Exploring the Families, Farmers, and Innovators Who Embody the DNA of Sonoma County

Sonoma County, Calif. (October 3, 2024) – Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is launching an inspiring new video series, Shoulder to Shoulder, hosted by 8-time Emmy Award-winning producer, reporter, and storyteller, Amy Gutierrez (“Amy G.”). This highly anticipated series, debuting today, offers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the stories and people that make Sonoma County one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world.

Shoulder to Shoulder brings to life the story behind every great bottle of wine including family legacies, the sustainable stewardship of the land, and the time-honored tradition of working side-by-side across multiple generations. The series provides a deep appreciation of how individual and multi-generational family winegrowers and wineries grow and create more than just exceptional winegrapes and wine—they build lasting connections with the land and community.

“What sets Sonoma County apart goes beyond its stunning landscapes and celebrated wines; it’s the deep-rooted history and family legacies of each vineyard and winery. Audiences will be transported into the vineyards, cellars, and homes of these dedicated families and individuals whose love for the land and commitment to excellence define Sonoma County’s renowned winegrowing heritage,” said Karissa Kruse, President and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “And Amy G’s remarkable ability to tell human stories will make this series deeply personal and engaging for anyone who loves agriculture, great wine, or just the incredible history of this California wine region gem.”

As part of their ongoing partnership, Amy G will serve as the on-camera host and producer for Shoulder to Shoulder, bringing her passion for storytelling and connection to the land into each episode.

“This series is really about honoring the deep-rooted connection between the people and the land here in Sonoma County,” said Amy G. “I’ve had the remarkable opportunity to witness first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into every step of the winegrowing and winemaking process. Shoulder to Shoulder is a tribute to that shared experience—learning from those who came before, innovating for the future, and preserving the essence of this extraordinary region.”

The first episode of Shoulder to Shoulder is available to stream today on SCW’s official website and YouTube channel, with new episodes releasing monthly. Follow along and get ready to immerse yourself in the stories of the people, families, and traditions that define Sonoma County wine country.

Check out our premiere episode, Munselle Vineyards: Over 150 Years of Rooted Legacy, featuring Bret Munselle, a local grape grower and true embodiment of a Sonoma County farmer. With more to come, make sure to stay tuned!

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:

Valerie Wathen | 707.522.5865