12/18/2024 – Saint Helena, CA – Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) announces the election of new board leadership for 2025; Jaime Araujo, Owner of Trois Noix and co-owner of Accendo Cellars, has been elected Board Chair, Schatzi Throckmorton, Owner and General Manager of Relic Wine Cellars, Vice Chair and Ed Matovcik, Vice President of Public Affairs for Robert Mondavi Winery, Secretary/Treasurer.
NVV is a leader in the global wine industry representing nearly 550 wineries in the Napa Valley region. Established in 1944, the mission of the organization is to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley. Since its founding, the organization has inspired its members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the Napa Valley community.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be elected Board Chair of NVV and I feel a strong sense of responsibility toward our community, especially at such a challenging time for our industry. I’m excited to work alongside my fellow vintners and the amazing staff at the Napa Vintners to carry forward the mission and values that have made this organization a leader in our industry. In the year ahead, we will all need to work together to ensure that Napa Valley continues to thrive – thankfully, working together is and has always been one of Napa’s great strengths,” said Araujo.
Through its signature marketing initiatives, advocacy efforts and robust member services, NVV acts as the central resource and voice for Napa Valley’s wine industry. This year, NVV marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 80th anniversary of promoting Napa Valley’s rich legacy and serving its vibrant community. NVV strives to support every vintner producing Napa Valley wine with their success and growth while enhancing the region’s global reputation.
NVV has also played a key role in fostering a strong community through its charitable efforts. Since 1981, the organization has invested more than $230 million to improve access to healthcare and create opportunities for youth to succeed with a focus on children’s education, mental health and wellbeing, after-school programming and family support.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the full eleven-member NVV Board of Directors will include: Malek Amrani, Owner and CEO, The Vice; Jaime Araujo, Owner, Trois Noix; Robin Baggett, Owner and Managing Partner, Alpha Omega; Jason Lede, General Manager, Cliff Lede Vineyards; Ed Matovcik, Vice President of Public Affairs, Robert Mondavi Winery; Carlton McCoy, President and CEO, Heitz Cellar; Glenn Salva, Officer, Antinori Napa Valley; Emma Swain, Chief Executive Officer, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery; Schatzi Throckmorton, Owner and General Manager, Relic Wine Cellars; Elizabeth Vianna, Winemaker/General Manager, Chimney Rock Winery; Donna Walker, Proprietor, Pulido~Walker Estate Vineyard and Winery; Cyril Chappellet, President and CEO of Chappellet Vineyard as past NVV Board Chair and advisor to the board.
The NVV Board of Directors also serves as the Collective Napa Valley Board of Directors, along with community members Giancarlo Bettinelli, William Cary, Steve Fink and Claire Stull.
About Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. NVV has invested more than $230 million in community healthcare, youth development and the environment in Napa County, and is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.
