The wine industry is a huge part of California agriculture. According to the Wine Institute, there are 5,900 wine grape growers in the Golden State, cultivating the crop on 635,000 acres. The growers harvest almost 4 million tons of grapes a year, generating over $3 billion in farmgate revenue. In total, the wine industry has an economic impact of $57 billion a year and employs 325,000 Californians.

Farm Credit understands the vital connection between farmers and their land, as well as the importance of preserving our natural resources. These beliefs have motivated Farm Credit to be a long-standing sponsor of the Leopold Conservation Award.

For a small family-owned winery, it can often be difficult to get noticed by retailers, restaurants and wine aficionados. That’s why for 29 years, the Family Winemakers of California have been holding tastings for select audiences. The group now holds two events a year – one in Southern California in the spring and one in the Bay Area in mid-August.