Nominations are now open for the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Awards of Excellence Program. The Awards Program presents two awards annually: Grower of the Year and Leader of the Year. These awards are meant to spotlight exceptional people or companies who have benefitted the broader community of winegrape growers through exemplary leadership and outstanding commitment to the well-being of the winegrowing industry, California communities and the environment.
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Grower of the Year Award
The Grower of the Year Award is the highest honor given by CAWG. The award is bestowed annually to an individual, family or company who represents an outstanding example of excellence in viticulture and management, and is recognized by others for innovation and leadership within the industry. A central purpose for bestowing the Grower of the Year Award is to identify and promote outstanding examples of efficient, successful producers of quality California winegrapes. This award is exclusive to CAWG members only. Nominees may be an individual, family or company. Consideration will be given only to nominations that clearly address the criteria listed on this form.
Previous Grower of the Year Award winners
John Kautz, John Kautz Farms; Steve McIntyre, Monterey Pacific; Andy Beckstoffer, Beckstoffer Vineyards; The Ledbetter Family; Jerry and Bruce Fry, Mohr-Fry Ranches; Brad & Randy Lange, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards, Steve Schafer, Schafer Vineyards; Andy Hoxsey, Napa Wine Company/Yount Mill Vineyards; the Bogle Family, Bogle Vineyards; and Dana Merrill, Mesa Vineyard Management.
Leader of the Year Award
The Leader of the Year Award recognizes an individual or entity whose record of exceptional leadership and innovation has benefitted California’s wine industry. By giving this award, the association seeks to recognize and promote an outstanding example of leadership for the purpose of bringing credit to the industry and inspiring others to lead. This award is open to any individual or entity contributing to the advancement of the California winegrape industry. Nominees may be an individual, family or company. Consideration will be given only to nominations that clearly address the criteria listed on this form.
Previous Leader of the Year Award winners
Nat DiBuduo, Allied Grape Growers; Ben Drake, Drake Enterprises; Richard Keehn; Volker Eisele, Volker Eisele Family Estate; Richard Smith, Smith Family Wines; Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards; Karissa Kruse, Sonoma Winegrowers; Brad Goehring, Goehring Vineyards, Inc; Dr. Anita Oberholster, UC Davis; and Jeanne Malitz, Malitzlaw, Inc.
NOMINATIONS DUE:JUNE 9, 2023
Nominations or endorsements received after the submission deadline shall not be permitted.
RECEPTION
A reception will be held in honor of CAWG's award recipients on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 during the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento.
NOMINATION FORMS
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about the Awards of Excellence Program, please reach out to Natalie Collins, President.
E: [email protected]
Ph: (916) 379-8995
2023 Awards of Excellence Press Release
2022 Awards of Excellence Press Release
2018 Awards of Excellence Press Release
2017 Awards of Excellence Press Release
2016 Awards of Excellence Press Release