The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, a nonprofit regional organization representing 35 wineries and 60-plus winegrowers in the Temecula Valley AVA, recently announced their 2013 board lineup. The board represents a cross-section of large and boutique wineries and winegrape growers from across Temecula Valley.

2013 TVWA Board of Directors

Nicholas Palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery | President

Jeff Wiens, Wiens Family Cellars | Vice-President

Bob Olsen, Danza Del Sol Winery | Treasurer

Mike Rennie, Leoness Cellars | Secretary

Ben Drake, Drake Enterprises, Inc. | Chairman, Viticulture

Jim Hart, Hart Winery and Jon McPherson, South Coast Winery | Co-Chairs, Enology

David Bradley, Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery | Chairman, Marketing

Steve Andrews, Oak Mountain Winery | Chairman, Membership

"I am honored that our membership has put its trust in me,” says newly-elected Board President Nicholas Palumbo. “The election of a small grower/winemaker is a sign to me that our region’s primary focus and interest is in quality of grapes and wine. It is my goal, as it has always been, to help us all put a quality product behind our message. I am excited to work with the incoming board and truly feel we have the right combination of individuals and interests to get this job done.”

Continuing as Viticultural Chair, Ben Drake of Drake Enterprises, Inc. was recently recognized by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) as the 2013 CAWG Leader of the Year.

“As a fifth-generation Riverside County farmer and a resident of Temecula for 40 years, I am proud to say that the valley’s wine region is thriving. Past challenges have given us opportunity to make great improvements,” says Drake.

About the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association

Comprising 35 wineries and more than 60 winegrowers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Officially established in 1984, the Temecula AVA (American viticultural area) consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 1,300 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California's wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs.