MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025. BY LODI WINEGRAPE COMMISSION.
Featured image above: Lodi growers pictured from left to right – Pieter A. den Hartog (son), Pieter den Hartog (father), Hadyn Schatz (son), Rodney Schatz (father), Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez (daughter), Bill Stokes (father). Photo by Pieter den Hartog.
A new generation of leaders is stepping forward to guide the Lodi wine region into the future. During its August meeting, the Lodi Winegrape Commission Board of Directors appointed a historic slate of Executive Officers representing the youngest team in the Commission’s 34-year history, with an average age of 35 years old:
- Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez, Chair
- Hadyn Schatz, Vice Chair
- Pieter A. den Hartog, Secretary
- Scott Armolea, Treasurer (pictured to the right)
Together, this new executive leadership team embodies the dynamic energy and forward-thinking vision needed to navigate today’s evolving wine industry. Additionally, Jacylyn is the second-ever female Board Chair, following Kendra Lange Altnow who was the first female in this position, elected by peers in 2019.
The Lodi Winegrape Commission’s Board is comprised of nine volunteer Commissioners and up to nine additional Alternates. The Board supports the Commission’s mission “To empower all Lodi Crush District 11 winegrowers and serve their common interests to enhance the profitability of winegrape production through promotion, research, and education.”
Board Commissioners remain unchanged for the 2025–2026 term, with all current members continuing their service, including Scott Armolea, Pieter A. den Hartog, Jason Eells, Dirk Heuvel, Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez, Farrah Felten Jolley, Joan Kautz, Diego Olagaray (Past Chair, 2023–2025) and Hadyn Schatz. Galen Schmiedt joins current Board Alternates Gerardo Espinosa, Joe Larranaga, Colton Machado, Brett Pieretti and Mitch Spaletta.
Passing the Baton
This transition continues a legacy of service as Jacylyn, along with Hadyn and Pieter, carry forward their families’ multi-generational commitment to the region. They follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who also served on the Commission’s Board of Directors as follows:
- Rodney Schatz, Peltier Winery & Vineyards: 1991–1999 (Past Chair, 1997–1999)
- Bill Stokes, Stokes Brothers Farms: 2003–2011
- Pieter den Hartog, Den Hartog International Farms, Inc.: 2013–2019
This generational turnover reflects the deep agricultural roots and family commitment that defines Lodi’s winegrowing community, while bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation and market adaptation.
Leading through Industry Evolution
Jacylyn holds leadership roles at both Stokes Vineyards and Stokes Brothers Farms, focusing on vineyard operations and sustainability, and is the owner of La Belle Nue Wine. She has served on the Commission’s Board of Directors since 2020, previously holding the offices of Secretary (2023–2024) and Vice Chair (2024–2025), and also serves on the Commission’s Grower Marketing Committee. Jacylyn is a recent graduate of the California Agriculture Leadership Program and, alongside her husband, Jeff Iniguez, recently assumed the lease of her family’s old vine Zinfandel ranch. Her election as Chair represents both continuity and change for the region.
“Lodi is a place where I learned the value of hard work, family, and farming from a young age,” said Jacylyn. “While the market is shifting, our purpose remains the same; to uplift this region by telling its story and sustaining our community. Our parents helped to build this Commission in 1991, not just as growers but as visionaries, and today we honor that legacy by embracing what it means to lead in a new era.”
“This year’s board reflects a meaningful shift, with a new generation stepping confidently into leadership roles,” said Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director Stuart Spencer. “These talented young professionals are inspiring the entire community as they take the reins alongside seasoned leaders. That blend of fresh energy, forward-thinking vision and deep agricultural heritage positions us well to continue advancing Lodi as California’s most dynamic wine region.”
The Board also welcomes back Galen Schmiedt as an alternate for 2025–2026. Schmiedt is a fourth-generation grape grower and vineyard owner actively involved in his family’s business, Carl Schmiedt Farming. He previously served eight consecutive years as a commissioner from 2012–2020, including a term as Chair (2015–2017), and brings valuable institutional knowledge to support the new leadership team.
Honoring Dedicated Service
Rolling off the Board of Directors are Garret Schaefer (JW Moore Vineyards) and Todd Maley (Maley Vineyards), who each completed six consecutive years of service from 2019–2025. Both growers continue their active involvement with the Commission, with Garret serving on the Grower Marketing Committee and Todd on the Winery Marketing Committee.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Garret and Todd for their years of dedicated service to the Lodi winegrowing community,” Spencer continued. “Their leadership, insight and deep commitment to the region have left a lasting impact. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to their continued involvement in the community.”
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