LAKEPORT, Calif. – Winegrape growers and winery managers have an opportunity to complete their sustainable winegrowing workbook assessments online with the help of the Lake County Winegrape Commission and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

The assessment workshop will be conducted Thursday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m. a.m. to 1 p.m., in a computer classroom at Mendocino College, 1005 Parallel Drive, Lakeport.

The workshop is free, but reservations are required by Jan. 3; call the Lake County Winegrape Commission, 707-995-3421. Lunch will be provided to registered attendees.

Participants will use the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program’s online system to assess the sustainability of their vineyards and winery operations. Erica Lundquist, the Commission’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program coordinator, will assist attendees.

Participants who have previously completed workbook sections online will have an opportunity to access their scores.

“This workshop is for everyone, whether you are keeping your scores up-to-date, learning the online system, or using the Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook for the first time. We will also cover the new certification program, which is based on the workbook,” said Lundquist.

Lisa Francioni, program manager with the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, will present information about the certification program.

Ryan Leininger, a certified California Sustainable Winegrowing accredited auditor, will describe the certification process including costs, record-keeping, and techniques to help make the certification go smoothly for vineyard owners, growers, and operators.

Completing the workbook assessments will help winegrape growers prepare for the season ahead, says Lundquist. Individuals who have workbooks are instructed to bring them to the workshop. First-time participants will receive the second edition workbook.

Participants must have user IDs and passwords for access to the online system. Those who have previously obtained their personalized user IDs and passwords should make sure they have them when they attend the workshop.

Others planning to attend should obtain the user IDs and passwords prior to the meeting by contacting Francioni, phone 415-356-7545 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by Jan. 10.

Winegrape growers interested in using the online system to conduct their assessments should attend this workshop, says Lundquist. The sustainability assessments will be done using the college’s computers.

Workbooks and update packets will be provided to individuals who are attending a workbook meeting for the first time. Individuals who have been to workshops on the Sustainable Winegrowing Program should bring their workbooks and packets with them. All attendees will need to bring their user IDs and passwords.

For more information about the workshop, call Lundquist at 707-245-8384.

For more information about the Lake County Winegrape Commission and its programs, visit the commission Web site at www.lakecountywinegrape.org.