SACRAMENTO, Calif. (January 30, 2019) – Looking to continue to tell their sustainable story in new and impactful ways, the Sonoma County Winegrape Growers will begin utilizing augmented reality in 2019 to reach wine drinkers interested in or wanting to learn about sustainability.  Sonoma County Winegrowers is the first wine region in the world to use the unique technology to reach consumers with information about its commitment to become the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region

“This coming year, as we strive for 100 participation in our sustainable winegrowing program, we will be focused on our sharing that commitment with wine lovers all over the country.  We will be utilizing augmented reality to break-through to consumers in a most memorable way,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “We’ve tested this and the response has been fantastic.  We can’t wait to get these special bottles into the market.”

Augmented reality is exploding in popularity throughout the country especially among the millennial demographic. This is a critical demographic to reach that has challenged the wine industry for a few years.  Of note, according to the Nielsen Research Company, 66 percent of millennial consumers around the world are willing to pay more for sustainable goods, making them the most willing demographic to pay extra for sustainable offerings.  Given this, and their preference for augmented reality, the Sonoma County Winegrowers may be on the verge of “cracking the Millennial Code.”

Using a smart phone, consumers download the Sonoma County Sustainable Wine augmented reality app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.  From there, they simply place their phone over a participating wine label programmed with augmented reality and the label comes to life immediately, engaging the consumer with stories, video and information on sustainability for wineries using the ‘Sonoma County Sustainability Farmed Grapes’ label.

“This is a unique wine label that is a great way to draw the attention and engage consumers at the point of purchase especially those who are seeking to purchase sustainably produced wine,” said Kruse.  She added, “The shopping experience is changing rapidly, and Sonoma County Winegrowers want to be at the forefront of successfully reaching consumers with our story to help motivate more purchases of sustainable wines from Sonoma County.”

The Augmented Reality wine experience will be available on select wines from Ferrari-Carano, Dutton Estate, Dutton-Goldfield, Cline, Frances Ford Copola and Lynmar as the wines are released in 2019.  Throughout 2019 and the years to follow, additional wine brands will carry the new Sonoma County Sustainable Wine label and participate in the augmented reality effort.

2019 marks the final year in the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ five-year quest to become the nation’s first 100% sustainable wine region.  To date, more than 97% of Sonoma County’s nearly 60,000 vineyard acres are participating in the sustainability program.  Even more impressive is that more than 89% of those acres have completed or are in the process of completing a third-party audit to obtain sustainable certification.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 17, 2019) – Calling 2018 the “new normal” for farming winegrapes in Sonoma County during which the region sought to recover from the previous year’s devasting fires, Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers, addressed the Sonoma County Winegrape Growers today at the 28^th annual Dollars & $ense Seminar and Trade Show.  Kruse complimented the growers not only for their leadership in sustainability but for their commitment to the long-term preservation of agriculture in the region.

Kruse has long used the Dollars & $ense annual meeting to make significant industry announcements.  In 2014, she took to the stage to announce that Sonoma County Winegrowers would become the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in 2019.  As that quest closes in on its goal, Kruse continued to make news Thursday with some major revelations. 

“This coming year, we are focused on achieving break-through marketing to not only elevate the Sonoma County wine region but leverage our sustainability commitment among wine lovers throughout the Unites States with a regional first: augmented reality,” said Kruse.  She added, “This effort will be focused on sustainability for wineries using the ‘Sonoma County Sustainability Farmed Grapes’ label that will interact with the consumer like no other wine label.”

Augmented reality is exploding in popularity throughout the country especially among the coveted millennial demographic.  Using a smart phone, consumers download an augmented reality app.  From there, they simply place their phone over an augmented reality wine label, and the label comes to life immediately, engaging the consumer with stories, video and information on Sonoma County’s quest to become the first 100% sustainable wine region.

“This is a unique wine label that is a great way to draw the attention and interest of those consumers who are seeking to purchase sustainably produced products including wine,” said Kruse.  She added, “The shopping experience is changing rapidly, and Sonoma County Winegrowers want to be at the forefront of successfully reaching consumers with our story to help motivate more purchases of sustainable wines from Sonoma County.”  

This ground-breaking marketing effort will be further supported with the establishment of a recording studio at the Sonoma County Winegrowers new office on Guerneville Road.  The studio will enable the group to produce a bi-weekly show on farming, wine and the Sonoma County region in addition to conducting interviews with visiting sommeliers, media and industry experts.  The studio can also be used to film quick updates on harvest as well as news and happenings around the county. 

“We can’t solely rely on traditional media channels to reach our consumers.  We must adapt to the changing world and this studio will enable us to do so,” said Kruse. She added, “Our focus has always been to be first, be the best and lead and this addition is critical to our path forward.”

With 2019 just starting, Kruse shared the latest numbers of the group’s five-year effort to become certified sustainable.  The newest figures show that more than 97% of Sonoma County’s nearly 60,000 vineyard acres are participating in the sustainability program.  Even better news, more than 89% of those acres have completed or are in the process of completing a third-party audit to obtain sustainable certification.

“The support by local grape growers to be sustainable has been overwhelming and it has been humbling to observe how our commitment to sustainability has been embraced throughout Sonoma County,” said Kruse.  She added, “Over the past few years our board and the grape growers in the community have completely taken ownership of the initiative.  They are recognized as global leaders in sustainability and we all gain from their commitment and dedication.”

With the goal well within reach, Sonoma County Winegrowers will continue to work with grape growers to assess their farming, business and management practices against more than 140 best management practices touching on water use, habitat protection, employee safety, employee training, community support and more.   Sonoma County Winegrowers work with four programs (California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules and Sustainability in Practice) and all programs take a triple-bottom line approach.  Each of the four programs have a third-party certification process and are comprised of best practices focused on becoming environmental stewards, economically viable and socially equitable. 

“I am so proud of the commitment made by Sonoma County winegrowers to become the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region.  Everyone benefits from their efforts as it not only helps enhance the environment, but it is critical to maintaining the rural lifestyle and natural beauty that helps make Sonoma County a world-renowned area,” said Kruse.

Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation Honors 44 Individuals with its 2018 Vineyard Employee Sustainability Recognition Award

Gabino Ramirez Recognized as the Vineyard Employee of the Year

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 14, 2019) – Winegrape growers, vineyard employees, families, community leaders and Congressman Mike Thompson gathered at Saralee and Richard’s Barn at the Sonoma County Fairground on Saturday to recognize and celebrate 44 individuals who were recipients of the 2018 Vineyard Employee Sustainability Recognition program.

The recognition award program was launched in 2018 to honor the men and women who excel in grape growing in Sonoma County.  A specific theme is designated for each month of the year to showcase the various skills and contributions made by vineyard employees.  Themes include leadership, innovation, safety, conservation, as well as specific vineyard skills such as pruning, canopy management and harvest.  Employees are nominated by their employers for individual achievement and exceptional performance. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees working in agriculture for a vineyard owner, vineyard management company or winery are eligible for the award.  Throughout the year, monthly winners receive gift cards and clothing as well as being recognized in local newspaper advertisements.

“Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation is very proud to recognize our talented ag employees who are critical to the growth of the region’s premier grapes that make some of the world’s best wines,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers and the executive director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.  She added, “These are  some of the most talented individuals in the world’s wine industry and valuable members of our community.  Sonoma County winegrowers have a proud history of working collectively to positively impact the lives of our employees and their families and we are committed to making this program one of the most prestigious awards in our county and our industry.”

In 2016, as part of their quest to become the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region, Sonoma County Winegrowers relaunched the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation to provide support for agricultural employees and their families as part of the socially-responsible component of sustainability.

Immediately following the devastating fires in 2017, the Foundation established a housing recovery fund for ag workers and their families who were displaced from their homes by the fires.  More than $1 million was raised from contributors in Sonoma County, throughout California and around the world.  The funds were used to pay rent support and purchase RV’s for employees who lost their homes.  Additional funds were distributed in the form of Visa gift cards to purchase new household items, food and supplies and to help pay utilities for other Ag employees impacted by lost wages and evacuations during the fires. Remaining funds are being used by the Foundation to address the long-term need for affordable housing for ag workers, especially given the total loss of homes from the fires in Sonoma County.

As part of Saturday’s festivities,  Gabino Ramirez, who been working for Serres Ranch for over 30 years, was recognized as the 2018 Vineyard Employee of the Year. The Serres Ranch was established in 1924 in Sonoma and has been owned and operated by five generations of the Serres Family. The Serres family partakes in grape growing, cattle raising, blueberry farming, and ranching in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The ranch is nestled in the Valley of the Moon, where surrounding mountains narrow down to the smallest part of the valley, creating its own unique micro climate suitable for growing world class red wines.

“It is my honor to recognize Gabino Ramirez as Vineyard Employee of the Year and laud his incredible service. He helps to ensure our district’s wine is world-class and boosts our entire community,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) as he presented Ramirez with a Congressional Resolution commemorating his accomplishments during Saturday’s festivities.

This special recognition honors the exceptional contributions Ramirez made to preserve agriculture in Sonoma County.  All individuals who received an Employee Recognition Award during the year were eligible for the Vineyard Employee of the Year award.  The annual award recognizes the individual who best displays the 11 traits recognized throughout the year and possesses the exceptional skills highlighted through the Vineyard Employee Sustainability program.

“Gabino is the best of the best, and our vineyard is what it is today because of his love and devotion for the place. Serres Ranch would not be what it is today without the leadership of Gabino Ramirez,” said Taylor Serres, of Serres Ranch.  She added, “He is a wonderful team member and leader of his crew, his crewmen look up to him as a strong leader and his supervisors know that little supervising needs to be done because of his experience and expertise. All of us at Serres Ranch rest easy at night knowing Serres Ranch is in Gabino’s capable – hard working – hands.”

Juan Sanchez, vineyard supervisor and a 49-year-employee at Dutton Ranch, was the 2018 Vineyard Employee of the Year runner-up.  During his years at Dutton Ranch Juan has worked his way up from field worker to tractor driver, to crew leader, to foreman, to supervisor, to manager/supervisor to the current position he holds of Head Supervisor, the fourth-highest position in management in the company.

As part of their recognition, Gabino Ramirez will be receiving gift cards for $1,250 and Juan Sanchez will receive gift cards for $750.

Today, the fires continue to burn out of control, power and cell service is spotty and access around Sonoma County is still highly restricted. With more than 90% of the winegrape harvest completed in Sonoma County, many growers in safe zones are heading out today to begin picking the remainder of their crops provided they can get their grapes to their winery destination.  In fact, some Chardonnay, likely the last to be picked in Sonoma County this year, was harvested this morning in the Russian River Valley and I am pleased to report the grapes were of excellent quality and were able to get to a winery in Napa Valley. On a positive note, given how late it is in the season, the concern of smoke taint on the grapes currently on the vine is low.  This assessment would be much different had the fires occurred in late July or early August.

We have only confirmed that Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa has been destroyed. We have been unable to obtain accurate updates from Sonoma Valley as most of that area is still under evacuation orders. Please know that the Sonoma County wine community has been overwhelmed with the positive thoughts, prayers and support we have received from across the county and around the world. It gives us the strength to stand strong and know our communities will survive.

Strategic Think Tank Will Have Range of Backgrounds and Perspectives Focused on Four Key Challenges Facing Sonoma County

SANTA ROSA, Calif.  (September 12, 2017) – The Sonoma County Winegrowers will launch its Center for Ag Sustainability on October 12 with an impressive group of national experts who will be meeting to identify and discuss topics that affect agriculture and Sonoma County as a wine region with the goal of developing out-of-the-box, innovative solutions to critical challenges.

The participants, representing different industries and backgrounds, will meet four times over the next two years for a facilitated discussion on how to solve challenges facing Sonoma County’s wine and agriculture communities over the next 5-7 years.  The sessions will be facilitated by Professor George Day of the Wharton School of Business.

“One of the most important jobs we have as farmers is to preserve and protect our agricultural legacy and way of life for future generations.  The reality is that ag is on the brink of a crisis. Not only are thousands of acres of farmland being lost to development in California every year, farmers also face numerous threats to the financial viability of our businesses making it tougher for young people to become farmers,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “Clearly, the status quo is not an effective strategy moving forward.  We must look to lead on addressing these pressing issues and new ones that will emerge to sustain our success and preserve agriculture in Sonoma County and beyond.”

The “Ag Center” will be a strategic think tank to help develop innovative ideas and strategies to strengthen and build upon the region’s sustainability efforts and its 100-Year Business Plan to Preserve Agriculture.  Understanding that it takes creative, thought provoking, and out-of-the-box thinking to solve some of the critical challenges facing Sonoma County’s agricultural community, the Sonoma County Winegrowers has created this groundbreaking program bringing together a small, diverse group of thought leaders and experts from across various business industries, subject matters, academia, job functions and skill sets, and other unique backgrounds, to problem solve and develop new, fresh ideas that will advance farming not only in Sonoma County, but may also revolutionize grape growing and the larger wine industry across the globe.

The group will focus on four priorities when it meets on October 17^th.  Those priorities are:

1. Adapting farm practices
2. Sustaining and protecting the Ag sector
3. Leveraging leadership in sustainability and a grassroots approach to climate change
4. Understanding the changing industry economics

The Ag Center’s 2-year program will meet 4 times for a strategic planning session on the pillars of 100 Year Business Plan to determine insights, innovations and recommendations on moving the grape growers forward.  Throughout the process, the Sonoma County Winegrowers will share learning and progress broadly, which will culminate in a White Paper which will be published providing the insights and learnings to a global audience. These findings and ideas will also be incorporated into the Sonoma County Winegrowers strategic plan, marketing and branding efforts, and other areas of the organization that will guide their focus on the preservation of agriculture. Learning, best practices and potential solutions will be shared more broadly to other Ag communities and wine regions.

Ag Center members were identified and selected from different industries to bring fresh thinking and experiences to one of the oldest professions in the world. The Ag Center members will serve for two years.  The members are:

Adam Brumberg – Deputy Director, Food and Brand Lab, Cornell University
Allen Hershkowitz – Founding Director, Sport and Sustainability International
Anisya Fritz – Proprietor, Lynmar Estate
Carolyn Wasem – Senior VP, Jackson Family Wines
Cory Beck – President & Director of Winemaking, Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Geof Rochester – Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy
Jeremiah Puget – Planning Stewardship & Compliance, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
Jessica Gilmartin – General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer, Lighthouse AI
Joanne Spigonardo – Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Kevin Pedrotti – Partner, Clear Advocacy
Mary Ann King – Stewardship Manager, California Water Project, Trout Unlimited
Michael Byun – CEO, Asian Services in Action (ASIA)
Monica Mehta – Managing Principal, Seventh Capital
Ray Isle – Executive Wine Editor, Food & Wine Magazine
Rob McMillan – EVP and Founder, Silicon Valley Bank
Sebastian Schwark – Director, Portland Communications
Steve Dutton – Partner and President, Dutton Ranch
Steve Sangiacomo – Partner, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
Ty Jagerson – Village Power Finance
Dan Wilson – Fisheries Biologist, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, West Coast Region

August Heat Wave Increases Sugar Levels Leading to Early Harvest 

SANTA ROSA, Calif. September 7, 2017 – Ask any winegrape grower to describe the grape harvest in Sonoma County and you typically hear “harvest time is like a marathon.”  When it comes to the 2017, harvest has taken off like a sprint and the pace shows no sign of letting up until the end of harvest.

August delivered some of the longest, hottest periods seen in years which caused heat stress for both grapes and people.  In some AVAs, it became too hot for too long causing sugars to rapidly increase – in some cases faster than the grapes were maturing.  Some growers increased their irrigation cycles to avoid excessive sun damage to the vine leaves and fruit.  Rapid increases in brix levels resulted in some grapes being harvested as quickly as possible, while in other parts of the county later varieties were being irrigated to keep the grapes from dehydrating.

The other primary challenge facing Sonoma County winegrape growers is the availability of labor.  While there is not a critical shortage this season, it is clear that there is a limited supply with more workers needed, especially in the coming years.  To combat the tight labor market, more growers are turning to mechanical harvesters in addition to using hand harvesting and picking fruit at a riper level.  All growers agree that it will only become more difficult to secure the necessary skilled labor force in the future. However, many growers are talking about the increased skill level of the agricultural workers this year.

With early September bringing a much needed cool down, the sparkling wine harvest is mostly complete.  Throughout Sonoma County, harvest has begun for most varieties of grapes including Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Malbec.   The harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes is expected to begin in earnest in the middle of September.  Most growers anticipate harvest being complete in mid-October.

Russian River Valley
Excellent quality and great flavors are offsetting concerns about near normal or slightly below normal yields throughout the Russian River Valley AVA.  The frequent heat waves this summer have reduced yields in many blocks while creating a challenge to plan and coordinate the harvest.  According to Duff Bevill, a partner in Bevill Vineyard Management, he is in full harvest mode for the next five to seven weeks, and the sustained heat resulted in him having to harvest some Zinfandel blocks earlier than expected.  For other growers, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir harvests are commencing this week, followed by the start of the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest in the middle of the month.

Dry Creek Valley
Heat is the common concern throughout Dry Creek Valley with growers monitoring the brix levels on a frequent basis, as they anticipate it will result in a slightly earlier harvest throughout the AVA.  Patrick Taylor, co-owner of Taylor Family Vineyard reported that the early heat waves in July – followed by cooling fog and ending up with a late August heatwave – have caused brix levels to sky rocket. The Sauvignon Blanc harvest has begun, while the Zinfandel and Syrah harvest should begin shortly; Cabernet is expected to be fully ripened by the latter part of September.

Alexander Valley
The harvest is getting underway throughout most of Alexander Valley with the overall grape quality looking excellent with an average yield.  The harvest of Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc grapes has been ongoing for the past ten days.  The harvest of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are both just beginning. Merlot, Gewürztraminer, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Cabernet, Zinfandel and more are still to be harvested over the next month and a half.  Throughout Alexander Valley, a supply of skilled labor remains a top concern.

Sonoma Valley
Harvest is ramping up throughout the Sonoma Valley AVA, as the recent heat wave spiked sugar levels and pushed all varieties to an earlier harvest.  Many growers are predicting that if the weather continues to be warm throughout September, the majority of the fruit in the AVA could be picked by the end of the month.  The continued winter rains and mild spring created some ideal growing conditions early, which should pay off with some very high-quality grapes at average yields.  Taylor Serres, COO of Serres Ranch, reports that quality is above average across the board, though the harvest has begun earlier than anticipated.  The concern looking ahead is all varieties ripening at the same time due to the August heat wave.

Chalk Hill
Initial reports indicate an average to higher than average yields, and excellent quality throughout the Chalk Hill AVA.  Harvest is expected to begin in September and be completed by early October.  A primary concern throughout the AVA is the availability of skilled labor.  Most growers are looking to do as much work by machine as possible and anticipate more machine harvesting in the very near future.

Follow the Harvest
If you want up-to-the-minute updates on Sonoma County’s harvest activities directly from our grape growers and wineries, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have created an online Harvest Tracker to help everyone stay informed on what’s happening in our vineyards and cellars. Visit the Sonoma County Winegrowers Harvest Page for the latest news and use the hashtag #SCHarvest on social media.

Will Winter Rains Produce Vintage Crop?

SANTA ROSA, Calif.  (August 14, 2017) – Record winter rainfall, a mild spring, a scorching summer and a serious labor shortage are just some of the challenges Sonoma County winegrowers have experienced this year.  Being tested as never before, local winegrape farmers began the 2017 harvest for sparkling wines in some parts of Sonoma County last week with early expectations calling for a high-quality vintage crop of an average tonnage size.

“Though the year is barely half over, we have already witnessed many daunting challenges, but our farmers are amazingly resilient, they persevere and continue farming some of the world’s very best grapes,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “There is great excitement throughout the County as activities pick up and the crush begins.”

The first quarter of the year saw a record rainfall hit the County with nearly 58 inches of precipitation falling in Santa Rosa, more than 70 inches throughout the County and rain reported for 21 of the 28 days of February. The rainfall filled the region’s reservoirs beyond their capacity, triggering flooding and landslides which closed numerous roads, inundated hundreds of acres of vineyards and saturated vines particularly along the lower Russian River. In addition, a tight labor supply, increased operating costs, proposed ground water regulations, urban encroachment and a host of local ordinances have had the attention of local winegrape farmers this year.

The long rainy season and mild spring resulted in above-average vegetative growth and vigor. The heavy rains left ample water deep in the soil, so vines were able to handle the subsequent heat waves.  When it came time for the bloom, conditions were ideal and most varietals set well.  With harvest still weeks away in most Sonoma County vineyards, here are some of the harvest reports from the front lines of some of our AVAs:

Russian River Valley:
The harvest of grapes for sparkling wines has begun.  Joe Dutton, co-owner of Dutton Ranch and Chairman of the Sonoma County Winegrowers reports that picking is underway for Pinot Noir for the Gloria Ferrer Sparkling program. The grape harvest each day will be hit and miss for the next ten days to two weeks, but then after that, harvesting will be all day, every day. We are looking forward to a nice harvest. At J Vineyards & Winery, traditionally one of the first wineries to harvest in Sonoma County, picking has also begun, according to Jim Collins, VP Premium Winegrowing and Grower Relations for E. & J. Gallo Winery.  The first grapes picked were Pinot Noir for J’s sparkling wine program.  Overall, the vines weathered the year’s climate extremes very well and everything is shaping up to be a high-quality vintage.

Dry Creek Valley:
Ned Neumiller, grower relations and viticulture manager at Seghesio Family Vineyards, reports that much of the current activity in the Dry Creek Valley is finishing up final canopy management and starting to ready the crop for harvest.  Vine vigor continues to be the largest issue which is made more problematic for some growers due to the lack of labor.  The start of the Zinfandel harvest in the upper Dry Creek Valley will begin during one of the first two weeks of September.  Overall, quality looks to be excellent for Zinfandel with normal yields anticipated.
Green Valley:In the Green Valley AVA, Dutton Ranch’s J. Alfred Steele reports that the harvest is running about 6-10 days later than last year but, given the big canopies from three months of storing carbs from the epic rains, the grapes could ripen quickly and the start of harvest may move up.  Right now veraison is on everywhere and it looks to be another great vintage.  Labor remains the biggest threat in the region this harvest season.

Alexander Valley:
Bret Munselle, a partner of Munselle Vineyards, expects the Alexander Valley harvest to begin between August 24th and the 28th.  The yield looks a little above average while the fruit looks great.  Cautious optimism is the current outlook.  Jim Rickards, owner of J. Rickards Vineyards, reports that the Malbec harvest should begin in late September, Petite Sirah in early October and the harvest will wrap up with Cabernet beginning mid- to late-October.  The vines appear to be doing well throughout the Alexander Valley with the heavy rains now providing vines with additional help in combatting recent heat waves.

Sonoma Valley:
With harvest still weeks away in the Sonoma Valley AVA, all blocks are at least 50% into veraison or well on their way to finishing.  Taylor Serres, of Serres Ranch, reports there was a late start to the season in Sonoma Valley due to the long winter which did leave ample moisture in the soil and paid dividends throughout the growing season. The other primary current challenge in the vineyards this year has been successfully managing mildew issues which have been experienced throughout Sonoma County.  Overall, the quality of grapes looks really good particularly the Bordeaux varieties.  Cluster counts appear to be similar to last year though Cabernet Franc seems lighter than last year. The one concern looking ahead is how fast and heavy the fruit will come in.

Follow the Harvest
If you want up-to-the-minute updates on Sonoma County’s harvest activities directly from our grape growers and wineries, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have created an online Harvest Tracker to help everyone stay informed on what’s happening in our vineyards and cellars. Visit the Sonoma County Winegrowers Harvest Page for the latest news and use the hashtag #SCHarvest on social media.

Charitable Foundation to Support Skilled Workforce and Their Families in Sonoma County.

Santa Rosa, Calif. (January 14, 2016)—As they move closer to their quest to become the first 100% sustainable winegrowing region, Sonoma County Winegrowers announced they are expanding their efforts in 2016 to focus on the socially-responsible component of sustainability with the relaunch of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The Foundation will work with a number of community-based organizations and government agencies to provide resources and support for agricultural employees and their families.

“Our Foundation will seek to bridge the gap between existing programs and the individuals who should benefit them in the areas of healthcare, affordable housing, childcare and education,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “Sonoma County Winegrowers are very proud to be recognized as a global leader in sustainability and we are committed to becoming the agricultural leader for social sustainability in the years ahead.”

The Foundation was first established 2002 to focus on employee education and safety. Following a year of discussion and planning on the best means for positively impacting the lives of agricultural employees in the county, the boards of both the Sonoma County Winegrowers and the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation met in December and voted to relaunch the foundation which will be managed by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.

“I am impressed with the Sonoma County Winegrower’s visionary approach and leadership to help their employees gain access to the important services they need, such as healthcare and affordable housing, and we look forward to partnering with them to improve our community,” said Brian Vaughn, Director of Health Services Health Policy, Planning and Evaluation (HPPE) Division, County of Sonoma. He added, “We look forward to beginning a dialogue among key stakeholders within our community to address some of Sonoma County’s critical issues.”

The Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation’s relaunch continues Sonoma County Winegrowers’ recent tradition of making major announcements at its annual Dollars and $ense Seminar and Tradeshow.  Two years ago, the Sonoma County Winegrowers generated national news when it boldly announced it would become the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.  The march towards its 100% goal picked up major momentum in 2015 according to the findings in the just-released Second Annual Sustainability Report.  With the target date of 2019 for 100% compliance, more than half of Sonoma County’s vineyard acreage has been certified by a third-party auditor putting the effort well ahead of original projections.

In 2015, the organization unveiled its 100-year business plan which it developed to preserve agriculture in Sonoma County well into the 22nd Century.  The 100-year plan is believed to be the first of its kind in agriculture and the global wine industry. It was also the next step in the evolution of Sonoma County’s efforts to have all of their wines grown and made in a sustainable manner.  With today’s announcement of the new focus of the Foundation, Sonoma County’s wine sustainability effort is truly a model for the world’s wine community and other industries looking to become sustainable.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), is a marketing and education organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions.  SCW has oversight by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and seeks to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world.  In January 2014, SCW committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019. Currently, 64% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has gone through the sustainability self-assessment and 48% of vineyards are certified by a third party auditor.  For more information about SCW and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org.

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