Golden State Winegrape Growers Honored
June 19, 2016 The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has selected Jerry and Bruce Fry of Mohr-Fry Ranches as the 2016 Grower of the Year, and Richard Smith and Smith Family Wines as the 2016 Leader the Year. The awards will be presented at the 2016 CAWG Awards of Excellence Program on July 20 in Monterey, CA.
The Grower of the Year award is the highest honor given by CAWG. It is bestowed to an individual, family, or company that represents an outstanding example of excellence in viticulture and management. The recipient is an efficient and successful producer of quality winegrapes, recognized for innovation and leadership within the industry.
Bruce Fry, left, and father Jerry in a vineyard of truly “Old Vine Zin.” The Zinfandel block was planted in 1901. (Photo credit: David Eddy)
Jerry Fry is the president and CEO and Bruce Fry is the vice president of operations of the family-run Mohr-Fry Ranches in Lodi. The father and son are two of the most respected growers and leaders in the Lodi winegrape community and are known for their quality winegrapes.
They advocate on behalf of winegrape growers and dedicate an enormous amount of time serving the industry and their community. Mohr-Fry Ranches was one of the original six Lodi growers to certify their vineyard under the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing. Their efforts were highlighted in a cover story that appeared in the June 2015 issues of American Fruit Grower® and Western Fruit Grower® magazines.
The Leader of the Year award recognizes a grower whose record of exceptional leadership has benefitted California’s wine industry and is an inspiration to others. The recipient has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to issues of significant importance to winegrape growers and has achieved lasting changes to promote and protect the interests of California winegrape growers.
Rich Smith, who passed away in December 2015, was the owner of Paraiso Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands near Soledad, CA. Smith and his family have paved the way for others as pioneers and leaders in the wine industry. Smith left behind a tremendous legacy as one of the founding fathers of the modern Monterey County wine industry. He worked tirelessly at promoting the Monterey County wine region and California wine industry, as well as championing sustainability and research.
“CAWG is proud to honor these deserving and extraordinary individuals and families for their exemplary leadership in the winegrape industry,” said CAWG President John Aguirre. “Jerry, Bruce, Rich, and their families have shown a deep commitment to agriculture on a local, state, and national level. Their leadership, advocacy, passion, and strong work ethic are inspiring.”
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