SACRAMENTO, Calif., January 29, 2021…  The virtual 2021 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium continued the tradition of serving as a forum for the latest ideas, news, data, and research on the industry’s trends, markets, and supplies. Hosted on an internet platform, the Unified showcased over 300 suppliers and exhibitors, while inviting industry professionals to delve into issues shaping the industry through more than 20 in-depth panel discussions addressing the state of the industry and other topics such as wildfire smoke issues, changing the way wines are sold, and strategies for leadership succession.

“The 2021 Unified Symposium was the product of adaptation and finding new ways to serve the industry. We offered attendees fresh insights and analyses of industry trends and issues, and addressed challenging issues like wildfire smoke and how to make progress on important issues like diversity and inclusion,” said John Aguirre, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), co-presenter of the Unified with the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV).

Held for the first time as a virtual event, this new trade show format made it convenient for attendees to shop for the latest products and services while creating a more personal connection via live chat with exhibitors.  The 2022 Unified Symposium is scheduled for January 25-27 at the Safe Credit Union Convention Center (formerly the Sacramento Convention Center).

“This was a year of learning and new opportunities. While we all miss the direct interaction that’s a hallmark of the Unified, I’m pleased at how adroitly the industry used this virtual show to network, interact, and explore the emerging opportunities and challenges facing our industry. We look forward to next year’s event, which we anticipate will be in-person in Sacramento,” said Dan Howard, ASEV’s executive director.

Built with the joint input of growers, vintners, and allied industry members, the Unified Symposium serves as a clearinghouse of information important to wine and grape industry professionals. The Unified Symposium also hosts the industry’s largest trade show of its kind, with hundreds of vendors displaying their products and services. The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium’s LLC Managing Committee is comprised of representatives from the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG). For additional information, go to www.unifiedsymposium.org.
 

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