CAWG Elects New Board Officers and Directors: Mike Testa Assumes Role as Chair

SACRAMENTO, Nov. 20, 2019 – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1.

 

Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton was elected chair. He succeeds Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres, who served in the role for two years. Other directors elected as officers are Tom Slater of Slater Farms in Clarksburg, vice chair; Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming in Madera, vice chair; Jeff Bitter, winegrape grower in Madera, secretary; and Gregg Hibbits of Mesa Vineyard Management in Templeton, treasurer.

 

“Mike’s extensive industry experience and connections will be tremendously beneficial to CAWG and California winegrape growers,” said CAWG President John Aguirre. “The association is fortunate to have a highly engaged and motivated group of officers and directors guiding our advocacy efforts on behalf of winegrape growers.”

 

Re-elected directors are John Balletto of Balletto Vineyards in Santa Rosa, Joel Maring of J. Maring Farms in Patterson, and Jeff Bitter of Madera.

 

New directors are David Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa, Chris Lynch of Walsh Vineyards Management in Napa, and Michael Manna of Manna Ranch, Inc. in Acampo. New directors-at-large are Karissa Kruse of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Kim Stemler of Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association.

 

Outgoing directors are Michael Boer of Stipp Ranch in Ukiah, Diego Olagaray of Olagaray Brothers in Lodi, Bruce Phillips of Vine Hill Ranch in Yountville, and Brian Shepard of Walsh Vineyards Management in Napa.

 

Media contacts:
• John Aguirre, (916) 379-8995, john@cawg.org
• Meredith Ritchie, (916) 984-4473, meredith@cawg.org