Nominations Due by October 20 for the Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award

Richard (Rich) Smith of Paraiso Vineyards and Smith Family Wines in California’s Monterey wine region was first and foremost a family man, and also a successful grape grower, winery owner and respected colleague. Through his significant and selfless contributions of time, energy and funds to organizations that advance the American grape and wine industry, he came to be known as a highly effective, collegial and tireless leader.

Three of those organizations—NGWI, WineAmerica and the Winegrape Growers of America—collaborated to create the Rich Smith Distinguished Service Award to honor his spirit and legacy. It recognizes people who demonstrate similar qualities and make a similarly positive impact on the industry. John Martini of Anthony Road Wines won the first-ever award at the Unified Symposium last January. Click now to the nomination criteria and simple nomination form and make your nomination(s) by October 20, 2017. We look forward to honoring the recipient and the memory of Rich Smith.