, Corvallis
• Terry Bates, Cornell University, New York
• Donnell Brown, National Grape Research Alliance, California
• Matt Frank, Trinchero Family Estates, California
• Keith Striegler, GALLO, California
• Hans Walter-Peterson, Cornell University, New York