WHO WE ARE
Formed in 1978, to represent the national winegrape growing industry, the Winegrape Growers of America (WGA) connects the power of unity, cooperation and efficiency. WGA serves as the national lobbying arm of the domestic winegrape industry. We provide a forum for communication and exchange of information among member states. Our unified voice for winegrape growers focuses on important policy issues such as research, smoke impact concerns, wine taxes, international trade and government regulation. Since 1978, officers have come from states including New York, Texas, California, Ohio, Virginia and Washington.
2025 WGA Annual Leadership Luncheon
It’s that time of year again, when nationwide industry members come together for the Winegrape Growers of America Annual Leadership Luncheon. The luncheon will take place during the 2025 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, at the Hyatt Regency, in Sacramento, California.
Please join WGA on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, for lunch, networking, a presentation from our keynote speaker, and the honoring of an individual with the Rich Smith Award of Excellence.
Pricing:
Registration $75 per person
Sponsors at $200, $500, $1,000, and open amount
All registrations after January 21st will be onsite.
Event Details:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM PT
Location: Capitol View Room, Hyatt Regency, Sacramento, CA
Richard R. Smith Distinguished Service Award
We will once again honor an individual with the
Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award.
Richard (Rich) Smith, founder of Valley Farm Management, Paraiso Vineyards and Smith Family Wines in California's Santa Lucia Highlands wine region. He was an ardent family man and a successful grape grower, winery owner and respected colleague. He was a highly effective, collegial and tireless leader whose significant and selfless contributions of time, energy and funds helped to shape public policy and scientific research to advance the American grape and wine industry. He passed away in December 2015. Thus, 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Rich's passing.
Three of those organizations—National Grape & Wine Initiative, WineAmerica, and Winegrape Growers of America—annually join with the Smith Family to bestow the Rich Smith Award of Excellence. It recognizes an industry representative who exemplifies the passion, commitment and collaboration Rich was known for and who similarly impacts the industry. For each organization, it is our highest and most coveted award.
To make a nomination for this special 10th-anniversary Rich Smith Award, please complete and submit this online form by October 30, 2024. The recipient will be named at the WGA Leadership Luncheon on January 29, 2025, in Sacramento, CA.
The Leadership Luncheon is proudly sponsored by Farm Credit.
