Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation

The Employee Recognition Program first began in 2018 to honor the men and women who excel in growing Sonoma County's sustainable winegrapes. All employees working in Sonoma County agriculture for a vineyard owner, vineyard management company or winery are eligible for the award. Employers nominate individuals each month throughout the year to recognize their various skills, achievements, and exceptional performance in different areas. Monthly themes include leadership, innovation, safety, frost protection, conservation, pruning, canopy management and harvest. Throughout the year, monthly winners receive gift cards as well as gain recognition in the local community via advertisements, social posts, and articles saluting their success.At the annual celebration event, award winners from the year are joined by their families, nominating vineyard managers, and local to celebrate with a catered lunch and live music from a local Mariachi band. At the annual event, the employee of the year is announced. Since 2018, 232 vineyard employees have been honored with the Employee of the Month Recognition and we have named Four Employees of the Year. At the Employee Recognition on February 25th, 2023 we named our fifth Employee of the Year for 2022.

The Leadership Academy is a pioneering program established in February 2022. The Academy focuses on advancing the skills needed for vineyard employees to be promoted into leadership roles within their organization or enhance their current leadership skills and role. It doesn't seek to teach farming, instead topics include government policies, human resources, compliance, safety, communications, financial literacy, disaster preparedness, community resources, conflict resolution, and much more.