January 5, 2026 (Napa Valley, CA) — The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) today announced that Maya Dalle Valle – Dalle Valle Vineyards, Heather Phillips – Vine Hill Ranch, Alan Viader – Viader Vineyards and Winery, and Nate Weis – Beaulieu Vineyard, have been elected to the organization’s 2026 Board of Directors.
Maya Dalla Valle is the Winemaker at her family’s acclaimed Oakville estate, Dalla Valle Vineyards. Born and raised on the property, Maya represents the next generation of Napa Valley winegrowing, carrying forward her family’s legacy of crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon while championing innovation and sustainability in the vineyard.
Heather Phillips serves as Partner at Vine Hill Ranch, the distinguished Oakville AVA estate that has been in the Phillips family for three generations. Rooted in a lineage of viticulture that dates to the late 19th century, Vine Hill Ranch sits on 600 acres (70 planted to Cabernet Sauvignon) and has long been revered as a grower’s vineyard supplying Napa’s elite producers.
Alan Viader serves as Owner, Winemaker & Director of Vineyard Operations at Viader Vineyards & Winery, perched on the steep, rocky slopes of the newly christened Crystal Springs Appellation in Napa Valley. A third-generation viticulturalist, Alan has devoted his life to preserving his family’s legacy, elevating site-specific winemaking, and championing sustainable vineyard practices.
Nate Weis serves as General Manager and Senior Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, where he oversees estate operations and winemaking for one of Napa Valley’s most historic and influential winegrowing institutions. A Napa Valley native and son of a winemaker, Nate was raised in the vineyards and cellar, developing an early respect for the craft and discipline of winegrowing.
Joining Dalle Valle, Phillips, Viader and Weis are returning board members Meaghan Becker – In Vino Veritas, Garrett Buckland – Premiere Viticultural Services, Karen Cakebread – ZIATA Wines, Cathy Corison – Corison Winery, Tom Davies – V. Sattui Winery, Suzanne Groth – Groth Vineyards & Winery, Justin Leigon – Piña Vineyard Management, Dan Petroski – Massican Wines, Mark Pulido – Pulido~Walker, Oscar Renteria – Renteria Vineyard Management, Tyler Flowers – American AgCredit, and Dave Whitmer – former Napa County Agricultural Commissioner.
In addition, NVG has announced the 2026 board leadership, including Karen Cakebread as President, Justin Leigon as Vice-President, Mark Pulido as Secretary, and Tyler Flowers as Treasurer.
“In this pivotal year for the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, it is a privilege to welcome Maya Dalle Valle, Alan Viader, Nate Weis, and Heather Phillips as our newest Board members,” stated Karen Cakebread, President, NVG Board of Directors. “Each brings a deep commitment to our land, our community, and the next generation of viticultural excellence. Their experience, energy, and perspective will help propel NVG forward as we continue our essential work in education, advocacy, and stewardship on behalf of Napa County growers.”
“At the same time, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing board members Pete Richmond, Michael Silacci, and Kendall Hoxsey-Onysko for their years of dedicated service,” Cakebread added. “Their leadership has strengthened this organization and helped shape NVG into the trusted resource and industry voice it is today.”
“We’re inspired by the momentum of this incoming Board and grateful for the foundation built by those completing their terms,” said Caleb Mosley, NVG Executive Director. “Together, we will continue to champion resilient, sustainable farming and ensure a thriving future for Napa Valley’s vineyards and the people who care for them.”
About the Napa Valley Grapegrowers
For 50 years, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has strengthened Napa Valley’s reputation as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. Its mission is to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship, representing more than 600 growers and related businesses throughout Napa County. Learn more at napagrowers.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
