(News10) - The Wine & Grape Symposium is underway at the Sacramento Convention Center. Thousands of people are expected to see the latest trends in the industry.

The symposium offers attendees a chance to taste wines while learning about the latest innovations in wine production.

The purple grape-colored carpet has been rolled out for the largest wine and grape trade show in Sacramento.

And while more than 14,000 wine lovers are expected to hit the exhibit floor starting Wednesday, the drought will be on the minds of many.

"It's been challenging with some growers who are restricted with water," Mark Greenspan, a vineyard consultant, said. He works with growers to create healthier vineyards by using fewer resources, such as water – a critical factor when there's not much of it.

"We're monitoring soils, we're monitoring the vine stress. We have all kinds of tools now, and we use them all," Greenspan said.

The gathering affords growers insight into improving their irrigation practices.

"I think that we've been good in the vineyard industry for the past three decades but I know we can get better," said Lise Asimont, director of grower relations at Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

Some vineyards are growing smaller vines since they take up less moisture. But there is an upside to the drought conditions – wine grapes use less water than other crops.

"When they're stressed, they actually ripe and fruit better and create more flavors in the fruit, which creates more flavors in wine," Greenspan said. That's a big plus for wine drinkers.

The drought has had an economic impact on some growers.

"There have been a few that run out of water at the end of the season and some shrivel in the fruit occurs and of course that translates into loss of yield for the growers," Greenspan said.

The symposium hopes to offer those growers the latest cutting edge tools to save water.

"If the drought should continue -- I certainly hope not -- but it is wonderful to have this technology right here that we can go back right away to our wineries and vineyards and implement that technology immediately," Asimont said.

Wine expert Bill Pauli spoke about the dry conditions and what it meant to for the wine business. He said the scope of the impact won't be realized until the summer months.

Despite the lack of rain, Pauli remained optimistic about the industry. He added winemakers are always utilizing new methods to make the water available go as far as it can.

Those in the wine industry learn about that and much more at the largest annual wine convention. They can also sample the huge variety of white, red and sparkling wine. Attendees can also get new ideas on how to create the best product for all those wine lovers.

The event is also a boon to the local economy. It brings in over $3 million through hotel and restaurant sales, according to Mike Testa with the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau.