Dec 4, 2017
Berryhill becomes chair of California winegrape group

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has elected new officers and members to its board of directors.

Bill Berryhill

CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms that began Dec. 1.

Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres was elected chair. He succeeds Aaron Lange of LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Acampo, who served in the role for two years.

Other directors elected as officers are Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, and Bruce Phillips of Vine Hill Ranch in Yountville, as vice chairs; Mike Boer of Stipp Ranch in Ukiah, as secretary; and Jeff Bitter, winegrape grower in Madera, as treasurer.

“Bill is an experienced leader, and as a former state assemblyman, uniquely qualified to serve as chair of the association,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “We look forward to Bill’s active leadership and our new officers and directors, who will provide strong state and federal advocacy on behalf of our members.”

Newly-elected directors are Mark Burningham of Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, Bob Lauchland of Robert Lauchland Vineyards in Lodi, Mike Vandborg of Water Castle Farms LLC/VandborgFarms in Bakersfield, and Paul Wulf of Wulf Vineyards in Fresno.

Re-elected directors are Stephen Kautz of Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, Aaron Lange, Marissa Ledbetter-Foster of Vino Farms in Healdsburg, Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera, and Tom Slater of Slater Farms in Clarksburg. Outgoing directors are Brad Goehring of Goehring Vineyards in Clements, Trey Irwin of Tejon Ranch Company in Lebec, and Ryan Metzler of Fruita del Sol in Fresno.

CAWG provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, and sustainable farming practices to enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. The organization represents the growers of more than 50 percent of the gross grape tonnage crushed for wine and concentrate in California.




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