Pat Hofherr, who founded St. James Winery with her late husband, Jim, was recently honored by the St. James Chamber of Commerce with their Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I’m flabbergasted to say the least,” said Pat Hofherr  shortly after accepting the award. “I so appreciate this honor, and I am so surprised.”

This award truly reflects Hofherr’s long-term commitment to the St. James community which began in 1970 with the launching of St. James Winery.  In addition to her work growing and managing St. James Winery, Hofherr also served as a driving force behind St. James’s annual Grape & Fall Festival, and as a volunteer, she has spent countless hours over the past 40 years working to improve the quality of life in St. James, Missouri.

Hofherr was nominated by Dan Cavender, a past St. James Chamber of Commerce president, who wrote  “The wine garden and grape stomp, now Grape & Fall Festival staples, came to be when Pat was determined to put the ‘Grape’ back in Grape & Fall Festival. Not only did she create, manage and grow one of St. James’ largest and most successful businesses over the years (St. James Winery), but she has given to the community through countless financial gift donations that continue today….She deserves this award and has for many years.”

During the awards ceremony a proclamation from Representative Dan Brown was also read by St. James Mayor Dennis Wilson.  Representative Brown’s proclamation praised Hofherr’s work, as well as the relationships she has nurtured over the years, encouraging volunteerism and close community ties.

St. James Winery is the largest and most awarded winery in Missouri.  Founded by the Hofherr family in 1970, St. James Winery celebrates more than 40 years as a family owned and operated winery.  St. James Winery’s award-winning wines are sold in stores throughout the Midwest and the South. St. James Winery is online at www.stjameswinery.com.