Wine Awards Pt 2

Wine Awards Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. Part of this year's annual Washington Winegrowers Association Convention and Trade Show was spent honoring individuals from the industry for their contributions.

Yesterday, Executive Director Vicky Scharlau told us about the Grower of the Year Mike Andrews and Industry Service Award winner Tom Waliser. Today, we start with the Grand Vin Award ...

SCHARLAU ... "It's actually only the second time we've given the Grand Vin Award. And, this goes to an individual who makes a significant impact on the winery, the wine, the brand or the process of making wine. And, Rick Small, who's the owner of Woodward Canyon Winery right outside of Walla Walla, was awarded this honor this year."

Scharlau says Small's talent has been his laser focus ...

SCHARLAU ... "Starting with quality in the vineyard, and then carrying it through all the way to the bottle. And, there's probably very few people, certainly in Washington state or on the West Coast, that don't know about Woodward Canyon Winery."

And last but certainly not least, is the Lifetime Achievement Award ...

SCHARLAU ... "And, this went to the recently retired Paul Champoux. And, Paul owned the Champoux Vineyard and he has really been, for 40 years, a forerunner in the industry with, again, his focus on quality grapes and trying to create a consistent quality for the winemakers that he sells to."

Scharlau says Champoux has overcome adversity with perseverance, faith and success. He was also a long-time board member of the Washington Winegrowers and a founding member of the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.

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