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Safeguard your vineyard with comprehensive crop insurance

Vineyards operate in a delicate balance where nature’s unpredictability can put your entire harvest at risk. From severe weather like hailstorms and frost to pests and smoke damage, these threats can heavily impact your yield and revenue.

Crop insurance serves as a safeguard, giving vineyard owners financial security and peace of mind. With the right protection, you can stay focused on quality and growth — even when the unexpected happens.

Why choose Risk Strategies for your vineyard crop insurance?

The Risk Strategies Wineries Practice, in partnership with Silveus Insurance Group, combines unmatched industry expertise with specialized vineyard coverage solutions. Together, we help you build a risk management plan that protects your vines, your business, and your future.

Common vineyard risks covered by crop insurance

Selecting the right risk management strategy is essential for protecting your vineyard against its unique risks. Below is an overview of common challenges vineyards face that can be a part of a risk management plan, if available in your area.

Adverse weather conditions

Losses caused by extreme weather events, such as hail, frost/freezing temperatures, and drought. Weather-related coverage ensures that even if nature takes an unexpected toll, your operations can continue without severe financial setbacks.

Insect and disease damage

Vineyards face unique risks from insects like phylloxera and diseases such as powdery mildew or botrytis. When losses are determined indemnity payments can help you recover from reductions in yield or quality. It also assists with costs related to remediation and prevention.

Smoke taint damage

Since grape skins can absorb smoke compounds, your crop may yield an undesirable flavor following smoke events. Coverage can help mitigate the financial burden associated with significant smoke events.

Fire damage

Wildfires are a significant risk, especially in regions like California, where they can destroy vines and grapes. Wildfire-related losses can be covered if reasonable control measures are in place.

Failure of irrigation water supply

Many vineyards depend on irrigation, and disruptions due to drought can reduce grape production. Irrigation water failure insurance helps cover losses if your vineyard’s water supply is disrupted due to drought, well issues, or other unexpected water shortages.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

Although less frequent, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can cause severe damage to vineyards in regions like California and the Pacific Northwest. This coverage helps protect your vineyard from physical damage caused by seismic or volcanic activity — including harm to trellises, irrigation systems, wine caves, storage facilities, and even the vines and grapes themselves.

Building your risk management plan

We know no two vineyards are alike. That’s why we use a proven, data-driven approach to craft your custom plan. Several factors influence the effectiveness of crop insurance, reflecting the specific characteristics of your vineyard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts risk assessments to determine coverage costs and subsidy levels.

Key factors we evaluate

  • Analytics and your APH data: Our proprietary software analyzes your Actual Production History (APH) and historical data to forecast risk and product performance.
  • Geography and microclimates: Your vineyard’s location — from frost pockets to wildfire zones — shapes the specific threats you face.
  • Grape variety risks: Some grapes are more sensitive to weather or pests. We help you protect your most valuable varieties.
  • Historical yields: Reviewing past yields ensures your coverage reflects your real production and revenue risk.

Taking these steps allows your insurance policies to work with your specific vineyard requirements and achieve long-term business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Typically, crop insurance for vineyards cover losses from weather events, such as frost, hail, and drought, as well as risks related to pests, diseases, and revenue fluctuations related to yields.

No, the USDA often assess grape varieties differently. Susceptibility to environmental factors, disease resistance, and market value all play a role in determining coverage specifics.

You will have to open a claim with your approved insurance provider (AIP) either directly or through your agent. Each claim is handled individually, depending on your situation.

While not mandatory, crop insurance is strongly recommended for vineyard owners looking to protect their investments against unforeseen risks.

Yes, all policies allow adjustments. You can update your coverage to reflect changes in acreage, varieties, or business goals.

If you have other questions, consulting with a crop insurance specialist. They can provide deeper insights and program-specific details for your area.

Why Risk Strategies?

When it comes to navigating the risks in the wine industry, not all insurance brokers are the same. With Risk Strategies, you gain more than a broker; you gain an experienced partner dedicated to your winery’s long-term success.

  • Personalized service: Every winery is different. We craft policies that fit your business, your exposures, and your ambitions. We take the time to understand your business, crafting custom solutions that address your unique needs. From boutique vineyards to multi-state operations, your concerns are our priority.
  • Industry expertise: We understand the winemaking process from soil to bottle and the risks at every step. Our specialists are well-versed in the nuanced dependencies of wineries, from fragile grape crops to hosting public events. This deep understanding ensures that your coverage accounts for risks you might never see coming.
  • Innovative solutions: Our comprehensive offerings and long-standing partnership with top-tier insurance companies ensure your commercial, personal, and employee benefits needs are all protected. Beyond insurance, we deliver risk management strategies, loss control resources, and ongoing support to help you avoid losses before they happen.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of winery insurance. Whether you’re starting out or managing a multi-generational estate, you have a trusted partner in risk management and protection.

Connect with Risk Strategies specialist and discover how our comprehensive risk management solutions can protect your winery or vineyard against industry challenges.

The RSC Insurance Brokerage, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and compliant filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Practice Leadership

John O’Neill
Managing Director
Rhonda Coello
Senior Vice President, West Property Product Specialist
Nick Svetcoff
Vice President
Vip Grover
Vice President
Mike Ryan
Managing Director
Sama Hershey
Managing Director
Chet Laws
Director, Client Relationships

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