The American Wine Society (AWS) has awarded its 2012 Award of Merit to winery owner and environmentalist Jim Bernau. The Award of Merit, the Society’s highest honor, recognizes substantial and meritorious contributions to the wine industry. The AWS presented the award at its National Conference in Portland, Ore. in November and recognized Bernau, President and Founder of Willamette Valley Vineyards, the leading producer of Oregon Certified Sustainable Wine. In addition to his success in establishing the winery, Bernau has a long record as supporting wine research and as an environmentalist and steward of the land.