WINE ENTHUSIAST WINE STAR AWARDS 2019
In 2000, the editors of Wine Enthusiast conceived an annual awards program to celebrate luminaries who have significantly contributed to the success of the beverage industry.
The Wine Star Awards aim to highlight progressive thinkers in the fields of wine, beer and spirits. In award categories that cover the evolving scope of the industry, these winners represent the best of today’s beverage culture. They are united in a passion for change and exhibit business acumen and savvy for anticipating what’s next in the world of wine and beyond.
From winemakers to wineries, sommeliers to CEOs, philanthropists, innovators and social visionaries, these trendsetters are the drivers for what’s in your glass. Turn the page and get to know the bright stars of 2019 whose work is changing the drinking universe for the better.
LINDA REIFF
PERSON OF THE YEAR
This forward-thinking force behind the indomitable Napa Valley Vintners association uses policy and passion to promote California’s iconic winemaking region.
Linda Reiff has deep roots in California’s rich fabric of agriculture. Growing up in a multigenerational family of Yolo County farmers, she was exposed to the state’s earthly bounty—as well as the hard work needed to cultivate it—from a young age. This has informed her career as president and CEO of the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) since taking the reins of the trade association in 1995.
She channels these core values into the three most important tenets of her position: protecting the valley’s status as an Agricultural Preserve, defending the Napa Valley brand and enhancing the region’s community by raising and investing money to help residents in need.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with the most incredible materials anyone could imagine, an extraordinary place, exceptional people and an exquisite product,” says Reiff.
“She has incredible integrity and expects everyone around her to, as well,” says Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery.
The vision of seven founding vintners, NVV celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, with 550 members who represent 99% of the region’s wine production.
Dedicated to bolstering the surrounding area, it launched Auction Napa Valley in 1981 and has invested more than $191 million of the event proceeds into community health and children’s education since its inception.
“I love talking to her and hearing her ideas on things,” says David R. Duncan, proprietor, chairman and CEO of Silver Oak, Twomey and Ovid. Duncan has long been active with NVV, and previously served as Chairman of the Board.
“I still call Linda boss,” he says. “She has all the qualities of a great leader; she brings a lot of listening ability and is always seeking understanding. She can counsel and be counseled. She has no ego in this, she really cares about the future and uniqueness of this place.”
A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Reiff came to the NVV after working in Washington, D.C., as chief of staff, district representative and communications director for former U.S. Representative Vic Fazio.
Beyond growing NVV’s membership five-fold, she has also expanded its marketing programs and staff; championed the Agriculture Preserve, a first of its kind in the U.S. land-zoning ordinance. that protects more than 32,000 acres of farmland and open space; and, most recently, signed the Porto Protocol sustainability initiative for climate change, making the trade association the in first North America to participate.
“She has strong core values and it comes through in everything she does,” says Swain. “It’s not enough to do a study on climate change, she’s always looking at the big picture of what we can do better.”
In 2017, Reiff’s leadership helped NVV reach the halfway mark toward its 2020 sustainability goal to have all regional winery and vineyard owners participating in either the Napa Green Certified Land or Winery programs. As of 2019, there are more than 80 wineries and around 75% of Napa Valley’s vineyard acreage certified.
Protecting the Napa Valley name has been as important as protecting its agricultural land. In 2000, Reiff led efforts behind NVV’s sponsorship of Napa Name Law. This state legislation ensures that grapes within a Napa Valley bottle are indeed from Napa.
“Napa Valley now means something in the world of wine, yet I’m proud it also stands for much more,” says Reiff. “We care for our land and our community like no other and I believe we’ve inspired others to do the same.”
In 2005, an International Declaration of Place agreement was signed in the Napa Valley with representatives from six other wine regions. Two years later, the NVV earned approval by the European Union (E.U.) for Geographic Indication, the first for any wine region outside of the E.U.
For her tremendous vision, leadership and fierce protection of the Napa Valley, Wine Enthusiast proudly names Linda Reiff as its Person of the Year.
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The iconic filmmaker-turned-vintner is leaving an enduring mark on the wine world.
Bold moves and strategic risks, beautiful vistas and historic lands, family ties and American dreams: The winemaking career of Francis Ford Coppola reads like one of the famous Hollywood director and screenwriter’s epic films.
Though perhaps best known for blockbusters like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Coppola could be considered an even more successful vintner. Since the 1970s, he’s built an empire that now produces more than three million cases from 340 acres of vineyards spread across several wineries in California and Oregon and includes brands such as Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection, Sofia and Director’s Cut.
Coppola also restored Inglenook, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic wineries, to top form. He first purchased a slice of the estate in 1975, rescuing the operation from jug wine depravity and ultimately lifting it to the upper echelons of the modern wine market. These efforts culminated with his controversial purchase of the trademark and brand from corporate control in 2011.
“Of all the things I’ve done in my life, there’s nothing that I am more proud of than the fact that this beautiful estate has not only been rejuvenated, but restored to the highest level,” says Coppola.
A third-generation Italian-American born in 1939 and raised in a suburb of New York City, Coppola “never saw
