Day/Date

• Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time

• 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Program Detail

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Gain a better understanding of why we are experiencing more extreme weather conditions in Napa Valley and learn about climate-smart farming and management practices to make our vineyards more adaptable and resilient.

This edition is split into three parts. First, we understand the basics of climate science (why climate change is happening, how we know, what science tells us, etc.). In the second part, we explore the consequences of climate change and what they look like for different parts of the world and entities (governments, companies, and individuals). Finally, we bring all the knowledge absorbed in the morning to our industry to ensure that we understand what actions might be more impactful to mitigate climate impacts and adapt to climate change. 

Agenda

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast

• 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Essentials of Climate Change Science I: Causes

• 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Break/Coffee

• 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Essentials of Climate Change Science II: Consequences and Implications

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch

• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Interactive Activity: Implications for Our Industry and Identification of Solution

Instructor

Past Student Testimonial

Day/Date

• Friday, April 18, 2025

Time

• 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Program Detail

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Napa County farmworkers are invited to attend this in-the-vineyard Field Day to learn how songbirds can play a crucial role in vineyard ecosystems and why supporting their habitats can lead to more sustainable and productive viticulture.

Using research from the Wildlife Habitat Ecology Lab, speaker Karen Gallardo Cruz from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Wildlife Department will explain how these avian allies can:

• Aid in pest control

• Promote biodiversity

• Enhance vineyard health

Don’t miss this opportunity for your vineyard team to enhance sustainable vineyard practices in your farming operation!

1 hour of Other CE Credits will be offered.

Instructor

Date

Friday, April 11

Sessions/Time

• Session 1: Safety Training for Small Companies: Sexual Harassment Prevention*

  • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM for Fieldworkers

  • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM for Supervisors

    • *The Fieldworker training is 2 hours, and the Supervisor training is 3 hours.

• Session 2: Safety Training for Small Companies: First Aid/CPR Training

  • 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Lunch will be provided from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Classes

Safety Training for Small Companies

• Safety is the number one priority for all Napa Valley vineyard operations.

• This new program is designed for small companies (defined as having less than ten (10) employees) to access professional, high-quality education for essential safety training.

• Session 1:

  • Sexual Harassment Prevention

    • California law requires employers with five (5) or more employees to provide one (1) hour of sexual harassment and abusive conduct prevention training to their non-supervisory employees and two hours of training to supervisors once every two years.

      • *For the Sexual Harassment session, please indicate in the Registration form Sign-Up Note field whether the enrollee is a fieldworker or supervisor. The Fieldworker training is 2 hours, and the Supervisor training is 3 hours.

• Session 2:

  • First Aid/CPR Training

    • Certification lasts for two years.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Safety Training for Small Companies

• Safety is the number one priority for all Napa Valley vineyard operations.

• This new program is designed for small companies (defined as having less than ten (10) employees) to access professional, high-quality education for essential safety training.

Sexual Harassment

This Sexual Harassment Prevention course meets the California requirements of AB 1825 and AB 2053 and includes the following topics:

• Information and practical guidance regarding federal and state regulations

• Prohibition, prevention, correction, and remedies of sexual harassment and abusive conduct in the workplace

• Identifying different kinds of sexual harassment, discrimination, and abusive conduct

• How supervisors should respond in a variety of situations involving sexual harassment, discrimination, and abusive conduct

• Discussions on the requirements of an anti-sexual harassment discrimination and abusive conduct policy

• Discussions on the complaint process, limited confidentiality, and appropriate workplace behavior

First Aid/CPR

This CPR /First Aid course is a hands-on opportunity to gain the essential skills to respond effectively in emergencies. It will provide the confidence and knowledge to act quickly and save lives.

• Topics include CPR, how to respond to choking, heart attacks, strokes, and other emergencies, basic first aid for cuts, burns, fractures, and sprains, and how to handle common injuries and medical crises safely.

Impact

Safety is the number one priority for all Napa Valley vineyard operations. This new program is designed for small companies (defined as having less than ten (10) employees) to access professional, high-quality education for essential safety training.

Day/Date

• Thursday, April 3, 2025

Time

• 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Program Detail

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

This workshop is for irrigators to learn why vineyard irrigation systems are designed the way they are, the importance of not making changes without consulting the designer, and the best way to address some of the many operational challenges.

Agenda

This is a two-part Spanish training session for irrigation system managers. The first session is "Understanding the why behind irrigation design," followed by "Understanding the difference between automated and manual irrigation systems and the importance of human intervention.” Mark Battany will present both sessions.

Session 1: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Understanding the why behind irrigation design

• The role of the designer and the importance of the system design.

• Major components of the irrigation system.

• Troubleshooting and maintenance of the system.

• Common problems and how to avoid them.

• Field visit to review an actual irrigation system and discuss the principles of design, components, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Lunch: 12:00 PM -12:30 PM

Session 2: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Understanding the difference between automated and manual irrigation systems and the importance of human intervention

• Overview of the ways that irrigation system operation can be automated.

• Overview of how irrigation management decisions can be automated.

• The importance of human oversight and control. 

Instructor

Past Student Testimonial

Days/Dates

Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29th

Time

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

• 30-minute appointments are available via the Book an Appointment Form

Summary

UpValley Family Centers and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation have teamed up to bring you expert, IRS-certified tax advice through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program!

• This partnership ensures farmworking families can access trusted guidance and support during tax season—at no cost.

• VITA team members are IRS-certified and will provide free expert tax preparation services for income-qualifying households.

• The service helps taxpayers to maximize refunds, including Earned Income and Child Care Tax Credit claims.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Impact

This is an opportunity to simplify your taxes and maximize your returns! This program helps ensure that families receive all the tax credits to which they are entitled.

Appointment

To book an appointment, please fill out the form below or contact Marina Montelli at the Farmworker Foundation office at (707) 261-3340 ext. 104 or via email at mmontelli@farmworkerfoundation.org.

Day / Date

Wednesday, March 26, 2035

Time

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Classes

In-Person or Webinar:

• Please choose In-Person or Zoom when completing the registration form.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Ready to grow your hard-earned money and secure a brighter financial future? Join us for a free investing workshop tailored for Napa County farmworkers who want to learn the basics of investing and how to make their money work for them. This session will break down the essentials of investing into simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can feel confident taking control of your financial growth.

What You Will Learn:

• The basics of how investing works

• Key differences between saving and investing

• Types of investments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

• How to get started 

• Understanding the risks and rewards of investing

• Practical tips for building long-term wealth

Why Attend?

 Investing doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With the right tools and knowledge, you can grow your money over time, achieve your financial goals, and even prepare for retirement. Whether you’re completely new to investing or have some experience, this workshop will provide actionable insights to help you take the next step.

Who Should Attend?  Farmworkers in Napa County and their families who:

• Want to learn how to grow their money through investing

• Are you interested in starting small and building wealth over time

• Seek guidance on how to plan for long-term financial success

Instructor

Days/Dates

Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29th

Time

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

• 30-minute appointments are available via the Book an Appointment Form

Summary

UpValley Family Centers and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation have teamed up to bring you expert, IRS-certified tax advice through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program!

• This partnership ensures farmworking families can access trusted guidance and support during tax season—at no cost.

• VITA team members are IRS-certified and will provide free expert tax preparation services for income-qualifying households.

• The service helps taxpayers to maximize refunds, including Earned Income and Child Care Tax Credit claims.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Impact

This is an opportunity to simplify your taxes and maximize your returns! This program helps ensure that families receive all the tax credits to which they are entitled.

Appointment

To book an appointment, please fill out the form below or contact Marina Montelli at the Farmworker Foundation office at (707) 261-3340 ext. 104 or via email at mmontelli@farmworkerfoundation.org.

Date/Day

Friday, March 21, 2025

Time

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Summary

Launched in 2022, the Women’s Leadership Workshop is a series dedicated to supporting new and aspiring female vineyard supervisors in Napa Valley's winegrape industry. This annual one-day workshop, led by inspiring leadership coaches, empowers participants to recognize their personal strengths, enhance their decision-making skills, and focus on health and well-being while fostering a professional network of like-minded women and providing support and encouragement to pursue leadership opportunities.

This workshop is for new participants.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Agenda

• 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Check-in & Breakfast 

• 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Why Women Make Great Supervisors with Erika Velazquez, Pan American Insurance 

• 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Identify Personal Strengths with Gaby Alvarez-Pollack, StrengthQuest Certified Trainer  

• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Immigration Information & Resources 

• 12:00 AM – 12:20 PM Lunch 

• 12:20 PM – 2:20 PM Emotional Intelligence, Decision Making, and Resilience Strategies with Erika Powell, Leadership Trainer 

• 2:25 PM - 2:55 PM Self-care & Stress Management with Maribel Flores, Serenity Wellness 

• 2:55 PM – 3:00 PM Wrap up and survey 

The program is designed to build essential leadership skills and guide participants through a strengths assessment each spring. This provides a common language for discussing leadership qualities and strategies for leveraging personal strengths in the workplace. Health and wellness, recognized as fundamental to strong leadership, are integrated throughout the sessions.

Impact

A new cohort joins each year in the spring, with a follow-up workshop in late summer. All alums are invited to reconnect, share experiences, and expand their network within a larger community. Participants are also supported through a dedicated WhatsApp group, where they can ask questions, share resources, and offer encouragement.

Past Student Testimonial

Day / Date

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Time

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Classes

In-Person or Webinar:

• Please choose In-Person or Zoom when completing the registration form.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Join us for an insightful presentation, Understanding the 2024 Napa Valley Harvest from a Financial Perspective, led by industry expert Rolando Sanchez. This event offers a unique opportunity to better understand the financial dynamics shaping Napa Valley's winegrape industry and how they factored into decision-making at the vineyard level for the 2024 harvest.

Rolando Sanchez will explore key topics, including market trends, cost analysis, economic challenges, and the financial decisions impacting growers.

The presentation is designed for supervisors to better understand the financial landscape that impacts operations and raise awareness when planning for 2025.

Instructor

Rolando Sanchez - Vice President of Wine Growing & Business Development - Walsh Vineyard Management

Rolando is a native of Napa who has spent his entire life working in the valley’s vineyards. After receiving his degree from Fresno State University, Rolando joined one of Napa’s Largest and Most respected vineyard management companies, Walsh Vineyards Management. Where he has worked his way up to Vice President of Wine Growing & Business Development. Rolando oversees vineyard operations in Napa, Sonoma & Lake County, also consulting in both Mexico and Spain. His passion for grape growing has earned him a spot on the Wine Business Monthly as one of the industry’s Top 50 Leaders of 2020. Rolando’s ultimate goal is to provide a voice and path for a life-changing opportunity to those who want to make their dream a reality in the wine industry. 

Day / Date

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Time

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Classes

In-Person or Webinar:

• Please choose In-Person or Zoom when completing the registration form.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Join us for a financial literacy workshop in Spanish designed specifically for Napa County farmworkers who want to take control of their finances and prepare for the unexpected. This interactive session will cover practical tips and tools to help you save money, manage your budget, and build a financial safety net to protect yourself and your family when emergencies arise.

What You Will Learn:

• Simple ways to create a budget that works for your income and expenses

• Strategies to start saving

• How to set up and grow an emergency fund

• Tips to cut unnecessary expenses without sacrificing quality of life

• Resources and tools to stay on track with your financial goals

Why Attend? 

Emergencies like unexpected medical bills, car repairs, or reduced work hours can create financial stress. By learning smart savings practices and budgeting strategies, you can feel more confident and secure when facing life’s challenges. This workshop will empower you with knowledge and practical steps you can immediately implement.

Who Should Attend? 

Farmworkers in Napa County and their families who want to:

• Improve their financial stability

• Learn easy ways to save money

• Plan ahead for emergencies

Instructor

Dates

March 12 & March 14

Days

• Wednesday

• Friday

Time

9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Classes

Beginner and Intermediate

The course is open to both beginner and intermediate students, don’t worry if you don’t know - there will be a test on the first day to ensure correct class placement!

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Train-the-Trainer classes offer Napa County farmworkers a meaningful opportunity for professional growth. This class will teach students the importance of maintaining proper soil health in vineyards and the role soil health plays in irrigation water management. Participants can take this knowledge back to their company and train other team members about these two important viticultural practices.

In this class, students will learn:

• How to collect soil samples

• How to assess soil health in the field and through lab analysis

• What is carbon sequestration and the importance of organic matter for soil health

• How to implement sustainable farming practices to adapt to the impacts of climate change

• Soil properties that affect water movement and retention

• How to use available technology to develop irrigation management plans

• How to determine ideal irrigation time and adequate quantity of water to be used

• How to perform irrigation system distribution uniformity tests and how to address poor distribution uniformity in vineyards

Impact

Building soil health through sustainable soil management practices leads to a healthy, biodiverse soil ecosystem that helps vines thrive, building vineyard resilience and longevity. In post-class surveys, 100% of the students stated they would immediately use these skills in their jobs and will be able to better train others in these practices.

Past Student Testimonial

Weekly

February 18 - March 18

• February 18

• March 4

• March 18

Days

• Tuesdays

Time

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Summary

Fostering the next generation of leaders in the vineyard is critical to our industry's long-term sustainability and success. This 3-part series empowers supervisors with the foundational skills to grow, succeed, and support business goals. Focusing on essential leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, team motivation, and confidently navigating challenging conversations, each half-day session includes practical, hands-on activities and small assignments to reinforce these skills, enabling participants to apply them immediately within their organizations.

Ideal for new supervisors, crew leads, frontline managers, and those seeking to refresh their approach, this program offers a strong foundation for thriving in management roles.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Impact

This series teaches individuals how to lead and motivate a team with confidence, empathy, and effective communication. These life-long skills are extremely important for Napa County farmworkers who want to advance and gain more responsibility in their careers. In post-series surveys, 90% of students stated they had very little knowledge of management skills when beginning the class. After completing the series, 100% of the students stated that they learned a lot and left with new skills they will use immediately to be better supervisors/managers.

Past Student Testimonials

Dates

February 13 & 14

Days

• Thursday

• Friday

Time

• Day 1 & Day 2:

  • 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

This program is limited to two (2) employees per employer due to limited capacity. Thank you for respecting this.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

This is a brand new class, ideal for large companies that want to train their supervisors to train others!

• The Foundation has a full lending library with manikins, epi-pens, and everything else you need to take the training back to the work site.

• This training includes the mandatory online module and ensures that supervisors are ready to train upon completion of the two-day course.

Train-the-Trainer classes offer Napa County farmworkers a meaningful opportunity for professional growth. New this year, the First Aid/CPR Train-the-Trainer course is an opportunity to become a qualified trainer and provide basic first aid treatment for injuries, such as strains, sprains, and cuts, as well as lifesaving skills when responding to a medical emergency.

Trainers will learn techniques to show others how to perform CPR and use an AED. Participants will earn a certificate issued by AgSafe that is valid for 1 year and can be renewed.

This program is for individuals who provide compliance safety training to workers, including safety professionals or human resources professionals.

Note: Limit two registrations per company.

Impact

This class provides trainers with valuable resume and leadership-building skills and equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact. It ensures safety remains a cornerstone in every workplace interaction. ​By investing in this training, leaders gain the confidence and expertise to drive lasting, positive change, creating safer, healthier workplaces for everyone.

Date

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Time

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Summary

Train-the-Trainer classes offer Napa County farmworkers a meaningful opportunity for professional growth. Focused on the safe handling and application of pesticides, this class supports compliance while protecting health and environmental integrity. Participants who complete this training will become qualified to provide pesticide safety training to fieldworkers and pesticide handlers, as required by California state regulations and the Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

This class is for supervisors and others who train workers. Pesticide safety experience is not required, but it is helpful.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Agenda

This class meets the requirements established by the revised 2018 Worker Protection Standard, which is mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and includes the updated changes in 2024 to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation training topics.

Topics Include:

• Pesticide exposure

• Signs and symptoms of illness

• Emergency medical care

• Proper use of personal protective equipment

• Safe handling and transportation of pesticides

• Restricted use of pesticides

• Laws and regulations regarding labels and safety data sheets

• A review of effective training techniques

Impact

This class provides trainers with valuable resume-building skills and equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact, ensuring safety remains a cornerstone in every workplace interaction. ​By investing in this training, leaders gain the confidence and expertise to drive lasting, positive change, creating safer, healthier workplaces for everyone.

Past Student Testimonial

Date

Saturday, February 8, 2025

*The rain date is February 15, 2025.

Time

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Summary

The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation will celebrate its 23rd Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Beringer’s Gamble Ranch Vineyard. The Pruning Contest is a longstanding tradition honoring and recognizing Napa’s world-class vineyard workforce; it is the ultimate showcase of talent, skill, and precision viticulture. Don’t miss this special community-building event that includes live broadcasting from KVON/MegaMix radio, lunch from El Muchacho Alegre, and resources from local Napa Valley community organizations.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Contest Details

• Registration closes on February 3, 2024.

• During the main event, contestants prune five vines in the day’s preliminary competition.

• Scoring is weighted for technique and quality, allowing contestants to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality grape growing.

• Those with the highest scores advance to the final round, which produced four winners in the women’s division and four in the men’s division.

• Winners take home cash, top-of-the-line vineyard tools, and many other prizes.

• The top pruners of each division also receive the coveted Pruning Contest champion belt buckle, designed especially for the occasion by Max Lang Custom Buckles.

Scoring

Rules & Scoring in Spanish

Rules & Scoring in English

Sponsorship

To support this time-honored contest, please contact Jill Durfee, Program Manager.

Testimonial

Date

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Time

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Summary

Train-the-Trainer classes offer Napa County farmworkers a meaningful opportunity for professional growth. Focused on the safe handling and application of pesticides, this class supports compliance while protecting health and environmental integrity. Participants who complete this training will become qualified to provide pesticide safety training to fieldworkers and pesticide handlers, as required by California state regulations and the Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

This class is for supervisors and others who train workers. Pesticide safety experience is not required, but it is helpful.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Agenda

This class meets the requirements established by the revised 2018 Worker Protection Standard, which is mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and includes the updated changes in 2024 to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation training topics.

Topics Include:

• Pesticide exposure

• Signs and symptoms of illness

• Emergency medical care

• Proper use of personal protective equipment

• Safe handling and transportation of pesticides

• Restricted use of pesticides

• Laws and regulations regarding labels and safety data sheets

• A review of effective training techniques

Impact

This class provides trainers with valuable resume-building skills and equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact, ensuring safety remains a cornerstone in every workplace interaction. ​By investing in this training, leaders gain the confidence and expertise to drive lasting, positive change, creating safer, healthier workplaces for everyone.

Past Student Testimonial

Weekly

February 3 - February 19

Days

• Mondays

• Wednesdays

Time

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Classes

Intermediate

This course is for students with basic computer skills and knowledge.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Computer literacy is a fundamental skill in today's digital world, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the vast and ever-evolving digital landscape in daily life and in the workplace. Understanding how to operate computers, use software applications, and navigate the internet empowers individuals to access information, resources, and opportunities. This three-week course will teach Napa County farmworkers new computer skills such as managing an inbox and navigating email, following links and using the internet, making calendar appointments, and using Zoom and Google Drive.

Computers will be provided for each student for the duration of the course.

Impact

Strong computer skills can help one both personally and professionally. As the use of technology increases in high-quality grape growing, it becomes more important for Napa County farmworkers to have strong digital literacy skills for opportunities for advancement and career growth. Post-course surveys showed that 75% of students indicated they would use these skills to do their jobs better and gain more responsibility at work.

Past Student Testimonial

Date

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Time

7:00 AM - Transportation Pickup

• Redwood Park & Ride, 3416 Solano Ave, Napa, California (Transportation provided by Beau Wine Tours)

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Summary

Combining a world-class trade show with a broad spectrum of timely educational sessions, the Unified Symposium has a long and distinguished history of providing the California wine industry with the information needed to remain competitive. Napa County farmworkers are invited to a one-day Field Trip to attend the Spanish track seminars followed by a tour of the exhibit halls. The session will explore practical examples of the latest in regenerative agriculture, delve into dynamic marketing strategies to boost sales and growth, and unveil cutting-edge winemaking techniques that cater to emerging wine style trends, culminating in a curated tasting of Mexican Baja California wines.

Transportation and lunch will be provided.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Admission is normally $55 per person but is complimentary for Napa County farmworkers who sign up through the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation and are joining a private event for registered farmworkers only.

Agenda

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

• Innovative Synergy: Creativity and Technology for Wine Industry Excellence Presentation - in Spanish with comparative wine tasting

Moderator:

• Eva Bertran, Eva Bertran Consulting, California

Speakers:

• Óscar Gaona, Monte Xanic, Mexico

• Matías Kúsulas, Gård Vintners, Washington

• Cristina Lazcano, University of California, Davis

• Lourdes “Lulú” Martinez Ojeda, Bruma, Mexico

• Rodrigo Maturana, Bonterra Organic Estates, California

• Cristina Medina Plaza, University of California, Davis

• Manuel Negrete, Retired Footballer, Mexico

• Gaspar Roby, Terlato Wine Group, California

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

• Lunch

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

• Exhibit Hall Tour

2:00 PM

• Depart

Weekly

January 28 - April 10

Days

• Tuesdays

• Thursdays

Time

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Classes

Beginner and Intermediate

This course is for students with basic computer skills and knowledge. It is open to both beginner and intermediate students. Don’t worry if you don’t know—there will be a test on the first day to ensure correct class placement!

• Beginner

  • This course is for students with little or no exposure to English.

• Intermediate

  • The course is for students with basic English skills ready to move to the next level.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Learning language and literacy skills is empowering. With every new word and conversation, confidence grows – opening doors to both professional opportunities and personal growth. This semester-long course is designed specifically for Napa County farmworkers with a focus on building English proficiency in grammar, reading, writing, and conversational workplace communication using job-specific vocabulary for the vineyards. Gaining strong English skills also allows students to communicate effectively with teachers, doctors, and other professionals within the community.

Impact

English literacy programs continue to be the number one student request year after year. The importance of gaining English language skills cannot be overstated, and this course provides a foundational component to achieving professional and personal success. Surveys from the 2023 English Literacy classes showed that 89% of participants stated they will use the skills to do their job better, 89% anticipate gaining more responsibility at work, and 82% anticipate a pay raise.

Past Student Testimonials

Date

January 15 - January 17

Days

• Wednesday

• Thursday

• Friday

Time

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Summary

Welding is an important skill in vineyard and winery operations and is used for various purposes. This 3-day introduction to welding class is taught by certified instructors at Napa Valley College, an American Welding Society (AWS) Educational Institution. The hands-on class was designed with a strong emphasis on safety and focused on common welding techniques, terminology, and cutting procedures.

The class is taught in English with the assistance of a Spanish-speaking translator.

Impact

After the class, students receive Certificates of Completion, which equip them with valuable skills to bolster their resumes. Post-class survey results showed that 90% of students stated they would use these new skills to gain more responsibility at work, and 85% thought they would have more opportunities for increased wages in the winegrape industry.

Past Student Testimonial

Weekly

January 14 - January 30

Days

• Tuesdays

• Thursdays

Time

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Class

High Beginner/Low Intermediate

This course is for students with basic Excel experience ready to improve efficiency.

Please note that all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Complimentary for Napa County farmworkers. This private event is for registered farmworkers only.

Summary

Excel can be used as a powerful tool to effectively organize and analyze data in vineyard operations. This 3-week course is for vineyard supervisors who currently use Excel for basic tasks but aspire to increase their skills. Students will learn how to analyze data, which will include sorting, formatting, and creating simple formulas. With organized data readily available, Excel can help evaluate and compare different vineyard management strategies, track regulatory compliance, inform budget decisions, conduct financial forecasting, and more, leading to increased productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Computers are provided for each student for the duration of the course.

Impact

Increasing Excel skills for supervisors leads to optimized vineyard performance, improved quality, and overall farm efficiency. Post-course surveys showed that 100% of students had significant learning gains increasing their knowledge from basic to advanced; and 100% stated they will also immediately use these skills to do their jobs better.

Past Student Testimonial

Weekly

December 2 - December 12

Days

• Mondays

• Tuesdays

• Wednesdays

• Thursdays

Time

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Class

Intermediate

This course is for students with a solid foundation in addition and subtraction who are ready to advance to multiplication, division, and fractions.

Please note, all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Summary

Math is used every day to answer important questions in winegrape growing. Developing strong math skills and understanding how math influences farming decisions is a powerful personal and professional growth tool. This intensive 2-week course supports Napa County farmworkers by building confidence in using multiplication, division, and fractions to address workplace challenges and manage daily tasks effectively.

Impact

Math isn't just numbers—it’s about thinking critically, analyzing situations, and making better decisions quickly. Strong math skills increase Napa Valley vineyard operations' productivity, problem-solving, and profitability. Post-survey results showed that 100% of students will use this knowledge to advance in their careers.

Past Student Testimonial

Weekly

December 2 - December 12

Days

• Mondays

• Tuesdays

• Wednesdays

• Thursdays

Time

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Levels

Beginner and Intermediate: The course is open to both beginner and intermediate students, don’t worry if you don’t know - there will be a test on the first day to ensure correct class placement!

• Beginner: This course is for students with little or no exposure to English.

• Intermediate: The course is for students with basic English skills ready to move to the next level.

Please note, all programs are in Spanish unless otherwise specified.

Summary

Developing language and communication skills provides opportunities for career advancement and community integration, supporting professional and personal growth. This intensive two-week course is tailored specifically for Napa County farmworkers, focusing on improving English and workplace communication skills. Students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through real-life workplace vocabulary.

Students are encouraged to continue building their learning journey by enrolling in the 11-week course starting in January.

Impact

This course opens doors for new opportunities for promotions, pay increases, and career advancement. Post-course surveys showed that 100% of students plan to use these skills immediately in their jobs, and 92% expect to gain more responsibility at work.

Past Student Testimonial