October 27, 2026 (Ukiah, CA) — Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI) has named Rich Parducci as this year’s recipient of the George Zeni Award, a memorial trophy given to a winegrower or vintner with an exemplary history of advocacy for and dedication to Mendocino County’s wine industry.
Rich is the winemaker and managing partner at McNab Ridge Winery, and a fourth-generation member of one of California’s pioneering winemaking families. His great-grandfather, Adolph Parducci, established the family’s roots in Mendocino County winemaking in 1932, and his grandfather, John Parducci, helped put Mendocino on the map as a world-class wine region.
From the vineyards and bottling lines to the laboratory, cellar, and crush pad, Rich learned the family business from the ground up starting at age 12. That hands-on foundation shaped the practical knowledge and respect for growers that continues to define his winemaking philosophy today. Rich earned an Associate of Science degree in Viticulture from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1989, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology from California State University, Fresno, graduating magna cum laude in 1992. He returned as assistant winemaker at Parducci Wine Cellars, serving from 1992 to 1998, before becoming the winemaker at Associated Vintage Group’s Hopland winery.
In December 1999, Rich began the next chapter of his career at McNab Ridge Winery, helping carry the Parducci family’s winemaking heritage into a new era. At McNab Ridge, Rich has developed a diverse portfolio, from classic Mendocino varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay to distinctive Family Reserve wines, vineyard-designated bottlings, and the playful, imaginative wines of The Fun Bunch collection. His approach balances generations of traditional winemaking knowledge with modern techniques, always with a deep appreciation for the growers and vineyards that make exceptional wine possible. Says Rich,”People behind the vines. That’s what it’s all about.”
Throughout his career, Rich has also given his time and expertise to the broader wine community, serving on the board of the Mendocino Wine Growers Alliance from 1998 to 2008 and the board of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) from 2009 to 2021.
Rich has a straightforward philosophy, saying, “We make wines that get people to ask for a second glass.”It’s a simple statement that speaks volumes about his approach: craftsmanship without pretension, quality without compromise, and wines meant to be shared and enjoyed. As the recipient of the 2026 George Zeni Award, Rich Parducci is recognized for a lifetime devoted to Mendocino County grape growing and winemaking. He will be formally honored at the annual MWI Harvest Party on Saturday, November 14 at BARRA of Mendocino. This event is open to the public. To learn more, visit www.mendowine.com.
About MWI
Mendocino Winegrowers, Incorporated (MWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the wine grape growers, vintners, and wineries of Mendocino County. With a focus on education, marketing, and sustainability, MWI plays a pivotal role in elevating the visibility of the region’s wines, both nationally and internationally.
