CAWG's 2026 Leader of the Year

Stuart Spencer, Lodi Winegrape Commission

Stuart Spencer has devoted his career (and most of his life) to strengthening California’s winegrape industry, with a specific focus on the Lodi community. As Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Stuart represents more than 750 growers across 85,000 vineyard acres and over 80 wineries. A pioneering voice in sustainable winegrowing and regional branding, his leadership has elevated Lodi from a quiet grape-growing region into a globally recognized wine appellation.

Stuart’s connection to the wine industry runs deep. Raised in a multigenerational farming family, his parents were winegrape growers and partners in a fine wine shop. From vineyard to cellar, he learned the craft through hands-on experience in every aspect of wine production and winemaking firsthand. That early foundation provided both practical skills and a strategic perspective, equipping him to guide a region now responsible for over 20 percent of California’s premium winegrape production, valued at more than $360 million in 2024.

In addition to his role at the Commission, Stuart is also both a grower and winemaker at his family’s winery, St. Amant. Winery. Through this dual perspective, he has become one of Lodi’s most passionate and effective ambassadors, carrying the region’s story far beyond California.

Stuart has also been a powerful advocate for growers, and his willingness to confront difficult issues has brought national attention to policies and practices that threaten the California winegrape industry. He has highlighted the challenges posed by foreign bulk wine imports, duty drawback abuses, and trade imbalances created by foreign subsidies, issues that threaten the stability of California farming communities.

“Stuart has never been afraid to stand up for growers,” said California Association of Winegrape Growers President Natalie Collins. “He leads with credibility, honesty, and a deep understanding of the challenges growers face. By elevating difficult conversations and engaging policymakers and the media, he has ensured that growers’ voices are heard at the highest levels.”

His advocacy has given voice to small and mid-sized growers who too often feel powerless. Through data-driven commentary and unflinching leadership, Stuart has helped reshape the conversation around fairness, sustainability, and the future of California wine.

Working with California’s Winegrape Growers

Stuart’s strategic vision has driven some of Lodi’s most transformative initiatives. He championed the creation of the Lodi Wine Visitor Center in 2000, providing a central hub for producers without tasting rooms and creating an educational gateway welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

His leadership was also instrumental in developing LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing™, America’s first third-party certified sustainable winegrowing program. What began with just 1,555 certified acres in 2005 has now expanded to over 75,000 acres across California, Washington, and even Israel, making Lodi a model for sustainability in the global wine industry.

When Stuart joined the Winegrape Commission 26 years ago, Lodi was a small piece of California wine country. Few bottles carried the Lodi name, and the region remained largely unknown to those outside the region. Today, Lodi wines are featured in top restaurants across the country, featured in premier retail shops, and celebrated by thousands of visitors who visit the region each week.

Community remains at the heart of Lodi’s transformation. Stuart has long emphasized that the Lodi’s success has been built on collaboration, with growers and vintners working together, supporting one another, and sharing knowledge. This cooperative spirit has allowed Lodi to accomplish far more collectively than any single grower or winery could achieve alone.

“Stuart has been a great communicator on behalf of the Lodi appellation, and the California winegrowing community at large,” shares Joan Kautz of Kautz Family Vineyards and Ironstone Vineyards. “He strives to expand awareness for Lodi vineyards and producers, and his efforts have created a higher recognition for the region, both within the United States and internationally.”

Equally important are the Commission’s grower education and outreach programs, developed under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Bolton. These initiatives provide hands-on support to growers navigating shifting market conditions, vineyard removals, and the ongoing pressures of pests and diseases. By pairing one-on-one guidance with technical expertise, the Commission is helping growers make informed decisions and plan for long-term success.

“His immense understanding of the grape industry and the challenges it faces, as well as his knowledge and expertise of producing and selling wines, have proven to be an invaluable asset for our regional success,” Kautz continued.

Beyond his professional achievements, Stuart remains deeply involved in the Lodi community. He and his wife, Carrie, have two adult daughters, and family has always been central to his work. He has served on the boards of local athletic and community organizations, including the swim club and high school athletic foundation, guiding these programs through periods of growth and challenge. Stuart believes in the power of sports to teach discipline, teamwork, and leadership –values that extend well beyond the field or pool.

When asked what it means to be named CAWG’s 2026 Leader of the Year, Stuart Spencer shared: “It’s a true honor to be recognized by the California Association of Winegrape Growers. I care deeply about California growers and our winegrape industry, and I believe this is a critical time for all of us to stand up and make our voices heard. I’m proud to do my part in advocating for growers across the state. Now more than ever, organizations like CAWG and the Lodi Winegrape Commission are essential to ensuring that our voices are represented and our interests protected.”