Napa, Calif.—The board of directors of the American Vineyard Foundation, AVF, honored industry veteran Hal Huffsmith “whose commitment, dedication and enormous contributions to the organization have been paramount to its success,” according to a statement by the foundation.

During Huffsmith’s 26 years of work with the foundation he served on the board, was a member of the executive committee and held the post of chairman from 2006 through 2010. Huffmsith also is a technical reviewer on the AVF’s research review committee. Huffsmith is the senior vice president of vineyard operations for Trinchero Family Estates, where he has worked for more than 40 years. In addition to his work with Trinchero and the AVF he has served on the board of directors for the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and was a member of the Viticulture and Enology Industry Advisory Board at California State University, Fresno.