MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024. BY LODI WINEGRAPE COMMISSION.
During its August meeting, the new 2024-2025 board of directors of the Lodi Winegrape Commission assumed service and elected officers. New board member Farrah Felten Jolley joins current commissioners Jason Eells, Joan Kautz, Diego Olagaray, Jacylyn Stokes, Pieter A. den Hartog and Hadyn Schatz. Incumbent alternates Dirk Heuvel and Scott Armolea also join current commissioners. New board members Gerardo Espinosa and Brett Pieretti join current alternates Joe Larranaga, Colton Machado, Todd Maley, Garret Schaefer and Mitch Spaletta.
Diego Olagaray (pictured to the right) was elected chair, Jacylyn Stokes vice chair, Pieter den Hartog secretary and Hadyn Schatz treasurer. Diego Olagaray is the co-owner of Olagaray Brothers & Twin Vines and has served on the Commission’s board of directors since 2019 and as chair since July 2023. He also has served with California Association of Winegrape Growers, San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District, Lodi District Grape Growers Association and San Joaquin County Farm Bureau.
“It is my privilege to continue to serve alongside this passionate and diverse group of winegrowers,” says Diego. “I am pleased to welcome Farrah, Gerardo and Brett as new members. I am confident they will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to move the region forward.”
Established in 1991 as the grower-centric force behind the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA), the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents 750 winegrowers farming approximately 90,000 acres of winegrapes. Over the years, the Commission has provided abundant support for the region through marketing, education, research and sustainable winegrowing programs, cementing Lodi’s leadership in viticulture and elevating its reputation as a premium winegrowing region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s winegrowing community.
New commissioner Farrah Felten Jolley (pictured to the left) – a graduate of University of the Pacific, Stockton – is the Co-Owner and Vice President of Sales at Klinker Brick Winery. She currently serves on the board of directors for Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC) and California Wine Education Foundation – a 501(c)(3) founded by the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 1999. Farrah is eager to accelerate growth and success through applied education and experience. She says, “I’m looking forward to facilitating improved and productive relationships between wine growers and wineries and providing growers with new ideas and opportunities for grape sales.”
Gerardo Espinosa (pictured to the right), a new alternate, is the Vineyard Manager for LODI RULES-certified Anaya Vineyards and the Owner/Winemaker of Lodi Crush. He has a background in architecture and environmental design and is active in the community, serving on the board of directors for both Visit Lodi Conference & Visitors Bureau and Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective (LAIC). Gerardo’s motivation for serving on the Commission’s board of directors stems from his deep appreciation of the region. He states, “I am inspired by the area’s rich agricultural heritage, commitment to sustainable practices, and the vibrant community of growers and winemakers dedicated to producing exceptional wines.”
Brett Pieretti, another new alternate, is the Owner of Pieretti Farming and the Vice President/Relationship Manager at F&M Bank. He is a graduate of CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and possesses training from the Agricultural Lending Institute. Brett is active in the ag sector, regularly volunteering his time to various agriculture organizations. Brett is looking forward to being involved in the Commission’s marketing efforts, saying “I want to promote the region as a wine and agricultural destination and continue to drive tourism while improving the region’s reputation.”
“We are lucky to have such a qualified and diverse board of directors that are active and well-respected in our agricultural community,” comments Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director Stuart Spencer. “I look forward to collaborating with the group to successfully move Lodi forward as a high quality, environmentally, and socially conscious production area.”
Rolling off the board of directors are Phil Abba (Abba Vineyards), Curt Gillespie (Gillespie Vineyards), Brandon Sywassink (Manna Ranch Inc.), Tom Murphy (The Murphy Companies), and Art Prudhel (Prudhel Estates). Tom Murphy (outgoing treasurer) has served a total of 10 years – from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2016 to 2024. Both Brandon and Curt (outgoing vice chair) end eight consecutive years (2016-2024) while Phil ends six (2018-2024). Art served non-consecutively for six years between 2016 and 2024. All individuals continue to be active in the Commission’s initiatives and supportive of the ongoing efforts of the greater Lodi winegrowing community.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to thank Phil, Curt, Brandon, Tom and Art for their incredible commitment to Lodi’s winegrowing community over the years,” added Stuart. “Their contributions and insights have been invaluable, and we are grateful for their continued support in the community.”
Rolling Off the Board Left to Right: Curt Gillespie, Phil Abba, Tom Murphy and Brandon Swyassink.
About the Lodi Winegrape Commission
Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research and sustainable viticulture. The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers.
About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)
A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate more than 135 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.
Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 72,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and in Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.
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