California Association Of Winegrape Growers Elects New Board Officers And Members

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has elected five new officers and three new members to its board of directors. The new board started its term of service on Dec. 1.

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The following members were elected officers: Aaron Lange, LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, chair; Bill Berryhill, Berryhill Family Vineyards and BB Vineyards, vice chair; Brad Goehring, Goehring Vineyards, vice chair; Mike Testa, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, secretary; and Ryan Metzler, Fruita del Sol, treasurer.

New additions to the board include Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko, Napa Wine Company and Yount Mill Vineyards; Randy Krag, Beckstoffer Vineyards; and Tyler Scheid, Scheid Vineyards.

New board member Randy Krag says he’s glad to be representing Lake County. “Lake County is a unique area in California. I think it’s one of the most promising new regions. It’s going to be changing a lot, and it’s going to be growing a lot,” he says. “I think it needs a voice that’s really particular to the region.”

He adds that he’s optimistic about the wine industry in Lake County not just for this year, but for the long-term. He’s hoping the growth of the industry in the area can be a positive engine for region-wide economic growth. “If positive growth in our industry can help our local economy and the local region in all aspects, I think that’s a really positive thing that we want to see come in the next couple of years,” he says.

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Napa-based Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko, who’s also new to the board, says she’s looking forward to learning about challenges growers and winemakers are facing in other areas of the state. “I’m excited to learn about the issues facing the industry – not just Napa issues, but what’s happening in Lodi, what’s happening in San Joaquin,” she says. She adds that her father served on the board in the 1990s and early 2000s, and she’s glad to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.

“We congratulate the new leadership team and welcome the new board members,” says CAWG President John Aguirre. “Our board of directors has always been a strong and committed group of leaders. We look forward to their leadership in the coming year on the numerous issues facing the winegrape industry.”

CAWG is governed by 28 growers who serve three-year terms. The organization provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, sustainable farming practices and trade positions to enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. The organization represents the growers of more than 60% of the gross grape tonnage crushed for wine and concentrate in California.

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