Mission

To cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for the Napa Valley.

Vision

​To be a local and global leader for a science-based approach to grape growing and agricultural stewardship.
To ensure the viability and resiliency of grape growing in the Napa Valley.
To raise awareness and inspire action.

Values

​Education   |   Advocacy   |   Excellence   |   Conservation   |   Collaboration

Who We Are

Napa Valley Grapegrowers is a 501(c)3 non-profit representing over 600 local grape growers who are invested in cultivating viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship for the Napa Valley. Growing winegrapes is the highest and best use of land in the Napa Valley, and we champion adopting resilient and environmentally minded farming practices to ensure its long-term viability. Our goal is to provide grape growers with high-quality education and to serve as their voice in advocating for the sustainability of the industry for generations to come. Responsible conservation practices employed in the vineyard create public good that benefits the environment, the natural ecosystem, and our entire community.

For 50 years, our educational programs have supported the preservation of agriculture in the Napa Valley to ensure a thriving industry and prosperous community. Highlights include:
•Increasing quality and sustainability in the vineyard
•Advancing viticultural best practices and innovation
•Fostering the next generation of industry leaders
•Championing environmental stewardship, climate resiliency, and wildfire safety, preparedness, and mitigation
•Furthering water conservation, soil health, and integrated pest management

History

When the Napa Valley Grapegrowers was first formed, the founders’ aim was to create an organization that would focus on sustaining grape growing in the Napa Valley for years to come. The founding members gave a strong, independent voice to grape growers in the Valley and set an important precedent.

For five decades, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers has used our voice to foster sustainability, educate the community and promote the Napa Valley as one of the world’s premiere winegrowing regions.

1975 Napa Valley Grape Growers Association formed
1976 NVG actively involved in protecting the Napa Valley appellation through BATF hearings

• Berryhill Bill passed with strong NVG support, resulting in the annual Grape Crush Report
• NVG produced the first Production Cost Report for Napa Valley winegrapes
• NVG developed the Bottle Price Formula, directly tying the price of grapes to the price of a bottle of wine

1977 NVG played a key role in lobbying that geographical and historical indicators be used to establish a wine’s appellation of origin
1985 NVG initiated the Winery Definition Ordinance, mandating that 75% of grapes in Napa wine must come from Napa Valley vineyards
1990 NVG actively supported Measure J
2004 NVG became an independent organization
2008 NVG hosts the first annual Harvest STOMP, supporting the organization’s mission to preserve and promote Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards
2008-2010 Represented NVG on discussions about updated WDO
2008 Launched the Napa Winegrape Market
2008 Hosted the first Organic Winegrowing Conference
2011 NVG founded the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation to support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development
2011- 2012: Represented NVG and worked to support the Ag Commissioner on European Grapevine Moth
2013 Represented NVG on the Groundwater Resource Advisory Committee (GRAC)
2014 Held first Farming in a Drought Townhall 
2014 Represented NVG on CalOSHA Advisory Board on new nighttime harvest safety regulations
2014 Began receiving funding from the USDA Risk Management Education Grants
2014 Launched the Viticultural Best Practices Video Series and White Papers
2014 Rebranded Vit Fair/Wine & Grape EXPO to ROOTSTOCK with a focus on connecting vineyard practices to wine quality
2016 Create Vineyard Burning Taskforce (which led to the development of the Low Smoke Burning Program)
2017-2018 Represented NVG to provide education about Measure C impact on agriculture and vineyard operations – provided opposition comments
2017 Hosted Erosion Control Fair for the community after the 2017 wildfires
2018 The Napa Valley Grapegrowers Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization
2019 Sent NVG delegation to represent Napa Valley to the Porto Protocol Climate Change Leadership Conference for the Wine Industry
​2020 COVID Pandemic – paused normal programs and events to support growers and the community
2020  August & October Wildfires – NVG provided support, resources, and leadership through the devastating wildfires
2020 Funded the first vineyard trial research project on Soil Health
2021 NVG signed a joint letter to CA Senate Budget Committee re: Appropriating FY 20-21 Wildfire Resilience Funding at Earliest Opportunity
2021 Created Wildfire Taskforce, collaborated with FireWise and industry groups
2022 Represented NVG on the Groundwater Sustainability Committee 
2022 Sponsored 1-month of early fire detection sensors and persuaded NVV to join the efforts
2022 Held the first joint candidate forum with NVV
2022  Launched the University Outreach Program 
2023 Sponsored Volunteer Firefighter Appreciation event with Napa Valley Vintners, Napa County
2023  Formed the Paso Adelante sub-committee to foster the next generation of wine industry leaders
2024  Launched the NVG Podcast, “Grown in Napa Valley”
2024 Launched NVG's monthly "Ask A Grower" booth at the Napa Farmers Market

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NVG Past Presidents

1975 John Trefethen
1976 Andrew Beckstoffer
1978 John Shafer
1980 Ren Harris
1982 Mike Walsh
1984 Bob Phillips
1986 Ron Wicker
1988 Volker Eisele
1990 Lee Hudson
1992 Pat Garvey
1994 Al Buckland
1996 John Crossland
1997 Doug Stanton
2000 Dale Brown
2002 Frank Leeds
2004 Eric Titus
2006 Randy Snowden
2008 Bruce Phillips
2010 David Beckstoffer
2012 Jon Ruel
2014 Steve Moulds
2016 Garrett Buckland
2018 Paul Goldberg
2021 Michael Silacci
2022 Mary Maher
2024 Pete Richmond

NVG Founders 1975

W. Andrew Beckstoffer
Nathan Fay
Virgil Galleron
John Hanna
Rennick Harris
William Jaeger, Jr.
Justin Meyer
Joseph Miller
​John Shafer
Gene Trefethen