First-ever MLB wine club features a diverse selection of wines, further solidifying the Giants’ connection to wine country. 

SAN FRANCISCO (August 7, 2025) – The San Francisco Giants today announced the Giants Wine Club in partnership with Sonoma County Winegrowers. Now available, the membership-based program features a series of premium Sonoma County wines and is a celebration of the club’s rich history, Northern California wine country and the iconic grape varieties of Sonoma County.

Giants Wine Club members will receive three releases each year, including six bottles from six different Sonoma County wineries, shipped in February, May and November. Memberships are available to California residents at Home Run or Grand Slam levels, differentiated by the grapes and wine pricing. Wine will be hand-selected by Giants and first-ever professional sports team Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein – one of 279 Master Sommeliers worldwide who’s been voted twice into IntoWine.coms “Top 100 Most Influential People in the US Wine Industry”.

With this announcement, the Giants continue to underscore their commitment to providing fans with nothing like it experiences. Giants Wine Club members will receive exclusive benefits, including private wine tasting events, educational wine webinars with Evan Goldstein and Sonoma County winemakers and winegrowers and offerings at select Sonoma County wineries.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Giants Wine Club, showcasing the bounty of fine wines across Sonoma County,” said Steve Tseng, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at the San Francisco Giants. “This expanded partnership is a natural evolution as our fans are increasingly looking to experience local wine culture while enjoying a baseball game – whether at Oracle Park or at home.”

The Giants’ ballpark has long been known for providing an extensive assortment of world class wine, dating back to Opening Day 1977 at Candlestick Park when in-stadium wine service was first introduced to Major League Baseball fans. Today, Oracle Park features a dedicated wine bar on each level, California Wine Carts along the Promenade and View Levels and seven locations that offer wine on tap. In 2022, the Giants appointed Evan Goldstein as the organization’s Master Sommelier, becoming the first-ever global professional sports team to add a Master Sommelier to its lineup.

“Wine, like baseball, is an experience – it creates and impacts memories and brings people together,” said Goldstein. “Many fans don’t know that wine and baseball can interact both inside and outside the ballpark. This is why I’m excited to help bring the Giants Wine Club to life, creating more unmatched experiences for Giants fans beyond Oracle Park and providing them with access to a premium selection of wines from the iconic Sonoma County.”

“Sonoma County wine and Giants baseball are a natural pairing—each rooted in tradition, passion and a love for bringing people together. That’s why we’re thrilled to expand our partnership with the San Francisco Giants through a first-of-its-kind wine club, featuring world-class wines from Sonoma County, created exclusively for Giants fans,” said Karissa Kruse, President and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “Both the Giants and Sonoma County Winegrowers are dedicated to crafting experiences that are distinctive, elevated and memorable. With the expertise of the first Master Sommelier in MLB curating the selections, this club is sure to captivate both devoted wine lovers and curious fans alike.”

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About San Francisco Giants:

One of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the 142-year old franchise moved to San Francisco from New York in 1958.  After playing a total of 42 years in Seals Stadium and Candlestick Park, the team moved to the privately constructed, downtown ballpark on the corner of 3rd and King in 2000. The organization is widely recognized for its innovative business practices and baseball excellence having been named in the past decade the Sports Organization of the Year by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal, Organization of the Year by Baseball America and ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year.  Oracle Park is also the only ballpark in the country to have earned Silver, Gold and Platinum LEED certification for an existing building.   

Since opening its gates, Oracle Park has become internationally-renowned as a premier venue in the world of both sports and entertainment.  On the diamond, more than 75 million spectators have witnessed countless magical moments, including three World Series Championships (2010, 2012 & 2014), the raising of four National League Pennants and eight playoff appearances. The ballpark has also hosted some of music’s biggest acts, including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé & Jay Z, Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, Green Day and Billy Joel. 

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:

Sophie Lair | slair@sfgiants.com | (415) 972-2492

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

Immersive Camps Provides An All-Access Pass to Wine Country

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (June 19, 2025) – Sonoma County Winegrowers has just announced it is bringing back one of its most popular programs this fall when Grape Camp returns.  This three-day immersion in all thing’s agriculture, wine and food in Sonoma County is an experience of a lifetime.  From vineyard immersions led by growers to sommelier-led wine tastings to unforgettable farm to table gatherings, the camp allows participants to learn first-hand why Sonoma County is a wine and food mecca.

“Grape Camp is much loved by past campers because it is true wine country immersion! The best part is getting to meet so many of our local family farmers and winemakers,”  said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “We took a few years off, but we regularly received inquiries asking if Grape Camp was going to return, so we are thrilled to bring back this ‘bucket list’ experience for wine lovers.”

Grape Camp is more than an event — it is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. From picking grapes alongside multi-generational farmers to blending wines and dining under the stars, guests will savor the region’s bounty in its most authentic form. Grape Camp offers a unique blend of Sonoma County’s luxurious hospitality and its grassroots winegrowing heritage.

Sonoma County is home to more than 495 wineries, over 100 wine grape varieties and 19 distinct wine growing appellations, as well as 50 miles of coastline—more than any other wine region in California.  The region’s dynamic landscape and commitment to sustainability make it the perfect place to learn, sip, and savor. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply wine-curious, Sonoma County Winegrowers invites you to be part of the story — from vine to glass.

Grape Camp will be held September 28 through October 1, 2025. Space is limited, so reserve your space now by visiting https://sonomawinegrape.org/grape-camp-2025/.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers: Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grapegrowers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).

Contact: John Segale | 916.600.1081

Leadership Academy Founded by Sonoma County’s Winegrowers Continues to Build on Commitment to Sustainability

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (June 13, 2025) – The Sonoma County Fundación dela Voz de los Viñedos Leadership Academy graduated its fourth class in front of friends and family on Thursday. To date, 75 participants have graduated from the Leadership Academy which was created by the Sonoma County winegrower community. Sustainability is built on a comprehensive set of practices that are environmentally sound (make the land better than when you first set foot on it); economically viable (make your company better so it can remain in business); and socially equitable (make your community a better place to live and work).

“Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of the Leadership Academy. From the beginning, the mission of the Leadership Academy has been to create a robust workforce development program that elevates the experience, leadership, and voice of our vineyard employees,” said Karissa Kruse, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We are exceeding our mission with a program that is both life changing and truly making a difference.”

The nationally recognized Leadership Academy does not teach new farming skills, but, instead, focuses on advancing the skills needed for vineyard employees to be promoted into leadership positions within their organization or their community. This year’s twenty graduates have been gathering for the past six months for half-day classes on a range of topics including financial literacy, communications, leadership, wine production, sustainability and more. The success of the Leadership Academy is impressive, more than 50% of the members for the first two Leadership Academy classes took on new responsibilities in the first year following their graduation with more than one-third of the graduates earning a promotion during that same period of time. Just as important, the employers of the graduates have noted their employees possess more confidence, demonstrate stronger leadership skills and have become better at teaching, communicating and supervising.

“We are very proud to support our skilled agricultural workforce and their families who sustain farming in Sonoma County,” said Duff Bevill, chairman of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ board of directors. He added, “In just four short years, this has developed into one of the most meaningful leadership programs in U.S. agriculture. We are fortunate to have great support from our local growers who ensure their employees have the ability to participate and our subject matter experts who provide their expertise to teach the coursework.”

2025 Leadership Academy Graduates

(Their Employer and Their Years with the Company)

1. Alfonso Quintero Gómez, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, 19 Years
2. Andrés Bautista, Munselle Vineyards, 11 Years
3. Armando González, Robert Young Vineyards, 43 years
4. Claudia Cruz, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, 27 Years
5. Crispín Solorio, Bevill Vineyard Management, 27 Years
6. Edith Castro, Lynmar Estate Winery, Quail Hill Vineyards, 7 Years
7. Eugenio López, Mauritson Farms, 19 Years
8. Everardo Paniagua Rodríguez, Emeritus Vineyards, 10 Years
9. Gabriel Ruiz, Atlas Vineyard Management, 30 years
10. Gilberto Sapien, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, 26 Years
11. Isaías Iñíguez, Dutton Ranch, 11 years
12. Jerónimo Lozano Vázquez, Jackson Family Wines, 13 Years
13. Jorge Guzmán, Atlas Vineyard Management, 8 Years
14. José H. Manzo Valencia, Four Seasons Vineyard Management, 15 Years
15. José Luis Herrera, Four Seasons Vineyard Management, 16 Years
16. Leonel Mendoza, Munselle Vineyards, 25 Years
17. Lorenza Lara, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, 6 Years
18. Marcial Tinoco, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, 21 years
19. Raúl Vera, Jackson Family Wines, 12 Years
20. Victor Rosales, Atlas Vineyard Management, 13 Years

Image by: Mickale Jones Photography

About the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos:

Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees. Relaunched in January of 2016, the Fundación is focused on improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive. Our mission is simple – support local vineyard employees and their families. Since its relaunch in 2016, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz deLos Viñedos has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees. The Fundación has five strategic priorities: leadership; empowerment and recognition; workforce development; resiliency; and resources. The two flagship programs are the Vineyard Employee Recognition Program and the Leadership Academy. 

Contact: John Segale | 916.600.1081

Grand Sonoma Wine Tasting Sold Out Weeks Before Event in Windy City

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (March 4, 2025) – Chicago and Sonoma County have a mutual love affair.

Sonoma in the City, a signature event that brings Sonoma County winemakers and winegrowers to cities around the country, made its first return to Chicago in a decade on March 1. Driven by the importance of the Chicago region to wine, in 2024 Sonoma County Winegrowers established its first NFL sponsorship when the Chicago Bears began featuring Sonoma County wines at exclusive wine tastings and special events on certain game days. The love for all things Sonoma County has clearly expanded beyond the team’s legendary fans to include all of Chicagoland.

The marquee of the weekend was the “Grand Sonoma Wine Tasting” which sold out weeks before the event. The grand tasting was held on the 17th floor of the beautiful 167 Events space in downtown Chicago on Saturday, March 1. The celebration of Sonoma County was hosted by the Sonoma County Winegrowers in partnership with Lettuce Entertain You and The Oakville Grill & Cellar, part of its renowned restaurant group. Lettuce Entertain You is a family-owned organization that owns, manages and licenses more than 60 brands and 130 restaurants in twelve states. In addition to the Oakville Grill & Cellar, Lettuce Entertain You owns RPM Steak, Shaw’s Crab House, Mon Ami Gabi and many more. The Grand Sonoma Wine Tasting marks the first collaboration event of many planned in the new partnership between Sonoma County Winegrowers and Lettuce Entertain You.

More than 400 attendees joined in the Saturday afternoon celebration which included the opportunity to sample wines from more than 40 Sonoma County wineries, meet winegrape growers and winemakers, and learn about the region. Additional tables featuring five of Sonoma County’s 19 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)—Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Valley, and West Sonoma Coast—and Sonoma County Tourism provided more information on the region’s appellations and all it has to offer as a travel destination. Prior to the Grand Tasting, more than 40 guests were able to join in an intimate Masterclass exploring the diversity of Sonoma County wines, where six winemakers and winegrowers shared their expertise and stories while showcasing six different varietals from six different appellations.

“The sellout of all these special events and the many younger wine lovers attending is proof that Chicago’s long passion for Sonoma County wines continues and the team at Lettuce Entertain You is best in class,” said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We appreciated being able to join Sonoma County Tourism’s media lunch and pour wines from five of Sonoma County’s AVAs. We even added a pop-up Sonoma County Happy Hour tasting at four of the legendary Binny’s Beverage Depots on Friday evening featuring our winery partners to ensure all Chicagoans had an opportunity to enjoy our wines. We are already planning to return to Chicago next year and build off the enthusiasm from this amazing weekend.”

The Chicago Bears were the first NFL team sponsorship for Sonoma County Winegrowers which also has collaborations ongoing with the San Francisco Giants and the Houston Rockets. Building on that success in bringing world-class Sonoma County wines to new and diverse audiences, Sonoma County Winegrowers is also an official sponsor for Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds minor league hockey team. In the past few years, Sonoma County Winegrowers has also forged long-standing partnerships with many important industry leaders, including Landry’s, Food & Wine, Alaska Airlines, and GuildSomm, continuing its focus on building audiences among consumers, the trade, and media.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grape growers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.

40-Year Employee at Robert Young Vineyards is one of 49 Vineyard Employees Honored

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (February 10, 2025) – In 1985, Antonio Guzman, following in his father’s footsteps, began working at Robert Young Vineyards.  Fast forward forty years and Antonio is not only celebrating a milestone anniversary, he was also excited to learn he is Sonoma County’s Vineyard Employee of the Year.

“He is such a talented employee and an even better person,” said Dan Rotlisberger, vineyard manager at Robert Young Vineyards.  He added, “Antonio has been an invaluable part of our team for the past 40 years. His work ethic, attention to detail and leadership are respected by all.    No matter the day or time, he is always there ready to help, often fixing things before they become an issue.  Antonio is a great representative of this award.”

Antonio and his contributions along with those of 48 other vineyard employees were honored at the seventh annual Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Employee Recognition Celebration for their talents, accomplishments, and leadership.  The Employee Recognition Awards are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the winegrape industry.  The employee of the year is selected by a panel of the foundation board members. Congressman Mike Thompson presented each of the honored workers with certificates and announced the employee of the year.  He also addressed the crowd and shared his appreciation for the honorees and their families.  He recognized the long tenure of the employees in the room calling attention to the unique and special relationships between the employers and employees.

“Our wine industry could not exist without our vineyard workforce,” said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers and executive director of the Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos.  She added, “We celebrate these important men and women  and honor them on stage in front of their families, employers, elected officials, and leaders in Sonoma County.”

Guzman, the Vineyard Employee of the Year, and his 2 brothers came to work for Robert Young in the mid 1980’s. He has resided in Geyserville  on the Robert Young property for more than forty years.  He  and his wife, Rosa, have one daughter, Dianna, who is currently a student at Cal Poly Pomona. Antonio is currently leading the effort to install new irrigation and sprinkler systems in vineyards that Robert Young is replanting.

After recognizing Antonio, both his brothers, Jose and Miguel “Calan,” were invited to join him on the stage with the Robert Young family.  It was a special moment for everyone in attendance and, in particular, for the two families who have worked together for more than four decades.

All employees working in Sonoma County agriculture for a vineyard owner, vineyard management company, or winery are eligible for the Employee Recognition awards.  Employers nominate individuals each month throughout the year to recognize exceptional performance in a variety of areas including leadership, innovation, safety, frost protection, conservation, pruning, canopy management and harvest.

The Employee Recognition Celebration pays tribute to the men and women who were recognized throughout 2024 as “Employees of the Month.” Throughout the year, the Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos presents gift cards and recognition in the local community through advertisements, social posts and articles saluting the employees of the month and their success.

The Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos is the only non-profit in Sonoma County whose sole mission is to support vineyard employees and their families. It was first established in 2002 by local winegrape growers to help fund education workshops in Spanish. Relaunched in 2016, it expanded its focus to include improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families to ensure the region remains a place where they can continue to live, work and thrive. Following the devastating wildfires of 2017, 2019 and 2020, the organization established its Vineyard Employee Resiliency Fund, which has provided more than $2 million in support to more than 1,500 agricultural employees with temporary housing, rent support and gift cards to purchase household items, food and essential supplies. Today, the Foundation remains a committed employee resource but has focused its programming on initiatives that elevate the workforce including its nationally recognized Leadership Academy.

Said Kruse, “I wish everyone could be here to witness the excitement   There is so much joy and energy in the room as each employee is recognized on stage and the employee of the year is announced.  This is what makes Sonoma County such a special place to live and work.”

About the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos: 

Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees. Relaunched in January of 2016, the Fundación is focused on improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive.  Our mission is simple – support local vineyard employees and their families. Since its relaunch in 2016, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees.  The Fundación has five strategic priorities: leadership; empowerment and recognition; workforce development; resiliency; and resources.  The two flagship programs are the Vineyard Employee Recognition Program and the Leadership Academy. In 2022, the first class of the Leadership Academy met to brainstorm names for the Foundation which would best represent them and the work they do.  They selected Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos  (The Voice of the Vineyards). The Fundación is managed by the Sonoma County Winegrowers with a 16-member board of directors comprised of agricultural leaders, vineyard and winery owners, and Sonoma County community leaders.

Image by: Will Buquoy

About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grape growers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.

Sonoma County Winegrowers Focus on Creating Experiences to Engage New and Existing Wine Lovers

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 17, 2025) – For over a decade, Sonoma County Winegrowers has been at the forefront of innovation, forging powerful partnerships with iconic brands like John Deere, Ford Pro, Wilbur Ellis, Landry’s, and the San Francisco Giants. As unveiled at this week’s annual Dollars & $ense meeting, held virtually, 2025 marks a year dedicated to “Renewing, Building, and Growing” these renowned programs, expanding their reach, amplifying the Sonoma County story, and setting new benchmarks in excellence.

As Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers, started her presentation with a review of the past twelve years since she joined the organization, it was clear that the results in building the brand’s visibility over the years has been successful. From being world leaders in sustainability, to sports marketing, to establishing the Farm of the Future, and more, the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ brand is reaching more people in new and different ways.

“To the credit of our board, we have never been afraid to take bold action to raise and promote awareness of Sonoma County to consumers, companies, media, trade, and more,” said Kruse. She added, “As a result, we are building new relationships with consumers through sports marketing; collaborating on industry challenges to develop innovative solutions with iconic companies to benefit our growers and the environment; and partnering with GuildSomm and other wine influentials to promote the diversity and quality of wines grown and made in Sonoma County.”

As a result of those efforts, Sonoma County continues to draw attention from visionary scientists, engineers, financers, designers, start-up companies, manufacturers and more who want to work with Sonoma County Winegrowers and leverage its sustainability leadership to address some of the biggest challenges facing winegrowers and farmers of high value crops to develop innovative solutions here in the local community.

Looking ahead, Kruse laid out the objectives for the coming year: play a role in building the total wine category and make it more accessible; position Sonoma County as the region of choice for wine, agriculture, and travel; grow strategic partnerships; continue to elevate Sonoma County on the global stage; deliver innovative grower education opportunities; and continue its commitment to the community. In fact, the key take-away from this year’s “Dollars & $ense” annual meeting with growers is that the successful partnerships and collaborations are resulting in significant benefits for the local wine community and will be continued and expanded upon. These include:

Farm of the Future Initiative and Summit

Sonoma County Winegrowers will again invite experts from innovative companies to gather in Sonoma County for the second Farm of the Future Summit. The participants will also include a number of leading businesses that are already collaborating with local farmers in pilot projects throughout Sonoma County’s certified sustainable vineyards. In 2025, Sonoma County Winegrowers will continue being a living lab through its collaborations with John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology.

Build and Grow Existing Partnerships

Sonoma County Winegrowers has forged long-standing partnerships with many important industry leaders, including Landry’s, Food & Wine, Alaksa Airlines, and GuildSomm, continuing its focus on building audiences among consumers, the trade, and media. These will be continued and expanded this year. In 2025, exciting new partnerships are being launched with other visionary organizations like Lettuce Entertain You, a 50-year-old restaurant group based in Chicago, The SOMM Journal, a publication for beverage industry professionals, and organizations focused on wine trade and Somm education including the Court of Master Sommeliers and Best Sommeliers of Americas.

Continue with Sports Marketing

In 2024, Sonoma County Winegrowers teamed up with one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, the Chicago Bears, to introduce, share and immerse fans in Chicagoland with all things about Sonoma County wine. This was the first NFL team sponsorship for Sonoma County Winegrowers which also has collaborations ongoing with the San Francisco Giants and the Houston Rockets. Building on that success in bringing world-class Sonoma County wines to new and diverse audiences, Sonoma County Winegrowers recently announced it agreed to become the official sponsor for Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team.

Elevate Sonoma County at Local and National Events

Showcasing Sonoma County wines at prestigious events will remain a cornerstone of the organization’s marketing programs. The 4th Annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, which the Sonoma County Winegrowers helped found, positions our region as a premier wine destination to over 4,000 attendees over the 4-day weekend in May. Targeted events like ZinEx and Palm Springs Pinot Festival shine a spotlight on specific varietals from the region, while the Minnesota WineFest, Aspen Food & Wine, Sonoma in the City Chicago, and the new Mexico City Wine Festival reach national and international audiences.

Said Kruse, “We will continue to seek opportunities with sports teams and organizations that connect us with their fans and provide us with an opportunity to introduce and build demand for Sonoma County wines particularly among a younger and more diverse demographic.”

The event ended with the awarding of four special awards. The Nick Frey Community Contribution Award, Sonoma County Winegrowers’ highest honor, was awarded to two recipients this year: George Day, Professor Emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Co-Chair of Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Ag Sustainability Center, and Laurel Marcus, who recently retired as the science director of Fish Friendly Farming and was the creator of its certification program which provides a critical third-party certification of environmentally beneficial land practices that assist growers in protecting and enhancing the local environment, waterways and wildlife. Also receiving awards were Serres Ranch, which was recognized as the 2024 Sustainable Grower of the Year, and Silver Oak Winery, which was named Sustainable Winery of the Year.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grape growers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.

Contact: John Segale | 916.600.1081

Activations Will Bring Sonoma County Wines to One of California’s Fastest Growing Regions

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (December 17, 2024) – Building on its growing success in bringing world-class Sonoma County wines to new and divergent audiences, Sonoma County Winegrowers has announced it has agreed to become the official sponsor for Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

“This is an exciting new opportunity to showcase and share our Sonoma County wines in a vibrant community with people who clearly love the arena and the team,” said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “Our focus is to reach new audiences in different settings to create memorable experiences and with this new partnership we will accomplish that in a big way in the Coachella Valley.”

Acrisure Arena is a world-class entertainment venue strategically located in the Coachella Valley in Southern California within 90 miles of more than 8.5 million residents. Since opening, the arena has quickly become the region’s top entertainment venue and cultural destination. It hosts music, sports, family and live events over 100 nights a year. The Coachella Valley Firebirds are newest team in the Pacific Division of the American Hockey League. They began playing in the 2022-23 and are an owned and operated affiliate of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. During the 2023 Calder Cup playoffs, the Firebirds established an American Hockey League record for total playoff attendance with 138,053 fans attending 16 postseason games. The team touts back-to-back Western Conference Championship titles and continues to thrill fans and sports enthusiasts as in their third season.

“We are excited to launch this new and innovative partnership with Sonoma County Winegrowers to provide our fans with the opportunity to enjoy world-class wines from Sonoma County as well as collaborate to create enhanced guest experiences,” said John Page, SVP of Acrisure Arena, Coachella Valley Firebirds and Oak View Group. He added, “We continue to expand our offerings as a venue from programming to hospitality, so partnering with Sonoma County wines is the perfect blend our customers will savor.”

The sponsorship includes TV advertising, in-arena advertising, sponsorship of the Firebirds’ annual pre-season dinner, exclusive collaborations for premium and season ticket members, sampling nights of Sonoma County wines, opportunities for fans to visit Sonoma County, and more.

In addition, Sonoma County Winegrowers will be the presenting sponsor of the Cactus Cup Hockey Tournament for the next two years. The Cactus Cup Presented by Sonoma County Wine growers is a two-day NCAA tournament featuring four Division 1 men’s hockey teams. The participants in the 2025 event include the University of Massachusetts, Lowell River Hawks; the Michigan Tech Huskies, the Holy Cross Crusaders, and the University of Nebraska, Omaha Mavericks.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers represents more than 1,800 growers and works to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).

About Acrisure Arena:

America’s hottest music festival destination finally has the world-class arena it deserves. Opened December 2022, the Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and concerts, the new arena provides top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all of the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility serves as the new home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.

The Acrisure Arena is a $300+ million project that is 100% privately funded through outstanding partners Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken, and Live Nation. Learn more at AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About the Coachella Valley Firebirds:

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the AHL’s 32nd Franchise and the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. The Firebirds are the league’s back-to-back Western Conference Champions and play their home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA. Visit www.cvfirebirds.com for the latest news and information.

Contact: John Segale | 916.600.1081

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. (December 10, 2024) – The image of vibrant farms and rugged ranches set among Sonoma County’s beautiful landscapes has long been sought after by tourists, painters and photographers. The sheer beauty has always stood out, but, given that the area’s first vineyards date back to 1812, it is the region’s agrarian roots and family legacy that makes Sonoma County unique.

Today, twenty-two local families, all winegrape growers, were recognized as the original members of the “Century Club” in honor of their continuously farming their family’s original land for more than one hundred years. Sonoma County Winegrowers created the Century Club to mark the unique legacies of farm families in the region and it will recognize new families with the honor as they hit the one-hundred-year mark in the years ahead. Each of these farms – and the families behind them – have endured the ups and downs of the cyclical nature of today’s agriculture to survive and thrive.

“To have so many families still working the very land where their grandparents, great grandparents and great, great grandparents settled and began farming over a hundred years ago is truly the definition of sustainability and the DNA in our wine region,” said Karissa Kruse, President and CEO, of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We are very excited to launch this program because we are fortunate to live in an area where so many multi-generational farm families continue to farm the very ground that their ancestors farmed and ranched more than a century ago.”

All of the families being honored share one common theme – brave ancestors who left their homeland to seek the American dream by working the land. Some examples include the Mauritson family who have been growing grapes in the Dry Creek Valley since 1868. The Munselle family arrived in the Alexander Valley with a vision of producing fine wines nearly 150 years ago. The Bisordi family began farming hops, prunes and more in 1898.  The Dutton family has been working the land since the 1880s and today the fourth, fifth and sixth generations are still farming. The Martinelli family first planted grapes and began making wine in the area in the 1880s.

Each of the families honored today received commemorative pins, special recognition signs to place on their property and a Congressional certificate from Representative Mike Thompson. Looking ahead, the Century Club members will be invited to attend the annual recognition lunch, as well as participate in exclusive members-only events.

The member families of the inaugural 2024 class of the Sonoma County Century Club and the year their ancestors began farming in Sonoma County are:

• Azevedo Family – Azevedo A-Bar Ranch, began farming in 1904
• Bacigalupi & Gaddini Family – Bacigalupi Vineyards, began farming in 1883
• Bastoni Family – Bastoni Vineyards, began farming in 1905
• Bisordi Family – Bisordi Ranch & Vineyards, began farming in 1898
• Bundschu Family – Bundschu Company, began farming in 1858
• Denner Family – Denner Ranches, Inc., began farming in 1890
• Dutton Family – Dutton Ranch, began farming in 1880
• Giusti Family – Giusti Ranch & Vineyards, began farming in 1875
• Kunde Family – Wildwood Vineyards Arthur Kunde & Sons, Inc., began farming in 1904
• Leras Family – Leras Family Vineyards, began farming in 1918
• Martinelli Family – Martinelli Winery & Martinelli Vineyard Management, began farming in 1860
• Mauritson Family – Mauritson Farms, began farming in 1868
• Munselle Family – Munselle Vineyards, began farming in 1876
• Puccioni Family – Puccioni Ranch & Vineyards, began farming in 1904
• Rafanelli Family – Rafanelli Winery, began farming in early 1900s
• Saini Family – Saini Farms, Inc., began farming in 1917
• Sanchietti Family – Sanchietti Ranch & Sanchietti Farming, began farming in 1919
• Sebastiani Family – Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, began farming in 1904
• Seghesio Family – Seghesio Family Vineyards, began farming in 1895
• Serres Family – Serres Ranch, began farming in 1924
• Schmidt Family – Tzabaco Rancho Vineyards, began farming in 1856
• Young Family – Robert Young Estate Vineyards, began farming in 1858

To learn more about the founding families of the Century Club, click here!

Contact: John Segale |  916.600.1081

More Than 220,000 Acres in California are Enrolled in FFF Program

NAPA, Calif. (November 25, 2024) – Thirty-two winegrape growers and wineries from Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties have been recognized with the Founders’ Award from the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program for achieving and maintaining certification for more than 20 years.

In 1999, the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program was created to protect and enhance the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. Soon, it was expanded with a specific program tailored for Napa County and other regions. Today, more than 220,000 acres located in thirteen counties in California are enrolled in the innovative program that improves water quality and wildlife habitat.

“The Fish Friendly Farming certification has become very popular among winegrowers as a sustainable certification program because it is highly effective in improving water quality and restoring fish and wildlife habitat,” said Laurel Marcus, Science Director. She added, “We all benefit from reduced erosion, enhanced vegetation along local creeks and streams, cooler water, higher water quality and better stream flows so it is an honor to recognize these thirty-two winegrowers and wineries with our Founders’ Award for their success and commitment.”

The Fish Friendly Farming program provides a critical third-party certification of environmentally beneficial land practices (BMPs) that assist growers in protecting and enhancing the local environment, waterways and wildlife. Scientists work with the growers to complete the farm assessment and maps, and collaborate on the development of the farm plan that identifies the needed BMPs for each site. Certification is carried out by regulatory agency scientists following the completion of a detailed farm plan.

“Ridge Vineyards has enrolled all of our properties in the Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program and implemented our farm plans. This award recognizes our years of hard work to benefit the environment and community,” David Gates, Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Ridge Vineyards Inc.

The Founders Award recognizes growers who have been certified for at least 20 years, have actively implemented BMPs and projects identified in their farm plans and have consistently passed audits and recertifications. These award winners have proven their dedication to sustainability, the environment and the community.

“The Dutton family has managed orchards and vineyards for many years following the Best Management Practices in the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program. So, to receive a Founders Award is great recognition of our efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the Russian River basin,” Jeff Carlton, Dutton Ranch Corp.

The Founders’ Award recipients are:

In addition, the Fish Friendly Farming program is also recognizing growers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in implementing BMPs and projects identified in their Farm Plans but are newer to the program than the Founders’ Award recipients. This category of awards is called the “Next Wave of Sustainability” and the recipients are:

“Fish Friendly Farming has been an integral program for Sonoma County and our sustainability commitment. Our local growers see real value in implementing the numerous environmentally beneficial management practices and projects to improve water quality and habitats,” said Karissa Kruse, president and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers.

For more information about the Fish Friendly Farming certification program, contact Laurel Marcus, laurelm@fishfriendlyfarming.org, or call her at (707) 869-2760.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grape growers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.  In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org.

Contact: John Segale | 916.600.1081