Last February at our annual meeting, the Virginia Vineyard Association’s 2014 Grower of the Year Award was presented to Fernando Franco, viticulturist at Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville, Virginia.

Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, presents the VVA Grower of the Year award to Fernando Franco.

Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, presents the VVA Grower of the Year award to Fernando Franco.

Do you know someone in the industry that you feel deserves our recognition? If so, please nominate him or her! Nominations are being accepted through December 19, 2015.

The candidate should meet the following qualifications:

  • Be nominated by an active member of the VVA
  • Managed or operated a vineyard in Virginia for at least seven years
  • Contributed to the Virginia Viticulture Industry
  • Have a minimum of five acres of vineyard
  • Be an active member of the VVA

Nominations should be emailed to vavineyardsassoc@gmail.com  or mailed to the VVA at Post Office Box 168, Waterford, VA 20197 by December 19, 2015.  All nominations should be in letter form, signed, and should demonstrate how the nominee meets all requirements for the award.

Here’s the list of previous winners:

2005 Chris Hill, Glendower Vineyards
2006 Jim Law, Linden Vineyards
2007 Doug Flemer, Ingleside Plantation
2008 Sharon Horton, Horton Vineyards
2009 Dean Triplett, Greenstone Vineyards
2010 Rock Stephens, Vineyard at Point Breeze
2011 Jeanette Smith, Vinesmith
2012 Len Thompson, Amherst Vineyards
2013 Jeff White, Glen Manor Winery
2014 Fernando Franco, Barboursville Vineyards

We are looking forward to receiving your submissions!