Rich Parducci receives the 2026 George Zeni Award
Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. has named McNab Ridge Winery winemaker and managing partner Rich Parducci as the 2026 recipient of the George Zeni Award, recognizing his long record of advocacy and dedication to Mendocino County’s wine industry.
Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI) announced the award on October 27, 2026. The George Zeni Award is a memorial trophy presented to a winegrower or vintner with an exemplary history of supporting and advocating for Mendocino County’s wine sector. Parducci will be formally honored at the annual MWI Harvest Party on Saturday, November 14, at BARRA of Mendocino; the event is open to the public.1
Four generations in Mendocino wine
Parducci is the winemaker and managing partner of McNab Ridge Winery and belongs to the fourth generation of a pioneering California winemaking family. His great-grandfather, Adolph Parducci, established the family’s Mendocino County winemaking roots in 1932. His grandfather, John Parducci, later helped establish Mendocino’s reputation as a wine region.1
Beginning at age 12, Parducci learned the family business through work in the vineyards, bottling operations, laboratory, cellar and crush pad. That practical grounding shaped an approach centered on winemaking knowledge and respect for grape growers.1
Education and winemaking career
Parducci earned an Associate of Science degree in Viticulture from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1989. In 1992, he graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Fresno, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology. He then worked as assistant winemaker at Parducci Wine Cellars from 1992 through 1998 before becoming winemaker at Associated Vintage Group’s Hopland winery.1
He joined McNab Ridge Winery in December 1999. There he developed a varied portfolio encompassing Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Chardonnay, as well as Family Reserve wines, vineyard-designated bottlings and The Fun Bunch collection. His work combines knowledge inherited across generations with modern techniques and an emphasis on the people and vineyards behind the wines.1
Service to the wine community
Beyond his winery roles, Parducci served on the board of the Mendocino Wine Growers Alliance from 1998 to 2008 and on the board of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) from 2009 to 2021. He summarizes his winemaking goal as producing wines that encourage people to request a second glass.1
About Mendocino Winegrowers
MWI is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes Mendocino County wine-grape growers, vintners and wineries. Its activities focus on education, marketing and sustainability, as well as raising the profile of the region’s wines in the United States and abroad.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
