2026 Industry Excellence Award Recipients

Named after Thomas Volney Munson of Denison, this award recognizes exemplary contributions to Texas grape growing.

Dwayne and Brenda Canada established Canada Family Vineyard in 2005 in the Texas High Plains. This husband-and-wife team, along with their son Daniel and his family, owns and operates the vineyard—growing from an initial five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon to more than 25 acres of diverse grape varieties today. Their fruit has produced award-winning wines, earning top honors at premier competitions and even being poured at the Governor’s Mansion and the White House.

Honoring the founder of Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, this award recognizes a pioneering spirit in a Texas winemaker or grape grower.

Col. (R.) Jim Brooks has supported the growth of viticulture and winemaking along the Texas Gulf Coast through a lifetime of service and hands-on leadership in the industry. As the owner of Cat Spring Vineyards and a dedicated leader with the Gulf Coast Winegrowers Association, he has advanced education and collaboration across the region.

This award is given for diligent and altruistic commitment to furthering the Texas wine and grape industry through the legislature and government agencies.

Dan Hunter has spent his career advancing agriculture through policy, program leadership, and public service—helping strengthen rural opportunities across Texas. Currently serving as the Texas State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency, he continues that commitment in a role with statewide impact.

This award recognizes lifetime achievement in the Texas wine and grape industry.

Robert W. Young, M.D., MPH., known as “Dr. Bob,” is owner, CEO, and executive winemaker at Bending Branch Winery. He pioneered grape varieties new to Texas like Tannat, and he was the first to bring Souzão, Charbono, Petit Manseng, and Picpoul Blanc to Texas. Dr. Bob blends Old World techniques with innovations like Flash Détente and Cryo-Maceration to amplify the expression of Texas grapes. He was first to use Texas-grown White Oak for aging, and the first three wines released from this program received 98-, 98-, and 96-point ratings. His phenolic research and mentorship have shaped the Texas wine industry.

Given to media professionals, creators, educators, researchers, organizations, and partners who elevate the Texas wine industry through outstanding storytelling, public education, and/or promotion. This includes print, broadcast, digital coverage, podcasts, social media, blogs, and state or regional entities and academic/extension leadership whose work measurably expands awareness, engagement, or adoption of best practices in the Texas wine community.

Dr. Amit Dhingra is honored for work that connects research, education, and real-world industry needs—making complex topics clearer and more accessible for the people who grow, make, and support Texas wine. He serves as Professor and Head of Texas A&M University’s Department of Horticultural Sciences and provides leadership in genomics and biotechnology that strengthens horticulture across the state.