The Gallo family has been one of the mainstays of the California wine industry for three generations, and they have a longstanding appreciation for the craftsmanship developed over time in a family business. They developed the Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards program in 2006 to recognize and promote American artisanal food producers in a variety of categories. Winners of the second annual Gold Medal Awards will each receive a $5,000 business development grant, a trip to New York for the awards ceremony, and “seals of excellence” to display on their winning products as a symbol of quality. Entries will be accepted through Feb. 28, 2007, and will be judged in a blind tasting by a panel of distinguished industry professionals. Product categories are: Bread & Baked Goods, Dairy, Meat & Charcuterie, Fish & Seafood, Confectionary Goods, Condiments, Oils & Vinegars, and Fruits & Vegetables. The Never Stop Growing Award will be given to a family-owned business that “exemplifies outstanding artisanal food production.” For more information about the awards program, a list of this year’s winners (including YaYa’s Spicy Flax Crackers from Houston), and applications, go to www.gallofamily.com.
This article appears in December 29 • 2006.