SACRAMENTO, May 1, 2025 – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is pleased to announce nominations are now open for its 2026 Awards of Excellence Program. These prestigious awards honor exceptional winegrape growers and industry professionals who demonstrate innovation, environmental and community stewardship, and a lasting impact on California’s winegrape industry.
Grower of the Year is CAWG’s highest honor, celebrating individuals, families, or companies that demonstrate excellence in viticulture and vineyard management. Honorees are recognized for their leadership, innovative practices, and consistent production of high-quality winegrapes.
Past Grower of the Year recipients: John Kautz, John Kautz Family; 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; Dana Merrill, Mesa Vineyard Management; The Sangiacomo Family, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards; and the Miller Family, The Thornhill Companies.
Leader of the Year honors an individual who has made a significant, positive impact on California’s winegrape industry through advocacy, vision, and action. This award celebrates those who have championed key industry issues and driven meaningful change.
Past Leader recipients: 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; Dr. Anita Oberholster, UC Davis; Jeanne Malitz, MalitzLaw, Inc.; CA Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross; and Randy Heinzen, Vineyard Professional Services.
CAWG encourages industry peers, partners, and community members to nominate those whose work and leadership deserve to be celebrated. Whether it’s a trusted grower, a passionate advocate, or an innovator quietly shaping the future, your nomination can help honor their legacy and inspire others.
Nominations for the 2026 Awards of Excellence are open through June 9, 2025.
Award recipients will be honored at a special reception on January 27, 2026, during the opening night of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, California.
About the California Association of Winegrape Growers
CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.
