Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Biodiversity in the Vineyard

Biodiversity is essential for any resilient vineyard. Join us at Grgich Hills American Canyon to discuss the impressive work they have done to integrate biodiversity within vineyard blocks. Experts will be on hand to discuss all the various species that a vineyard can support. 

  • Ivo Jeramaz, Winemaker & VP of Vineyards and Production at Grgich Hills, will welcome us to the beautiful property and illustrate the various implementation of habitat diversity they have undertaken at the American Canyon ranch. 
  • Erin Arnsteen from the Monarch Joint Venture will outline how pivotal vineyard acreage can be to support the dwindling Western Monarch populations. 
  • Cori Carlson, owner of Napa Pasture Protein, will explain the ecological goals of grazing a vineyard. 
  • Ruby Stahel from the Napa RCD will join us to discuss the various resources that the RCD has to support habitat enhancement on Napa properties.

This is an entirely outdoor, walking event. Rain Date: 3/5/26.

speakers

Ivo Jeramaz | Winemaker and Vice President of Vineyards & Production at Grgich Hills Estate

Ivo was born in Croatia to a family of grape growers and as boy he assisted in making wine for his family’s enjoyment. However, he didn’t plan on becoming a winemaker. Ivo earned a master’s of science degree in engineering from the University of Zagreb and dreamed of coming to California to work as an engineer. In 1986, with the help of his uncle, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, Ivo followed his dream and came to Napa Valley. He quickly fell in love with the scenic beauty of the area and became fascinated with wine making. Ivo decided on a career change and Mike immediately put him to work washing barrels. During his almost-three decades at Grgich Hills Ivo has worked his way up in responsibility, learning the classic style and art of winemaking from his uncle, supported by the tools of science and technology. “There’s nothing in the winery or vineyard that I haven’t done, not just for one day, but really worked at it,” he explains.

Erin Arnsteen | Program Coordinator of Monarch Joint Venture & founder Western Monarch Society

Erin supports MJV’s western U.S. conservation efforts to help monarch butterflies and other pollinators. She works across MJV program areas of education, science, habitat, and partnerships. In particular, she uses her technical expertise in entomology and native plant ecology to support agricultural landowners and other regional stakeholders with the mobilization and expansion of habitat conservation in all landscapes. 

Erin earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art and a master’s degree in education both from Colorado College.  Erin has studied entomology for most of her life and is truly passionate about invertebrates and conservation. She founded the Western Monarch Society of Napa County and has grown and given away thousands of native milkweed plants with the goal of restoring native habitat for western monarch butterflies and other native pollinators. In her spare time, she enjoys observing the wildlife in her native pollinator garden, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.  

Cori Carlson | Owner of Napa Pasture Protein

Napa Pasture Protein lives to serve and better our communities. We are always looking for new ways to connect with, teach, and learn about how to help those in need. We do this by informing the public about holistic farming practices, fire safety tips, and how to create a more sustainable way of life. Whether that means attending fairs, school events or hosting private consultations and seminars, we are ready to create the time and space for learning and growing together.

Ruby Stahel | Conservation Project Manager at Napa RCD

Ruby has been working in environmental conservation since 2009. She has a M.S in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England and a B.A in Environmental Studies from Prescott College. Ruby has worked with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit at UC Davis) and the USDA Forest Service on the East Coast and in Puerto Rico. Her areas of expertise are in conservation planning and implementing restoration projects. Since joining Napa RCD in 2019, Ruby has helped many farmers complete Farm Conservation Plans, Carbon Farm Plans, and Pollinator Habitat Plans. Ruby also works with landowners to improve erosion control practices and is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).