Winemakers, sustainability experts, and industry leaders honored with Oregon Wine Industry Awards
February 4, 2026 (Portland, OR) — Eight outstanding wine professionals were recognized today with an Oregon Wine Industry Award at the 2026 Oregon Wine Symposium. Each year, the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) awards Oregon industry members for their contributions to the wine industry as nominated by their peers.
The Oregon Wine Industry Award recipients are as follows:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Fuller, Founder of Tualatin Estate Vineyard and Consulting Winemaker of Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Founders Award: Dai Crisp, President of Lumos Wine Co.
- Outstanding Industry Leadership Award: Jeanne Feldkamp, Co-founder & Co-winemaker of Corollary Wines and Co-founder of Method Oregon
- Vineyard Excellence Award: Mario Fandino, Assistant Winemaker of Scenic Valley Farms
- Sustainability Champion Award: Shannon Mayhew, Biodynamic Estate Gardener of Brooks Wine
- Industry Partner Award: Carole Skeeters-Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Medford
- Board Service Award(s): Gary Mortensen, President of Stoller Wine Group; Anna Maria Ponzi, Director of the Center for Wine Education of Linfield University
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose extraordinary dedication, inspiration and advocacy for the Oregon wine community span a personal lifetime. Bill Fuller was among the earliest proponents of Oregon’s potential for producing world-class wines. When he moved from California to Oregon in 1973 with a vision for cool-climate Pinot noir, he set in motion a trajectory that would influence generations of winemakers and elevate Oregon onto the international stage. From the historic plantings at Tualatin Vineyards to his winemaking at Willamette Valley Vineyards, Bill’s fingerprints are woven into Oregon wine history. Fifty vintages have been released because of Bill Fuller, showcasing an incredible depth and sense of place. His exceptional wines garnered rave reviews, including the first Oregon wine to earn a spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, and Best of Show honors presented by Queen Elizabeth II at the 1984 London International Wine Competition.
The Founders Award recognizes individuals whose pioneering, groundbreaking work has deeply influenced and advanced the interests of Oregon winegrowers and winemakers, fostering statewide collaboration. This fall, Dai stepped down as general manager of Temperance Hill Vineyard after 26 years, completing a thoughtful transition to his successor. His leadership at the 100-acre Temperance Hill Vineyard influenced countless Oregon winemakers through expert farming, sustainability, and mentorship. A leader in organic viticulture and a champion for vineyard workers, Dai has immeasurably strengthened the Willamette Valley community and its wines.
The Outstanding Industry Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose exemplary commitment and innovative leadership have contributed significantly to the advancement of the Oregon wine industry. Jeanne Feldkamp, co-founder of Method Oregon and Corollary Wines, has been instrumental in elevating Oregon’s sparkling wine on the national stage. In 2025, she led branding and coordination for Method Oregon, featuring 22 wineries and 65 wines, while producing acclaimed wines at Corollary. She developed Corollary’s 57-acre estate and tasting room and has earned national recognition from Time Magazine and Wine Enthusiast. A collaborative leader, Jeanne supports fellow winemakers and community initiatives as she continues to advance Oregon’s sparkling wine industry.
The Vineyard Excellence Award recognizes vineyard employees who demonstrate outstanding collaborative support under the supervision of vineyard directors and viticulturists. These employees exemplify remarkable technical knowledge, professionalism and an outstanding work ethic. Mario Fandino’s hard work, passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft sets him apart. With deep knowledge of the vines, meticulous attention to detail, and a constant willingness to go above and beyond, he inspires everyone around him. Whether he’s braving early mornings, adapting to unpredictable weather, or mentoring others on the team, Mario exemplifies what it means to be a true steward of the land.
The Sustainability Champion Award recognizes individuals whose innovative leadership and commitment to sustainable practices reflect the longstanding values of the Oregon wine community. Shannon Mayhew embodies the Sustainability Champion Award through her work as Biodynamic Estate Gardener at Brooks Wine. With a background in plant science, she leads regenerative practices that enhance vineyard health, including pollinator meadows and composting programs. This year, she transformed the biodynamic gardens into the Brooks Secret Garden, an interactive space connecting the community to sustainable agriculture.
The Industry Partner Award recognizes people working in fields tangential to the wine industry whose cooperative approach has positively influenced the success of the Oregon wine industry and its members. Carole Skeeters-Stevens has shown outstanding leadership in Southern Oregon’s wine community. In 2025, she launched Savor Southern Oregon, bringing together 50+ wineries to promote Rogue Valley’s wine identity. Through Travel Medford, she has advanced initiatives like the Rogue Valley Wine Passport and national marketing efforts, significantly raising the region’s profile and economic impact. Carole also contributes to the success of Oregon wine at the statewide level, serving on the OWB’s Marketing Committee and providing expert guidance in the DTC-focused programming for the Oregon Wine Symposium.
The Board Service Award is given in recognition of industry members who have dedicated their time and expertise to the Oregon wine industry through Oregon Wine Board service. Gary Mortensen at Stoller Wine Group and Anna Maria Ponzi at Linfield University were both recognized with a Board Service Award. Gary served on the Oregon Wine Board from 2023-2025, and Anna Maria served on the Oregon Wine Board from 2024-2025. Both worked on the Board as the co-chairs of the Marketing Committee. The Board would like to thank Gary and Anna Maria for their years of dedicated service to the Oregon wine industry.
To learn more about all award winners, visit industry.oregonwine.org/opportunities/oregon-wine-industry-awards/.
About Oregon Wine Board (OWB)
The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) is a semi-independent Oregon state agency leading efforts in marketing, research, and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions to ensure they are supported and empowered. To learn more, visit industry.oregonwine.org.
