BARBOURSVILLE, Va. -- A viticulturist educated in El Salvador and battle tested in California's Napa Valley has been named "Grower of the Year" by the Virginia Vineyards Association. Barboursville Vineyards' Fernando Franco was honored at the Virginia Vineyards Association Winter Technical Meeting Friday in Charlottesville. Franco said the secret to his success is treating the vines with respect.
"Give them what they need to grow healthy, I have a lot of passion and respect for the Earth," he said. "I love to walk along the vines in the evening after everything is done. I check on them and see what they need. I love to take care of them, like I take care of my family. It's amazing what comes from the good earth of Virginia."
Fernando Franco (right) with winemaker, Luca Paschina among rows of Reserve red wines. (PHOTO: Barboursville Vineyards)
"Our Estate has achieved world-class status in the world of wine because of people like Fernando Franco, who has passion for the vine and an understanding that we are farmers at heart," Barboursville Vineyards winemaker and general manager Luca Paschina said.
The fruits of Franco's labor are not just praised in Virginia. Wines made from grapevines Franco managed have taken platinum, double gold or best of show medals in the San Francisco International and San Diego competitions, Virginia Vineyards Association President Tom Kelly said. His wines also achieved the highest score of any Virginia wine in Wine Spectator magazine.
"The vineyards he manages have produced two Governor’s Cup winners," Kelly added. "This year alone, wines from those vineyards collected three gold medals in the Governor’s Cup competition."
Fernando Franco named 2015 "Grower of the Year" by the Virginia Vineyards Association.
"Mr. Franco has been involved in Virginia viticulture for more than three decades, starting in 1982 at Rapidan River Vineyards, which later became part of Prince Michel Vineyards," a Virginia Vineyards Association spokesman noted. "During the 1990s, he managed the vines at Leducq Vineyards in Napa Valley, and in 1998, he joined Barboursville and was tasked with the job of expanding the vineyard from 80 to 182 acres."
Barboursville Vineyards offers more than a dozen varietals including Octagon, "the most renowned red wine of Virginia."
Franco said the most interesting part of his job are the challenges provided by Virginia's unpredictable climate.
"That's what drives me, the challenge," he said. "We never take anything for granted. In California, from May on, we won't see any rain. Here you need to treat it with amazing respect. You give them [the vines] everything and hope for the best. I like the challenge. It makes you think. You never take one year for granted. You try to be consistent. That's what pays off in the end."
