May 10, 2017 (Napa, CA): The Board of Directors of the American Vineyard Foundation (AVF) proudly extends our deepest gratitude to industry veteran Hal Huffsmith, whose commitment, dedication and enormous contributions to the organization have been paramount to its success. During Hal’s twenty-six years of service, he has served on the Board, been a member of the Executive Committee and acted as Chairman from 2006 through 2010. Hal also actively serves as a technical reviewer on an AVF research review committee.
As Chairman, Hal was integral in the development and refinement of key AVF programs. Scott Deitrick, AVF Manager of Administration, who has worked closely with Hal since joining the organization in 2006, sincerely praises his character, dedication and accomplishments. “My admiration for Hal goes far beyond words, but I’ll start by saying that it’s been a true inspiration and a great privilege working together with such a gifted leader and genuine team player. Hal’s objective nature and friendly, positive approach to conducting business and achieving goals are truly motivating and will have a lasting impact on me, the organization and the industry.”
Hal was selected for this honor for many accomplishments and attributes. His willingness to accept any challenge and his ability to bring people together in the spirit of collaboration have greatly helped connect the dots within the research community and industry, leading to considerable advancement.
The extent of Hal’s industry-wide experience and service is truly remarkable and reaches far beyond his contributions to the AVF. A California native, Hal received a BS in Enology from Fresno State and MS in Ag Economics from Cornell. After a harvest as a chemist at Sierra Wine Corporation, Hal went on to start a storied career in wine at John Harvey & Sons in Spain and Portugal; Ch. Barbé and Ch. Lacarelle in Bordeaux; and Buena Vista and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa Valley. In 1976 Hal jointed Trinchero Family Estates, where he has spent more than 40 years helping build the company into what it is today. Other wine industry volunteer service includes participation on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers; member of the Viticulture and Enology Industry Advisory Board at CSUF; and numerous other industry-related screening, steering and advisory committees.
Hal’s contributions leave a profound imprint on an industry that will be forever grateful for his help.
About the American Vineyard Foundation – The American Vineyard Foundation (AVF) is a California corporation organized in 1978 by the American Society of Enology and Viticulture as a vehicle to raise funds for research in viticulture and enology. Basic and applied research has made the American grape and wine industry the world’s leader. The AVF provides a unique opportunity to unify the industry through an industry-wide research effort to maintain this progress. For more information visit www.avf.org
