Category: Grape Industry

Bountiful Fruit World Crop of Organic Thomcord Grapes to Harvest Soon

Fruit World, a family-owned, flavor-focused grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit and the largest California grower of organic Thomcord grapes, has announced it expects to begin shipping this popular variety by the end of July, with strong, promotable volumes available from mid-August through early-October. Thomcord seedless grapes are a hybrid of Concord and Thompson Seedless grapes, with the rich, full Concord flavor and the tender skin and seedless qualities of the Thompson.

“We are already getting text messages from consumers asking when our organic Thomcords will be available,” said Fruit World co-founder Bianca Kaprielian. “They love the Thomcord flavor profile, and appreciate the opportunity to communicate directly with the growers through our Thomcord Tales promotion campaign, which is now in its fourth year.”

Seven years since planting, Fruit World’s Thomcord vines are now fully mature and heavy with luscious purple clusters. “The recent warm weather in California’s Central Valley is rapidly increasing the color and brix, so we’ll begin harvesting 7-10 days earlier than last year,” said CJ Buxman, co-founder of Fruit World.

Fruit World Thomcord grapes are available in 10 x 2 lb recyclable and compostable paper totes, with bright, colorful graphics that have proven very popular with consumers. The company will also be shipping 20 x 1 lb clamshells.

In 2020, Fruit World shipped their organic Thomcord grapes across the United States, in addition to air freighting to customers in Asia. “While we anticipate this year’s crop to be heavier than in 2020, last year we sold out in mid-September,” Kaprielian added. “We encourage retailers to contact us early to confirm their orders and meet the high consumer demand for this popular variety.”

Fruit World Kyoho Grapes

In addition to Thomcord grapes, Fruit World will be shipping Kyoho grapes this season. Highly prized and renowned for their robust flavor, especially in Asian markets, this seeded, slip-skin variety has large, round, black berries. “People get together to share the Kyoho eating experience,” said Buxman. “It’s much more than a casual snacking fruit.” The vines are young, so limited quantities are available in 2021 in 2 lb, 3 lb and 4 lb clamshells, with specialty packs also available upon request.

The company will also offer exclusive limited supplies of Pete Wolf’s legendary black, red and green heirloom grape varieties from mid-July through October. Pete Wolf is one of California’s first organic growers, a well-respected grape expert, and a long-term Fruit World growing partner.

For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334 or visit fruitworldco.com.

July 15, 2021
Vineyard Floor Management in Drought Years – Do Dust Mulches Help?

During drought years, especially when irrigation water supplies are limited, conserving available soil water for vine water use is important. This paper focuses on management of vineyard middles to increase water availability to vines. For an excellent discussion of all aspects of vineyard management to conserve water resources see “Reducing vineyard water use: mechanisms, strategies, and limitations” by San Luis Obispo County UCCE Viticulture and Soils Advisor, Mark Battany.

Seasonal considerations in California’s Mediterranean climate: In the fall and winter the presence of cover crops or resident vegetation on the vineyard floor helps to increase the infiltration of rainfall into soil. During these cooler months, the loss of soil moisture from evapotranspiration of the cover crop or resident vegetation is similar to the rate of evaporation from bare soil. Therefore, the presence of living plant cover during fall and winter is beneficial to the soil water balance.

As vegetation continues to grow during warmer and drier spring months, the amount of evapotranspiration from the plant cover will begin to exceed that of evaporation from bare soil or soil covered with mulched plant material. Therefore, terminating plant cover in the spring with mowing, herbicide, or shallow tillage will conserve soil moisture. Plant mulch generated from chemical or mechanical mowing of vineyard vegetation will help to prevent evaporation from the soil surface, and greater plant mulch amounts will more effectively conserve moisture.

Where little plant mulch is available, soil water loss can be further reduced by tillage, which disrupts soil structure and reduces the conduction of water from deeper in soil to the surface. In effect, tillage creates a soil mulch to slow evaporation. This approach is most often used in un-irrigated vineyards.

The best tillage approach for water conservation: While tillage can preserve soil moisture, excessive tillage to create a “dust mulch” is not more effective in conserving soil moisture and can damage soil health and function, compared to reduced tillage. Researchers in the dry inland Pacific Northwest found that one pass tillage was equal to or better than creating a fine soil mulch for water conservation: “Conventional thought has been that it takes several passes to create an effective soil mulch, but our data shows this is not true. Soil does not need to be extensively tilled into fine particles to provide a barrier to evaporation.” Furthermore, they found that the cloddy, high residue surface created by a single tillage pass increased soil aggregation and water infiltration, reduced soil crusting, and increased the soil’s resistance to erosion compared to conventional tillage.

Soil health considerations: Excessive tillage is detrimental to soil health and can cause pollution. When soil has been pulverized, rainfall creates a surface crust that seals soil pores and increases surface water run-off. This not only reduces water infiltration into the soil profile, it can lead to erosion and sediment pollution of local surface waters. Loss of the surface soil layer, “topsoil”, where organic matter and nutrients are concentrated, reduces a soils capacity to support plants, which in turn reduces its ability to sequester carbon. Disruption of soil structure by tillage exposes protected organic matter to microbial decomposition. Eventually, this leads to reduced soil organic matter levels and microbial populations in soil. Because most soil carbon is found in soil organic matter, reductions in soil organic matter mean reductions in soil carbon sequestration. Soil organic matter also acts like a sponge, so reducing it shrinks the soil’s water-holding capacity. A final important consideration is the added expense and fuel use for additional tillage passes.

The Bottom Line: When irrigation water availability is limited and conserving soil moisture is vital, terminate cover crops early and use minimal tillage to conserve soil moisture. “Dust mulch” is not more effective than minimum tillage and can harm long-term soil productivity and health. – By Erica Lundquist, Ph.D., CCA, Soil Conservationist NRCS Ukiah Field Office

Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of North Coast Soil Hub

July 6, 2021
Managing Vineyard Pests & Diseases in a Dry Year

A dry winter and spring impacts more than just water availability for the season. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Gabriel Torres as he shares expected vineyard pest and disease pressures in a dry year. Read more about vineyard pest and disease management in American Vineyard Magazine.

Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

June 30, 2021
Drought Impact on Early Season Stage of SJV Wine Grapes

Choosing when to irrigate this season with a very limited resource amidst the current drought can be quite a challenge, and the adverse effects of insufficient irrigation are already becoming manifest in the 2021 San Joaquin Valley wine grape crop. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

June 23, 2021
California Raisin Outlook: Prices, Production & the RBA

Watch this brief interview with Dwayne Cardoza from the Raisin Bargaining Association as he shared some key insights on the current state of the California raisin industry at their recent annual meeting. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

June 23, 2021
California Raisin Marketing Board Gets Shut Down

Just last month, a vote passed to shut down the California Raisin Marketing Board. But what of generic California raisin marketing and the iconic dancing raisins? Watch this brief interview with Dwayne Cardoza from the Raisin Bargaining Association and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

June 23, 2021
California Farmland Trust to Host Inaugural Race to Slow the Pace at Bokisch Vineyards

California Farmland Trust (CFT) will be hosting the inaugural Race to Slow the Pace run at Bokisch Vineyards on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. This live (virtual optional) 5K fundraiser aims to connect people with nature, the environment and the family farms that feed them. The run will foster a connection to the land and the importance of slowing the pace of development to protect valuable farmland.

“We believe in connecting people with the land that feeds our families and the Race to Slow the Pace is a fun, healthy opportunity to take in the climate resilient environment that farmland provides,” shared Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at California Farmland Trust. “When we were brainstorming locations, Bokisch Vineyards was an obvious fit. Markus and Liz have a true appreciation for the land and have championed our mission. Not to mention, the course offers breath-taking views and opportunities to learn what makes Bokisch Vineyards unique.”

Race to Slow the Pace runners will weave through the scenic Bokisch Vineyards, kicking-off where the winery meets the vineyard, continuing through the property on a maintained terrain, taking in the vines and the habitat, and eventually crossing the finish line at Bokisch’s infamous oak tree picnic area. Runners and registered guests will be served a paella lunch and celebrate with awards and Bokisch wine.

“We’re honored to host the inaugural Race to Slow the Pace benefitting California Farmland Trust,” shared Markus and Liz Bokisch. “It’s been our mission to leave the land better than we found it, for our children and our children’s children, while also teaching and inspiring others towards that cause. We look forward to having trained runners, casual joggers, wine enthusiasts and those that simply love the land, visit our vineyard.”

For event information visit www.cafarmtrust.org/racetoslowthepace. To learn more about Bokisch Vineyards visit www.bokischvineyards.com/.

June 17, 2021

Suzanne Groth of Groth Vineyards & Winery Elected Wine Institute Chair

Suzanne Groth, President and CEO of Groth Vineyards & Winery, headquartered in Oakville, CA, was elected Wine Institute Board Chairman for the 2021-2022 fiscal year at the organization’s 87th Annual Meeting of Members. Other officers elected were Rick Tigner of Jackson Family Wines in Santa Rosa, First Vice Chairman; Randall Lange of LangeTwins Family Vineyards and Winery in Acampo, Second Vice Chairman; Matt Gallo of E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, Treasurer; and Robin Baggett of Alpha Omega Winery in Rutherford and Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo, Secretary. Bobby Koch is President and CEO of Wine Institute.

“We California vintners are so fortunate to be growing and producing our iconic wines here in an ideal and diverse climate. Even with the many challenges we face, especially in the last year of unprecedented times, we find golden opportunities,” said Suzanne Groth, Groth Vineyards & Winery President and CEO. “If a vintner’s quest is to grow and make the best wines in the world, there is not a better soil, climate and access to market than California.”

As a second-generation family member of Groth Vineyards & Winery, Groth became President and CEO in 2017. She previously led the family business as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and prior to that worked in wine sales and public relations, for a combined 19 years. Previously, Groth worked for the Henry Wine Group, a California wine distributor where she sold wine to San Francisco restaurants and retailers.

Groth Vineyards & Winery has been a member of Wine Institute since 1984 and Groth has served as a board member since 2014. Groth has also served as President of the Oakville Winegrowers since 2019 and been member of the Board of Directors since 2013.

Wine Institute’s membership also elected new district and at-large directors and alternates. District directors and their alternates were elected on a one-member-one-vote basis in each district, following nominations by regional winery associations. They are:

District	Director	Alternate Director
Northern	Kaj Ahlmann Six Sigma Winery	John Kane Fetzer Vineyards
Sonoma	Julie Pedroncelli St. John J. Pedroncelli Winery Katie Wetzel Murphy Alexander Valley Vineyards Tobin Ginter Rodney Strong Vineyards Steven MacRostie MacRostie Winery & Vineyards	Ana Keller Keller Estate Alan Ramey Ramey Wine Cellars Christopher Lloyd Senses Wine James Perry Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
Napa	Suzanne Groth Groth Vineyards & Winery Hugh Davies Schramsberg Vineyards Dennis Cakebread Cakebread Cellars Robin Baggett Alpha Omega Winery Tolosa Winery Mike Reynolds HALL Wines	Delia Viader Viader Vineyards & Winery Michael Maher Harlan Estate Chris Hall Long Meadow Ranch Winery Amelia Morán Ceja Ceja Vineyards Paul Leary Palmaz Vineyards
San Francisco Bay	Amanda Kent Darcie Kent Vineyards	William Cooper Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Monterey Bay	Scott Scheid Scheid Vineyards	Vacant
Central Coast	Nicholas Miller Miller Family Wine Company Laura Booras Riverbench Vineyard & Winery Gretchen Roddick Hope Family Wines Gary Eberle Eberle Winery	Maeve Pesquera DAOU Vineyards & Winery Karen Steinwachs Buttonwood Farm Winery Clarence Chia Justin Vineyards & Winery Vacant
Southern California	Steve Kahle Woof’n Rose Winery	Linda McWilliams San Pasqual Winery
Sierra	Steve Millier Milliaire Winery	Stuart Mast Brice Station Vintners
Northern Interior	Randall Lange LangeTwins Family Vineyards and Winery	David Phillips Michael-David Winery
Southern Interior	Kyle W. Ray ASV Wines	John Allbaugh Bronco Wine Company

All members elected 20 at-large directors who had been nominated by the Institute’s Finance and Administration Committee. Alternates were chosen by at-large directors.

At-large Director	Alternate
Corey Beck Francis Ford Coppola Presents	Kenneth Miniami Francis Ford Coppola Presents
Giancarlo Bianchetti Fetzer Vineyards	Erik Olsen Fetzer Vineyards
James E. Coleman E. & J. Gallo Winery	To be announced
Matt Deegan Constellation Brands, Inc.	Sam Glaetzer Constellation Brands, Inc.
Ben Dollard Treasury Wine Estates	Debra Dommen Treasury Wine Estates
Michael Drobnick O’Neill Vintners & Distillers	Matthew Towers O’Neill Vintners & Distillers
Jeffrey Dubiel The Wine Group	Keith Bauman The Wine Group
Matthew J. Gallo E. & J. Gallo Winery	Stephanie Gallo E. & J. Gallo Winery
Cate Hardy The Wine Group	Amy Hoopes The Wine Group
Cheryl Indelicato Delicato Family Wines	Mark Merrion Delicato Family Wines
Peter N. Larson Trinchero Family Estates	Roger J. Trinchero Trinchero Family Estates
Daniel Leonard Bronco Wine Company	Chris Mifsud Bronco Wine Company
Lawrence T. Lohr J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines	Jeff Humphreys J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Alex Ryan Duckhorn Wine Company	Sean Sullivan Duckhorn Wine Company
Viviann Stapp Jackson Family Wines	Carolyn Wasem Jackson Family Wines
Rick Tigner Jackson Family Wines	Katie Jackson Jackson Family Wines
Robert R. Torkelson Trinchero Family Estates	Anthony Torres Trinchero Family Estates
Michael Walker Constellation Brands, Inc.	Tiffanie De Liberty Constellation Brands, Inc.
Christine Wente Wente Family Estates	Aly Wente Wente Family Estates
Jolene Yee Delicato Family Wines	Kathleen Mayhew Delicato Family Wines

Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses, working at the state, national and international levels. Based in San Francisco, with offices in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., six regions across the U.S. and 13 foreign countries, Wine Institute is guided by 80 vintners who are members and alternates on an active board of directors. The board elects the Chairman and officers on an annual basis.

June 11, 2021

CAWG Urges Repeal Of Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (board) on June 9 held an emergency meeting to take testimony from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Cal/OSHA and stakeholders regarding the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 emergency temporary standards (ETS). During this extraordinary meeting, CAWG Director of Government Relations Michael Miiller strongly urged the immediate repeal of the ETS. “I assure you – the ETS is an epic failure,” he said.

CAWG Director of Government Relations Michael Miiller

Miiller’s full testimony:

Good evening. My name is Michael Miiller with the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

Today I am asking that you carefully consider the information from CDPH and Cal/OSHA and that the ETS be repealed at the June 17 meeting. Instead, the board should follow your staff’s recommendation in November to rely on Cal/OSHA and CDPH to effectively adopt and enforce guidelines.

This is consistent with what the Biden administration just announced today, and I ask you to follow President Biden’s leadership.

One week ago, very few California employees had any awareness of this board. Today, the board is incredibly unpopular.

While this is not a popularity contest, keep in mind that the public doesn’t draw a distinction between this board and the rest of the Newsom administration. Consequently, your unpopularity creates a huge problem for Gov. Newsom.

When Californians read news from this board, what they hear is the Newsom administration says that wearing masks at work may be here to stay. They also hear you advising vaccinated employees that vaccines are not enough. This is because you are telling them that their unvaccinated co-workers create a workplace hazard even to vaccinated employees.

Contrary to what the proponents of the ETS are telling you, this message from the Newsom administration is not well-received by the general public.

Gov. Newsom is doing tremendous work in getting people vaccinated. Dr. Aragon just made it clear to you that the governor’s vaccine efforts are saving lives. Consequently, Californians need to be able to continue to rely on Newson’s leadership. Putting a speed bump in the road to reopening, this ETS creates public doubt and erodes public trust.

A week ago, this board rejected readoption of the ETS and then reversed itself only a few minutes later. You were clearly struggling to make an appropriate decision.

It seems clear that the biggest problem in the debate last week was that some board members erroneously believe the ETS to be effective. However, I assure you – the ETS is an epic failure.

California is where we are today in spite of the ETS, not because of it. The ETS has nothing to do with California’s successes.

If you really want to make the workplace safe from COVID, get on the same page with Gov. Newsom in his efforts to vaccinate California employees.

And please repeal the ETS.

Additional information:

>News release: California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board Receives Update on California Department of Public Health Guidance (June 9)

June 11, 2021
CAWG Foundation Awards $34,000 in Student Scholarships

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $34,000 in college scholarships to seven students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. “The CAWG Foundation is honored to award these scholarships and show our support for vineyard employees who are valued members of our winegrape industry family,” said Davindar Mahil, chair of the CAWG Foundation board of directors. “The recipients exemplify excellence – in scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities and community service. We are so impressed with how hard these students have worked to pursue higher education, and we are pleased to help them with their academic goals.”

Each year the CAWG Foundation board selects several recipients from high schools throughout the state. Scholarship selection is based on scholastic ability, financial need, community involvement, leadership and an essay. Since the program’s inception in 1998, the foundation has awarded $528,500 in scholarships. Funds are raised through the generous donations of members of CAWG and the California wine community.

The four-year scholarships are $8,000 each for students attending a University of California or California State University campus. An additional $5,000 scholarship was awarded this year to a high-caliber applicant. The two-year college scholarships are $2,000 each for students attending a California community college. The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship was created by the family of Bob Miller, a California wine industry leader who helped establish the Central Coast as a leading winegrape growing region. The scholarship invests in the future of Central Coast students who plan to study viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and pursue a career in the region’s wine grape industry.

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

Jocelyn Cervantes Cabrera, Bakersfield, Foothill High School

Dafne Cruz Rodriguez, Santa Rosa, Windsor High School

Lyzet Montañez Hurtado, Clearlake, Lower Lake High School

Four-Year University Scholarship Recipient / $5,000

Rebecca Hernandez, Windsor, Windsor High School

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

Daniela Romero, Plymouth, Amador High School

Samantha Zavala Ferro, Ione, Amador High School

Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient / $1,000

Lauryn Allen, Templeton, Templeton High School

ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS

FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH

Jocelyn Cervantes Cabrera, Bakersfield, Foothill High School

Jocelyn is a first-generation Mexican-American who believes that education will pave the way to a better future. She is an exceptional student, who managed community college courses in addition to her rigorous high school courses and achieved a 4.5 GPA. Jocelyn was active in numerous school clubs and held leadership positions for three years with student government. She greatly contributed to community service projects, including a homeless shelter, local library, highway cleanup and toy drive. She also volunteered at the Kern Medical Hospital, helping care for NICU babies. Jocelyn plans to attend UC Berkeley, major in biochemistry and someday become a neurologist. Her counselor wrote, “Jocelyn has left a very positive impact on our campus. I know she will continue to accomplish greatness wherever her path leads her in the future“ and “she will be successful in anything she sets her mind to.”

Dafne Cruz Rodriguez, Santa Rosa, Windsor High School

Dafne likes to dream big and has high aspirations to make a positive impact in her community and the world. A first-generation Mexican-American, she has worked hard for her academic success, achieving the No. 1 rank in her class with a 4.6 GPA. Dafne has an extensive list of leadership and volunteer experiences, including Project T.R.U.E. (Teen R U Educated), Committee for Change, Sonoma County Library and Windsor Unified School District (WUSD) student representative. She was also member of the varsity cross country/track and field team. Dafne plans to attend UC Berkeley or UC Irvine and major in political science or sociology, and then pursue a career in law or education. The WUSD student services coordinator wrote, “Dafne has a strong, positive impact in each of her endeavors” and her “work ethic, passion and motivation will serve her well as she takes on post-secondary education and future goals.”

Lyzet Montañez Hurtado, Clearlake, Lower Lake High School

Lyzet’s parents and siblings instilled in her a love for learning and encouraged her to do well in school. Despite some setbacks, she persevered and pushed herself to achieve her full potential. Lyzet excelled in challenging courses, earning a top-ranking 4.3 GPA. She also took 30 units at community colleges, earning a 4.0 GPA. Lyzet balanced academics with extracurricular activities, volunteer endeavors and part-time work. She was on track and field, soccer and volleyball teams. She served on numerous clubs, including the Class of 2021 Council for five years, Upward Bound Council, Tobacco Coalition and Interact Rotary Club. Lyzet plans to attend UC Berkeley, major in political science and pursue a career as a lawyer. The Upward Bound assistant director wrote, “Lyzet combines a total self-determination and a superior work ethic. She will undoubtedly excel in academia through determination, motivation and intelligence. Her potential is limitless.”

FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $5,000

Rebecca Hernandez, Windsor, Windsor High School

The daughter of immigrants, Rebecca will be the first in her family to attend college, which will bring great pride to her Latino community and family. Her hard work in school, which included nine AP classes, resulted in a 4.3 GPA. She also graduated from Cali Calmecac Language Academy, a bilingual school. Rebecca’s extracurricular activities were varsity lacrosse for four years, Key Club and the environmental-focused GSE Club. She has been a vocalist for her church worship team for 10 years and has held a part-time job since 2019. Rebecca plans to attend UC Irvine and major in global cultures, with the goal of becoming a teacher and making a difference in her community. A school program coordinator wrote, “Rebecca is an impressively accomplished student. When it’s time to get work done, whether it be academic, philanthropic, environmental or financial, she buckles down and works.”

TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $2,000 EACH

Daniela Romero, Plymouth, Amador High School

With wisdom from her immigrant parents, Daniela takes her education very seriously and strives to take advantage of every opportunity by staying focused, being consistent and excelling in classes. A diligent student with a 4.1 GPA, Daniela prioritized academics while being actively involved throughout high school with the FFA program. Through FFA, she attended leadership conferences, participated in speaking contests, performed community service, earned three FFA degrees, and spent several hundred hours raising market lambs. Daniela plans to attend Modesto Junior College and major in ag education/ag science, then transfer to Chico State. Her goal is to become an ag teacher and inspire students to be part of the industry. Her teacher wrote, “Any teacher on campus will tell you how organized and what an incredible student Daniela is. Her future colleges and her future students will be lucky to have her.”

Samantha Zavala Ferro, Ione, Amador High School

During high school, Samantha successfully managed difficult academic material because she had a confident maturity, a natural curiosity and an excitement for learning. Her dedication and efforts resulted in a 4.2 GPA. As a Mexican-American daughter of immigrants whose family has faced some challenges, Samantha knows the value of hard work and education. She held a part-time job and performed community service while attending school. From her work experience, her self-confidence, communication and social skills grew. Samantha plans to attend Columbia College, major in psychology and pursue a career as a therapist or teacher. Her teacher wrote, Samantha “finds a way to go above and beyond what is required to truly comprehend and retain what can be challenging concepts” and “will exceed expectations in any field she chooses.”

ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1,000

Lauryn Allen, Templeton, Templeton High School

Immersed in the wine industry her entire life, Lauryn is excited it will be part of her future. She is a hardworking and ambitious student who took numerous AP and community college courses during high school and earned a 4.3 GPA. Lauryn was active in the U.S. Pony Club for 10 years, Sarah Dubost Equestrian Team for 10 years, the high school newspaper and the STEM-Chemical Engineering Program. Through the STEM program, she interned as a lab technician for several months. She plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, major in viticulture and enology, and pursue a career as an enologist, lab technician and sommelier. Her teacher wrote, “Lauryn has proven herself to be an exceptionally driven student, willing to seek out opportunities to advance her understanding in advanced fields” and “would be an asset to any educational institution.”

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.

June 9, 2021