John Chandler Named Chair
November 21, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) — The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new officers and directors to its board of directors. CAWG is governed by a 29-member board, including 27 growers representing diverse winegrape regions across the state and two directors-at-large.
John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma has been elected chair of the board, succeeding outgoing chairman Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners. Aaron Lange of LangeTwins, Inc. in Acampo and Molly Scott of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles were elected as vice chairs, along with Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, LLC in Lodi, who will serve as treasurer, and Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management in Healdsburg, continuing in the role of secretary. The new officers begin their term on Dec 1.
“John brings deep federal and state policy experience, from his years working in Washington, D.C., and in California state government, and a practical understanding of agriculture as a diversified farmer,” said Natalie Collins, president of CAWG. “With this officer team, CAWG is ready to be an even stronger, louder voice for winegrape growers and to drive real results at a pivotal time for the industry.”
“I’m honored to serve as chair and to work alongside such a dedicated board,” said John Chandler. “We know how tough this moment is for growers, and we’re coming into the year determined to get things done – speaking plainly about conditions on the ground, pushing hard for policies that support long-term economic sustainability, and making sure growers’ voices are heard.”
CAWG also announced the election of several new directors joining the board, including John Azevedo of Jackson Family Wines in Santa Rosa, Dirk Heuvel of McManis Family Vineyards in Ripon, and Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera. In addition, Stuart Spencer of the Lodi Winegrape Commission and Caleb Mosley of Napa Valley Grapegrowers have been elected to serve as directors-at-large.
The association extends its deepest appreciation to the outgoing directors who have completed their terms of service: Joel Maring of J Maring Farms in Westley, Chris Lynch of Napa, and Jeff Bitter of Madera, along with directors-at-large Amy Blagg of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association and Joel Peterson of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Their leadership, commitment, and contributions have been instrumental in strengthening CAWG’s work on behalf of growers throughout California.
About the California Association of Winegrape Growers
CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.
