Santa Rosa, CA (March 11, 2019)—Sonoma County Vintners Foundation has donated $50,000 to United Way of the Wine Country to support flood recovery and relief efforts in Sonoma County. United Way of the Wine Country will leverage this $50,000 gift as a matching gift on donations made by all other donors to its Sonoma County Flood Recovery & Wellness Fund. Gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations are eligible for this match. “The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and our wine community are committed to supporting Sonoma County and being there for our community, especially during emergencies like the recent flooding in parts of our region,” said Michael Haney, Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director. “By partnering with United Way of the Wine Country and Community Foundation Sonoma County, we are able to provide urgent support and assist those who were affected by the floods.” Lisa Carreño, President/CEO for United Way of the Wine Country, said, “We are one undeniable community when we reach out to support one another in times like these. This generous gift from the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation demonstrates their genuine commitment to our neighbors and the firm belief that we are in this recovery together.” The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation…

SANTA ROSA, CA (March 7, 2019) – Presented by Sonoma County Vintners and celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction returns to MacMurray Estate Vineyards in Healdsburg on Friday, May 3, 2019. A new collection of “Never Before, Never Again Wines” from Sonoma County’s leading vintners and growers will be auctioned. This year four Innovators and Icons have been named and will be honored for their contributions to Sonoma County and the wine community at a private reception leading up to the auction. “We are excited to celebrate our fifth year of the Sonoma County Barrel Auction,” said Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “Since its inception, our event continues to raise the bar and elevate awareness for Sonoma County’s world-class wines. We are grateful to be back at MacMurray Estate Vineyards, and our thanks and appreciation go to Kate MacMurray for her gracious hospitality and to the Gallo family for their support and commitment to our auction and to Sonoma County Vintners.” The Sonoma County Barrel Auction has traditionally celebrated Sonoma County Icons, vintners who have shaped the heritage and history of Sonoma County winemaking. New this year, Sonoma County Vintners have added the category of…

Santa Rosa, CA (February 20, 2019) – On Friday, February 15, 2019 the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation presented the Larkfield Resilience Fund, a Tubbs fire relief program for the Larkfield community with a $25,000 grant at a check presentation ceremony to support their Neighborhood Greening Program. “Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and our wine community are honored to be able to support the Larkfield Resilience Fund and the residents of Larkfield,” said Michael Haney, Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director. “The Neighborhood Greening Program will assist in bringing back a sense of place that made living in Larkfield so distinct and special to this community.” “The loss of our trees was an unexpected source of grief for many families following the fires,” explained Christine Ratliff of the Larkfield Resilience Fund. “As our homes are rebuilt, the missing trees remain a constant reminder of the devastation we have faced.  By replanting them we hope to give fire survivors back a piece of what was lost and help restore a bit of home.” Supervisor James Gore attended and stated, “We know wildfire recovery is going to be a long road. It is inspiring to see our Sonoma County communities coming together to help one another,…

Santa Rosa, CA (October 1, 2018) – The board of directors of Sonoma County Vintners today announced the appointment of Michael Haney as Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County’s leading wine trade organization. Haney has been serving as interim executive director since February. “The Board voted unanimously to appoint Michael Haney,” said Russell Joy, Board of Directors President. “He leads with vision and purpose and is focused on long-term results. Under his direction as interim executive director, Sonoma County Vintners has successfully executed an array of programs and events, which continue to raise awareness for and elevate Sonoma County as a world-class wine region. His presence in the community, work ethic, compassion and authenticity reflect who we are as vintners and growers, and there couldn’t be a better choice to reflect this as the leader of a vintner association.” During his tenure, Sonoma County Vintners have executed multiple programs promoting Sonoma County as one of the top wine regions in California and the world to consumers, trade and media, including, two record breaking fundraising events: Sonoma County Wine Auction, one of the region’s largest fundraisers for the community, and Sonoma County Barrel Auction, a fundraiser to support Sonoma…

SANTA ROSA, CA (September 26, 2018) – Sonoma County Vintners was proud to host the second annual chapter of Vinexpo’s Explorer program here in Sonoma County September 23-25. Praised as a productive, successful event by all participants, this business-generating program provided wineries with a new networking approach featuring personalized, one-on-one business opportunities. Seventy buyers from 27 countries representing a broad cross-section of the international retail market were handpicked by Vinexpo to meet with 60 vintners from across Sonoma County to discover the rich diversity of the region’s wines. The intensive two-day schedule included winery visits, networking dinners, business meetings and masterclasses. Caroline Shaw, Sonoma County Vintners Board member, and Executive Vice President, Jackson Family Wines, said: “It was an incredible few days for Sonoma County. Vinexpo Explorer delivered on its promise to connect the leading wine buyers and media from around the world to our artisanal wines and the people who craft them.  No doubt long-term business relationships were made along with new ambassadors for our region, and our winery partners were enthusiastic about new export prospects.” Through its ‘One-to-Wine’ targeted business meetings as well as leveraging their knowledge of markets and worldwide distribution, Vinexpo selected the most relevant global buyers –…

SANTA ROSA, CA (September 12, 2018) — The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and George F. Hamel, Jr., 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction Honorary Chair, have unveiled the complete list of exclusive auction lots for the 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction, presented by Visa Signature®. Named one of the nation’s top charitable wine auctions by Wine Spectator, proceeds raised support more nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County than any other fundraising event in the county. Sonoma County Wine Auction will take place from September 20-22, culminating in a live auction hosted at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard. “My goal from day one has been to help continue the upward trajectory of the Sonoma County Wine Auction so that more funds can be raised and we can continue to have a meaningful impact to nonprofit organizations throughout our community,” stated Honorary Chair George Hamel, Jr. “We’re thrilled about this year’s collection of auction lots—from far away adventures to treasures of the rarest kind. I am excited for what we can accomplish and achieve this year.” Highlights from the 41 auction lots include: Tickets on the Centre Court for the 2019 Wimbledon Men’s Final and dinner with a Wimbledon legend, including round trip…

SANTA ROSA, CA (September 5, 2018)– Sonoma County Vintners is proud to partner with Vinexpo to host the second annual edition of their unique ‘Explorer’ business-generating event in Sonoma County, September 23-25. This year 70 buyers from 27 countries will connect directly with the producers of 60 wineries from across Sonoma County in an intensive two-day schedule of winery visits, networking dinners, bespoke One-to-Wine business meetings and masterclasses. Reflecting Vinexpo’s international growth, Vinexpo Explorer is a new business-making touring concept which puts the spotlight on a specific country or region. Vinexpo has selected and invited the relevant worldwide buyers making the event in Sonoma not only exclusive, but genuinely unique. Their different backgrounds and nationalities reflect Sonoma County’s drive for export development. Participating in Vinexpo Explorer can provide a significant competitive edge among competitors in targeted wine-producing regions. “The independent spirit of the Sonoma County winemaking community, the caliber of artisanal wines, and the diversity of this region are best understood when experienced in person,” said Caroline Shaw, Executive board of directors, Sonoma County Vintners, and executive vice president, Jackson Family Wines. “We welcome the opportunity to introduce our area to such a prestigious international audience. By combining the discovery…

Santa Rosa, CA (August 16, 2018) – The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation is donating $520,000 in grants to more than 50 local nonprofit organizations that address the community’s critical needs. Grants were made through the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation community grants program, with funding from the 2017 Sonoma County Wine Auction. The event, which has raised more than $29 million since its inception, is the region’s leading annual fundraising event. The 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction will take place on Saturday, September 22 at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard. “With the wildfires that struck Sonoma County last year, many leaders of nonprofit organizations expressed concern that funding for their ongoing programs would be impacted. These community grants represent our commitment to continue to support the variety of programs that make up Sonoma County’s diverse population—from urgent needs like affordable housing to our long-term commitment to literacy and protecting the environment,” said Caroline Shaw, president of the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. The Community Grants program targets four key areas: education, health and human services, environment and arts and culture. Nonprofits are eligible to apply for grants up to $10,000 for programs or projects under one of these four areas. “This funding…

SANTA ROSA, CA (June 26, 2018) – Tickets to the 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction, presented by Visa Signature, are now on sale. The event will take place from September 20-22, culminating in Auction Day which returns to La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard. George Hamel, Jr. of Hamel Family Wines is this year’s Honorary Chair. The auction raised a record-breaking $5.2 million for local nonprofit organizations last year. The all-inclusive price is $2500 per person. Visa Signature and Visa Infinite® cardholders receive exclusive discounted tickets. The three-day program includes: Thursday, September 20 Best. Party. Ever. Join us for a groundbreaking kickoff party that’s sure to go down in Sonoma County Wine Auction history as the Best. Party. Ever. Be prepared to kick off your shoes and dance the night away under the stars while hobnobbing with some of Sonoma County’s most renowned vintners and winemakers. Friday, September 21 Vintner Dinners A selection of intimate and exclusive dining experiences prepared by one of the region’s eminent chefs awaits your presence. Expect to imbibe some of Sonoma County’s most iconic wines, and meet some of the most highly regarded vintners for an unforgettable and inspiring evening. Saturday, September 22 Auction Day…

Santa Rosa, CA (May 14, 2018)—Taste of Sonoma, presented by Visa Signature®, has just announced that general admission tickets go on sale today. Sonoma County’s signature event of the year returns to the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University on September 1, 2018. Visa Signature and Visa Infinite® cardholders can expect to receive preferred pricing and access to exclusive perks at the event. Voted one of the top wine festivals in the nation in a 2017 Reader’s Choice Poll by USA Today, this event is sure to satisfy any and all wine and food enthusiasts. Taste of Sonoma showcases some of Sonoma County’s most renowned vintners, growers and chefs and offers wine and culinary enthusiasts access to taste and experience the bounty Sonoma County has to offer in one immersive day. The lineup will include a walk-around wine tasting, guided wine seminars, a marketplace and themed lounges. Explore the diversity of flavors and textures this vast region has to offer. Discover some of Sonoma County’s most quintessential wines and feast on an array of bites prepared by some of the region’s most renowned chefs. Connect with us on social media and watch our website for regular updates on participating…