Payette Awarded Perpetual Wine Grape Productivity Tray

The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association selected Tom Payette, winemaking consultant, as its 2011 distinguished American wine industry recipient of the ASWA Perpetual Wine Grape Productivity Tray.  Since 1984, the Wine Grape Productivity Tray has been presented on an annual basis to an individual or organization that has made a major contribution to the sustainable growth and economic viability of the American wine industry.  Previous recipients of this prestigious honor have included United States Senator John W. Warner, Bruce Zoecklein, Women for WineSense, California and local television personality, Willard Scott.  Mr. Payette was presented the award at a reception on July 22^nd held at the Regency at Dominion Valley Country Club in Haymarket, Virginia.

Tom Payette is a winemaking consultant based in Rapidan, Virginia.  With over 25 years of winemaking experience he assists clients with winery design and set-up, still and sparkling winemaking, and general winery issues.  In addition to serving clients throughout the United States, Spain, Canada and the Caribbean, Tom is also the Wine Tech columnist for Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine, noted international speaker and wine judge.  Mr. Payette can be contacted at 540-672-0387.