Agro‐industrial conventions: some evidence from northern California's wine industry

Abstract

Research into learning, innovation, and clustering suggests that local socioeconomic practices, or conventions, are critical to economic growth and regional development. Yet when it comes to the wine industry, explanations of economic success often focus on natural advantages. This article seeks to address this issue, presenting findings on the local practices of wine producers in northern California. The argument is that there are important local social and industrial linkages that bolster the competitiveness of California's wine industry and serve to upgrade production practices. This article highlights the career histories and perceptions of several key informants who are offered as exemplars of more commonly shared industrial experience and practice.