Wine Grape Growers Elect New Officers

Wine Grape Growers Elect New Officers

Medford, Ore. – February 10, 2011 – The Board of Trustees of the Rogue Valley Winegrowers Association (RVWA) elected officers for 2011-2012 at the Feb. 8 Board meeting.  Jon Meadors of Agate Ridge Vineyard in Eagle Point is the new president, succeeding Dick Ellis of Medford’s Pebblestone Cellars who served on the Board six years.

Emily Mostue of Rocky Knoll Vineyard in Medford is the new vice president.  She is joined by Treasurer Les Martin of Red Lily Vineyards in Jacksonville and Secretary Michael Moore of Quail Run Vineyards in Talent.  John Pratt of Medford’s Stone Hollow Vineyard is the new Research Committee chair and Scott Folin of Folin Cellars in Gold Hill continues as Programs Committee chair.  Duane Bowman of Cricket Hill Vineyard & Winery in Jacksonville chairs the Marketing Committee.

Part of RVWA’s mission is to present timely, informative programs for members and other interested people.  A free “Wine Legal Issues” seminar is scheduled on Tuesday, March 15, 2-5 p.m. at the Southern Oregon Extension Service Auditorium, 569 Hanley Rd., Central Point.  A panel of three prominent Oregon attorneys – Chris Hermann of Stoel Rives, Martha Pagel with Schwabe Williamson Wyatt, and Mike Gelardi with Davis Wright Tremaine – will discuss wine and grape contracts, compliance and regulatory issues, land use, water law and other current topics.

RVWA has more than 125 members in the Rogue Valley, representing commercial growers and wineries of all sizes and some wine hobbyists.  This year the organization’s membership was opened to all types of businesses and professionals interested in supporting the regional wine industry.  For more information on joining RVWA, contact Pat Ellis at rvwinegrowers (at) yahoo (dot) com or visit www.rvwinegrowers.org.