Nominate a Leader for the 2025 Rich Smith 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 the organizations Rich helped to establish—the National Grape Research Alliance, 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.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2025 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.

Past Rich Smith Award Winners
2017 – John Martini, Anthony Road Wine Company
2018 – Pete Downs, Family Winemakers of California
2019 – Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
2020 – Jim Trezise, WineAmerica
2021 – Donniella (Donnie) Winchell, Ohio Wine Producers Association
2022 – Thomas (Tom) Davenport, National Grape Cooperative (retired)
2023 – Marty Clubb, L’Ecole No 41
2024 – Nick Dokoozlian, Gallo