About the Grower of the Year

Nominations for the Grower of the Year come from the NVG membership and the recipient is chosen by a special Selection Committee made up of Past Presidents, current leadership, and active committee members.  The award criteria are: a strong commitment to sustainable practices; recognized leadership in agricultural preservation; dedicated community focus, contributions to the Napa Valley community; and someone who actively promotes Napa’s reputation for the highest quality vineyards.
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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. Nominations come from the membership, are reviewed by the Board of Directors, and the recipient is chosen by a select committee. Nominations must demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

• Agricultural Best Practice and Innovation
  • Commitment to environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable viticulture in Napa County
  • Adoption of innovative viticultural techniques
  • Known for farming high-quality Napa winegrapes

 

• Industry Advocacy
  • Has actively contributed to committees and programs of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, furthering the mission to preserve and promote Napa Valley vineyards
  • Promotes the concept of quality in Napa
  • Proven advocacy for the preservation of Napa County agriculture
  • Promotes a collaborative working relationship between growers and wineries

 

• Community Focus
  • Contributes to the Napa Valley community-at-large through dedication of their time and resources

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Past Grower of the Year Award 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
2013 - Frank Leeds, Frog’s Leap Winery and Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyard
2014 - Mary Maher, Harlan Estate
2015 - Michael Wolf, Michael Wolf Viticultural Services
2016 - Larry Bettinelli, Bettinelli Vineyards
2017 - Ted Hall, Long Meadow Ranch
2018 - Steve Moulds, Moulds Family Vineyard
2019 - Pete Richmond, Silverado Farming Company 
2020 - Larry Hyde, Hyde Vineyards
​2021 - Ren Harris, Paradigm Winery
​2022 - Arnulfo Solorio, Silverado Farming Company

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