Embracing Hybrid Grapes
in California
Was held at: At UC Davis Conference Center
550 Alumni Lane, Davis, CA 95616
January 26, 2026
2026 Conference Schedule
Sponsored by Inland Desert Nursery
8:30 AM Check-in Begins
Coffee, Tea, Pastries, Fruit
Sponsored by Inland Desert Nursery
9:30 Keynote: Why Hybrids?
Elaine Chukan Brown
Wine tasting: North American Press. Panelists: Matt Niess, Deirdre Heekin, Nathan Held
10:00 Panel: Growing With Hybrids
Sustainable Varieties not just Sustainable Practices, The No-Spray Potential, and Genetic Diversity as a Risk Management Strategy.
Wine tasting: North American Press. Panelists: Matt Niess, Deirdre Heekin, Nathan Held
11:00 - Hybrids & Regenerative Viticulture
Tommy Fenster PhD
12 Noon - Lunch Break
Sponsored by Paicines Ranch
1:15 PM - Keynote: The Vineyard of Lost Time
Deirdre Heekin
Sponsored by Paicines Ranch
1:40 - Panel: Celebrating Our Unique North American Flavors & Chemistry
Cultivars & Techniques for California & The Infinite Potential of Hybrids. Panelists: Erin Rasmussen, Deirdre Heekin, Karine Pedneault - Wine Tasting: La Garagista
2:30 - Interactive Break
3:15 - Keynote: Hybrid Grapes & A Vision for the Future of California Wine
Christopher Renfro - Wine Tasting: Ojai Vineyards
3:45 - Research Presentation: Hybrid Grapes, Drought & Heat Response
Karine Pedneault, PhD
4:00 - Panel: California Wine That's Actually Californian
The Opportunities and Challenges Unique to Hybrids and to California, Representing Our Communities, Standing Out in a Global Market, Leading the Future of Wine. Panelists: Adam Tolmach, Christopher Renfro, Matt Niess
Marie Anderson, Savoy & Sons
5:15 - Final Tasting
Sponsored by: Joyce Jones & Dennis Johnson
Marie Anderson, Savoy & Sons
6:30 - Conference End