In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, NVG celebrates its 50th Anniversary by honoring two influential figures who shaped—and continue to shape—Napa Valley’s viticultural legacy. The episode begins with a rich conversation with Andy Beckstoffer, one of NVG’s founders, who shares the story behind the organization's creation and the pivotal moments that helped elevate grape growers from second-class status to key decision-makers in the wine industry. From advocating for the 75% appellation rule to establishing vineyard-designate branding, Beckstoffer reflects on the early battles for grower respect, the transition from commodity farming to quality-driven practices, and how the region found confidence in its own identity following the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

Then, we share a glass with the 2025 Grower of the Year Oscar Renteria, who reflects on his upbringing in a multi-generational farmworker family and his journey toward leading Renteria Vineyard Management. Oscar speaks with heartfelt optimism about resilience, legacy, and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of education, cultural pride, and finding joy in hard work. His leadership style—rooted in gratitude, empathy, and teamwork—embodies NVG’s mission and offers a forward-looking perspective for the next generation of Napa growers navigating uncertain times with hope and purpose.

• “The background of the formation of the Grape Growers was respect. We wanted respect as growers—and that changed everything.” – Andy Beckstoffer
• “The vineyard brand can be more valuable than the winery brand—if you market your vineyard, not just sell your grapes.” – Andy Beckstoffer
• “I came back to Napa not because I had to—but because I saw the beauty, the legacy, and the chance to build something meaningful with my father.” – Oscar Renteria
• “I find the most fulfillment in mentoring others—helping people grow is how I measure success today.” – Oscar Renteria
• “The mantra is ‘wine is grown in the vineyard’—but for too long, the value wasn’t passed through to the grower. That changed here in Napa.” – Caleb Mosley
• “We're celebrating 50 years of grit, collaboration, and excellence—and the people who made Napa Valley what it is today.” – Caleb Mosley

As NVG’s 50th anniversary celebration continues, we are taking the month of April to reflect on our collective responsibility as stewards of the land. Our deep-rooted commitment to the health of our environment drives us to educate and promote climate-resilient farming techniques, ensuring the longevity of our cherished vineyards. This holistic approach to stewardship extends far beyond the four corners of the vineyards.  Participating in the development of Napa County's Groundwater Sustainability Plan has allowed us to promote effective and realistic conservation strategies, helping to safeguard one of our most precious resources for the benefit of our entire community. Furthermore, our recognition as a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner underscores our unwavering dedication to education, conservation, and advocacy. Together, these initiatives reflect how we exemplify leadership in sustainable viticulture, and continually drive us to raise the bar for environmental responsibility in the vineyard.

Kicking off this month is our #NVG50 campaign! We’re sharing throwback photos honoring the people and moments that shaped us over 50 years. To start, and in celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting trailblazing women in agriculture. Share your own stories and tag us for a chance to be featured!
IG: @Napa_Valley_Grapegrowers
FB: @NapaValleyGrapegrowers​

As we continue celebrating our 50th anniversary, it is with great pride that we embrace March’s theme: "50 Years of Championing Women in the Industry". March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history and in our present day. The Napa Valley has been shaped by some of the most respected and influential women in the grape growing and wine industries, whose dedication and vision have propelled our region onto the world stage. Throughout March, we invite you to join us in celebrating the women who have shaped agriculture in Napa Valley:
​

• Follow our social media channels to see throwback photos honoring the female pioneers who paved the way, and share your own memories and tributes, and don’t forget to tag us for a chance to have your post reshared
• Listen in to the next episode of Grown in Napa Valley, which will launch March 10. Dr. Kris Lowe discusses the importance of research, and Brittany Pederson and I chat about her career path and being female in agriculture
• Stock up! We’re thrilled to share that woman-owned winery Crocker & Starr will be donating 10% of sales of their 2024 A.V.A. Rosé throughout March. Purchase your bottles for spring! 
• Read our latest monthly Wine Business Monthly article featuring a Q&A with Brittany Pederson and Cathy Corison

​Together, let’s spotlight the extraordinary women whose passion, perseverance, and innovation have enriched our community for the past 50 years — and will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Half a century ago, a group of forward-thinking, passionate Napa Valley farmers met around Ren Harris’ dining room table in Oakville to create the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. These pioneers recognized the unique potential inherent in this valley to grow winegrapes that could create wine worthy of competition with the finest offerings from across the globe. Over the past 50 years, NVG has evolved to address some of the most pressing issues facing the Napa grape-growing community, further establishing and protecting this amazing land for generations to come.
A few highlights of our work over the past 50 years:

• Our founders helped create and pass legislation ensuring Napa Valley growers were not only recognized but fairly rewarded for their efforts in cultivating some of the best grapes grown in the state of California. NVG evolved to promote the use of geographical and historical indicators to establish a wine’s appellation, allowing consumers to further distinguish Napa Valley wines.
• NVG participated in crafting the Winery Definition Ordinance and supported Measure J as a means to add more impactful longevity to Napa County’s groundbreaking Agricultural Preserve.
• When organic farming began to gain traction in Napa vineyards, NVG launched the Organic Winegrowing Conference to disseminate cutting-edge viticultural practices, a practice that serves as a pillar of our organization to this day.
• Our support of and collaboration with the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office helped eradicate the invasive European Grapevine Moth from Napa’s vineyards.
• In 2018, NVG leadership took the bold step to transition the organization’s nonprofit status from a 501(c)(5) to a 501(c)(3), empowering our efforts to bridge to the greater community. We remain committed to providing key technical education and unwavering advocacy for our members and their vineyards while embarking upon outreach to the community to promote our unique grape-growing heritage.

The NVG Board of Directors, in collaboration with our dedicated NVG staff, has curated a year-long celebration of this milestone, complete with monthly themes highlighting important aspects of our past, present, and future. Our “Grown in Napa Valley” Podcast, released on the tenth of each month, will feature a cast of growers and winemakers who have played a pivotal role in the success of our valley. I invite you to tune in to our freshly released January episode featuring Richard Mendelson and, appropriately, Ren Harris.

We will host several events, including the relaunch of our annual membership meeting (complete with a special guest keynote speaker), to celebrate this feat together with a glass of Napa Valley wine in hand. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements on these upcoming events, and take a peek at our 50th-anniversary calendar.

As we embark upon the next 50 years, the practice of grape growing in our precious valley will be faced with numerous challenges. The wine sales marketplace continues to evolve. Our climate continues to shift. Our knowledge of our environment and our impact upon it will continue to progress. The Napa Valley Grapegrowers stand at the ready to tackle challenges and to support our growers and the health of our environment. We, too, will continue to evolve.

I invite everyone to take a moment this year to embrace the accomplishments of the past, to contemplate the current nature of our valley, and to envision a future that continues to provide for our entire community, just as it has for each and every one of us. I find myself overflowing with gratitude to play a part in leading this historic organization as we celebrate, and I can’t wait to raise a glass with you!

Here’s to the next 50 years of growing together!

Caleb Mosley
​Executive Director