Bill Stoller, Stoller Wine Group

The Pacific Northwest wine industry recognized a group of its leaders earlier this month. Honors were given at the Oregon Wine Symposium (OWS), which took place February 3^rd and 4^th in Portland, Oregon, and WineVit, which took place in Kennewick, Washington February 10^th to 12^th.

At OWS, Bill Stoller, owner of Stoller Wine Group, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Stoller has been involved with the Oregon wine industry for more than 35 years. He was recognized for his commitment to sustainability, which included building the world’s first LEED Gold-certified winery, being an early adopter of B Corp certification, and other initiatives.

“Being a part of the Oregon wine story has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Stoller said.

Cliff Anderson, owner of Anderson Family Vineyard, received the Founders Award. The award recognizes individuals whose pioneering work has influenced and advanced the state’s industry. Anderson has championed organic farming and dry farming practices in Willamette Valley.

The Outstanding Industry Leadership Awards were given to Remy Drabkin, owner and winemaker for Remy Wines, Janie Brooks Heuck, managing director of Brooks Winery, and Morgen McLaughlin, executive director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. The award recognizes people whose innovative leadership has contributed significantly to advancing the Oregon wine industry.

The industry Partner Award was given to Leda Garside, services manager for ¡Salud!. Garside retired last year after a long career. Bob Hackett, executive director for Travel Southern Oregon, also received the award, which recognizes people in industries related to the wine industry who have positively influenced the success of Oregon wine.

The Vineyard Excellence Award was given to Juan Cruz, vineyard manager for Stirling Wine Grapes, Inc.; Jose Garcia, vineyard manager for Benton-Lane Winery; Jorge Loeza, vineyard supervisor for Chavez Craft Vineyards; and Artemio Tentzohua, owner of Celestinos Vineyard Maintenance. The award recognizes employees who exemplify “remarkable technical knowledge, professionalism, and an outstanding work ethic.”

Washington’s WineVit, meanwhile, gave its Lifetime Achievement Award to Kevin Corliss. Corliss retired last year after 38 years at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

The Grand Vin Award was given to Rob Griffin. Griffin founded Bernard Griffin with his wife Deborah Barnard in 1983. The award is given to a winery employee or owner who has made a significant impact on the winery, wine, the brand, or the process of making exceptional wine.

The Industry Service Award was given to Dave Copeland. Copeland is operations director at Four Feathers Wine Services. The award recognizes an exceptional career of service to the wine industry.

Finally, Jason Magnaghi, long-time viticulturalist at Figgins Family Wine Estates, received the Erick Hanson Memorial Grower of the Year award. The award recognizes extraordinary viticultural talent.

Image of Bill Stoller Courtesy of Stoller Wine Group. 

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