Stuart Spencer recognized for his 25 years of service to Lodi Winegrape Commission
Spencer joined the commission as program manager in 1999 and was promoted to executive director in 2018.
The board honored Spencer at its annual meeting, which was attended by more than 150 community members.
"It has been an absolute honor to serve Lodi's growers for the past 25 years," Spencer said. "Their dedication to their community, their thirst for knowledge, and their willingness to collaborate are truly unmatched. The work we do at the Lodi Winegrape Commission makes a real difference, and it's the growers' strong leadership and commitment to excellence that make it all possible. We've achieved so much together, and I'm excited for all that's still to come."
During his time with the commission, Spencer has overseen its marketing program, providing guidance and support to advertise regional events such as ZinFest, as well as lead branding efforts for campaigns including LoCA, Save the Old Vines and the "A Rising Tide" Lodi Grower Video Series. He also spearheaded the installation and opening of the Lodi Wine Visitor Center inside the Wine & Roses Resort and Spa at 2545 W. Turner Road in 2000.
Today, the center serves as a central hub for Lodi producers who lack brick-and-mortar venues to showcase their wine.
It also serves as an education station and guide to the Lodi Appellation, which welcomes thousands of visitors a year.
"During the past 25 years, Stuart has been an asset to the wine industry, specifically for the Lodi region," Board Chair Diego Olagaray said. "As a winemaker and winegrower, Stuart possesses unique perspectives on the wine industry's domestic and international issues, which have helped to expand and strengthen the region and set him apart from his peers."
Spencer has also been heavily involved in educational efforts for the Lodi winegrape industry, including recent initiatives to focus attention on California winegrower challenges and opportunities in the current wine industry.
He was instrumental in developing the LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing program which celebrated its 20th year of certification in January.
Since 2005, the program has grown from 1,555 acres of certified sustainable Lodi vineyards to more than 75,000 acres of planted vines certified in California, Washington, and Israel.
Mark Chandler was the commission's first executive director, and hired Spencer in 1999.
"Stuart is a remarkable individual with great insights, and a strategic vision paired with the tactical expertise to know what's possible," he said. "
His steady influence and advocacy for our winegrowing community continues to make great progress for the region. Stuart enhances and elevates the position of our wines on the world stage, while still being authentically Lodi every step of the way."
The commission represents more than 750 winegrape growers who farm more than 100,000 vineyard acres, and includes more than 80 wineries in the Lodi American Viticulture Area. It is the second largest in California and crushes more than 20% of California's premium winegrapes. The region's annual yield of over 592,000 tons of winegrapes was valued at over $360 million in 2024.
"Stuart and I both come from multi-generational Lodi winemaking families and it has been a pleasure to see all the work he has done bringing our amazing people, place and wines into the spotlight," said Joan Kautz, the commission's Grower Marketing Committee chairwoman. "His 25 years of service are nothing short of tremendous, and I am excited to continue working with him on behalf of the region for years to come."
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