Smaller crop and exceptional fruit quality point to a promising 2026 vintage

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 24, 2026) – The Sonoma County winegrape harvest has begun in what may be the earliest start in the region’s history. While weather conditions from the past winter through mid-summer are expected to result in one of the lightest harvests in recent years, healthy vines and lower crop loads are setting the stage for a vintage with exceptional concentration, structure, and character.

The growing season got off to an early start with above-average temperatures in early March. This was followed by cool, windy, and rainy weather during bloom that reduced yields in many vineyards.  As the season progressed, moderate summer temperatures, ample soil moisture, and strong canopy growth have created favorable conditions across the county. With harvest having already started in some regions, several weeks earlier than last year, growers are anticipating another outstanding Sonoma County vintage.

“The 2026 harvest is off to an encouraging start, but the real story is the people behind it,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “Even in a challenging marketplace, Sonoma County growers continue to do what they have always done. They invest in their vineyards, work with their employees to produce exceptional winegrapes, and look ahead with optimism. This is the earliest harvest I’ve experienced during my time with Sonoma County Winegrowers. We believe this smaller harvest will help bring supply and demand into better balance and strengthen the long-term outlook for Sonoma County growers, wineries, and the region.”

Alexander Valley

“This season jumped up and got started early with unseasonable warm days in early March,” said Bret Munselle, owner and general manager of Munselle Vineyards.  “From there we had some April and May rains that have really kept the vines looking good and healthy.  The summer season has been relatively cool and made for a great growing season, but the crop load on most reds and the Sauvignon Blancs in Alexander Valley are light.  Early estimates, for most of our Cab blocks, are around 50-60% of our historic averages. It continues to look like we will be 3-4 weeks ahead of last year with our harvest.”

Dry Creek Valley

“The quality should be excellent in 2026,” said Tyler Klick, partner at Redwood Empire Vineyard Management and Board Chair of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  “The growing season started early with warm temperatures in March, then an abundance of rain and cool weather in April, followed by moderate summer temperatures.  We have healthy vine growth and a light crop.  The harvest will start early and ripen quickly.”

Sonoma Valley

“The 2026 growing season has presented its share of challenges, particularly during bloom with periods of wind, rain, and cool weather that led to some shatter and reduced crop loads, overall vineyard health has been exceptional,” said Taylor Serres, company director at Serres Ranch.  “Mild temperatures, ample soil moisture, and strong canopy growth have created favorable conditions throughout the season. Berry size is slightly smaller than average, which is often associated with greater concentration and quality in the finished wines. We are optimistic that the combination of the growing conditions, reduced yields, and strong fruit development will result in wines with excellent flavor concentration, structure, and aging potential.”

Russian River Valley

“The growing season has been ahead of schedule since early spring budbreak, with warm March temperatures putting us about three weeks ahead of last year,” said Mark Sanchietti, owner of Sanchietti Farming, Inc. “While we haven’t harvested any grapes yet, we’re anticipating harvest could begin as early as the last week of July or the first week of August. An earlier start should give growers the opportunity to move through harvest more methodically, allowing fruit to be picked at its optimal maturity.”

Carneros

“We are tracking early like the rest of Sonoma County, yields will be on the light side,” said Steve Sangiacomo, managing partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Board Vice Chair of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “The mild summer has led to a favorable growing season so far.  We are excited for this vintage, especially with great vine health heading to the finish line.”

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About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.

Honors Presented at Sonoma County Winegrowers Annual BBQ

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 16, 2026) – As preparations for the start of the winegrape harvest get underway, Sonoma County winegrape growers gathered today for their annual BBQ to celebrate the season ahead and to honor two outstanding leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen the region’s reputation for excellence in winegrowing and sustainability.

The 2026 Viticulture Award of Excellence was presented to the Mauritson family, who have farmed in Sonoma County for more than 150 years.  The 2026 Sustainable Winery Award was presented to Foley Family Wines & Spirits, one of the wine industry’s leading family-owned wine companies.

“These awards celebrate the people and organizations that represent the very best of Sonoma County agriculture and wine,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “From the Mauritson family’s six generations of farming excellence to Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and community impact, these honorees demonstrate that exceptional wines begin with exceptional stewardship. Their leadership continues to strengthen Sonoma County’s reputation as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions.”

The Mauritson family first established roots in Dry Creek Valley in 1868.  Since then, they have helped shape Sonoma County’s reputation for premium winegrapes through exceptional farming, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the land, qualities that embody the spirit of the Viticulture Award of Excellence. Today, the Mauritson family continues their stewardship of 300 acres of vineyards across Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Rockpile growing regions.

“We are honored to receive the 2026 Viticulture Award of Excellence. For six generations, we’ve farmed in Sonoma County and are grateful for this recognition of our commitment to responsible land stewardship and our community,” said Cam Mauritson, Managing Partner.

The Sustainable Winery Award, presented to Foley Family Wines & Spirits, recognizes the company for its commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices, support of agricultural workers and their families, investment in workforce development, and its dedication to strengthening communities throughout Sonoma County. Through the company’s philanthropy, community leadership, and ongoing support of programs that create opportunity and build resilience, Foley Family Wines & Spirits has helped advance a more sustainable future for Sonoma County agriculture.

“What an honor it is for Foley Family Wines & Spirits to be recognized by Sonoma County Winegrowers through its Sustainable Winery/Producer Award,” said Courtney Foley, Executive Vice President.   She added, “This award is a testament to the dedication of our teammates, who continue to advance our sustainability efforts while supporting the people and places that make Sonoma County so special. My family is deeply committed to Sonoma County and is proud to give back to a community that has given us so much.”

Presented annually, the Sonoma County Winegrowers industry awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainability continue to advance the region’s reputation for world-class winegrowing while ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture for generations to come.

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About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.

New ‘Sonoma County Wine’ Promotion Effort to Launch in 2027

SANTA ROSA, Calif (July 1, 2026) —  The success of Sonoma County’s wine community depends on the success of its growers and wineries. Recognizing that today’s challenges also present an opportunity to build a stronger future, Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) and Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) today announced the alignment of their winery membership programs to strengthen collaboration and create a more unified voice for Sonoma County wine.

Today’s announcement follows months of meetings by a wine industry task force established by the boards of SCW and SCV to explore how best to serve the local wine community, improve efficiencies and eliminate duplication of programs.  The findings of a survey of nearly 100 local vintners helped provide direction to the task force as a clear majority of vintners “supported” or “strongly supported” exploring integration of the two organizations memberships to provide a more unified voice for Sonoma County.   Both boards have approved the strategic path forward.

“The response we received from our members to integrate into a single organization was overwhelmingly positive.  This new effort should greatly help in promoting Sonoma County wines, increase visitation to Sonoma County wineries and grow direct-to-consumer sales,” said Prema Kerollis, co-founder and president of Three Sticks Wines and chair of the Sonoma County Vintners board of directors.   She added, “While there were some big decisions that had to be made, it was abundantly clear that the Sonoma County wine community is better together.”

Specifically, SCV will merge with SCW’s Winery Collaborative to create a new Sonoma County Wine membership for wineries beginning in 2027.

SCW’s Winery Collaborative focuses on expanding market opportunities for Sonoma County wines through national marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships, and innovative, non-traditional marketing channels. SCV actively promotes Sonoma County wineries through educational programming, regional and international marketing initiatives, and services that help strengthen winery visibility and business success.

Together, the new Sonoma County Wine membership will provide wineries with a more comprehensive suite of marketing opportunities, educational resources, strategic partnerships, and industry collaboration under a single membership.

“Our goal is simple: to ensure Sonoma County remains one of the most respected and competitive wine regions in the world,” said Emilie Eliason, interim executive director of Sonoma County Vintners.  She added, “This is an exciting proactive, strategic approach to combat the challenges ahead together to drive demand for our wines and elevate the region.”

Both organizations emphasized that the new direction reflects a shared commitment to long-term sustainability, both economically and structurally, for the Sonoma County wine industry.

“Facing the realities of today’s market, our growers and vintners came together with a single purpose to explore merging resources to strengthen our efforts and speak with one unmistakable voice for Sonoma County wine,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “This is a natural evolution given today’s global challenges and the result will make our efforts to promote the Sonoma County wine region more effective.”

The Sonoma County Winegrowers, which represents approximately 1,800 grape growers,  is a state marketing commission established by a vote of winegrape growers and funded by grower assessments while the Sonoma County Vintners, representing the region’s wineries,  is a voluntary trade association that is funded by membership dues paid by wineries.

“This is an exciting new chapter for our industry.  Unification makes sense and has the potential to benefit the entire wine region while securing the future for wine in Sonoma County,” said Bret Munselle, a fifth-generation winegrower with Munselle Vineyards and chairman of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.

Sonoma County Winegrowers Reorganizes to Scale Proven Collaborations and Unlock National Growth Opportunities

SANTA ROSA, Calif (January 22, 2026) — At its annual Dollars & $ense meeting today, themed, “The Next Chapter: Elevating What Works and Expanding What’s Possible,” Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) announced a strategic reorganization and renewed organizational focus to build demand, expand partnerships, and increase sales of Sonoma County wines to support long-term grower success.

The moves reflect a proactive response to an evolving marketplace and are designed to ensure Sonoma County remains competitive, relevant, and well-positioned for future growth.

Moving forward, Jennifer Dieckmann, currently Chief Operating Officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers, will assume the role of Executive Director and COO, leading the organization’s day-to-day operations, program execution, and team leadership, while maintaining operational excellence and strengthening grower and stakeholder engagement across all initiatives.

At the same time, Karissa Kruse, as Chief Executive Officer, will leverage her proven track record of building high-impact partnerships and market-driven programs to focus more deeply on strategic leadership, business development, market expansion, and national partnerships that elevate the Sonoma County wine region and drive demand.

Together, this leadership structure allows Sonoma County Winegrowers to maximize its strengths—pairing strategic vision and partnership-building at the top with disciplined execution and operational excellence—ensuring strategies move from vision to measurable impact for growers.

“We want to play offense,” said Kruse.  She added, “Our growers have always been changemakers – they don’t wait for conditions to improve or hope the market will turn; they lead with intention.  With the full support of our grower-led board of directors, we are bringing that same relentlessly proactive mindset to our organization to sharpen our focus, build strategic partnerships, and create new pathways to sell more Sonoma County wine.  When our wines succeed in the marketplace, our growers also succeed which drives a new era of growth for our farms, our wines, and our region.”

The move follows months of thoughtful evaluation of the evolving wine marketplace including a deep assessment of challenges and opportunities, a review of what SCW programs have delivered the greatest impact, and a clear focus on how to scale those successes through strategic partnerships and business development.

Since Kruse became the organization’s chief executive in 2013, SCW has evolved from a regional, single-purpose trade organization into a nationally recognized leader in sustainability, workforce development, innovation, collaboration, and wine region branding.

Looking ahead, SCW will build on this strong foundation by expanding strategic partnerships, advancing innovative farming practices, and strengthening the relevance of the Sonoma County brand – not only within the wine industry, but across the broader hospitality and consumer landscape.

“The success of winegrowers in Sonoma County can only happen when there is success for Sonoma County wines.  For years, SCW has been building a strong foundation comprised of a number of programs that build upon one another to raise awareness, attract notable partners, and support the brand,” said Bret Munselle, of Munselle Vineyards and chairman of the SCW board of directors.  He added, “Now, with these new moves, we are going to scale up what has worked including our strategic partnerships to improve marketplace sales, protect farming in the future and keep the Sonoma County brand in demand for years to come.”

In her new role, Kruse will focus on building and activating high-impact partnerships, advancing new business opportunities, and expanding markets in support of long-term demand for Sonoma County wine.

To help make the vision a reality, a series of strategic objectives were developed including:

• Expanding and diversifying markets for Sonoma County wine and grapes;
• Drive tourism and direct engagement
• Be the region of choice to realize best in class partnerships programs and resources;
• Make best uses of resources;
• Provide thought leadership that drives action;
• Build diversified and sustainable revenue streams; and,
• Support winegrowers and Winery Collaborative members.

“For our winegrowers, wineries and our county, we must win in the marketplace, ensure farming has a future; and maintain Sonoma County’s wine and tourism relevance,” said Kruse.

During the Dollars & $ense meeting, SCW highlighted its robust portfolio of SCW programs and partnerships designed to strengthen demand, elevate the Sonoma County brand, and support long-term grower success.

• Building on its leadership in sustainability and innovation, SCW expanded its Farm of the Future initiative as a living laboratory for next-generation farming practices —launching Reservoir Farms, Sonoma, and collaborating with industry leaders including John Deere, Ford Pro, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology.
• The organization continued to invest in workforce development through the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation, including the nation’s first vineyard employee Leadership Academy.
• On the market-facing side, SCW deepened strategic partnerships across food, sports, hospitality, and media—launching the first-ever Major League Baseball wine club in partnership with the San Francisco Giants and collaborating with professional sports franchises including the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Chicago Bears, and Houston Rockets—to reach new audiences and drive consumer engagement.

Together with national partnerships with Food & Wine, GuildSomm, Landry’s, and Lettuce Entertain You, these efforts reinforced Sonoma County’s position as one of the world’s most trusted, relevant, and respected wine regions.

ABOUT SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.

Contact: John Segale | John.Segale@fahlgren.com | (916) 600-1081

Award Recognizes That Each Family Has Continuously Farmed Local Land for More Than 100 Years.

SANTA ROSA, Calif (December 11, 2025) —  Multiple generations of eleven longtime Sonoma County farming families, all winegrape growers today, gathered to be recognized as the newest members of the “Century Club.”  The honor recognizes families who have continuously farmed their family’s land for more than one hundred years.

The 2025 recipients join twenty-two other local farming families who were recognized last year in the first class of the Century Club. Sonoma County Winegrowers created the Century Club to mark the unique legacies of farm families in the region. Each member family of the Century Club is a testament to the strength and adaptability required to farm.

“We are thrilled to welcome more families to the Century Club and to honor each new member today,” said Karissa Kruse, President and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “Farming is a tough business and celebrating over 1,400 years of combined farming legacy speaks to the deep stewardship, family dedication and sheer tenacity that define our winegrowing region.  These families embody the very DNA of Sonoma County agriculture, and this recognition has been well earned.”

The award ceremony also marked the unveiling of a new “Century Club Award,” a distinctive emblem that can be placed on the back labels of wines sourced from Century Club vineyards. Its presence on a bottle will help consumers recognize and appreciate the remarkable family farming heritage behind the wine they are enjoying.

In addition to the new distinctive emblem, each Century Club family received commemorative pins, special recognition signs to place on their property and a Congressional certificate from U.S. House Representative, Mike Thompson.

“Congratulations to this year’s newest Century Club members! To be recognized as a member of the Century Club is a great honor and captures the essence of Sonoma County,” said Congressman Thompson. He added, “Many of our local farming families have been operating for generations, and the families recognized today for over 100 years of farming remind us just how important it is that we protect and preserve our agricultural heritage.”

The 2025 Century Club families, the name of their farming operation and the year each family began farming in Sonoma County are:

• Bartolomei Family, Bartolomei Vineyard, began farming in 1915
• Cadd Family, Cadd Ranch, began farming in 1910
• Cameron Family, Cameron Ranch, began farming in 1853
• Chenoweth Family, Chenoweth Vineyards, began farming in 1852
• Guadagni Family, Guadagni Family Wines, began farming in 1898
• Mazzoni Family, Mazzoni Vineyards & Zialena Winery, began farming in 1897
• Norton Family, Marchand Vineyard, began farming in 1917
• Pagani Family, Pagani Family Ranch, began farming in 1886
• Pastori Family, Pastori Vineyards & Winery, began farming in 1914
• Rotlisberger Family, Rotlisberger Ranch, began farming in 1913
• Shepard Family, Jack London Ranch, began farming in 1905

ABOUT SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.

Contact: John Segale | John.Segale@fahlgren.com | (916) 600-1081

Reservoir Farms, Sonoma Named Flagship Collaboration in Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Farm of the Future Initiative

SANTA ROSA, Calif., (December 3, 2025) — Sonoma County Winegrowers and Reservoir today announced the launch of Reservoir Farms, Sonoma – the world’s first on-farm robotics and automation hub for viticulture located in the heart of California wine country.

As a flagship collaboration under the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Farm of the Future initiative and building on the success of Reservoir’s inaugural “Olympic Village of AgTech” site in Salinas, Reservoir is extending its model to California’s Wine Country to drive the development and deployment of automation and advanced robotics for vineyards and premium permanent crops like wine grapes. Launched by Sonoma County Winegrowers in 2022, the Farm of the Future serves as an open invitation for innovators and growers to collaborate, pilot new technologies, and share impactful practices to advance sustainability and climate adaptation across Sonoma County’s certified winegrowing operations.

“Sonoma County Winegrowers has long had a vision of being the “Silicon Valley” of Ag Innovation for winegrapes and today that vision becomes a reality. And most exciting is that these start-ups will have our farmers at the table solving the problems they have versus creating solutions and then looking for the problem,” said Karissa Kruse, president and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers, at the ribbon-cutting event hosted at its headquarters.   She added, “Winegrapes are one of the most labor-intensive specialty crops, and emerging technology has the potential to transform how we manage vineyards, upskill our workforce, and continue to deliver for our consumers.”

By adding Reservoir Farms, Sonoma to Farm of the Future, a powerful living lab is being created where growers, startups, and industry partners work together to solve today’s toughest challenges and build resilience for the future.  Amid rising labor costs, a shrinking workforce, and mounting production expenses, wine growers in Sonoma County and across California face complex challenges that threaten vineyard resilience. Reservoir Farms, Sonoma will feature fabrication facilities, an engineering workshop, and 14 acres of managed vineyard test blocks where robotics startups and AgTech leaders like John Deere can work side-by-side to develop, iterate, and validate field-ready technologies. This will bring economic development to Sonoma County, new jobs, new companies, and an opportunity to support workforce development and education.

Reservoir’s expansion to Sonoma County is part of a broad, multi-regional strategy to build a network of on-farm innovation hubs anchored by top growers, R&D partners and regional institutions. Reservoir Farms, Sonoma functions as a real-world laboratory accelerating viticulture innovation, uniting multiple stakeholders and bridging the gap between engineering and agriculture.

Reservoir is inviting six startups to join the incubator by the end of 2025. Cropmind, Inc. and Budbreak Innovations already committed to the program beginning in January 2026, while current Reservoir Farms resident Beagle Technology will extend its existing Reservoir membership to Sonoma to expand its vine pruning solution into Wine Country.

“The next generation of breakthroughs in ag robotics happen if world-class engineers have direct access to real farm environments to develop technology,” said Danny Bernstein, founder and CEO of Reservoir. “The next leap—whether it’s advanced perception, precision agriculture, rugged humanoids, or foundational AI platforms—will require engineers and growers building and problem-solving together. We are honored to be part of Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Farm of the Future to help drive innovation for their members today and into the future.”

For more information or to apply for the next cohort at Reservoir Farms, Sonoma, visit https://reservoir.co

ABOUT SONOMA COUNTY WINEGROWERS:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.

ABOUT RESERVOIR:

Reservoir enables deep-tech startups to make a significant impact on the future of specialty crop agriculture. Reservoir Farms is the world’s first on-farm robotics incubator, launching in the Salinas Valley and expanding to other key regions, including California’s Wine Country. Reservoir VC is an early-stage venture capital fund focused on helping AgTech startups succeed where agriculture happens—in the field. By combining R&D space, hands-on grower input, and early-stage capital, the Reservoir helps turn promising ideas into tools for the growers who feed the world. Learn more at https://reservoir.co.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

John Segale, Fahlgren Mortine for Sonoma County Winegrowers
john.segale@fahlgren.com
916-660-1081

Jennifer Goldston, AgTech PR for Reservoir
jennifer@agtechpr.com