SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS’ WINEGROWERS NAME “VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR”
Jason Auxier of Morgan Winery Receives “Josh Lee Award” for Service to SLH Association.
The Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans, an alliance of the appellation’s winegrowers and wineries, announced their annual “Volunteer of the Year” recently at the 2016 SLH Gala celebration. Jason Auxier, Marketing Coordinator at Morgan Winery, received this year’s “Josh Lee Award.”
In bestowing the award in a brief ceremony prior to the start of the Gala, SLH Wine Artisans’ Board President Gary Franscioni, Morgan Winery proprietors Dan and Donna Lee, and SLHWA Executive Director Dave Muret cited Mr. Auxier’s efforts on behalf of the Santa Lucia Highlands. “He has worked hard to organize and set-up our various SLH events, including our crucial trade and press tastings,” commented Dave Muret. “Jason is an integral part of our SLH creative team and is always looking for ways to further the AVA’s reputation. He promotes the association’s values and the quality of our wines. Jason is one of our group’s most important ambassadors.”
The Josh Lee Volunteer-of-the-Year Award was created to honor the memory of Josh’s positive attitude and hardworking support of SLH Wine Artisans’ events. It is given annually to an individual who gives freely of their own time and expertise to further the goals of the SLH association. Last year’s recipient was Stefani Chaney of Scheid Vineyards.
The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state’s best cool climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The appellation encompasses more than 6,500 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the elevated terraces and alluvial fans of the Santa Lucia mountain range. The area’s unique character was recognized with official A.V.A. status in 1991; 2016 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the S.L.H.’s designation.
Formed in 2005, the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is an association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes here or use this region’s fruit to craft their wines. The group’s online home is SantaLuciaHighlands.com
