Stewards of the Land : MEET OUR GROWERS
California’s wine-grape growers are the heart and soul of the state’s wine industry. These growers are passionate about perfecting the art of wine-grape growing, and many are continuing a legacy that began generations ago. Get to know the faces behind the vineyards who help make California’s wine best in class.
San Joaquin Valley Growers
Steve Schafer
Steve has whole-heartedly embraced the industry’s sustainability program
and is a champion for solar power in the vineyards. He also uses
his ranch as a model to address air and water quality issues. More
on Steve Schafer (PDF).
Dennis Atkinson
After 30 years at Tejon Ranch in South San Joaquin Valley, Dennis
now mans the helm of the ranch and is leading its sustainability efforts,
including state-of-the-art drip irrigation and the use of drought-tolerant
vines. More on Dennis Atkinson and Tejon Ranch (PDF).
Sohan Samran
The son of Indian emigrants, Sohan took a chance after college
by purchasing a piece of land near Madera. With the help of his
brother, Sukh, this land now boasts more than 3,000 acres of wine
grapes, and for diversification, almonds. More on
Sohan Samran (PDF).
