SANTA ROSA, Calif. (June 8, 2020) – In continuation of a long partnership, the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation will host a food distribution site specifically for furloughed hospitality workers. Individuals who have been faced with reduced wages or who have lost their job at a winery, hotel, restaurant, winegrower, or other hospitality organization are encouraged and invited to participate in this food distribution. A drive-thru site, hosted by Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and Redwood Empire Food Bank staff, will be available from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on June 12. “It is incredibly unfortunate the number of hospitality workers who have been impacted by the pandemic. We are honored to partner with the Redwood Empire Food Bank, who has provided an incredible resource to our community since 1987, to provide an additional location for food distribution,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Executive Director Michael Haney. “Last year the Redwood Empire Food Bank served one in six people in Sonoma County and now their service is more essential than ever. We hope those who have been impacted in our community participate in this initiative.” Individuals who arrive at the drive-thru location will have their car trunks…

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (May 18, 2020) – Sonoma County Vintners announces the 2020 Sonoma County Barrel Auction Icons and Innovator. Steve MacRostie and Marcello Monticelli are the honorary icons of 2020 who helped shape the heritage and history of Sonoma County. Jordan Kivelstadt is the 2020 innovator of the year for his forward-thinking, industry-leading practices. “It is an honor to celebrate the Icons and Innovators of the Sonoma County Barrel Auction,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “These remarkable individuals within our community have made an incredible impact on this place we call home. Sharing their monumental roles in making Sonoma County what it is today continues to showcase the best of Sonoma County. We salute these vintners who have demonstrated exemplary leadership!” Each year Sonoma County Vintners looks to the wine community for nominations of individuals for this prestigious Icon and Innovator designation, a tradition for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction. These nominations are presented to a committee for selection. Each of these selected Icons and Innovators is showcasing extraordinary lots in the online Sonoma County Barrel Auction.   Steve MacRostie, Proprietor of MacRostie Winery & Vineyards Steve MacRostie started making wine in 1974 in Sonoma County…

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (May 14, 2020) – Today Sonoma County Vintners announces the auction lots for their online 2020 Sonoma County Barrel Auction, presented by American AgCredit, that showcase the variety of wines available from Sonoma County. The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is an exclusive program that begins June 16 and provides access to renowned Sonoma County wines with one-of-a-kind auction lots of five, 10 or 20 cases. This year trade participants have access to purchase wines from 14 of the 18 Sonoma County AVAs, explore auction lots that honor winemaking history and wines from limited-production wineries. “We are privileged to share 74 world-class auction lots that exhibit what truly makes the Sonoma County wine community exceptional,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “There is something for everyone in the auction this year with varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, unique bold blends, amazing winemaker collaborations and more. We are really looking forward to virtually hosting our trade partners for this extraordinary online program.” Sonoma County Icons and Innovators as well as their phenomenal auction lots, which will be announced in an upcoming press release, will be recognized as part of this year’s auction….

Sonoma County Vintners announces the sixth annual 2020 Sonoma County Barrel Auction, presented by American AgCredit will move to a new online platform. The online auction will launch Tuesday, June 16 and provides trade members the opportunity to acquire never before, never again wines from Sonoma County’s most acclaimed vintners. Those who participate can resell these exclusive wines that showcase the diversity of Sonoma County to their customers and ultra-premium wine collectors. “Over the years of producing this exceptional barrel auction we have had to miss some of our partners in the trade due to scheduling conflicts. While we would have loved to host all of our trade guests here in Sonoma County, we look forward to connecting with them from the comfort of their home,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “These incredible auction lots are not to be missed and we are thrilled to have the virtual format to offer.” This year, members of the trade can participate in the Sonoma County Barrel Auction in a virtual format. Trade members will have the opportunity to access these one-of-a-kind lots from their home with a one-click bidding process beginning on June 16 that will conclude on June…

Streaming live from the world’s most sustainable wine region, Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Winegrowers will co-host a virtual panel discussion on sustainability via Zoom on Wednesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST as the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day from their homes. Sonoma County has a record-breaking 99 percent of its local vineyards certified sustainable, making it the most sustainable wine region in the world. Panelists will include winemakers and grape growers who can speak to what this recognition means for the destination and why consumers should be drinking sustainably. The panel will be moderated by Wine Enthusiast’s Virginie Boone. The conversation will last for approximately one hour and will feature representatives from Silver Oak, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Bevill Vineyard Management. The winemakers and grape growers will broadcast live from a number of the 18 different AVAs (wine growing appellations) within Sonoma County. The winery panel participants represent wineries that are certified within California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), which takes a triple bottom line approach to sustainability, incorporating best practices in the vineyard and winery in the areas of environmental stewardship, social responsibility and fiscal diligence. Each…

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (April 10, 2020) – Today, the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation announces two funding programs to assist in aiding the local community. Part of the program is an emergency relief contribution to support Sonoma County winery and restaurant employees, who are furloughed and in need. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation will also support 80 nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County with Community Grants and will honor flexible spending to ease the impact of the Novel Coronavirus. “We are incredibly honored to support these programs for Sonoma County during this difficult time,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation President Clay Mauritson. “While we know the Coronavirus will have a long-term impact on the community, we are fortunate to be able to respond quickly in this time of need.” Sonoma County Vintners Foundation has provided an initial investment of $145,000 from the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Emergency Relief Fund to organizations including Corazón Healdsburg for the Winery and Restaurant Employee Assistance Program. Employees of wineries and restaurants that have been furloughed can apply for financial assistance for this program. Applications through Corazón Healdsburg are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and there are a variety of qualifications. To learn more or to apply…

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (March 10, 2020) – For the first time ever Taste of Sonoma, presented by Visa Signature, will be held at the scenic Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. The program features walk- around tastings, a chefs’ pavilion, guided wine seminars, and themed lounges. Taking place on Saturday September 5, 2020, the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens features stunning culinary and flower gardens throughout the property, and provides the idyllic backdrop for Taste of Sonoma, offering visitors a world-class wine and culinary experience. “We are honored to host Taste of Sonoma at my family’s winery,” says second-generation vintner Christopher Jackson. “After experiencing the exceptional event for years, we are certain that Kendall- Jackson, known as the premier food and wine destination in Sonoma County, will complement the program and enhance the overall feel of the day.” Taste of Sonoma will be nestled throughout Kendall-Jackson’s culinary gardens, as well as the winery’s great lawn and al fresco patio. The Jackson family planted these gardens with the goal of providing fresh, seasonal, and sustainable produce that inspire the wine and food pairings created by Kendall-Jackson’s culinary team. In addition, the wine sensory gardens were designed to help guests develop a vocabulary…

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (December 10, 2019) – Sonoma County Vintners announces this year’s harvest produced outstanding grapes, and wine lovers can look forward to world-class wines. With Mother Nature’s support, the 2019 growing season provided fantastic grape growing conditions. As a result, wine enthusiasts should mark their calendars now to gather in Sonoma County to taste this vintage beginning in spring 2020. “This has been a nearly ideal winegrowing season in Sonoma County,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “There was just the right amount of heat early in the growing season to acclimate the grapes, mild temperatures continued throughout the season and offered superior flavor development.” Sonoma County experienced late rains into May that benefitted winegrowers. This was followed by a series of warm days that carried on through September. The result was outstanding fruit ready for harvest. “2019 was a remarkable harvest here in Sonoma! We had a later summer with mild temperatures, which lead to long hang times, and even ripening, giving us some pretty distinctive flavor development,” says Cline Family Cellars Second Generation Vintner Megan Cline. “I’m expecting the wines of 2019 to be incredibly age-worthy, I’m pretty sure it will be one for…

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (October 1, 2019) – Celebrating its Fourth Anniversary, Sonoma County Vintners shares exceptional programming for Sonoma County Wine Month in October. With more than 60 varietals of wines, unique special offers and extraordinary regional events there are more reasons than ever to honor Sonoma County Wine Month this year. Wine lovers can celebrate at home with stunning wines and start planning their next Sonoma County wine country visit in October with inspiring emerging details. “We are thrilled to commemorate Sonoma County Wine Month with the world,” says Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “We are fortunate to work with more than 250 vintners across Sonoma County and share award-winning, distinguished wines from 18 appellations. There is truly something for everyone from our prestigious wine region.” Travelers can plan their visit with friends, partake in harvest adventures and learn more about wine with valuable insights from Sonoma County Vintners. Families looking to take advantage of school being back in session, can escape to the grand terroir of the Sonoma County. Solo travelers can relish in the meditating moments of luxurious adventures with approachable hospitality to fill their soul and broaden their wine knowledge. Regional events fill every…

Santa Rosa, CA (September 21, 2019) – The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation along with 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction Honorary Co-Chairs Gina Gallo of E. & J. Gallo Winery and Christopher Jackson of Jackson Family Wines are excited to announce $6.1 million was raised at the 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction, presented by Visa Signature®. Overall, more than $36 million has been raised to date to support charitable organizations focused on education, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture in Sonoma County. For the first time ever, live auction bidding wrapped up with the Fund-A-Need lot. The crowd was moved to tears following a short speech and beautiful rendition of the song “Make You Feel My Love” by 12-year-old Juliette, a former foster care child and Boys & Girls club member. In an outpouring of heartfelt generosity, $1,613,000 was pledged in direct donations ranging in amounts from $250,000 to $500. For this year’s Fund-A-Need initiative, guests were contributing to the construction of a new club in Roseland for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma – Marin that will offer academic enrichment programs, a STEM & Technology lab to inspire future career plans, a fully functioning community…