Sip wine alongside celebrated winemakers at NCEF’s Meet the Kids Day luncheon.
Roger Bower
Crown Point Vineyards, Santa Ynez, California
Crown Point Vineyards’ standout inaugural 2013 vintage—a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon with layers of richness and velvety tannins—proves Texan cattle rancher and entrepreneur Roger Bower had foresight when he selected his Santa Barbara County vineyards. Sandwiched between the Santa Ynez coastal range and San Rafael Mountains, Crown Point produces estate-grown coastal cabs that are structured, elegant and, above all, terroir-driven—a true expression of the vineyard’s ideal locale just 12 miles north of the Pacific Ocean.
Bower fosters collaboration within his creative process and the community. He and French-born winemaker Simon Faury (whose resume counts stints at Napa Valley legends Robert Mondavi Winery, Harlan Estate and Merryvale Vineyards) produce top-rated blends of Bordeaux varietals in a horse barn-turned-winery at Happy Canyon, proving he’s always up for an innovative endeavor—and charitable efforts are no different. Crown Point has a number of philanthropic partners, including the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara and The People Helping People Network. “We often focus on supporting families and children, both locally and nationally,” he says. “We are proud to contribute to various charitable and academic endeavors, as we believe giving back is a vital part of our mission.”

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Roger Bower nwwf winemaker
Denise Adams
ADAMVS, Angwin, California; Château Fonplégade, Saint-Émilion, France
Denise Adams is the definition of a hands-on proprietor—one who has spearheaded decision-making from the moment she and her late husband, Stephen, founded their estates. Adams, who splits her time between Saint-Émilion and Napa Valley, knows effective leadership means having a team you can count on. She handpicked some of the most sought-after winemakers, viticulturists and biodynamic consultants in the world as she’s transitioned Château Fonplégade’s Grand Cru merlot and cabernet franc vineyards to certified organic and biodynamic farming—a practice she’s also incorporated at her ADAMVS operation—which benefits the land and those tending to it.
The organic gardener, artist and businesswoman defends philanthropy, serving on numerous boards and as a trustee for institutions like the Yale School of Art, the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Yale School of Music. “At our wineries, we believe the true measure of our success lies in the impact we make beyond the bottle,” she says. “Our involvement in the Naples Winter Wine Festival reflects our heartfelt commitment to children around the world—nurturing their dreams today plants the seeds for a brighter tomorrow.”

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denise adams nwwf winemaker
Rebecca Laird
Laird Family Estate, Napa, California
Simply calling Laird Family Estate a family business is putting it lightly. The estate has been trailblazing in Napa Valley since 1970, when Rebecca Laird’s father, Ken, laid the foundation for the eponymous winery. Today, the operation spans three generations and has more than 2,000 acres of vines planted in the region. Laird oversees the winery operations, while her father and brother, Justin, manage the vineyards, which produce sought-after varieties like chardonnay and pinot noir.
Despite the size of Laird Family Estate, only 3% of the grapes are reserved for the winery’s own range. “While our roots are quite deep in Napa Valley, we are growers first and foremost, and often the growers can be overlooked by the splashy brands,” Laird says. She serves on the board of the enrichment program Ag4Youth Napa, a nonprofit that works with underserved or at-risk youth to promote educational experiences around community agriculture, and animal husbandry and showmanship. Stepping into the role of NWWF luncheon vintner is no small achievement for her. “When we were first approached about participating, I remember being surprised and honored—that the committee even knew about us was a feather in our cap,” Laird says.

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