California Association of Winegrape Growers Welcomes New Leadership

By California Association of Winegrape Growers|November 13, 2023

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by a 29-person board of directors, consisting of 27 growers representing diverse regions and operations throughout the state, and two directors-at-large. Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners in San Luis Obispo was elected as chairman of the board, succeeding Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc., who served in the role since 2021.

The newly elected officer team includes Jeff Bitter, a winegrape grower in Madera, and John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma as vice-chairs; Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management, LLC in Healdsburg as secretary; and Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management in Salinas as treasurer.

“Gregg’s wealth of experience in the winegrape sector is poised to be an invaluable asset as he guides the association into its 50th year,” stated Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “With Gregg at the helm, CAWG remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts, navigating the intricate landscape of state and federal legislation and regulations for the benefit of winegrape growers.”

CAWG is pleased to introduce six new directors, whose term will commence on December 1. The new additions include Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery in Geyserville, George Donati of Pacific Coast Farming in San Luis Obispo, Tom Merwin of Merwin Vineyards in Clarksburg, Ben Kolber of KG Vineyard Management in Lodi, Ryan Winters of Winters Farming, Inc. in Manteca, and Eric Marthedal of Marthedal Farms in Fresno.

Outgoing directors who have completed their dedicated service on the board include: Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Clements, Stephen Kautz of Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera, Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc. in Clarksburg, Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, and Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch in Sonoma.