March 7th – PALISADE, COLO — The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE), is proud to announce that CAVE’s Executive Director, Cassidee Shull, has been recognized as a 2024 Leader in Agriculture Honoree by the Denver Business Journal for her role in advancing Colorado’s wine industry.
The Leaders in Agriculture program, a partnership between the Denver Business Journal and Colorado Farm Bureau, highlights significant contributions to the agricultural sector and honors Coloradoans who are making an impact through their accomplishments and contributions to the agricultural community. The program is a testament to the outstanding achievements of individuals who have dedicated their careers to help shape the future of agriculture in Colorado. This year, 21 winners from across the state were chosen to be honorees of this prestigious recognition.
“Since becoming Executive Director at CAVE, my goal has been to help bring exposure to Colorado’s wine industry, and to provide resources that support the prosperity of our state’s hardworking wineries and grape growers,” said Cassidee Shull, CAVE Executive Director. “It has been exciting to watch our wineries continue to grow and flourish and I am honored to have been chosen for this recognition.” Cassidee will join the other Leaders in Agriculture Honorees for a cocktail and award reception at CSU Spur’s Hydro Building later this month.
The Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology is the state’s only non-profit dedicated to promoting the education and research of winemaking and grape growing in Colorado. Each year CAVE hosts its annual VinCO Conference & Trade Show, which focuses on improving winemaking and grape growing in Colorado by bringing together top experts in enology, viticulture, and business. CAVE also lobbies for beneficial legislation and promotes sustainable practices among its members.
Colorado’s agricultural sector contributes over $40 billion to the economy each year and employs more than 195,000 people. Colorado is now home to over 160 wineries, many of which can be found at the state’s largest wine festival, Colorado Mountain Winefest. In 2017, Colorado Mountain Winefest was voted the Best Wine Festival in the Nation by USA Today, and in 2018 Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Colorado as one of its Top 10 Wine Getaways in the world.
