Lodi Winegrape Commission’s Executive Director to be honored at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium for decades of service to California’s winegrape industry
January 27, 2026 (Lodi, CA) – Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, has been named 2026 Leader of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG). This prestigious honor recognizes Spencer’s decades of dedication to California’s winegrape industry, his advocacy for grower interests, and his leadership in advancing sustainability and regional identity.
Spencer will be celebrated at the Awards of Excellence Reception on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento.
“Over the past year, Stuart has stepped forward and led from the front – speaking hard truths, backing them with research, and drawing national attention to issues that matter most to California winegrowers,” said Natalie Collins, President, CAWG. “Through his leadership at the Lodi Winegrape Commission and his experience as both a grower and winemaker, he has elevated the Lodi brand, boosted regional tourism, championed sustainability, and empowered growers across the state. His continued leadership strengthens vineyards, communities, and the long-term future of California’s wine industry.”
At a time when California’s winegrape industry faces significant headwinds, Spencer has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for growers statewide. He has brought national attention to critical issues such as foreign bulk wine imports, duty drawback abuses, and trade imbalances that threaten the economic viability of family farming operations.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the California Association of Winegrape Growers,” Spencer said. “When I look at the challenges our growers are facing, from trade imbalances to market pressures, I’m reminded that we’re strongest when we work together. This recognition reflects the resilience and dedication of Lodi’s growers and our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, equitable future for California winegrape farming.”
Spencer has served with the Lodi Winegrape Commission for 27 years and as Executive Director since 2018, guiding programs that support more than 750 growers farming over 80,000 vineyard acres. Under his leadership, the Commission has remained focused on its core mission: empowering growers through education, research, and sustainable practices that strengthen the long-term viability of family farms.
In addition to his role at the Commission, Spencer is both a winegrape grower and winemaker at his family’s St. Amant Winery. This dual perspective gives him unique insight into the challenges facing California’s winegrape community and has informed many of Lodi’s most impactful initiatives.
Spencer was instrumental in developing LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing™, America’s first third-party certified sustainable winegrowing program, which has grown from 1,555 certified acres in 2005 to over 75,000 acres across California, Washington, and Israel. He also championed the creation of the Lodi Wine Visitor Center in 2000, providing a welcoming hub for visitors and a platform for wineries of all sizes to share their stories.
Beyond his professional work, Spencer and his wife, Carrie, have two adult daughters and remain deeply engaged in the Lodi community through service on local athletic and community organization boards.
The California Association of Winegrape Growers represents approximately 1,000 winegrape growers statewide, advocating for the economic sustainability and viability of family winegrape farms.
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. 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 small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.
