Norman Lipman was a generous humanitarian and a nationally recognized leader in the wine and spirits industry. He was a founder of l'Eté du Vin and a vigorous supporter of this international event which has, since its inception in 1980, raised more than $15 million. Lipman died in 1982 after a courageous battle with cancer.
The Norman Lipman Award is a tribute to Lipman and the humanitarian qualities of wisdom, courage, optimism, commitment, and integrity that he embodied. L'Eté du Vin presents the award annually in memory of Lipman and in recognition of individuals who have embraced these virtues in their personal and professional lives. The award is announced during the annual gathering for l'Eté du Vin's Grand Auction in Nashville, Tennessee.
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2009 MICHAEL BROADBENT London, England for A Passion for Wine Education and Enthusiasm
2006 WILLIAM GOLDRING Louisiana for Philanthropy and Community Service
2005 RICHARD SANDFORD California for Vision and Courage
2004 MICHAEL A. TYE Boston, Massachusetts (Posthumously) for Integrity and Commitment
2003 ANTHONY J. TERLATO Lake Bluff, Illinois for Innovation and Determination
2002 BILLY RAY HEARN Nashville, Tennessee for Passionate Enthusiasm
2001 JAMIE DAVIES Calistoga, California for Dedication and Graciousness
2000 JIM CLENDENEN Los Olivos, California for Leadership and Benevolence
1999 JOHN PARDUCCI Mendocino County, California for Dedication and Altruism
1998 GEORGE L FEHRMANN Franklin, Tennessee for Generosity of Spirit
1997 LOUIS TRINCHERO St. Helena, California for Innovation and Commitment
1996 SAM BRONFMAN II San Mateo, California for Integrity and Philanthropy
1995 MICHAEL J. RICHARDSON Nashville, Tennessee for Dedication and Vision
1994 THOMAS J. MILAM Nashville, Tennessee for Leadership and Commitment
1993 ROBERT MONDAVI Oakville, California for Vision and Determination
1992 MARVIN D. OVERTON, III, M.D. Fort Worth, Texas for Accomplishment and Generosity
1991 MARVIN L. SHANKEN New York, New York for Energy and Integrity
Established in 1991, the Norman M. Lipman Award was created to honor individuals of unique gifts and character – individuals as outstanding in their own way as the man for whom the award is named.
Nominees are proposed annually by people who are in some way associated with the wine and spirits industry throughout the world. Requests for nominations are sent in April of each year from the Administrative Office of l’Eté du Vin. Nomination forms must be received by June 1.
Norman Lipman is remembered by many as a person who observed, honored and encouraged achievement in other people. Nominators are asked to continue this tradition by naming a person who they feel is especially worthy of recognition for his or her positive personal attributes. The recipient is then chosen by a selection committee made up of prominent members of the national business community, the media, government and the clergy.
Unlike other awards of national distinction, the Norman M. Lipman Award does not have prescribed criteria for nomination. Instead, it is given in recognition of the most inspiring qualities of its recipient, as defined by his or her nominator. Past recipients have included leading figures from the wine and spirits industry, as well as private individuals noted for their love of wine and their respect for those who produce it. These individuals have been recognized for qualities as diverse as energy, vision, accomplishment, generosity, and leadership.
The public commemoration of the Norman Lipman Award is a specially commissioned sculpture, Man of Love and Wisdom, by Tennessee artist Terry Williams. Created of burnished steel, the twelve-foot statue depicts a figure striding forward in confident leadership. His hand is outstretched, palm up, in a gesture of support and encouragement. On his arm is the heart of love and on his shoulder the owl of divine perception and wisdom.
A special committee was formed to take proposals from young, local artists, and to choose the one which would best commemorate Norman Lipman's life and relationships with others, and would honor the recipients of the Norman Lipman Award. On permanent loan to Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, where Norman Lipman received treatment and comfort during his final illness, the sculpture is housed in a private atrium where the families of cancer patients can retire for peace and reflection.
Each recipient of the Norman M. Lipman Award receives a small steel replica of the owl from Man of Love and Wisdom, created annually by artist Terry Williams as a unique recognition of his or her achievement.
