At the annual wine symposium in January, the Texas Hill Country Wineries Association awarded John Rivenberg the Gillstrap Innovator Award for his work in establishing the wine incubator program at Shriner University. Rivenborough was the owner of Kerrville Hills Winery and the first winery owner to launch a wine incubator program in Texas.
As coordinator of Vineyard Research and Wine Operations at Schleiner University, Rivenbara was instrumental in establishing Vino de Las Colinas, a certificate program focusing on skilled work experiences in actual vinyl cultivation management. He will help guide and educate students who are actively involved in vineyard practices in Texas Hill Country. Once they complete the program, they have the practical skills they need to become part of the vineyard workforce.
Rivenborough operates in the Texas wine industry. In addition to being a successful winemaker, he served on the THCW Committee, which includes two terms as president, Texas representative of Vine and Wine’s international organizations, served on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Wine Initiative Advisory Board, and worked with lawmakers on the Texas Wine Act.
The Gillstrap Innovator Award was named in honor of Gary Gillstrap, who, along with his wife, Cathy, was the driving force behind the launch of the Texas Hill Country Winery Association. The Gillstrap Innovator Award was presented to individuals nominated by the Texas wine industry, and it has impacted the industry and has led to long-term change. The candidates are industry members whose commitment and passion have had a positive effect on the industry through leadership and professionalism.
