Join the conversation with viticulturist Fritz Westover and discover the alchemy of grape growing in climates that challenge even the most seasoned growers. From the humble Pennsylvania plant lover to an acclaimed viticulturist, Fritz unpacks his storied journey and the problems faced by vineyards far from Napa Valley. Learn how Fritz helps vineyards weave through the complexities like market saturation and extreme weather while also considering how variety selection can make or break the success of a vintage. Our discourse is a blend of wisdom and practical tips — like combatting hail with side netting — that can determine a vintage’s fate.  The Virtual Viticulture Academy stands as a testament to Fritz's dedication to supporting the viticulture community, providing a shared space for knowledge, guidance, and camaraderie among grape growers across the globe. Listen in and let your passion for the art and science of winemaking flourish with the insights and stories shared in our discussion. Episode Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by Innovint: https://www.innovint.us/   Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show?  Say hello to InnoVint – it’s winemaking software to get you off of spreadsheets and into the modern era. InnoVint was founded and built by winemakers, so they know where your pain points are.  No matter the size of your winery, InnoVint provides you with instant access to your production records in the format you need to make quick, informed decisions. Basically, they take the tedious data management stuff off your plate.  With a desktop and mobile platform, the insights you need are just a few clicks away (even if you’re offline!). Make the right calls at the right time. InnoVint is an approachable solution focused on exactly what winemaking teams need.  Automate your TTB compliance. Know the true cost of each wine. Improve your cellar workflow and be more effective than ever before!  Join the 4,500 winery professionals saving up to 30 hours per week. Schedule a call today on InnoVint.us, and don’t forget to mention the Inside Winemaking Podcast. Innovint has a special deal for Inside Winemaking listeners, and they are offering to provide lunch when you complete a demo of their software with a team member and mention the podcast. Resources from this Episode Westover Vineyard Advising - https://www.vineyardadvising.com/ Vineyard Underground Podcast - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/ Virtual Viticulture Academy - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/ Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.