The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT) in Salinas welcomed Steve McIntyre, owner and operator of Monterey Pacific and proprietor of McIntyre Vineyards, as the speaker for its November Lunch & Learn event.

Once considered a black sheep in his family for studying wine, McIntyre is today considered one of the most knowledgeable viticulturists in California, with two master’s degrees in viticulture and more than three decades of experience in sustainable winegrowing in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

For the representatives from the 20 startups who were in attendance, McIntyre talked about how he stays on top of trends in the industry, innovation and marketing and the benefits of farming in the Santa Lucia Highlands. He shared that there are only five places in the world where you can grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and the Santa Lucia Highlands was one of them.

McIntyre also talked about the need wine growers have for being able to accurately estimate yields and underscored the deep connections between the wine world and the fresh produce industry.

For more information about joining the WGCIT and having access to its monthly Lunch & Learn events with growers, visit the Center’s website here.