NVG Annual Membership Meeting: A Morning of Connection, Recognition, and Looking Ahead

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The Napa Valley Grapegrowers gathered with members, partners, and friends of the organization for our Annual Membership Meeting, hosted at Charles Krug Winery. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, share updates on the work underway to support Napa Valley’s vineyards, and look ahead to what’s next for grape growing in the region.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us. Moments like this remind us that the strength of Napa Valley agriculture is rooted not only in the land, but in the people who care for it.

Honoring Bob Steinhauer
A highlight of the morning was recognizing Bob Steinhauer for his extraordinary contributions to Napa Valley and the wine industry. Congressman Mike Thompson presented a Congressional Resolution honoring Bob’s lasting impact and lifelong dedication to advancing viticulture in our region.
Bob’s commitment to education and innovation continues to shape the future of grape growing. In his honor, the American Vineyard Foundation has established the Justin Meyer Graduate Student Research Fellowship, supporting graduate research that strengthens the future of winegrowing through innovation, education, and practical vineyard application.

Exploring the Intersection of Viticulture, Hospitality, Media, and Place
​The program also featured a conversation with Nick Kokonas and Jess Lander that explored the intersection of viticulture, hospitality, media, and place.

Nick, known for his innovative work in hospitality and technology, and Jess, a respected voice covering the wine industry, discussed how Napa Valley’s story is told and how that narrative continues to evolve in a changing wine landscape. The conversation touched on the importance of authenticity, the role of thoughtful hospitality, and how media and storytelling shape how consumers understand wine regions like Napa Valley.
Together, the discussion highlighted an important theme: Napa Valley is more than a wine region. It is a place defined by its growers, its agricultural heritage, and the people who share that story with the world.

The Work of NVG
At its core, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers exists to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for Napa Valley.

Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, NVG supports growers, vineyard management companies, and viticulture professionals with trusted resources, practical tools, and meaningful industry connections that help vineyard operations remain resilient for generations.

Strategic Priorities for the Future
During the meeting, NVG shared several strategic priorities guiding the organization’s work in the coming years.

Supporting the operational health of growers and the industry
Providing education and practical resources to help vineyards navigate market challenges and operate sustainably.
Elevating the quality of farming in Napa Valley
Investing in next-generation growers and building partnerships that advance research, innovation, and best practices.
Engaging the public, donors, and elected officials
Increasing understanding of the value of farming and the role environmental stewardship plays in sustaining Napa Valley’s working agricultural landscape.
Ensuring organizational strength and continuity
Maintaining financial stability, growing membership, and advancing initiatives that support the future of grape growing in Napa Valley.

Education, Advocacy, and Community
Throughout the year, NVG provides opportunities for growers and the broader community to connect and learn together.
Upcoming programming includes field days focused on vineyard challenges such as Red Blotch and dry farming practices, along with larger educational gatherings like the Organic Winegrowing Conference and ROOTSTOCK.

NVG also continues to strengthen connections between growers and the community through initiatives like Friends of the Grapegrowers, farmers market engagement, newsletters, and partnerships with local organizations.

These efforts help elevate understanding of farming and the role growers play in protecting Napa Valley’s landscapes and agricultural heritage.

The Road to Oakville
The meeting also included an update on an exciting milestone for the organization: the future Napa Valley Center for Grape Growing and Farmworker Education in Oakville.
This center will serve as a hub for education, research, and collaboration, featuring training classrooms, a research-focused vineyard, and a gathering space dedicated to supporting the future of Napa Valley agriculture. Plans are underway with the goal of breaking ground in 2026.

Exploring the Intersection of Viticulture, Hospitality, Media, and Place
We had a conversation with Nick Kokonas and Jess Lander that explored the intersection of viticulture, hospitality, media, and place.

Nick, known for his innovative work in hospitality and technology, and Jess, a respected voice covering the wine industry, discussed how Napa Valley’s story is told and how that narrative continues to evolve in a changing wine landscape. The conversation touched on the importance of authenticity, the role of thoughtful hospitality, and how media and storytelling shape how consumers understand wine regions like Napa Valley.

Together, the discussion highlighted an important theme: Napa Valley is more than a wine region. It is a place defined by its growers, its agricultural heritage, and the people who share that story with the world.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. It was an inspiring morning filled with great people, thoughtful conversations, and plenty of Napa Valley pride.
We look forward to continuing the conversation throughout the year and hope to see many of you at upcoming NVG programs and events.
Together, we continue the work of ensuring Napa Valley’s vineyards and agricultural heritage remain strong for generations to come