Fermin Manzo Honored as Sonoma County’s Vineyard Employee of the Year

Vineyard Manager at Atlas Vineyard Management Leads Class of 43 Honorees at the Eighth Annual Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Employee Recognition Celebration

March 3, 2026 (Santa Rosa, CA) — Fermin Manzo has been compared to a doctor for the attention and care he gives to the hundreds of acres of vineyards of winegrapes he manages.  He is known to walk the rows of vines at all hours of the day, assisting colleagues with their assignments, listening to their ideas, and sharing his practical knowledge gained over three decades in the industry.  It is no surprise that he plays a major role in the development of his colleagues, whether they are new employees or supervisors gaining more responsibilities.  These were some of the many reasons cited in recognizing Fermin as Sonoma County’s Vineyard Employee of the Year. The employee of the year is selected by a panel of the foundation board members. 

“We are a much better company because of Fermin and the inspiring example he sets every day,” said Tony Bugica, Chief Operations Officer at Atlas Vineyard Management.  He added, “He is a teacher, a motivator, a coach, and a friend who is sought out by his colleagues who appreciate his encouragement and ability to help them improve.  It is pretty remarkable that he arrived in our country with no agricultural experience but a strong work ethic.  Over the past thirty-plus years, Fermin has led by example gaining the respect of colleagues and growers throughout Sonoma County and beyond.”

Fermin, along with 42 other men and women was honored at the eighth annual Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Employee Recognition Celebration for their talents, accomplishments, and leadership.  The awards are considered to be among the most prestigious honors in the local winegrape industry.  Congressman Mike Thompson presented each of the honored workers with certificates and announced the employee of the year.  He addressed both vineyard employees and employers reaffirming his steadfast support for agriculture and honoring the essential role it plays in sustaining Sonoma County’s economy and heritage. He recognized that vineyard workers are far more than employees—they are neighbors, community members, friends, and family—and highlighted the uniquely close and collaborative relationship between growers and their workforce that defines our region.

“We celebrate these important men and women  and honor them on stage in front of their families, employers, elected officials, and leaders in Sonoma County because our wine community could not exist without their efforts and those of all our vineyard workforce,” said Karissa Kruse, Chief Executive Officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos.  

Fermin’s life journey is marked by courage and determination.  He came to the United States in 1993 from Jalisco, Mexico, seeking better opportunities so he could provide and support his family back home.  With no experience working in agriculture, he began working in the vineyards and soon developed a passion for viticulture.  After years of working in viticulture and eventually managing vineyard properties along the Sonoma Coast, he joined Atlas Vineyard Management in 2015.  

He has steadily advanced in the company over the years due to his success, reliability, leadership, and operational expertise.  He has done it all – training supervisors, managing complex properties, handling regulatory reporting, and serving as the primary point of contact between vineyard teams and company leadership.  His judgement and his ability to deliver superior results are greatly appreciated and respected throughout the company and with its clients.

At his core, Fermin is motivated by his family.  Through his years of hard work and dedication, he has provided educational opportunities for his three children that he could have only dreamed of while growing up.  Seeing his children become the first generation of his family to attend college remains one of his greatest sources of pride.

Said Atlas Vineyard Management’s Bugica “Fermin’s life and leadership reflect the value which have built our industry and our community.  He is an exceptional employee and a role model for all of us.  It is so great to celebrate Fermin and his many successes!”

All employees working in Sonoma County agriculture for a vineyard owner, vineyard management company, or winery are eligible for the monthly Employee Recognition awards.  Employers nominate individuals each month throughout the year to recognize exceptional performance in a variety of areas including leadership, innovation, frost protection, conservation, pruning, canopy management, and harvest.  

The Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos has a sole mission of supporting vineyard employees and their families. It was first established in 2002 by local winegrape growers to help fund education workshops in Spanish. Relaunched in 2016, it expanded its focus to include improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families to ensure the region remains a place where they can continue to live, work and thrive. Following the devastating wildfires of 2017, 2019 and 2020, the organization established its Vineyard Employee Resiliency Fund, which has provided more than $2 million in support to more than 1,500 agricultural employees with temporary housing, rent support and gift cards to purchase household items, food, and essential supplies. Today, the Foundation remains a committed employee resource but has focused its programming on initiatives that elevate the workforce including its nationally recognized Leadership Academy.

Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos 2025 Employees of the Month