Jupiter grape variety the Washington State Viticulture Field Day in Prosser, Washington on August 13, 2015. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Jupiter grape variety the Washington State Viticulture Field Day in Prosser, Washington on August 13, 2015. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

Thirteen board members and three officers were elected at the National Grape & Wine Initiative annual meeting last week in Sacramento, California.

The group is made up of grape growers, academic institutions and government agencies to help focus on grape research.

The board members elected to three-year terms are:

Commodity Sector Representative-Wine: Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines

Regional Representative-Northwest: Russ Smithyman, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

At Large Representatives: John Aguirre, California Association of Winegrape Growers; Tony Stephen, American Vineyard Foundation; Allison Jordan, Wine Institute; Rich Schaefers, Silverado Premium Properties; Wendy Brannen, Lodi Winegrape Commission; Deborah Golino, UC Davis; Franka Gabler, California Table Grape Commission; Michael Walker, Constellation Brands; Sam Filler, New York Wine & Grape Foundation; Jim Trezise, WineAmerica; Anji Perry, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines.

Officers for 2017 include:

Craig Bardwell, National Grape Cooperative, Chair; Rick Stark, Sun-Maid Growers of California, Vice Chair; Dan Martinez, Martinez Orchards, Secretary/Treasurer.

The NGWI board is made up of 29 representatives by commodity and by region with other at-large members.