California Ag Network

Category: Grape Industry

  • Scholarships Awarded by California Table Grape Growers

    Fresno, CA – Seven students from the table grape growing regions of California earned scholarships awarded by California table grape growers.

    Growers awarded two $25,000 field worker scholarships to students attending a four-year college or university. Two $14,500 field worker bridge scholarships were awarded to students attending two years of community college and transferring to a four-year college or university. In order to be eligible for a field worker scholarship, applicants or a parent or guardian must work in the California table grape harvest. Three $25,000 agriculture scholarships were awarded to students attending a four-year California college or university and planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in a field of study pertinent to the table grape industry.

    Since 1985 California table grape growers have awarded more than 200 scholarships to help students in the grape growing regions of California attend college. Learn more about the 2024 California Table Grape Scholarship recipients below.

    $25,000 Field Worker Scholarships

    Ms. Leslie Aquino graduated from East Bakersfield High School with a 4.5 GPA and will attend University of California, Merced to study computer science. Leslie was a member of her school cross-country and track teams, avid church and community volunteer, and was selected to participate in the Kern High School District Art Show. Leslie is not only the first person in her family to graduate high school, but graduated at the top of her class and will be the first in her family to

    attend college this fall. Hear Leslie in her own words here: https://youtu.be/FdoGleQOQ0Y

    Mr. Marco Jimenez graduated from Delano High School with a 4.2 GPA and will attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to major in civil engineering. Marco was the captain of the Delano High School Drumline and a founding member of the Delano High School Gardening Club, which raises and maintains a variety of plants and crops. As a dedicated volunteer in the community, Marco hopes to return to Delano after college to further aid in the city’s development as a civil engineer. Hear Marco in his own words here:

    $14,500 Field Worker Bridge Scholarships

    Ms. Anali Alcantar graduated from Harmony Magnet Academy with a 3.3 GPA and will attend Porterville College to study education. Anali is an active community member, spending her time as a SCICON camp counselor and volunteering with the Porterville Barn Theater group. Anali will be the first in her family to attend college and afterwards looks forward to being an elementary school teacher helping young students learn English. Hear Anali in her own words here:

    Ms. Lizbeth Ramirez Ramos graduated from Harmony Magnet Academy with a 4.0 GPA and will attend Porterville College to study nursing. Lizbeth was a member of the President’s List and participated in the Academic Decathlon, winning a gold and bronze medal. Lizbeth was a SCICON camp counselor and also served as an Imagine Arts Intern, assisting K-6th graders with STEM projects. Lizbeth has a passion for healthcare; after finishing her prerequisites in nursing, Lizbeth plans to transfer to a four-year university to specialize in obstetrics. Hear Lizbeth in her own words here: https://youtu.be/_aafGqZ6Ldk

    $25,000 Agriculture Scholarships

    Ms. Madison Jackson graduated from Liberty High School with a 4.1 GPA and will attend California State University, Chico to study agriculture education and environmental science. Madison was deeply involved in FFA, serving in several FFA leadership positions, attending numerous FFA conferences, and helping her grapevine pruning team place fifth in the state finals. Madison is passionate about the future of agriculture and plans to become an agriculture teacher after college to help future students understand the importance of agriculture and environmental stewardship. Hear Madison in her own words here:

    Ms. Olivia Machado graduated from Tulare Western High School with a 4.3 GPA and will attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to study agriculture business. Olivia was an active member of the Tulare FFA, earning several FFA degrees and awards from various FFA competitions such as first place Ag Issues State Finalist and third place Ag Issues National Finalist. Olivia was also a dedicated athlete as a member of the basketball, track and field, water polo, and swim teams. After college, Olivia plans to attend law school to become an agriculture lawyer to advocate for farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture industry. Hear Olivia in her own words here:

    Ms. Brenda Monje graduated from Tulare Western High School with a 4.1 GPA and will attend California State University, Fresno to study food technology. Brenda was a member of the Tulare FFA grapevine pruning team, earned a California State FFA degree, and served as the San Joaquin Regional FFA Vice President. Brenda is interested in the future of agriculture technology and after college desires to contribute to technological innovations in the agriculture industry. Hear Brenda in her own words here: https://youtu.be/6HgDPYvSaOI

  • Nominees Sought for California Desert Grape Administrative Committee

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee, as the entire Committee must undergo nomination and election every four years. Committee positions open for nomination include four producer member seats, four handler member seats, one producer or handler member seat, one public member seat and 10 alternate member seats corresponding to each position. Selected members will serve a four-year term beginning January 1, 2025.

    Eligible nominees for producer member positions must be producers of grapes for the fresh market or officers or employees of producers. Eligible nominees for handler member positions must be handlers or officers or employees of handlers. Not more than two members and not more than two alternate members shall be affiliated with the same handler entity. The public member and alternate will be nominated at the first meeting of the newly seated Committee.

    A hybrid in-person and Zoom meeting will be held to conduct nominations and elections at 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee office (39-205 Leopard St. Ste E, Palm Desert, Calif. 92211).

    For nomination and meeting information, contact the Committee Manager Kristy Kneiding at (760) 342-4385 or at  Admin@CaliforniaDesertGrapes.com.  You may also contact  Bianca Bertrand at (559) 356-8202 or at Biancam.Bertrand@usda.gov. More information about the Committee is available on the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) California Desert Grape Administrative Committee webpage.

    Authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, marketing orders are industry-driven programs that help producers and handlers achieve marketing success by leveraging their own funds to design and execute programs that they would not be able to do individually. AMS provides oversight to fruit, vegetable and specialty crops marketing orders and agreements to help ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

    AMS policy is that diversity of the boards, councils and committees it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

  • Bulk Wine Imports Putting California Growers out of Business

    Time to address the elephant in the room — It’s no secret that the wine market is struggling right now, not just in California, but all over the world.  To make matters worse, California grower’s wine grape crops are getting left unharvested and displaced at local wineries by cheap bulk wine being imported from other countries at disturbing levels. American Vineyard Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Stuart Spencer from the Lodi Winegrape Commission to discuss this issue. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • U.S. Wine Industry Gathers to Discuss Opportunities and Value of Sustainability

    The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance partnered with several wine grape industry organizations recently in hosting the 3rd U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit in Lodi, CA. Attendees enjoyed a local vineyard and winery tour, and engaged in educational sessions highlighting the evolving definition of sustainability and its value to growers, vintners and consumers. American Vineyard Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the Alliance, at the Summit to share some of these insights and remarkable progress of the U.S. wine industry in becoming certified sustainable.  Watch this brief video and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Global Alcohol Beverage Consumption Drops, Impacting California Wine Industry

    Wine grape growers may have difficulty finding a home for their crop this season due to a global decline in consumer demand for wine and alcoholic beverages overall.  Watch this brief interview with Danny Brager of Brager Beverage Alcohol Consulting to learn more.

  • Fresno State Jordan College Uncorks New Wine Business Degree

    Junior enology student Madasen Gutierrez got the opportunity for hands-on experience with all things related to wine at a recent Cedar View Winery position.

    The Dinuba native balanced a busy schedule for one and a half years that ranged from winemaking, assisting with finances, marketing, sales and hosting wine tasting events.

    Her time there led Gutierrez to discover that she enjoys the business and marketing side of the wine industry even more than the art of winemaking itself.

    “Wineries bring people together,” Gutierrez said, “and I enjoy seeing and being a part of that. It’s more than just the wine for many people. It’s also about making relationships and finding friends. Marketing ties directly into that appeal, while connecting consumers to products they might enjoy.”

    A new Fresno State wine business degree, being introduced by the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in fall 2024, will help prepare students like Gutierrez for an array of jobs in the ever-growing and renowned California wine industry, which employed 36,000 people in 2020. That number is almost twice what it was 20 years ago, with more than 40% of the nation’s wineries are found in California.

    Additional sales, marketing, branding, administrative and business personnel are also needed by leading wine producers such E. & J. Gallo, Constellation Brands, The Wine Group and Bronco Wine Company, which have processing locations in the San Joaquin Valley that supply customers around the world.

    “The business side is so crucial, just like the winemaking, so it’s great we have a chance to focus on both (with this degree),” Gutierrez said. “The wine industry is so unique and always changing, so the more you know about a company’s operation and market trends, the more successful you can be.”

    Students pursuing the new degree will integrate courses from Fresno State’s nationally-respected Viticulture and Enology Department in conjunction with its Agricultural Business Department and other departments across campus.

    Classes will be required in the areas of accounting, computer applications, economics, finance, management, marketing, regulations, statistics, viticulture, wine evaluation and production.

    Potential electives expand into the related areas of agri-food supply chains, cooperatives, exports, event planning, food policy, labor, natural resource policy and sales.

    “Our program is tightly connected to several generations of industry leaders” said Dr. Sonet Van Zyl, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology at Fresno State, “and this degree is something they’re very excited to see finally happen. We already have a nearly 100% placement rate with our winemaking students once they graduate through internships and jobs, and there’s an equally deep field of careers in the business side, too.”

    The Fresno State Winery, the nation’s first commercially bonded winery at a university and still the largest, offers diverse sales channels from wholesale to online and countless hands-on learning opportunities. Wine business students can engage with buyers; develop promotions; utilize industry applications; take part in internships, research partnerships and field trips; and learn from guest speakers.

    Kevin Smith, who earned his MBA from Fresno State, is equally excited about the new degree. The viticulture and enology lecturer will teach many of its classes and can share a first-hand perspective after he oversaw the Fresno State Winery’s sales and marketing from 2013 to 2023.

    “There are a handful of university programs tied to wine business to some degree,” Smith said, “but none locally, or that have the resources we have here on campus. Students have a 120-acre vineyard, a winery that produces 5,000 cases of wine each year and a raisin processing facility all next to their classrooms. It’s an industry that’s very competitive, and our department is excited to work with other areas on campus to grow with it.”

    Gutierrez and other students can access a department road map to see required and elective classes before they begin fall class registration, and can officially apply for the new degree this August.

    In the interim, interested students can apply now for the viticulture or enology undergraduate degrees and switch to the wine business degree in the fall. More information on the new degree is also available by emailing Van Zyl at svanzyl@csufresno.edu. — By Evenee Gonzalez-Burgos, Fresno State University

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $36,000 in Student Scholarships

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $36,000 in college scholarships to eight deserving students. These scholarships are granted to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.

    “Every year, it’s an honor for the CAWG Foundation to grant these scholarships to the children of vineyard employees. Our workforce is the cornerstone of our industry, and these scholarships are a sincere token of our appreciation. The Board was deeply impressed by the ambitions, community involvement, and outstanding qualities exhibited by the scholarship applicants this year,” said Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming and Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors.

    The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have demonstrated exceptional achievements across multiple domains. These include outstanding academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities, financial need, and a notable commitment to public service and community involvement. Alongside evaluating academic aptitude, the Board places significant emphasis on qualities such as a strong dedication to community service, a proven record of leadership, and a personal essay that effectively narrates the applicant’s unique journey and aspirations.

    Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $639,500 in scholarships, empowering students to pursue higher education. These scholarships are made possible through generous donations from CAWG members and the supportive California wine community.

    This year, five four-year scholarships were awarded to students attending either a University of California or California State University campus and three two-year scholarships were awarded to students attending a California community college.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients / $8,000 each

    Cindy Lopez, Calistoga, Calistoga Junior-Senior High School

    Ariatna Navarrete-Gonzalez, Napa, Napa High School

    Sierra Stevenson, Fairfield, Angelo Rodriguez High School

    Leah Mauritson, Healdsburg, Cardinal Newman High School*

    Ross Poletti, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo High School**

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipient / $2,000 each

    Layla Lopez-Barrera, Petaluma, Casa Grande High School

    Miguel Ninche-Sotelo, Kelseyville, Kelseyville High School

    Dayana Torres-Gonzalez, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    *$4,000 Special Award **$2,000 Special Award

    About the Recipients

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH

    Cindy Lopez, Calistoga, Calistoga Junior-Senior High School

    Cindy is a dedicated first-generation college student with a passion for the community she grew up in and a goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. During her high school career, Cindy has actively participated in sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball, while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. She is academically accomplished and deeply involved in various school organizations such as ACID, S Club, CLARA, Interact, and Upward Bound, all of which strongly emphasize community service and volunteerism. These extracurricular activities have provided Cindy with a profound sense of connection to her community, a source of great joy for her. She looks forward to continuing her involvement in her community after college. Cindy plans to attend either UC Santa Barbara or CSU San Marcos in the fall to pursue her academic and career goals in child development.

    Ariatna Navarrete-Gonzalez, Napa, Napa High School

    Ariatna is a driven student with a strong commitment to academic excellence and community involvement. Ariatna has taken a rigorous course load at Napa High School while also taking advantage of a dual enrollment opportunity at Napa Valley College, where she has successfully completed numerous college- level courses. Ariatna is a dedicated participant in extracurricular activities, including the California Scholarship Federation, orchestra, drumline, and theater. She is also a member of the tennis and lacrosse teams, showcasing her versatility and teamwork skills. Outside of her school commitments, Ariatna is an active member of the Teens Connect Council, a group that focuses on student mental health awareness. She plans to attend UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, or UC Berkeley to major in Mathematical Biology/Biological Sciences, to become an emergency medicine doctor.

    Sierra Stevenson, Fairfield, Angelo Rodriguez High School

    Sierra is a natural leader with a passion for education and a drive to make a positive impact on the world. Her love for history and politics has driven her to pursue a career as a district superintendent, where she hopes to advocate for education equality and ensure accurate representation for all. As the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college, Sierra values education deeply. She has worked to maintain an impressive 4.35 GPA. In addition to her academic achievements, Sierra is actively involved in extracurricular activities, including serving as the ASB Treasurer and holding leadership positions in various other school clubs. She also participates in her school’s theater program, showcasing her diverse interests and talents. Sierra’s commitment to education and leadership is evident in all aspects of her life. She plans to continue her education at either UC Los Angeles or UC Irvine, where she will major in Political Science.

    Leah Mauritson, Healdsburg, Cardinal Newman High School*

    Leah is a driven student with a profound passion for the winegrape industry, a passion cultivated through her hands-on experience working alongside her father in the vineyards. Her career trajectory was shaped by this early exposure, allowing her to gain comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of winegrape cultivation, from tending vines to harvesting. Leah has tackled a range of tasks, from repairing irrigation systems to shoot thinning and grape picking, demonstrating her diverse skill set. Leah actively participates in leadership roles and community projects while maintaining a 4.2 grade point average. Leah plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in Agricultural Business, and furthering her knowledge and expertise in the field she loves.

    Ross Poletti, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo High School**

    Growing up surrounded by vineyards, Ross learned the value of hard work from his parents. He approaches challenges with a natural willingness and is known for his responsibility and ability to thrive under pressure.

    Ross values the importance of his education and has maintained a 4.1 GPA. His involvement in the San Luis Obispo High School Automotive Club has not only honed his leadership skills but has also provided him with the opportunity to represent his club at the SkillsUSA Automotive Service Technology Competition. As a varsity-level competitive swimmer, Ross has further developed his time-management and leadership abilities, earning recognition as a scholarly athlete. Ross has been accepted to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he will pursue a major in Computer Engineering with the goal of becoming a Network Administrator.

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH

    Layla Lopez-Barrera, Petaluma, Casa Grande High School

    Layla is a committed student who values her family, school, and community. She has been inspired by her parents’ strong work ethic, which has instilled in her a profound understanding of the importance of dedication and perseverance. As a bilingual student, Layla has used her language skills to benefit her school community, serving as a Bilingual Ambassador. In this role, she conducts guided tours for Spanish-speaking families and provides interpretation services as needed. Layla also volunteers weekly at a local elementary school, where she leads a robotics club and helps younger students with coding. Throughout high school, Layla has challenged herself with advanced placement courses to better prepare for college. She plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College with a major in Public Health Sciences, with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician.

    Miguel Ninche-Sotelo, Kelseyville, Kelseyville High School

    Miguel is a dedicated student who has demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout his high school years. His immigrant parents have instilled in him the value of hard work and perseverance. Miguel has spent his summers working to support himself, further emphasizing his commitment to his education and future. Actively involved in the Interact Club, Miguel currently serves as President. The club plays a vital role in helping students fulfill their community service requirements by providing them with various opportunities. Through his involvement, Miguel has developed essential skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and reliability. Miguel plans to attend Mendocino College to pursue a major in Health Science. His career goal is to become an anesthesiologist or pharmacist.

    Dayana Torres-Gonzalez, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    Dayana has had a clear vision from a young age to pursue nursing in college and ultimately become a pediatric nurse. Her innate compassion and love for working with young children have always been driving forces in her life. Dayana has maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in her school community. She is a dedicated member of the Latino Club and the California Scholarship Federation, demonstrating her commitment to both her heritage and academic excellence. Additionally, Dayana has served as a student representative for the Class of 2024 for the past two years, showcasing her leadership skills. Her dedication reflects her determination to succeed and her commitment to her education. In the fall, she plans to attend Mendocino Junior College, where she will continue to pursue nursing and make her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse a reality.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

  • Whole Vine Festival Returns with the San Joaquin Valley’s Best

    Save the date and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the San Joaquin Valley at The Whole Vine Festival, October 19-20, 2024.  This highly anticipated two-day event is a magnificent tribute to all things related to table grapes, raisins, and wine.  Growers and consumers alike are cordially invited to mix and mingle at this 2nd annual event coming to the prestigious Fresno State campus.

    Vickie Goudreau, President of the Whole Vine Festival (Left) and Matthew Malcolm, Editor of American Vineyard Magazine and Whole Vine Festival Board Member (Right).

    With immense support from Festival Founding Supporters: American Vineyard Magazine and the California Table Grape Commission, Fresno State, Builder Supporters: Sun-Maid Growers, Farm Credit, and the Raisin Administrative Committee, Grower Supporters: Marthedal Farms & Enterprises, the California Fresh Fruit Association, Electric Motor Shop & Supply Co., Spencer Enterprises, Inc., and other amazing partners, the inaugural Whole Vine Festival was a big hit last year and is poised to expand in 2024.

    The Whole Vine Festival is a grand affair that embraces the spirit of our community.  Explore an array of shopping opportunities featuring local businesses and artisan vendors offering unique products that reflect the heart and soul of our Valley. Engage your children in the fun-filled and educational kids’ areas, brimming with ag-related and creative activities. Marvel at captivating exhibits that pay homage to everything grape and the hardworking farming families of the Valley.

    Wine and beer enthusiasts can unwind and relax in a separate area dedicated to the exquisite pleasures of San Joaquin Valley wine and beer tasting. An exclusive area featuring displays and booths highlighting cutting-edge innovations and technologies in Viticulture and Enology will also be showcased, underscoring the depth and breadth of support for our beloved grape industry.

    Reflecting on the inaugural 2023 event, Vickie Goudreau, President of the Whole Vine Festival, shared, “It was so satisfying to see people enjoy ‘everything grape’ and the incredible talent that exists right here within the San Joaquin Valley community at the first Whole Vine Festival. We have so much to be proud of in our Valley! Firmly planted with community support, we look forward to creating future festivals that continue to highlight and celebrate grape, raisin, and wine – and the people who make it all happen!”

    Of American Vineyard Magazine’s support for this event, Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm shared, “In all the history of the world, there has never been a greater gap and disconnect between farmer and the end consumer than there is today.  The Whole Vine Festival will be a fun and exciting way to help bridge that gap, where grower and consumer can celebrate the harvest together. We hope in turn, valley communities will gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for agriculture – and all that goes into producing local raisin, wine, and table grapes.”

    Goudreau added, “Join us for The Whole Vine Festival, a celebration of community spirit highlighting the best that the San Joaquin Valley has to offer.”

    The Whole Vine Festival organizers are currently seeking sponsorships, volunteers, local vendors and wineries. For more details, visit www.TheWholeVine.com.

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Opens Nominations for 2025 Awards of Excellence Program

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is pleased to announce nominations are now open for its prestigious 2025 Awards of Excellence Program. These awards are designed to honor growers and industry leaders who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to the winegrape industry, benefiting both their communities and the environment.

    The Grower of the Year Award, the highest honor bestowed by CAWG, recognizes individuals, families, or companies who exemplify excellence in viticulture and management. Recipients are acknowledged for their innovative practices, leadership, and exceptional quality of winegrape production.

    Previous Grower of the Year Award winners include 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; and Sangiacomo Family Vineyards.

    The Leader of the Year Award is bestowed upon exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership benefiting California’s wine industry. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to championing issues of importance to winegrape growers and effecting positive change within the industry.

    Previous Leader of the Year Award winners include: 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; Jeanne Malitz, MalitzLaw, Inc; and California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross. Nominations for the 2025 Awards of Excellence Program are open until June 15, 2024.

    Winners will be honored at a special reception on January 28, 2025, during opening night of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA.

    To nominate a deserving individual or company, please visit cawg.org for more information.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG):

    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.

  • Congressional Wine Caucus Invites Sonoma County Leadership Academy to Washington Reception

    The members of the third class of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Leadership Academy were surprised to learn Thursday afternoon that they will soon be leaving for Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Wine Caucus as guests of Congressman Mike Thompson.  They will be traveling to the nation’s capital courtesy of Alaska Airlines’ ‘Gift of Flight’ for the June event, the remaining costs are paid by the Foundation primarily through the generosity of local grape growers.

    “Producing world-class wine starts with a world-class agricultural workforce. That’s what makes the Leadership Academy’s work so important — it empowers Sonoma County vineyard employees, expands our workforce, and trains our leaders of tomorrow,” said Congressman Thompson.  He added, “My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming the outstanding leaders of the Vineyard Employee Leadership Academy to Washington, D.C. to advocate for agriculture and share our great wine region with others.”

    Launched in 2022, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ (Voice of the Vineyard) Leadership Academy is the nation’s first and only leadership program specifically for vineyard employees.  The Academy does not teach new farming skills.  Instead, the focus is on introducing, developing, and advancing vital skills needed for vineyard employees to become future leaders in the wine industry and local community.  Topics taught during the eight-month program include sustainability, financial literacy, conflict resolution, communications, human resources, education, disaster preparedness, health care and wine appreciation.  Given that all the Academy participants primarily speak Spanish, the courses are taught with interpreters present to ensure the content is understood and any questions can be asked and answered.

    “Given our commitment to social sustainability, we were intent on creating the best leadership program of its kind.  So, to witness the growth of the past participants as they become our future business and community leaders is both gratifying and amazing,” said Karissa Kruse, executive director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ and CEO of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “Last year, our Leadership Academy members were shaking hands with Nancy Pelosi and other Congressional members while sharing their story of working in Sonoma County’s vineyards.  They made a huge impression on the Wine Caucus members which is why Congressman Thompson invited the next graduating class.”

    The success of the Leadership Academy speaks volumes about the benefit of the program.  More than 50% of the graduates from the first two Leadership Academy have taken on new responsibilities at work since they graduated.  One-third of the graduates have received promotions.  Every graduate of the first two classes have become mentors to the current Leadership Academy participants.  Just as important, the employers of the Leadership Academy graduates have noted that their employees possess more confidence, demonstrate stronger leadership skills and have become better at teaching, communicating and supervising.  Traveling to Washington. D.C., and meeting Congressional leaders, as the past two classes have, is a big part of the growth process for participants.

    Alaska Airlines also took to the podium to announce the airline is donating flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., for every Leadership Academy participant to make the trip and attend the reception.  For many of the participants, this will be their first trip on a plane, their first visit to Washington, and their first opportunity to meet with congressional members.

    “As a proud partner with the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos Leadership Academy, Alaska Airlines is excited to provide memorable moments for the leadership class through our gift of travel to Washington, D.C., where they will share their stories with members of Congress,” said David Tucker, Managing Director, California Public Affairs, for Alaska Airlines.  He added, “From the vineyard to our nation’s capital, I can only imagine what’s in store for them next!”

    The 2024 Leadership Academy participants are:

    Name:                           Employer:                               Years with Company:
    Jesus Garcia                           Bevill Vineyard Management                              15
    Sacramento Ortiz                  Cornerstone Certified Vineyard                          23
    Amelia Lopez                         Cornerstone Certified Vineyard                            3
    Antonio Lozoida                    Dutton Ranch                                                          31
    Miguel Carmona                    Dutton Ranch                                                         38
    Juan Avila                               Emeritus Vineyards                                               24
    Misael Patino                         Joseph Phelps Vineyards                                        5
    Jaime Salgado                        Lynmar Estate                                                          5
    Valerio Ruiz                            Martinelli Winery                                                   31
    Luis Martinez                         Mauritson Farms                                                    16
    Inocencio Vargas                   Munselle Vineyards                                                12
    Maribel Morales                    Munselle Vineyards                                                  5
    Gustavo Gonzalez                  Redwood Empire Vineyard Management           5
    Ermelando Gaytan                Sangiacomo Family Vineyards                              9
    Jorge Andrade                       Skipstone                                                                   17
    Joaquin Andrade                  Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards                                       3
    Jose Antonio Villagomez     Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards                                     14
    Juan Ruiz                                St. Francis Winery                                                   10
    Amadeo Lopez                       St. Francis Winery                                                   16
    Elias Alvarez                          Vino Farms                                                                24

    About the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos:

    Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees. Relaunched in January of 2016, the Fundación is focused on improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive.  In 2022, the first class of the Leadership Academy met to brainstorm names for the Foundation which would best represent them and the work they do.  They selected Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos.  Since its relaunch in 2016, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees. The Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos collaborates with various community-based organizations and agencies to identify existing resources, leverage available support, and create new programs to assist local agricultural employees and their families. This includes a focus on healthcare, affordable housing, childcare, education, recovery and resiliency, and workforce development.  The Fundación is managed by the Sonoma County Winegrowers with a 16-member board of directors comprised of agricultural leaders, vineyard and winery owners, and Sonoma County community leaders.