The idea for the Outstanding Barefoot Award was established by Randy Arnold, Barefoot Cellars National Marketing Director, after he read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the East Bay Barefoot Hikers Association. "We like the idea of rewarding people who do unique and creative activities barefoot," says Arnold. "It's healthy, it's fun and it makes sense," he adds.

The Barefoot Hikers are a group of people who enjoy hiking barefoot. The East Bay Chapter of the Barefoot Hikers gained noteriety recently with feature articles in Newsweek, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Contra Costa Times. Mike Berrow, the founder and president of the East Bay Chapter, will be receiving the Outstanding Barefoot Award on behalf of the group.

Berrow began hiking barefoot by accident. "I was hiking Donner Canyon in Mt. Diablo, and I started to get a blister from my boots. Since I had four more miles to go, this was pretty annoying. Then I thought, well, why not take your shoes off, and see how you do?" That was the first time Berrow hiked barefoot and says that he liked it so much, that he decided to always hike that way and has since given hiking boots to Goodwill. Berrow, the owner of an internet consulting firm, now goes barefoot more often that he wears shoes, stating that the number 1 attraction in going barefoot is the "sense of comfort and well-being." Berrow has even hiked barefoot in Britain, his homeland, where the soil is often wet and muddy. "The mud is not a problem. It is part of the experience," he states.

Berrow describes the members of the Barefoot Hikers as "responsible men and women from many walks of life, and many different background. We are engineers, lecturers, photographers, authors, researchers, company directors... Barefooters are found in all age groups, and among all races." He states, "I am highly honored to accept this award on behalf of our group and think it is wonderful that Barefoot Cellars is acknowledging the barefooters in this way." Coincidentally, Berrow has given Barefoot wines as gifts, citing the appropriateness of the label for his lifestyle.

Barefoot Cellars is known for producing high quality wine at an affordable price. The Outstanding Barefoot Award is a celebration of those who exemplify the carefree character of the wine and the option of getting barefoot and having a great time!

Outstanding Barefoot Award Celebration — The corporate staff of Barefoot Cellars also threw us a party! The photos are available.

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