Jun 16, 2016

CAWG names 2016 Awards of Excellence recipients

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.

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, CAWG said.

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, CAWG said. They advocate on behalf of winegrape growers and dedicate an enormous amount of time serving the industry and their community, according to the association. Mohr-Fry Ranches was one of the original six Lodi growers to certify their vineyard under the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing.

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.

Rich Smith, who passed away in December 2015, was the owner of Paraiso Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands (Soledad). Smith and his family have paved the way for others as pioneers and leaders in the wine industry, CAWG said. Smith left behind a tremendous legacy as one of the founding fathers of the modern Monterey County wine industry, according to the association. He worked at promoting the Monterey County wine region and California wine industry, as well as championing sustainability and research.

To learn more about Mohr-Fry Ranches and Richard Smith and Smith Family Wines, see the June 2016 issue of the California Association of Winegrape Growers’ The Crush newsletter.