Andrew Hoxey

AWARDED 2009 GROWER OF THE YEAR

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) has announced the recipient of its 2009 Grower of the Year award. Longtime Napa grower Andrew Hoxsey will be honored at the organization’s 34th Annual Dinner on May 14 at the Native Sons Hall in St. Helena.

Hoxsey is a 4th generation Napa Valley farmer, and is one the largest organic growers in the county. He serves as President of Yount Mill Vineyards in Yountville and as Managing Partner of the Napa Wine Company, which is one of the 10 earliest bonded wineries in Napa. He is currently Chair of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and has long been active in the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, including past service on the Board of Directors. In addition to his industry involvement, Mr. Hoxsey has served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and played a vital role in other environmental and community-minded organizations.

Each year, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers bestows their most prestigious award to a Napa grower who has demonstrated: a strong commitment to sustainable practices; recognized leadership in the agricultural preservation; dedicated community focus, contributing to the Napa Valley community through their time, resources, and personal commitments; and someone who actively promotes Napa’s reputation for the highest quality vineyards.

NVG President Bruce Phillips recognized the important role that Hoxsey plays in the Napa Valley winegrowing community by noting, “The Napa Valley Grapegrowers is proud to present this award to Andrew Hoxsey. He personifies the Napa grower, who mindfully tends his winegrapes using the most current information available on sustainable techniques - and always incorporates the natural environment, his workforce, and future generations into his decision making”.

Tickets for the celebratory dinner where Hoxsey will be honored are available by phoning the Napa Valley Grapegrowers at (707) 944-8311.