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Now Accepting Nominations: Join the Wine Institute Board of Directors (2025–2026)

Wine Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2025–2026 Board of Directors — and we invite you to help lead the future of California wine.

Our board plays a critical role in guiding Wine Institute’s priorities, policies and programs. It is comprised of 20 district directors (plus 20 alternates) and 20 at-large directors (plus 20 alternates) who represent wineries from every corner of our state.

WHY SERVE? 

California’s wine industry is navigating serious headwinds — from tightening regulations and shifting consumer tastes to rising global trade threats. Yet there’s so much to be proud of — we are world leaders in sustainability and innovation, producing wines as bright and diverse as California itself.

This is a pivotal moment to engage. We need members ready to step forward, shape critical policy conversations and help guide our industry into the future — with unity and purpose.

Board service offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Represent your peers and contribute your voice
  • Shape decisions and policies that define our future
  • Collaborate with fellow leaders passionate about California wine

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We welcome a broad range of perspectives — especially from members who are bringing new ideas to the table, shaping the next chapter of a family winery or finding new ways to connect more people to California wine.

To be eligible, nominees must be:

  • An officer, director, owner or employee of an active Wine Institute member in good standing; or
  • An employee of a licensed California winegrower’s agent authorized to represent a Wine Institute member

Ideal candidates are able to:

  • Attend three board meetings per year
  • Stay engaged with industry-wide issues
  • Serve as active liaisons between their region and Wine Institute

HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION 

District Directors

District directors represent wineries within their region and are elected on a one winery, one vote basis (see allotment here). Candidates with the highest votes will fill allotted district director positions, with remaining nominees serving as alternates.

There are two ways a member may be nominated:

  • Individual Nomination – Submit the Individual Nomination Form, signed by three other winery members in your district, by April 25
  • Regional vintner associations can also play a key role by nominating qualified Wine institute members as candidates for district directors

At-Large Directors  

At-large directors represent members statewide and are elected on the basis of one vote for every dollar in dues paid. At-large directors select their own alternates.

There are two ways a member may be nominated:

  • Individual Nomination – Submit the Individual Nomination Form, signed by three other winery members in your district, by April 25
  • The Finance and Administration Committee also nominates a slate of candidates.

Whether you’ve served before or are stepping up for the first time, your leadership matters — and it plays a vital role in shaping the future of California’s wine community.

To view the election schedule, click here. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at (415) 356-7537 or iblue@wineinstitute.org.

DOWNLOAD NOMINATION FORM →