Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, presented by Visa Signature®, is delighted to announce the appointment of this year’s Honorary Event Chairs: Jean-Charles Boisset of Buena Vista Winery/DeLoach Vineyards, together with Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane of Benovia Winery, plus Culinary Chairs Mark & Terri Stark of Stark Reality Restaurants. Selection of the Event Chairs recognizes leadership and commitment to the Sonoma County wine industry and community.

 

Honorary Event Co-chair Jean-Charles Boisset unites heritage and tradition with a decidedly 21^st century entrepreneurial flair. Burgundy-born Boisset’s first foray into Sonoma County began in 2003, with the acquisition of DeLoach Vineyards. In 2011, Boisset acquired the historic Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma Valley. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery. For Boisset his purchase represents the realization of a long-held dream to champion California wine history.

 

“When I first visited California in 1981, I instantly fell in love with Sonoma’s pioneering spirit, deep and storied history, and diverse terroir.  At that moment, at the age of eleven, I dreamt that our family would one day return to Sonoma to make fine wines and be a part of this community. From the celebrated terroir reminiscent of our native Burgundy in the Russian River Valley, the home of DeLoach Vineyards, to the historic Sonoma Valley where California’s wine world began more than 150 years ago at our beloved Buena Vista Winery, we are passionately committed to enhancing the unrivaled legacy of the Sonoma wine world. Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is the embodiment of community spirit, where giving back to our friends and neighbors is as essential to the success of the wine world as growing grapes.” — Jean-Charles Boisset

 

Joe Anderson and his wife Mary Dewane, founders of and partners in Benovia Winery, were introduced to Sonoma wine country over 20 years ago. The seeds were sown for a deep-rooted passion for the Sonoma County area that has only grown over time. In 2003 the couple bought their first vineyard, followed by a second, along with the establishment of Benovia Winery in 2005. For Joe and Mary, it’s all about people: whether investing in their team at Benovia, or in the community at large.

 

“As honorary co-chairs, my wife Mary and I -- and the Benovia Winery team -- are excited to play a role in the 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. This annual event combines the best of Sonoma wines with culinary creations prepared by outstanding local chefs. We vintners and growers travel the country in support of charity wine auctions. It's nice for us to now have the chance to ask those who love our wines to come to Sonoma for an event that will delight their palates and support our charities. This year marks our 13^th harvest and Benovia's 10th vintage. Our role in this event is our way to recognize the warm reception we have received and spend time with the many friends we have made.” — Joe Anderson

 

Now synonymous with the local dining scene, Culinary Chairs Mark and Terri Stark are the proprietors of five restaurants in Sonoma County and are poised to open their sixth at the end of the summer. Early in their marriage, Terri introduced East Coast-born Mark to Sonoma County, where her family has roots going back four generations.  It was love at first sight for Mark who found the region “as close to living in Europe as a chef can get living in the United States.”

 

"There’s nothing that Terri and I love better than a good party with friends—whether at our own restaurants or at outstanding events that also benefit the community like Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. We’ve worked in big cities, where there can be a huge disconnect. You often don't know who you're cooking for or where your ingredients come from. Here in Sonoma County, within weeks of opening Willi’s Wine Bar in 2002 we were not only hooked into some of the best foods and wines on the planet, but the people who produced them were dining with us at Willi’s. We’ve had a lot of help along the way, and we’re proud to be a part of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend—an event that really makes a difference to others on their way up in our community." —  Mark Stark

 

For more about this year’s Honorary Chairs, visit http://sonomawinecountryweekend.com/about-us/honorary-chairs/

 

Tickets are now available for purchase to the 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, taking place over Labor Day Weekend. Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is the signature three-day celebration of Sonoma County’s wines, farmers, chefs and the independent, generous spirit of this world-class wine country destination. To purchase tickets and plan your Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com