The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) has selected grape producer Mike Wolf as its Napa Valley Grower of the Year recipient. 

Wolf will be honored May 15 for his contributions to Napa Valley farming and the community at the NVG’s 40^th annual dinner.

Wolf has developed and managed California vineyards for more than 35 years. 

He launched Michael Wolf Vineyard Services in 1997, working with many Napa Valley independent growers, and premium and ultra-premium wineries in all phases of sustainable vineyard development.

Wolf farms 800-plus in Napa County. He started working with grapes at age 26.

He moved to Mendocino County with two college friends and connected with Beckstoffer Vineyards in Ukiah for his first vineyard job.

He moved to Napa County in 1981 as the vineyard supervisor for a large agricultural development company in the Pope Valley. He accepted a position overseeing 500 vineyard acres in the Napa Valley for Beckstoffer Vineyards.

Wolf’s name is associated with vineyards known for high quality grapes.

“Mike is a tremendous example of a quiet, genuine leader,” said NVG President Steve Moulds.

“He is a perennial contributor to advancing viticultural best practices, dependably mentors the next generation, and furthers the process of sustainable farming.”

Moulds noted, "We are very proud to honor him.”

NVG is a non-profit trade organization which works to strength Napa Valley's reputation as a world-class viticultural region. NVG represents about 700 Napa County grape growers and associated businesses. 

www.napagrowers.org