Image contributed | Andrew Quady, owner of Quady Winery in Madera

Madera-based American sweet wine pioneer Andrew Quady was recognized by his peers last Wednesday, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the California State Fair Wine Competition, the nation’s oldest wine judging competition.

The competition, which dates back to 1954, has honored wine makers with its Lifetime Achievement Award since the late 1990s.

Quady was selected as one of two Lifetime Achievement Award recipients by a Wine Advisory Task Force, featuring nine longtime industry veterans who recognized the Madera vintner as a standout candidate. Northern California-based Trinchero Family Estate also received Lifetime Achievement Honors, with Lodi-based Marian’s Old Vine Zinfandel recognized as Vineyard of the Year.

“Personally, I love the fact that this year all of the honorees are from the San Joaquin Valley or have a large footprint here,” said the competition’s chair and chief judge, Mark Chandler. “Andy joins good company; just a sampling over the years includes Robert Mondavi, Gina Gallo, Jess Jackson, Harold Olmo, Jerry Lohr, Gary Eberle, the Boeger and Bogle families.”

Quady thanked Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers Market for guiding him along the path when Corti requested 100 cases of Zinfandel port in 1975.

Quady Winery is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Quady and his wife Laurel, own and manage operations at the winery along with their children, Herb and Allison. Quady, who turned 80 earlier this month, has been innovating and opening new wine categories across the country for much of his career.