AtlanticSeaboard
Wine Association

The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (ASWA) is one of the oldest wine organizations located on the East Coast. Established in 1973 as the Vinifera Wine Growers Association (VWGA), it was an early supporter of planting world-class Vinifera wine grapes, the production of quality commercial wines, and the building of a wine industry along the Eastern seaboard. Today, the ASWA is a national and international wine trade association that works with state and national legislatures to resolve issues that challenge the U.S. wine industry.

Wine Grape Productivity Tray:

Productivity Tray Information

In 1984, the Wine Grape Productivity Tray was acquired from Sheffield Company. The tray, which measures 30 inches in length by 19-1/2 inches in width, is silver-plated and produced in the design of a classic champagne serving tray with a full border of bas-relief grape and vine patterns. The logo of the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, precursor to the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, now incorporated into the ASWA’s logo, is engraved in the center of the tray.

Since 1984, the tray has been presented to an individual or organization that has made major contributions to the sustainable growth and economic viability of the American wine industry, including professional consulting, innovation, technical research and knowledge, as well as leadership and active support.

The tray has traveled and has been displayed across the United States, from Virginia to North Carolina and Alabama, up to Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York, and round-tripping to California.

Each of the now 29 distinguished recipients have had their individual or organizational name hand-engraved on the back of the tray.

Productivity Tray Winners

John Manfreda with friends receiving the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (ASWA) Productivity Tray Award from the President of the Association. From Left to right Curtis Coleburn, Chief Operating Officer of the VA ABC, Carl Brandhorst, President, ASWA, John Manfreda, Administrator Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), William Earle, President, National Association of Beverage Importers ( NABI). The award ceremony was conducted in the Washington, DC Headquarters offices of the TTB on 29 August 2012.

Mr Manfreda received the Productivity Tray award for providing leadership and direction to the TTB which has provided cooperative and helpful official working relations with the U.S. Wine Industry in its application and oversight of the federal permit systems and other regulations. His recent work on streamlining the COLA process typifies this dedication and creativity providing significant value to winemakers both small and large. And we would be remiss if we did not mention the important relations Mr. Manfreda has established between the TTB and state controlled beverage control organizations like the VA ABC.

Recipients:

2012 John Manfreda, Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
2011 Thomas J. Payette, Winemaking Consultant, Virginia
2010 David McIntyre, The Washington Post Wine Columnist
2009 Lucie T. Morton, Viticulturist, Broad Run, Virginia
2008 Kevin Atticks, Executive Director, Maryland Wineries Association
2007 Regency at Dominion Valley Country Club, Heritage Hunt & Stonewall Golf and Country Clubs for support of the Atlantic Seaboard Competitions
2006 R. Fletcher Good, IV, North Carolina, for his support in the development of the Yadkin Valley viticulture region
2005 Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom
2004 Center for Wine & Cardiovascular Health, University Alabama, Represented by Dr. Francois M. Booyse, Director
2003 Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, Virginia, Mary Watson-Delauder, Resort Sommelier
2002 New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva, New York, Timothy Martinson, Representative
2001 Douglas P. Moorhead, Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Pennsylvania
2000 Dr. G. Hamilton Mowbray, Viticulturist, Enologist, Wine Educator, Maryland
1999 Alan LeBlanc-Kinne, Winery Consulting Services, Inc., Virginia
1998 Dr. Tony K. Wolf, VPI, Virginia
1997 Wine East Magazine, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1996 Jacques A. Recht, Enologist & Virginia Wine Industry Pioneer
1995 Frederick T. Dykes, Commissioner, Virginia ABC Board
1994 Women for WineSense, California
1993 Dr. Bruce Zoecklein, VPI, Virginia
1992 Willard Scott, WMAL
1991 Senator John W. Warner, Middleburg, Virginia
1990 Annette Ringwood, Richmond, Virginia
1989 Peter Hatch, Monticello, Virginia
1988 The Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg, Virginia
1987 Hubert L. Tucker, Waterford, Virginia
1986 Dr. Jacques A. Recht, Oak Grove, Virginia
1985 Francis Sargent, Edinburg, Virginia
1984 Joachim O. Hollerith, Madison, Virginia