Celebrating Leadership and Innovation
Honoring Our Annual Grower and Leader of the Year
Each year, CAWG presents two prestigious awards: Grower of the Year and Leader of the Year. These awards celebrate individuals, families, and companies whose commitment, innovation, and leadership have positively impacted the winegrowing community, supported California’s rural and urban economies, and advanced sustainable practices in agriculture.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the Awards of Excellence Program, please reach out to Mindy DeRohan, Manager of Membership and Communications.
2027 Award Winners
Grower of the Year
Leader of the Year
Join Our Reception:
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Nominations
Spring 2027.
Grower of the Year
CAWG’s highest honor, the Grower of the Year Award, recognizes a CAWG member, an individual, family, or company, for excellence in viticulture, business innovation, and industry leadership. Recipients serve as role models in winegrape growing and represent the best in California viticulture.
Past Grower Honorees
- 2026 - The Jackson Family, Jackson Family Wines
- 2025 - The Miller Family, The Thornhill Companies
- 2024- The Sangiacomo Family, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
- 2023: Dana Merrill, Mesa Vineyard Management
- 2022: The Bogle Family, Bogle Vineyards
- 2019: Andy Hoxsey, Napa Wine Company/Yount Mill Vineyards
- 2018: Steve Schafer, Schafer Vineyards
- 2017: Brad and Randy Lange, LangeTwins, Inc.
- 2016: Jerry and Bruce Fry, Mohr-Fry Ranches
- 2015: The Ledbetter Family, Vino Farms
- 2014: Andy Beckstoffer, Beckstoffer Vineyards
- 2013: Steve McIntyre, Monterey Pacific
- 2012: John Kautz, Kautz Farms
Leader of the Year
The Leader of the Year Award honors an individual or entity, inside or outside the CAWG membership, whose record of leadership, innovation, and advocacy has advanced the California winegrape industry and inspired positive change.
Past Leader Honorees
- 2026 - Stuart Spencer, Lodi Winegrape Commission
- 2025 - Randy Heinzen, Vineyard Professional Services
- 2024- Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture
- 2023: Jeanne Maitz, MalitzLaw, Inc
- 2022: Dr. Anita Oberholster, UC Davis
- 2019: Brad Goehring, Goehring Farms
- 2018: Karissa Kruse, Sonoma Winegrowers
- 2017: Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards
- 2016: Richard Smith, Smith Family Wines
- 2015: Volker Eisele, Volker Eisele Estate
- 2014: Richard Keen
- 2013: Ben Drake, Drake Enterprises
- 2012: Nat DiBuduo, Allied Grape Growers
Past Award Winner Announcements
