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.
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.
The California State Fair is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 California Commercial Wine Competition. As one of the nation’s most respected wine competitions, Chief Judge Mark Chandler led 39 expert judges to taste and evaluate 1,587 wines representing 309 of California’s top wine brands.
Dating back to 1854, the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is the oldest and most prestigious wine competition in the United States, continuing a legacy of honoring the very best of the Golden State.
The competition is open exclusively to wines made with fruit grown and produced in California’s 11 wine growing regions. Wines are judged by class, varietal, style, and growing region, celebrating the depth and diversity of California’s winemaking industry. The judging was held over three days at Cal Expo.
Top honors this year include:
Best of Show Red – 2023 Barbera by St. Amant Winery
Best of Show White – 2024 Verdelho by Las Positas Vineyards (Livermore Valley)
The most prestigious title, Golden State Winery of the Year, was awarded to Europa Village Winery & Resort in Temecula, marking their first time receiving the honor.
“The Commercial Wine Competition is a true celebration of California’s rich agricultural heritage and the incredible talent of our state’s winemakers,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “We’re proud to showcase these award-winning wines at the Fair and give our guests a chance to experience the best of the Golden State.”
The 2025 Top California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition winners are:
Golden State Winery of the Year:
Europa Village Winery & Resort
Best of Show Red:
St. Amant Winery
2023 Barbera
Lodi
Best of Show White:
Las Positas Vineyards
2024 Verdelho
Livermore Valley
Best of Show Sparkling:
Flying Goat Cellars
2021 Pinot Meunier Sparkling Wine
Santa Maria Valley
Best of Show Dessert:
Quady Winery
2022 Orange Muscat Dessert Wine
Madera
Best Value: Plata Wine Partners
2024 ‘Pink Moon’ Varietal Rose Blend
California
Best Micro Winery Red: Docmanov Vineyards & Winery
2024 Counoise
Santa Maria Valley
Best Micro Winery White: Tiny Vineyards Wine Company
2024 Vermentino
Sierra Foothills
Best Micro Winery Other:
Great Bear Vineyards
2024 Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon
Sierra Foothills
About the California State Fair
The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.
On April 23rd, with a party-line vote, the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement defeated SB 628 (Grove, R-Bakersfield). This bill was co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and would have created a tax credit to help agricultural employers cover the cost of overtime wages paid to farm workers.
“It is disappointing that the California State Senate failed to show the same bipartisan leadership we’ve seen in New York and Oregon,” said Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “SB 628 would have provided a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on overtime wages paid to farmworkers, delivering targeted relief for growers, supporting workers, and strengthening the rural communities that rely on a strong agricultural economy. This isn’t an untested idea; it’s a proven, common-sense solution. We urge the California Legislature to reconsider this legislation as soon as possible.”
Mountains of research and data show that agricultural employees have experienced a decline in their take-home pay since California’s ag overtime law took effect. The reality is that most growers simply cannot afford to pay overtime wages, and as a result, available overtime hours have been significantly reduced.
According to a 2023 study by the University of California, Berkeley, California farm workers have made less money since the Phase-In Overtime for Agricultural Workers Act of 2016 became law. The study concluded, “This early evidence suggests that the law may not be benefiting the workers they aim to protect.”
In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “Farmworkers are the backbone of California’s nation-leading agricultural industry and play a critical role in ensuring the stability of the state, nation, and world’s food supply. Investing in their well-being is investing in California’s success.”
“CAWG co-sponsored SB 628 because we share the Governor’s belief that supporting farmworkers is essential,” said Collins. “With California’s agricultural economy in steep decline, our workforce is feeling the strain. SB 628 was a modest, targeted fix that would have directly benefited those employees while offering stability for the growers who employ them. Finding solutions that support both growers and the agricultural workforce will remain one of CAWG’s highest priorities.”
Conversely, in opposing SB 628, the California Labor Federation stated, “At a time when the California legislature is debating how to allocate tax dollars to fund all the state’s priorities in education, housing, health and human services, infrastructure, energy, etc., this proposal is additionally harmful.”
Collins added, “This bill was never about choosing between priorities like education or infrastructure. It’s about recognizing that investing in agriculture and the people behind it is an investment in California’s long-term stability and resilience.
While we’re disappointed by the outcome, we are deeply grateful to Senator Shannon Grove for her leadership in authoring this legislation and to our co-sponsor, the California Farm Bureau, for their shared commitment and partnership. We also thank Senator Melissa Hurtado for her support of this bill and extend our sincere appreciation to the 35 farmworkers who took time out of their day to stand in support of SB 628.
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.
The sun is setting behind the rolling hills of one of Lake County’s picturesque vineyards. The postcard-perfect scene wraps up another day at the office for Christopher Chen, University of California Cooperative Extension’s integrated vineyard systems advisor for Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
UC Cooperative Extension advisor Chris Chen examines a grapevine rootstock during a farm call in Lake County, illustrating innovative approaches to rootstock selection for improved drought resilience and crop performance. Photo courtesy of UCCE.
Now entering his third year in that role, Chen often can be found at vineyards across the region, measuring the impact of drought-resistant rootstocks, collecting data on temperature fluctuations and carefully examining the vineyard’s canopy.
All these observations and measurements are part of a larger mission – to ensure that the very vines that produce the region’s world-renowned wines can thrive amid the challenges of climate change, wildfires and water scarcity.
“Agricultural production, and particularly viticulture and enology, represent a large industry in California’s North Coast counties, and the impacts of extreme climate conditions exacerbate the challenges associated with agriculture production and threaten the well-being of wine and grape industries,” Chen explained. “Our goal is to minimize the impacts of extreme weather in vineyards; we focus on identifying practical and applicable solutions to issues resulting from extreme environmental damage to wine grape crops.”
During the April sessions of both the Lake County and Mendocino County Board of Supervisors meetings, Chen will showcase his research and offer valuable insights into the challenges facing the viticulture community, including his critical work on smoke taint, climate adaptation and water management strategies.
Protecting the lifeblood of the region: Wine grapes and sustainable practices
Wine grape production is central to the economic vitality of Mendocino and Lake counties, but the industry faces increasing pressure from rising temperatures, water shortages and the unpredictable threat of wildfires.
Christopher Chen
“A significant part of my research is helping local vineyards adapt to these environmental shifts and working on ensuring the long-term sustainability for the industry,” Chen said.
One of his key areas of focus is smoke taint, a phenomenon caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phenolic compounds released by wildfires and prescribed burns. These compounds can severely impact the quality of wine, presenting a significant risk to wine grape production.
Chen’s ongoing research at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center – operated by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources – aims to quantify and mitigate this risk. In his preliminary study, he found that vineyards located more than a quarter of a mile away from prescribed burns showed a 31% reduction in smoke exposure, offering hope for managing smoke taint risks in the future.
Practical solutions for a changing climate
Beyond fire risk, Chen is innovating viticulture practices that will help vineyards adapt to a variety of climate challenges. His studies on rootstocks for drought recovery, along with his investigation into frost protection strategies, are helping local grape growers maintain production and improve efficiency without over-relying on precious water resources.
These studies are essential as California’s wine grape industry grapples with the growing impacts of climate variability. Chen’s research is not only providing solutions for today’s challenges but is also laying the groundwork for a more resilient wine industry in the years to come.
“It’s not just solutions to today’s problems we are investigating and educating stakeholders on, we also explore the challenges that are likely to become more prevalent in vineyards,” Chen said. “In years where water availability is sufficient, thinking about prolonged drought can be difficult, but it’s concerns like this that need to be in the forefront of our management and planning going forward so we are prepared to deal with them when they arrive.”
At Mendocino Grape Day event, Chen (at far right) engages with local growers, sharing insights from his latest research on sustainable viticulture practices and climate adaptation strategies. Photo courtesy of UCCE
Shaping the future of viticulture
Chen’s dedication to the viticulture community goes beyond research. Through his role at UC Cooperative Extension, he serves as a vital resource for local growers, offering consultation, outreach and educational events designed to support the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the region’s wine industry.
“Chris has been an incredible resource, particularly when it comes to extending knowledge and practical solutions,” said Alex Alper, a local vineyard manager. “His ability to translate complex research findings into down-to-earth, actionable advice has made a real difference in how I manage challenges like climate variability and pest pressures.”
As the region’s wine industry continues to grow and evolve to meet new challenges, Chen’s expertise is guiding it toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
“This position not only allows me to explore my interest in grapevines, but it also gives me the opportunity to help grape growers gain the information they need to solve the problems of today and of the future,” Chen said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to utilize my knowledge in this way and also to be able to meet and help the people of California’s North Coast viticultural regions.”
UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) provides research-based resources and expertise to enhance the well-being of California residents. UCCE supports agricultural, environmental and community-based initiatives that promote sustainability, resilience and innovation throughout the state.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.
It’s no secret that the wine industry is struggling, but it’s been difficult for some to wrap their heads around the many forces driving the decline in wine sales, and knowing how to prosper in today’s market. Alcohol beverage analyst Danny Brager shared some insights on the social and marketing trends impacting today’s wine consumers at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. Watch this brief interview with Danny and read more about current wine market trends in American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.
Many have heard rumors of a farming company out of Chile purchasing National Raisin Company, a dried fruit packer that has been serving the California raisin industry since 1969, founded by the Bedrosian brothers. To set the facts straight and introduce themselves to the industry, the Sutil family, new owners of National Raisin, recently gathered with growers in Fresno and shared their new vision for the long-established company. Watch this interview as Juan Sutil Jr. from Empresas Sutil S.A. meets with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss this vision and the future of National Raisin Company.
Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.
California wine grape growers have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue assessments to support the Pierce’s Disease Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Board. Ballots are being sent in the mail this month. Administered by CDFA and led by the wine grape industry for the last 25 years, this program funds research and activities to lessen the impact of threatening vineyard pests & diseases. Watch this brief interview with Lodi wine grape grower Aaron Lange as he shares with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network why he is voting “yes” on the referendum and explains what the Board has been working on that he finds so critical to the future of the industry.
Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.
Recent testing of material distributed from the Foundation Plant Services Classic Foundation Vineyard at the University of California, Davis, detected zero cases of grapevine red blotch and grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 infections, after one positive result during annual testing last fall.
“At this time there is no concern but we cannot get complacent,” Director Maher Al Rwahnih said of the results. “We will continue testing all individual vines every year and reconfirm that orders of Foundation Plant Services source vines are negative.”
Foundation Plant Services, or FPS, annually tests grapevines at its Classic Foundation Vineyard for grapevine red blotch virus, grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 and other economically important viruses. In October 2024, one vine out of 4,881 tested positive for grapevine leafroll associated virus-3, an infection last seen in the vineyard in 1994.
That vine was removed and surrounding vines were re-tested to ensure they were negative as well. The infected vine was also inspected for mealybug, which can transmit the virus, and none were found.
FPS recently conducted additional tests on all plant material distributed this year — and those vines that had been near the infected vine last year — and did not detect any virus. Monitoring of the surrounding vines will continue through the summer.
A source for industry
FPS provides high-quality, virus-tested grapevine material to the grapevine industry in the United States and serves as the primary source for plant materials sent to nurseries under the California Department of Agriculture’s Grapevine Registration and Certification Program.
The Classic Vineyard is home to more than 2,450 wine, table, raisin and rootstock grape selections. In 2024, Foundation Plant Services opened a new greenhouse to protect and propagate those plants in an environment safe from insects.
The grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 detection underscores the need to safeguard the vineyard’s clean grapevine collection, Al Rwahnih said. Foundation Plant Services is fundraising for a new screenhouse to further protect and make room for up to 2,000 more grape selections. The estimated cost is $3.6 million.
“Leafroll virus-3 is a severe virus,” Al Rwahnih said. “There is zero tolerance for it, red blotch or other economically important viruses. We cannot have them present.”— By Emily C. Dooley, UC Davis
According to a new economic impact study, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pierce’s disease (PD) and glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) prevention, control and research efforts save California winegrape growers $56 million annually by reducing losses from the fatal grapevine disease. Without the program’s efforts, growers’ losses would more than double from $48 million to $104 million. The study found that if GWSS spread unchecked, outbreaks of PD could cost winegrape growers an additional $56 million a year in lost production and vine replacement.
“This study highlights the serious threat Pierce’s disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter pose to our industry and reinforces the importance of grower-funded research,” said Randy Heinzen, a Paso Robles winegrape grower on the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board. “The public-private partnership led by the Pierce’s Disease Control Program is vital, allowing grower assessment funds to drive research that improves pest and disease management and to develop practical, sustainable solutions for the long-term viability of our industry.”
The unique funding partnership the winegrape industry forged between growers, the state and federal government and industry fuels the essential research and control operations that have significantly blunted the most severe impacts of PD and GWSS. Even with these efforts, PD still costs an estimated $110 million annually in California, including $45 million for control, prevention and research, $48 million in lost winegrape production and vine replacement and $17 million in lost table and raisin grape production and vine replacement. Without these critical programs, the industry’s losses in production and vine replacement would be even higher, putting greater financial strain on growers and threatening the long-term stability of California’s vineyards.
With industry and government support keeping PD and GWSS in check, grower-funded research continues to drive advancements in pest and disease management while supporting field trials for promising solutions. According to the study’s authors, the economic burden of PD and GWSS could decrease as this research yields practical, vineyard-ready innovations.
As we kick off California’s Down to Earth Month, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance celebrates four wineries and vineyard companies awarded 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. These companies join a decade of past winners from throughout the Golden State. These awardees are recognized for their notable sustainability practices and innovation based on a comprehensive judging process focused on both sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Presented by several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability, four green medals are awarded annually in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business. American Vineyard Magazine was proud to be among this year’s awards sponsors.
“As the California Green Medal enters its second decade, this year’s winners exemplify leadership and innovation in sustainable winegrowing,” said Allison Jordan, executive director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. “These four outstanding wineries and vineyards showcase the holistic commitment to sustainability — preserving natural resources, protecting the environment, enhancing wine quality and enriching the lives of employees and communities — all while producing exceptional grapes and wines.”
Winners of the 2025 California Green Medals are:
LEADER AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that excels in the three “Es” of sustainability — Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable practices.
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery in St. Helena, California, has integrated an unwavering holistic approach into every aspect of its operations for decades. Practicing organic farming since 1985, Spottswoode holds many certifications including Regenerative Organic Certified®, Napa Green Vineyard and Winery, B Corp, California Certified Organic Farmers, Demeter Biodynamic, International Wineries for Climate Action Gold Level and True Zero Waste Gold Level, showcasing its deep commitment to land and community stewardship. Focusing on soil health and biodiversity, Spottswoode is using no-till farming, nutrient-rich cover crops and sheep grazing to enhance soil while reducing environmental impact. Their innovative water conservation efforts — including real-time vine water analysis, nighttime irrigation and high-efficiency cleaning systems — have cut water use 28% since 2010. Solar arrays support wine production, agricultural and office energy use while electric vehicles further reduce their emissions. Beyond their estate, Spottswoode advances environmental stewardship and empowers fellow growers’ transition to organic farming through financial incentives and technical assistance. Spottswoode also drives climate advocacy by participating in multiple sustainability-focused boards. For their environmental and community leadership and dedication to a vibrant, sustainable future, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery is the winner of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leader Award.
ENVIRONMENT AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
CHANDON
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, CHANDON is a pioneer in sustainable winegrowing, continuously pushing the boundaries of environmental stewardship. With CHANDON, water conservation is a top priority with automated irrigation and real-time moisture monitoring on 257 acres of vineyard and drought-tolerant rootstocks planted to even more acres, reducing water use across the vineyard. Over 80% of the water used in their vineyards is recycled, ensuring efficiency without compromising vine health. Through composting, cover cropping and sheep grazing, they nurture soil health while enhancing biodiversity across their vineyards. CHANDON also leads in renewable energy, with solar panels powering operations and a growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles replacing fossil fuel-dependent equipment. Beyond their vineyards, CHANDON restores native habitats, planting miles of hedgerows and 1,000 oak trees with a policy to replant three trees for every tree that is dead or removed to enhance biodiversity. Their commitment extends to waste reduction, with a transition to lightweight glass bottles alone cutting carbon emissions by 10%. For their dedication to protecting the land and pioneering sustainable practices, we celebrate CHANDON as the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Environment Award.
COMMUNITY AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.
Jordan Vineyards & Winery
Located in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, Jordan Vineyards & Winery is a pillar of sustainability and community. A significant portion of Jordan’s revenue funds the John Jordan Foundation, which has impacted over 220 organizations in education, health and youth services. The foundation has supported crisis relief efforts, including housing displaced animals during wildfires and donating $100,000 to Sonoma Restaurant Relief during the pandemic. In the past two years, Jordan has hosted a philanthropic event for Smile Train, raising more than $100,000 for cleft palate care. In efforts to share philanthropy with its employees, in 2025, Jordan’s 100 employees will receive $1,000 each to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, reinforcing their culture of giving back to the local and international community. With a commitment to preserving over 75% of its 1,200-acre estate as native habitat, Jordan has planted over 2,500 pollinator plants, earning the 2022 Monarch Sustainer of the Year award. Solar panels generate 70% of the winery’s electricity while greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 86% by procuring remaining electricity from local renewable energy sources. For its unwavering dedication to community, sustainability and a better future for all, Jordan Vineyards & Winery is the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Community Award.
BUSINESS AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.
Nuveen Natural Capital
With operations throughout California, Nuveen Natural Capital (NNC) exemplifies how sustainability is not just good for the planet — it’s good for business. Their commitment to soil health on their managed properties is reflected in their range of responsible practices including biochar application and cover-crop crimping. Such practices improve soil productivity and enhance carbon sequestration. As part of their integrated pest management approach, NNC developed a custom application to monitor pests and pathogens, as well as beneficial organisms. They also experiment with innovative techniques such as UV-C light technology for fungus control and electricity to control weeds with the goal of reducing reliance on crop protection materials and associated costs. These strategies benefit the environment and soil health as well as promote biodiversity, helping to build resilient ecosystems. Their energy efficiency efforts, including the use of renewable diesel across 15,000 acres of vineyards, demonstrate their intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase economic efficiency. Another example of the cost benefits of sustainable winegrowing is NNC’s investment in PVC liners to fortify porous canals and reservoirs that has saved substantial amounts of water and energy, demonstrating NNC’s comprehensive approach to water efficiency. NNC blends sustainability with social equity and opportunities for people with disabilities, proving that every vineyard can cultivate a more inclusive future. Crop managers are encouraged to hire, train and support people with disabilities in viticultural work and over 150 workers have found employment through this initiative. For their integration of sustainable practices with business efficiency, technological innovation and community engagement, Nuveen Natural Capital is the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Business Award.
About the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards
The California Green Medal is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Green, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team. California vineyards and wineries that participate in a sustainability program in California are eligible to apply in four award categories (Leader, Environment, Community and Business) that recognize outstanding achievement in sustainability. A judging panel of wine and sustainability experts make the final selections, and each recipient receives an engraved Green Medal and is recognized for their contributions to California wines’ world-leading efforts on wine sustainability. A customized award ceremony also helps to share their achievement with staff, customers, media and other stakeholders of their choice.
