Each year, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers bestows the Grower of the Year award, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, to a Napa Valley vineyard owner or manager who exemplifies leadership and innovation in our field.
Members of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers submit annual nominations, which are reviewed by the Grower of the Year Award Committee. The Award Committee is comprised of 2 active members of an NVG committee; the current Board President; and 2 Past Presidents of the organization, and their selection is based on the following criteria:
Agricultural Best Practice and Innovation
- Commitment to environmental, social, and economically sustainable viticulture in Napa County
- Adoption of innovative viticultural techniques
- Leadership in the preservation of Napa County agriculture
- Known for farming high quality Napa winegrapes
Industry Advocacy
- Has shown leadership and advocacy for the principles of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and is an outspoken advocate of Napa Valley winegrowing
- Involvement in efforts that raise the awareness of quality winegrapes from Napa County
- Actively promotes the concepts of how Napa is unique and extraordinary
- Promotes a collaborative working relationship between growers and wineries
Community Focus
- Contributes to the Napa Valley community at large through the dedication of their time, resources, and personal commitments
The Grower of the Year is recognized in a variety of ways: by NVG members at the Annual Dinner Celebration; by local, state, and national dignitaries; and will be widely publicized throughout our industry and community press.
Deadline for 2012 nomination submissions is February 24. One nomination per membership. Past nominations may be re-submitted.
GROWER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
2006 – Andy Beckstoffer, Beckstoffer Vineyards
2007 – Davie Piña, Piña Napa Valley
2008 – Lee Hudson, Hudson Vineyards
2009 – Andy Hoxsey, Yount Mill Vineyards
2010 – Ron Wicker, Wicker Vineyards
2011 – The Phillips Family, Vine Hill Ranch & Phillips Family Farming
2012 – Patrick Garvey, Garvey Family Vineyard