MENDOCINO CO., 11/2/26 — Rich Parducci started learning his family’s wine business at 12, in the vineyards, on the bottling line, in the lab, the cellar and the crush pad. Mendocino Winegrowers Inc. has named him this year’s recipient of its George Zeni Award, the group’s top honor. The memorial trophy goes to a winegrower or vintner with an exemplary history of advocacy for and dedication to Mendocino County’s wine industry.
“It was unexpected, but I am truly honored,” Parducci said in an email to the Voice.
Mendocino Winegrowers credits Parducci’s early start with shaping his respect for growers and the practical knowledge he still works from.
Parducci is the winemaker and managing partner at McNab Ridge Winery and a fourth-generation member of a family the group calls one of California’s pioneering winemaking families. His great-grandfather, Adolph Parducci, brought the family into Mendocino County winemaking in 1932. His grandfather, John Parducci, helped establish Mendocino as a world-class wine region, according to the group’s announcement.
He earned an associate degree in viticulture from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1989 and a bachelor’s degree in enology from California State University, Fresno, in 1992, graduating magna cum laude. He went back to Parducci Wine Cellars as assistant winemaker from 1992 to 1998, then became winemaker at Associated Vintage Group’s Hopland winery.
He moved to McNab Ridge in December 1999. There he makes cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, petite sirah and chardonnay, along with Family Reserve wines, vineyard-designated bottlings and a line called The Fun Bunch.
“People behind the vines. That’s what it’s all about,” Parducci said in the announcement.
He served on the board of the Mendocino Wine Growers Alliance from 1998 to 2008 and on the board of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, known as ZAP, from 2009 to 2021.
“We make wines that get people to ask for a second glass,” he said in the announcement.
Mendocino Winegrowers will present the award at its annual Harvest Party on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Barra of Mendocino, 7051 N. State St. in Redwood Valley. The event is open to the public. Single tickets are $55 on the group’s ticket page.
The party also includes the group’s annual member meeting, with votes on bylaw updates, according to the event listing. The group also plans to honor winemaker Merry Edwards, named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Legend of the Year, at the party, according to its newsletter.