October 14, 2006, Napa, CA- The COPIA Wine Awards 2006 went to John Shafer of Shafer Vineyards for Vintner of the Year, Salvador Renteria of Renteria Vineyard Management for Wine Grower of the Year, Greg Gregory for Wine Collector of the Year, and Gene Burns of KGO Dining Around with Gene Burns for Media and Entertainment. The most prestigious COPIA Wine Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to the Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards for their invaluable contributions and record of accomplishments to the American wine industry.

“We are particularly proud to be honoring the Davies family with a Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Arthur Jacobus, COPIA’s President. “Their pioneer spirit, indelible style and savvy foresight helped paved the way for California’s dynamic sparkling wine industry. We are also grateful to them for their active involvement and support of Napa’s Agricultural Preserve and the Napa Valley Vintners Association.”

The 2006 Awards for Lifetime Achievement, Vintner, Grower, Collector, and Media and Entertainment were presented at COPIA’s annual Wine Awards ceremony on October 14 by Andrea (Immer) Robinson MS with a live remote by Gene Burns of KGO Radio. Also in attendance was Laurie Puzo from the office of Assembly Member Noreen Evans, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, to present California State Legislature Certificates of Recognition to each of the award recipients.

The COPIA Wine Awards were introduced in 2003 to honor outstanding achievements and leaders in the American wine industry. The Awards were presented in each of five categories: Lifetime Achievement, Vintner, Grower, Collector, and Media and Entertainment. Three nominees and the final winners for each of the wine industry categories were carefully selected by a committee comprised of North American Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers in accord with specific criteria. The Wine Award Lifetime Achievement winner was selected by a distinguished panel of wine experts. (See below for Selection Criteria.)

For full press release, please visit http://www.copia.org/content/node/914.