The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, a nonprofit regional organization representing 35 wineries and 60-plus winegrowers in the Temecula Valley AVA, recently announced their 2013 board lineup. Winemaker and Winery Owner Nicholas Palumbo Voted TVWA Board President. The board represents a cross-section of large and boutique wineries and winegrape growers from across Temecula Valley.
2013 TVWA Board of Directors
Nicholas Palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery | President
Jeff Wiens, Wiens Family Cellars | Vice-President
Bob Olsen, Danza Del Sol Winery | Treasurer
Mike Rennie, Leoness Cellars | Secretary
Ben Drake, Drake Enterprises, Inc. | Chairman, Viticulture
Jim Hart, Hart Winery and Jon McPherson, South Coast Winery | Co-Chairs, Enology
David Bradley, Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery | Chairman, Marketing
Steve Andrews, Oak Mountain Winery | Chairman, Membership
“I am honored that our membership has put its trust in me,” said newly-elected Board President Nicholas Palumbo. “The election of a small grower/winemaker is a sign to me that our region’s primary focus and interest is in quality of grapes and wine. It is my goal, as it has always been, to help us all put a quality product behind our message. I am excited to work with the incoming board and truly feel we have the right combination of individuals and interests to get this job done.”
Continuing as Viticultural Chair, Ben Drake of Drake Enterprises, Inc. was recently recognized by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) as the 2013 CAWG Leader of the Year. “As a fifth-generation Riverside County farmer and a resident of Temecula for 40 years, I am proud to say that the valley’s wine region is thriving. Past challenges have given us opportunity to make great improvements,” says Drake.