California Ag Network

Tag: The California Association of Winegrape Growers

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Opens Nominations for 2026 Awards of Excellence Program

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is pleased to announce nominations are now open for its 2026 Awards of Excellence Program. These prestigious awards honor exceptional winegrape growers and industry professionals who demonstrate innovation, environmental and community stewardship, and a lasting impact on California’s winegrape industry.

    Grower of the Year is CAWG’s highest honor, celebrating individuals, families, or companies that demonstrate excellence in viticulture and vineyard management. Honorees are recognized for their leadership, innovative practices, and consistent production of high-quality winegrapes.

    Past Grower of the Year recipients: John Kautz, John Kautz Family; Steve McIntyre, Monterey Pacific; Andy Beckstoffer, Beckstoffer Vineyards; The Ledbetter Family; Jerry and Bruce Fry, Mohr-Fry Ranches; Brad & Randy Lange, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards; Steve Schafer, Schafer Vineyards; Andy Hoxsey, Napa Wine Company/Yount Mill Vineyards; The Bogle Family, Bogle Vineyards; Dana Merrill, Mesa Vineyard Management; The Sangiacomo Family, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards; and the Miller Family, The Thornhill Companies.

    Leader of the Year honors an individual who has made a significant, positive impact on California’s winegrape industry through advocacy, vision, and action. This award celebrates those who have championed key industry issues and driven meaningful change.

    Past Leader recipients: Nat DiBuduo, Allied Grape Growers; Ben Drake, Drake Enterprises; Richard Keehn; Volker Eisele, Volker Eisele Family Estate; Richard Smith, Smith Family Wines; Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards; Karissa Kruse, Sonoma Winegrowers; Brad Goehring, Goehring Vineyards; Dr. Anita Oberholster, UC Davis; Jeanne Malitz, MalitzLaw, Inc.; CA Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross; and Randy Heinzen, Vineyard Professional Services.

    CAWG encourages industry peers, partners, and community members to nominate those whose work and leadership deserve to be celebrated. Whether it’s a trusted grower, a passionate advocate, or an innovator quietly shaping the future, your nomination can help honor their legacy and inspire others.

    Nominations for the 2026 Awards of Excellence are open through June 9, 2025.

    Award recipients will be honored at a special reception on January 27, 2026, during the opening night of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, California.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers: CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.

  • CAWG Distributes 168 Owl Boxes to Grape Growers Across California

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) proudly announces the successful distribution of 168 owl boxes to winegrape growers throughout the state. This achievement was made possible through a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) CalAgPlate program.

    North Salinas High School FFA

    Built by FFA students from seven chapters across California, the owl boxes were created as part of CAWG’s “Creating a Sustainable Future: Owl Box Construction for Hands-On Agricultural Learning” initiative. This innovative program offered students hands-on experience in woodworking, project management, and sustainable farming practices while deepening their understanding of biodiversity and natural pest management in viticulture.

    These owl boxes, now installed along vineyards across the state, provide growers with an eco-friendly solution for pest control while fostering meaningful collaboration between FFA students and agricultural professionals. CAWG extends its sincere gratitude to the following FFA chapters and their advisor leadership for their contributions to advancing sustainability in the wine grape industry.

    • Elk Grove High School
    • Laton High School
    • Modesto High School
    • Ranch San Juan High School
    • Round Valley High School
    • Salinas High School
    • Tokay High School

    “CAWG is deeply committed to creating opportunities that enhance sustainability in viticulture and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “This collaboration between CAWG and FFA students demonstrates how hands-on education can drive meaningful progress in sustainability and leadership.”

    The CalAgPlate program, funded through the sale of specialized agricultural-themed license plates by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, has awarded more than $2 million to initiatives promoting agricultural education and leadership development statewide.

    For more information about the Owl Box Initiative and CAWG’s ongoing efforts to advance sustainability and education in the wine grape industry, please visit cawg.org.

    Tokay High School FFA

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Re-elect and Welcome New Board Leadership

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is pleased to announce the election of two new board directors. Joining the 29-person board, which includes 27 growers representing diverse regions and operations across California and two directors-at-large, are Johnnie White of Piña Vineyard Management in Napa and Hilary Graves of Booker Vineyard in Paso Robles. Their terms commenced on December 1, 2024.

    The board also reelected Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners in San Luis Obispo as chairman of the board, along with Jeff Bitter, a winegrape grower in Madera, and John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma as vice-chairs; Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management, LLC in Healdsburg as secretary; and Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management in Salinas as treasurer. Their officer terms will run through November 30, 2025.

    CAWG extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing directors who have completed their dedicated service to the board: Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko of Yount Mill Vineyards in Oakville and Marshall Miller of The Thornhill Companies in Santa Barbara.

    “I want to thank Kendall and Marshall for their steadfast commitment and the expertise they brought to the board. Their contributions have been instrumental in continuing CAWG’s legacy as the trusted voice of California’s winegrape growers,” said CAWG Board Chair Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners. “We also welcome Johnnie and Hilary, whose leadership will be crucial as we navigate the ongoing challenges facing our industry.”

    “As the association celebrates its 50th year, we recognize the pivotal role of the board in driving industry- wide improvements for the benefit of all,” said Natalie Collins, CAWG President. “Their commitment ensures we stay laser-focused on the critical issues facing California’s winegrape growers, while confidently looking toward the future.”

    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.

  • 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.

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $44,000 in Student Scholarships

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $44,000 in college scholarships to eight students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.

    “The scholarships, awarded annually by the CAWG Foundation, serve as a powerful testament to our profound gratitude for the families of vineyard employees. The workforce is the very essence of our industry, and these scholarships stand as a heartfelt expression of our immense appreciation,” stated Davindar Mahil, Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors.

    The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have truly excelled in various aspects. From academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities to making a positive impact through public service and active community engagement. In addition to considering financial need and scholastic ability, the board also values a strong spirit of community service, a track record of leadership, and a personal essay that embodies their journey.

    Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $603,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.

    This year, five scholarships at $8,000 each were awarded to students attending a four-year University of California or California State University campus, one two-year scholarship at $2,000 was awarded to a student attending a California community college, and two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students through the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Created by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students who plan to pursue a career in the winegrape industry and are studying viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

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

    Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School
    Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School
    Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School

    Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep

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

    Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship / $1,000 each

    David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH

    Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    Sofia is a hardworking first-generation college student who hopes to own her own business and/or work in the sports industry. Sofia has excelled in school, being named one of her high school’s top 40 students, an award that she was nominated for and voted on by staff. She has excelled in school, skipping a grade, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and being actively involved in CSF, student council, and golf. Sofia attended a CADA/CASL leadership conference at UC Santa Barbara where she grew as a leader. She plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall and major in business.

    Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School

    Harmandeep is a passionate and dedicated student with a strong appreciation for the field of science. In the fourth grade, Harmandeep joined the Science Olympiad team and his love for science has never wavered. He served as the captain of the Tokay High School’s Varsity Science Olympiad team where he broadened his knowledge in all aspects of science. This experience led him to his career goal of becoming a healthcare professional. He hopes to one day provide quality healthcare in the Central Valley. Harmandeep has volunteered within his community at the Sikh Temple, San Joaquin County Medical Society, and the NorCal Science Festival. Harmandeep plans to attend UCLA, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Agricultural Pest Management.

    Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School

    Faith is the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree. She is goal- oriented, driven, and values her education. Throughout her high school career, Faith has been active in 4-H and FFA and was one of 43 seniors to receive a gold academic pin for being involved in scholastic extracurriculars while maintaining multiple jobs. Faith plans to become an agricultural inspector after college because of a passion she developed through livestock and crop judging contests in FFA. Faith is a dynamic leader and served as the Mother Lode Sectional FFA Vice President. Faith plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Agricultural Business.

    Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep

    Juan is an eager and dedicated student who is actively involved in his school and community. Born in Mexico, Juan and his family immigrated to California in 2010. Juan will be the first in his family to achieve their dream of a college education. Juan is a devoted student and has maintained a 4.0 since the seventh grade, and recently received many awards for his scholastic achievements including Advanced Honor Roll, Exemplary Award, Most Improved, and Outstanding Academic Success. He has an exceptional work ethic and is intrinsically motivated by his desire for knowledge. Juan plans to attend Cal Poly, Pomona or San Diego State in the fall majoring in Hospitality and Tourism.

    Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School

    Julie is a goal-oriented student with a deep appreciation for the winegrape industry. Julie’s career path took shape when she completed her first Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in FFA working in a vineyard with her grandfather. She performed all tasks including tying grapes, pruning vines, and conducting sugar tests. Her experience in FFA helped shape her career goal to grow winegrapes and work as a grape processor. Julie is actively involved in sports, extracurricular activities, and community service projects while maintaining a 4.1 grade point average. Pursuing grape production is more than

    just a SAE project to Julie, it is a way to continue her family’s history – something she deeply values. Julie plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and major in Viticulture and Enology.

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH

    Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Edgar is the son of immigrant parents who pushed him to focus on his education and pursue a college degree. Edgar’s dedication to his studies and his exceptional critical thinking capabilities drive his aspirations to major in music and become an audio engineer. He is passionate about music production in all forms including music, movies, and video games. Edgar takes his education very seriously and is enamored with studying Spanish-speaking culture. Outside of school, Edgar volunteers at Ironman Triathlons because of his desire to help others and learn about the effort and commitment required to put on these events. Edgar values giving back to his community through volunteer activities. Edgar plans on attending Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall.

    ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1000

    David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School

    David is a tenacious, resilient, motivated, and hardworking student who has shown great leadership in his extracurricular activities at Mission Prep High School. David has a deep history in the agricultural industry, growing up on his family’s ranch, one that he hopes to continue as he gains knowledge and further understanding of the wine, farming, and business industries. David raised livestock and participated in 4-H since he was 5 years old and worked at multiple wineries in Paso Robles where he was able to explore different aspects of the industry. David plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture and Enology.

    Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School

    Mindy is a first-generation college student with a strong love for the winegrape industry that has been a part of her life since she was born. Her enthusiasm for the cultivation of winegrapes comes from working alongside her grandfather and father in the vineyard on the weekends. In high school, Mindy was a part of the Cabrillo High School Viticulture Program where she became the Vineyard Manager Lead. As the lead, Mindy managed the vineyard including identifying brix levels, tending to irrigation problems, pruning, and more. Mindy plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture & Enology to achieve her career goal of becoming a vineyard manager.

    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.

  • CAWG President John Aguirre to Step Down After 12 Years

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) announced the planned departure of its president, John Aguirre, effective May 31, 2022. He started with the association on June 1, 2010.

    “Leading CAWG has been a dream job,” Aguirre said. “I’ve had the privilege of working for outstanding volunteer leaders who are dedicated to the idea of advocacy on behalf of winegrape growers. I could not contemplate a better conclusion to my career as an association executive. My wife and I are planning a new chapter in our lives with a move to Portugal mid-year, but I intend to maintain my relationship with the wine industry.”

    Tom Slater, of Slater Farms in Clarksburg and chair of the CAWG board of directors said, “We are grateful that John gave us 12 years of steady leadership and his unwavering commitment to growers’ interests. No matter how tough the issues, he always provided a reassuring voice and wise counsel.”

    Under Aguirre’s leadership, CAWG increased its presence in Washington, D.C. by hiring a new federal government affairs team. Since 2010, CAWG has advocated for well-funded plant pest and disease programs and for a revamped agricultural guestworker program, obtained relief for winegrape growers from the Food and Drug Administration’s produce safety rule, and secured federal money for new programs of research on wildfire smoke issues and disaster assistance for growers affected by wildfires. More recently, Aguirre played a key role in the formation and operation of the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force, a group comprised of industry representatives from California, Oregon and Washington.

    At the state level, CAWG twice succeeded in reauthorizing grower assessments to address Pierce’s disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter and the control of other pests; passed amendments to California’s processors law; and worked to protect growers from onerous new labor and environmental regulations.

    Aguirre has spent his career working on agriculture and food policy. He began his career in the U.S. Congress working for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and later for the House Committee on Agriculture. After leaving Capitol Hill, he worked for two food industry associations in Washington, D.C., and immediately prior to joining CAWG, Aguirre served as executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

    To ensure a smooth transition, Aguirre is working closely with Slater, who will meet with the CAWG board of directors this month to consider and formalize a transition plan. “The association is strong and we are well equipped to transition to new leadership,” Slater said.

  • CAWG Mourns Passing of Founding Chair Richard Keehn

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened to share that Richard Keehn, a founding member of CAWG and the first chair of its board of directors, passed away on Dec. 20, 2019.

    Following a decorated 15-year career in the U.S. Army, Keehn began farming winegrapes in Mendocino County in the early 1970s. In the years that followed, he became one of the industry’s most devoted leaders.

    In 1974, California winegrape growers were challenged by numerous issues, including low prices and unfair business practices, pest and disease management, and several new state and federal laws. Keehn and several winegrape growers believed they would be stronger industry advocates if they organized as a group. They met with Bank of America and each grower signed a personal guarantee of $10,000 to launch CAWG.

    Thanks to the foresight and efforts of Keehn and fellow founding members, CAWG was created and has become an effective statewide organization protecting and promoting the interests of California winegrape growers. CAWG is now in its 46th year.

    Keehn served as CAWG’s chair for four years (1974-1978) and as a director for seven years. He also contributed his leadership and expertise to other agricultural endeavors, such as the California World Trade Commission Advisory Council, California Board of Food and Agriculture, American Vineyard Foundation and Wine Institute. Keehn was the recipient of the 2014 CAWG Leader of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual whose record of exceptional leadership has benefitted California’s wine industry and is an inspiration to others.

    Keehn’s obituary provides more details about his life, career and accomplishments, as well as donations in his honor. For more information, please contact Karen Keehn at kskeehn@gmail.com.

  • Winegrape Growers Affected by Wildfires Can Apply for Assistance Through WHIP+

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue this week announced thatgrowers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters in 2018 or 2019 can apply for assistance through theWildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). Winegrape growers who suffered losses due to smokeexposure events in 2018 are eligible.

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) worked with members of the Californiacongressional delegation to ensure winegrapes are covered by WHIP+. CAWG President John Aguirrecommended the actions of key members of the California congressional delegation. “The efforts of Sen. DianneFeinstein and Reps. Mike Thompson and Jim Costa were critical in ensuring California’s winegrape growersaffected by wildfires would qualify for assistance under WHIP+.”

    USDA is now accepting claims for WHIP+ assistance. USDA recommends growers contact their local FarmService Agency (FSA) county office to schedule an appointment. Growers in all California counties are eligiblefor assistance under WHIP+ for wildfire-related losses, provided their county received a Presidential EmergencyDisaster Declaration or Secretarial Disaster Designation or their FSA county committee approves a loss claimdue to a qualifying disaster event in 2018 or 2019.

    Winegrapes are the only commodity under WHIP+ eligible for payments due to quality losses. Growers canreceive WHIP+ payments for unharvested grapes resulting from wineries that rejected smoke exposed fruit,provided growers can document the fruit had elevated levels of smoke compounds. In addition, WHIP+ willcover quality losses attributable to smoke where the affected grapes had a value of less than 75 percent of theaverage market price of undamaged grapes of the same or similar variety. In this instance, growers must submitverifiable documentation that a reduced price resulted from smoke exposure.

    “WHIP+ represents a substantial improvement over the 2017 version of WHIP in that it covers quality losses,”Aguirre said. There are a variety of scenarios where the value of a grower’s crop may have been discounteddue to smoke exposure related quality issues, either at the time of sale or subsequent to being processed intowine. CAWG is reviewing the just released details of WHIP+ to determine how the program applies to thesedifferent scenarios.

     

  • CAWG Seeks State Support for Wine & Viticulture Research at Legislative Hearing

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) requested state support for critical wine and viticulture research during today’s joint hearing of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry and the Assembly Select Committee on Wine. The hearing – titled “Cultivating the Next Generation of Wine Industry Leaders and Emerging Markets in California” – covered the state of wine education and research, as well as emerging markets and appellations.

    Tony Stephen, chief sales officer for Scheid Family Wines in Monterey County, testified on behalf of CAWG about the value of and need for wine and viticulture research. Stephen is chair of the board of directors for the American Vineyard Foundation and the National Grape Research Alliance.

    “We must step up our investment in research if we want to secure the future of California winegrowing and the communities that depend upon our industry,” Stephen stated in his testimony. “For this reason, CAWG is proposing a public investment in a wine industry research endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of California’s winegrape growers and wineries. Prudent investments in vineyard and wine research will deliver significant benefits to all Californians.”

    CAWG Director of Government Relations Michael Miller said, “With threats from climate change, increased wildfires, a declining workforce, global trade tensions and new invasive pests, the need for increased research is tremendous. A public-private research endowment will greatly augment the millions of dollars that are already invested by the industry.”