California Winegrape Growers Elect New Board Chair Amid Industry Uncertainty

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new officers and directors to its board, marking a significant leadership transition for the organization. CAWG, which represents winegrape growers across California, is governed by a 29-member board. This includes 27 growers from various regions and two directors-at-large.

John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma has been elected as the new chair of the board, taking over from Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners. Chandler brings experience from both federal and state policy work, having spent years in Washington, D.C., and in California government. He is also recognized for his practical knowledge as a diversified farmer.

Aaron Lange of LangeTwins, Inc. in Acampo and Molly Scott of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles have been elected as vice chairs. Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, LLC in Lodi will serve as treasurer, while Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management in Healdsburg will continue as secretary. The new officers began their terms on December 1.

Natalie Collins, president of CAWG, said that Chandler’s background in policy and agriculture positions him well to lead the organization at a critical time for the industry. She emphasized that the new officer team is prepared to advocate strongly for winegrape growers and to pursue meaningful results.

Chandler expressed his commitment to addressing current challenges facing growers. He stated that he looks forward to working with the board to push for policies that support long-term economic sustainability and ensure that growers’ concerns are heard.

Several new directors have also joined the board. John Azevedo of Jackson Family Wines in Santa Rosa, Dirk Heuvel of McManis Family Vineyards in Ripon, and Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera were elected as new directors. Additionally, Stuart Spencer of the Lodi Winegrape Commission and Caleb Mosley of Napa Valley Grapegrowers were chosen to serve as directors-at-large.

CAWG acknowledged the service of outgoing directors Joel Maring of J Maring Farms in Westley, Chris Lynch of Napa, and Jeff Bitter of Madera. The association also thanked outgoing directors-at-large Amy Blagg of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association and Joel Peterson of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance for their contributions.

The leadership changes come at a time when California’s winegrape industry faces economic pressures and evolving regulatory challenges. CAWG’s new board will be responsible for guiding advocacy efforts and supporting growers throughout the state as they navigate these issues.