April 22, 2026 (Napa, CA) — The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) have named James “Jim” Regusci the 2026 Napa Valley Grower of the Year, recognizing his decades of leadership in vineyard farming, commitment to sustainable agriculture, and lasting contributions to the Napa Valley community.
A third-generation Napa Valley farmer with roots in the Stags Leap District, Regusci continues the legacy started by his grandfather, Gaetano Regusci, who established the family ranch in 1932.
Jim is the founder and owner of Regusci Vineyard Management (RVM), an enterprise he launched in 1986 at just 19 years of age. What began with a single truck and a relentless work ethic has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected vineyard management companies. In 1996, he founded Regusci Winery, which produces 10,000 cases annually and sells directly to consumers. Today, RVM farms more than 2,000 acres and employs a dedicated team of over 175 full-time professionals.
In 2017, he co-chaired and hosted Harvest STOMP, supporting both the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation.
Beyond the vineyard, Regusci is widely known for his dedication to the Napa Valley community. He supports numerous local organizations and youth programs and regularly opens his ranch for educational vineyard tours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jim and his wife Laura launched a program providing fresh produce and protein from the ranch to employee families, a tradition that continues today.
Nominations for the Grower of the Year come from NVG membership and the recipient is selected by a committee of past presidents, current directors, and industry leaders. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in vineyard stewardship, leadership in agricultural preservation, service to the community, and contributions to Napa Valley’s reputation for producing world-class winegrapes.
For more information about the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, visit napagrowers.org.
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.
