Multi-Generational Farming Families Pass the Torch to Next Generation
August 18, 2025 (Lodi, CA) — A new generation of leaders is stepping forward to guide the Lodi wine region into the future. During its August meeting, the 2025–2026 board of directors of the Lodi Winegrape Commission assumed service and elected fresh leadership as the next generation of winegrowers assumes key roles alongside seasoned industry veterans.
The board appointed a historic slate of officers representing the youngest leadership team in the Commission’s 34-year history. Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez was elected chair, Hadyn Schatz vice chair, Pieter den Hartog secretary, and Scott Armolea treasurer. Together, this new leadership embodies the dynamic energy and forward-thinking vision needed to navigate today’s evolving wine industry.
Commissioners remain unchanged for the 2025–2026 term, with all current members continuing their service – Scott Armolea, Pieter den Hartog, Jason Eells, Dirk Heuvel, Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez, Farrah Felten Jolley, Joan Kautz, Diego Olagaray (chair, 2023–2025), and Hadyn Schatz. Galen Schmiedt joins current alternates Gerardo Espinosa, Joe Larranaga, Colton Machado, Brett Pieretti, and Mitch Spaletta.
A Legacy of Innovation Continues
This transition continues a legacy of service as Stokes, along with Schatz and den Hartog, are carrying forward their families’ multi-generational commitment to the region. They follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who also served on the Commission’s board of directors:
- Rodney Schatz, Peltier Winery & Vineyards — 1991–1999 (chair, 1997–1999)
- Bill Stokes, Stokes Brothers Farms — 2003–2011
- Pieter den Hartog, Den Hartog International Farms, Inc. — 2013–2019
This generational turnover reflects the deep agricultural roots and family commitment that defines Lodi’s winegrowing community, while bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and market adaptation.
Leading through Industry Evolution
Stokes holds leadership roles at both Stokes Vineyards and Stokes Brothers Farms, focusing on vineyard operations and sustainability, and is the owner of La Belle Nue Wine. She has served on the Commission’s board of directors since 2020, previously holding the offices of secretary (2023–2024) and vice chair (2024–2025), and also serves on the Commission’s Grower Marketing Committee. Stokes is a graduate of the California Agriculture Leadership Program and, alongside her husband, Jeff Iniguez, recently assumed the lease of her family’s old vine Zinfandel ranch, continuing a generational connection to Lodi. Her election as chair represents both continuity and change for the region.
“Lodi is a place where I learned the value of hard work, family, and farming from a young age,” says Stokes. “While the market is shifting, our purpose remains the same; to uplift this region by telling its story and sustaining our community. Our parents helped to build this commission in 1991, not just as growers but as visionaries, and today we honor that legacy by embracing what it means to lead in a new era.”
“This year’s board reflects a meaningful shift, with a new generation stepping confidently into leadership roles,” said Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director Stuart Spencer. “These talented young professionals are inspiring the entire community as they take the reins alongside seasoned leaders. That blend of fresh energy, forward-thinking vision, and deep agricultural heritage positions us well to continue advancing Lodi as California’s most dynamic wine region.”
The board also welcomes back Galen Schmiedt as an alternate for 2025–2026. Schmiedt is a fourth-generation grape grower and vineyard owner actively involved in his family’s business, Carl Schmiedt Farming. He previously served eight consecutive years as a commissioner from 2012–2020, including a term as chair (2015–2017), and brings valuable institutional knowledge to support the new leadership team.
Honoring Dedicated Service
Rolling off the board of directors are Garret Schaefer (JW Moore Vineyards) and Todd Maley (Maley Vineyards), who each completed six consecutive years of service from 2019–2025. Both continue their active involvement with the Commission, with Schaefer serving on the Grower Marketing Committee and Maley on the Winery Marketing Committee.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Garret and Todd for their years of dedicated service to the Lodi winegrowing community,” said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Their leadership, insight, and deep commitment to the region have left a lasting impact. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to their continued involvement in the community.”
About the Lodi Winegrape Commission
Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture. The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers cultivating 85,000 acres of winegrapes. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.
About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)
A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate more than 130 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to more than 85 wineries – from boutique producers to legacy brands – specializing in hand-crafted wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.
Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 75,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
