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

For three days, starting Friday, September 4, an elite group of 12 rising–star sommeliers will arrive in Sonoma County to serve as special guest, all-star wine guides at key events throughout this year’s Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. The 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, presented by Visa Signature®, takes place over Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6.

• This year’s Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sommelier Stars are:
• Hal Dearing with Harry's Continental Kitchens, Longboat Key, FL
• Matt Dulle with St. Louis Club, St. Louis, MO
• Bill Elsey with Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Houston, TX
• Sean Ganthner with Rothmann’s Steakhouse, East Norwich, NY
• Brandon Kerne, with Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Houston, TX
• Sebastien Le Goff with Cactus Restaurants, Vancouver, BC
• Marissa Payne with InterContinental Hotels Group, San Francisco, CA
• Peter Vargas of Lost Tree Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
• Mariel Wega with a.kitchen + bar, Philadelphia, PA
• Stephen Weir, The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour in North Miami, FL
• Tyler Wesslund of edison: food + drink lab, Tampa, FL
• Rania Zayyat of laV Restaurant & Wine Bar, Austin, TX

The weekend events kick-off for the sommelier participants on Friday September 4 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa where they will vie for the title of Top Sommelier for the Weekend. The Sommelier Star Competition challenges participants to a blind tasting of Sonoma County wines, a food and Sonoma County wine pairing, presentation skills and service techniques. The winner of the competition will be showcased two days later in an early lot at the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood, California.

In addition to the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, the Sommelier Star participants will also bring their discriminating palates to lead seminars, tours and blind tasting challenges at Sonoma Wine Country Weekend’s Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Estate Vineyards held on Saturday, September 5.

“Rodney Strong Vineyards connection and commitment to sommeliers and to the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sommelier Stars program is stronger than ever. Sommeliers are our guides to wine enjoyment, offering wine selection advice and encouraging exploration,” says Carmen Castaldi, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Rodney Strong Vineyards. “We are proud to share Sonoma County with them as they share their talents with us and our guests during this wonderful weekend of events.”

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend brings together the wine industry and guests with the shared goal of raising funds to support youth and children for future success, safeguard the local environment and improve health and welfare of communities throughout Sonoma County. In 2014, over $3 million was raised for local charities and to-date over $16 million has been invested in Sonoma County’s future through more than 125 local organizations.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is co-produced by Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers. To buy tickets and plan your Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com

The future of thousands of Sonoma County students is about to get brighter, thanks to the commitment by the Sonoma County wine industry to improving child literacy rates across the County.  During the annual Sonoma Wine Country Weekend the wine industry comes together at the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction for an animated day of wine, food and community to raise funds to support essential reading programs that foster literacy skills and reading comprehension for at-risk elementary school kids.

The 2014 fundraising efforts were incredibly successful, resulting in the funding of a total of 14 literacy programs – eight of which have just been announced and are NEW to the Fund the Future beneficiary portfolio. These programs were selected based on proven track records, strong metrics and geographic coverage. Priority was given to the underserved neighborhoods throughout Sonoma County.

In order for the funds to reach these neighborhoods throughout Sonoma County, the leadership of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend developed a relationship with the Sonoma County Office of Education.  They helped open the communication lines with the superintendents of the forty school districts in Sonoma County, resulting in a much larger reach in the small neighborhood pockets with the greatest level of needs.

The eight new programs funded as a result of the 2014 Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction Fund the Future proceeds are:

· Old Adobe Union School District will launch an independent, guided, and at home reading program and an Accelerated Reader online program for all students in the district.

· Piner-Olivet Unified School District will bring Schools of Hope, a volunteer tutoring program supporting literacy with young students to Olivet Elementary Charter School.

· Petaluma City Schools will support AVANCE and the launch of Raising a Reader at two schools.

· Roseland School District will launch the Grade Level Proficiency Program.

· Santa Rosa City Schools will launch Links to Literacy, including Schools of Hope, School Readiness Backpacks, and the Latino Family Literacy Project.

·Sonoma County Office of Education will expand Teachers Acquiring Language Learner Knowledge (TALLK) at additional preschools.

· Wright Elementary School District will support Multiple Steps to Reading Mastery.

· West Sonoma County Special Education and Student Services Consortium will launch the Lexia Core 5 Reading Program, an online individual learning program.

Current Fund the Future programs are:

Community Action Partnership: AVANCE and Pasitos Playgroups

Healdsburg Education Foundation: Accelerated English Program

Sonoma Valley Education Foundation: Summery Reading and Writing Academy and Grade Level Proficiency Project 

United Way of Wine Country: Schools of Hope

Barbara Bickford, Superintendent at Twin Hills Union School District, who was instrumental in bringing together nine schools to reap the benefits of available funding, said “This grant increases the opportunity for hundreds of students to participate in research-based and engaging reading experiences."

Dan Goldfield, President of Sonoma County Vintners Foundation expressed that the fundraising is truly a passion-driven team effort. “The funds raised at the 2014 Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction are a true testament to the power of the generosity and camaraderie of the Sonoma County wine community. By working together to reach a common and crucial goal, we work to change the lives of children and in turn our entire community.”

Children who can read will succeed, and reading at grade level by third grade increases their chance of success. 2015 Honorary Co-Chairs Joe Anderson, and his wife Mary Dewane, owners of Benovia Winery, have long been supporters of the initiative to improve literacy.  "We have learned that more than 16,000 children in Sonoma County cannot read proficiently by third grade,” said Anderson.  Up until third grade, children learn to read – but after third grade, they read to learn, so children who can’t read well by the third grade often drop out of high school and cannot find sustainable employment.  That’s why raising money for Fund the Future is so important, and I’m proud to say that because of money raised at last year’s Auction we were able to help 4,000 more children in Sonoma County. We still have a lot of work to do and that’s why we’re so excited that the community is coming together again over Labor Day Weekend to continue the fundraising efforts for this important initiative.”  

Squire Fridell, President of Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation says “With 54 percent of all third grade students in Sonoma County reading below proficiency levels, there is still much to be done.  With the 2015 Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction approaching, confidence is high that the wine community will achieve its goal to increase the third grade literacy rate to 90% by 2018”. Fund the Future-supported literacy programs throughout Sonoma County impacted 5,300 students in 2014, up dramatically from the 1,300 students impacted in 2013. The goal for 2015 is raise enough funding to reach another 12,000 students.

Vintners and Winegrowers throughout Sonoma County generously donate their time, wine, talent, and passion toward the cause of childhood literacy. Honorary Co-Chair and owner of Buena Vista Winery and DeLoach Vineyards, Jean-Charles Boisset added, "working together we can secure a thriving future for our community, and a successful environment for our wine industry."

Detailed information on grant recipients and their literacy programs is available on request.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, which takes place September 4-6 in 2015, is co-produced by the Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance. To buy tickets and plan your Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com

About 2015 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sponsors and Beneficiaries

A partnership between Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers and Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is California’s premier wine, food and social event, held each year over Labor Day weekend. Sonoma Wine Country Weekends have raised more than $16 million for local charities supporting children, the environment and health. For a full list of beneficiaries and sponsors, visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers and Sonoma County Vintners

The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers (SVVG) is a non-profit organization serving over 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley comprises five of the 17 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Mountain and Sonoma Valley. For more information, visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV), the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, is dedicated to raising awareness for one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents over 250 wineries and affiliated businesses throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.

The Events & Operations Coordinator for the Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) plays a central role in the on-going operation of the staff and office of the SCV. The Events & Operations Coordinator supports development, planning, and execution for events; provides customer service for all SCV members around event registration, wine logistics, and membership database; and provides office support for the SCV staff. This position reports to the Director of Events & Operations, and works closely with the Executive Director and other SCV staff and volunteers, and all SCV members. This position also has close interaction with the Board of Directors and other industry partners. The candidate for this position will be able to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, provide excellent customer service, and possess a strong attention to detail and discretion.

Reports To: Director of Events & Operations
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

(70%) Event Coordinator Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Coordinate with Director of Events & Operations on event plan, timeline, and event execution. Assist with developing event plans and coordinating details for consumer, media and trade events including winery communications and registration forms, wine consolidation and coordination, wine and materials shipping, and related collateral materials.
• Assist with the planning and execution of consumer, media and trade events including wine tastings, seminars, lunches & dinners, market visits and other consumer events.
• Coordinate member communication, participation, and follow-up for events including registration websites, sign-up forms, wine coordination and consolidation, shipping, and invoicing.
• Contact winery and affiliate members via phone and email, with instructions and necessary event communications; Track winery participation and responses.
• Responsible for wine consolidation and shipping for local, national, and international events including customs forms, shipping documents, inventory management, and other details.
• Responsible for developing and producing in-house materials such as tasting mats, tasting notes, and wine lists, registration forms, and guest check-in lists.
• Assist with managing outside vendors including requesting and comparing bids, coordinating invoices and billing, and final budget reporting.

SCV Events include, but are not limited to Sonoma Wine Country Weekend: Sonoma Starlight, Taste of Sonoma, and Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, as well as the Sonoma County Barrel Auction, Sonoma in the City, Sonoma Summit, Robert Parker Sonoma County Tasting, and the SCV Annual Meeting.

(25%) Administrative/Office Management Responsibilities

• Provide customer service and communications to SCV members via email, phone, and in person. Always provide a professional and friendly face for the organization to the membership.
• Responsible for maintaining the SCV wine inventory and organization of the SCV wine room.
• Provide Office Management support including assistance with equipment contracts, ordering supplies and other related duties.
• Coordinate meetings and communication with the Board of Directors and other committee meetings including scheduling meetings, distributing meeting materials, and taking minutes.

(5%) Other Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• AA or BA or equivalent of education and experience.
• 2+ year’s event coordination, administrative and/or office management experience required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct reports

OTHER DESIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

• Must possess high initiative and be a self-starter
• Excellent organization, time management, and prioritization skills required
• Very strong attention to detail
• Ability to work and thrive in a multi-tasked, fast paced environment
• Working knowledge of the wine industry
• Strong customer service and hospitality skills
• Ability to respond effectively and sensitively to clients, showing respect
• Ability to write detailed information into system and correspondence as necessary
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret the client files
• Experience managing and working with a detailed budget; Bookkeeping or financial record keeping experience a plus
• Professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated abilities in confidentiality, initiative, judgment, and discretion
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• The ability to lift and carry 40lbs
• Ability to travel out of state and internationally
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires sitting, talking on the phone and keyboard documentation. This position also can require numerous hours of standing and walking while interacting at events or with partner groups.

The Sonoma County Vintners is committed to an equal opportunity hiring policy and work environment.

If you are interested and qualified, please forward a letter of application and resume.

Position will remain open until filled.

APPLY HERE

Wine Industry Organizations Throughout California Form Support Network to Assist Vintners in Three Counties; Leaders Call for National Support

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (October 11, 2017)---Wine industry leaders have formed a support network to provide immediate assistance and long-term aid to victims of the fires ravaging Northern California and are calling on the national wine community for additional help. Organized by a group of association leaders representing the Golden State’s major winegrowing regions, support efforts include fundraising and creation of an online resource where vintners can find and offer resources, such as generators, trailers, lodging and manpower.

“Our focus right now is on getting on-the-ground support to impacted growers and vintners to help stave off further damage,” says Ann Petersen, Executive Director of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley. “We need the entire wine community to support this region with immediate and strategic action.”

Petersen is working with other local industry leaders to organize resources and direct them to those in need.

Short-Term Help

Vintners in the affected areas have immediate on-the-ground needs, ranging from equipment to experienced manpower.  Priorities include:

• Water Tanks, as local water resources are scarce and needed by firefighters; those who can provide should immediately email maureen@sonomavalleywine.com

• Generators to power cooling tanks and other urgently-need equipment

• Tractors and trailers to assist with moving grapes, equipment and debris

• Lodging to house workers, including tents, mobile unites or locals willing to open their homes

• Volunteer Labor. Experienced vineyard and cellar workers are needed; unskilled manpower is also welcome

The group has created an online form where supporters can list available resources and provide contact information.  Resource and contact information will be shared only with members of Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino winegrowing and vintner associations. Click http://bit.ly/2wNVda0 to offer resources.

Long-Term Help

Established community foundations in each of the counties impacted by the Northern California wildfires have created relief funds to provide aid to local fire victims. The group of regional leaders organizing the wine industry support effort encourages those who cannot provide ground support to make a donation in any amount to the following funds:

• Sonoma County Resilience Fund:  https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1431417

• Napa Valley Community Foundation:  http://napavalleycf.org/fire-donation-page/

• Community Foundation of Mendocino County:  http://www.communityfound.org/for-donors/donate-today/community-funds/disaster-fund-for-mendocino-county/

"The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA wine community is heavyhearted today as we watch the continued impact of the wildfires on so many of our wine country brethren,” says Megan Metz, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association.  “It's times like these that remind us how important the company of family and friends can be. We have banded together to help our friends as best we can to protect their businesses and livelihoods and will continue partnering on recovery efforts in the weeks and months ahead."

Community-wide fundraising efforts are underway and messaging is being organized around the hashtag #CAWineStrong. More information will be made available in the coming hours and days.

Exporting Wine to China – What You Need to Know To Be Successful 
Presented by SCV Affiliate Member, Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty
 
If you are currently exporting wine to China or considering doing so, this seminar is not to be missed.  
Key topics that will be covered are noted below.  A Q&A session will follow.

• China and Hong Kong Wine Market Overview - Devising Marketing Plans that Protect your Brand:How the Chinese are Challenging Intellectual Property; Best Strategies for Developing and Maintaining a Strong Brand.​

• International Tax considerations When Exporting to China: Tax and Tariff Responsibilities; Domestic Taxes; Foreign Tariffs; Challenges to Valuations of Wine; Exchange Rate Traps; Enforcement Issues. Overview of PRC Taxes:  U.S. Companies’ Exposure to PRC Income Taxes; Withholding Taxes; Foreign Tax Credits and Transfer Pricing. 

• 5 Points to Include in Any Export Agreement: Important tips for structuring your producer-exporter relationship. 

Panelists: Katja Loeffelholz, Registered Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Elizabeth Palmer, John Trinidad and Bahaneh Hobel, Counsel at Dickenson Peatman & Fogarty​

Date: April 8^th 
 
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
 
Location: SCV Offices – 3637 Westwind Blvd. Santa Rosa
 
RSVP:  Kelley@sonomawine.com

America’s First Carricante and Nerello Mascalese Planted in Sonoma County - Sonoma County Winegrowers

By Virginie Boone Italian varieties are no stranger to Sonoma County, a region rich in Italian heritage and history. The majority of these varieties exist in small pockets of acreage []

Ravenswood’s Return - Sonoma County Winegrowers

By Virginie Boone When winemaker Joel Peterson was inducted into the Culinary Institute of Americas Vintners Hall of Fame in 2011, he noted how wine was just beginning to rival []

Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Makes $10,000 Emergency Relief Donation to Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Funds Will Be Used in Maui Wildfire Response and Recovery Efforts SANTA ROSA, California (September 26, 2023) Sonoma County Vintners

2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction Raises Over $1.3 Million for Sonoma County Nonprofits

More Than 430 Charitable Organizations Funded to Date SANTA ROSA, CA(September 20, 2023)Sonoma County Vintners Foundation

The Martinellis of Sonoma County: 135 Years of Farming and Counting - Sonoma County Winegrowers

By Virginie Boone Consider this: George Martinelli of Martinelli Family Winery is a fifth-generation Sonoma County farmer on his mothers side (Carolyn Charles Martinelli) and fourth-generation on his fathers side []

Sonoma County Wine Auction Announces 2023 Honorees

Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is pleased to announce the 2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction (SCWA) honorees.

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is excited to announce their new “Wine Is Us” multimedia campaign as part of their ongoing efforts to advocate for and promote Sonoma County wines to the world.

The “Wine is Us” campaign is designed to increase awareness of the many comprehensive benefits of moderate wine consumption, as reported in reputable medical studies. It will also invite consumers to enjoy positive personal interactions that may result from sharing a glass of wine with friends and family, emphasizing the more positive social, mental and physical health impacts.

SCV’s new campaign will begin over the 2024 holiday season and expand throughout 2025 on various media platforms including radio, social media, digital display, and more.  A dedicated web page will be created that will feature news articles and studies highlighting wine’s social engagement benefits.

“Our ‘Wine Is Us’ campaign is designed to provide a positive and informed  narrative that highlights the cultural, social and well-being impacts of wine,”  stated Michael Haney, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners.

To learn more about Sonoma County wine and stay updated on the rollout of the “Wine Is Us” campaign, visit sonomawine.com or follow @sonomacountyvintners.

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) today announced that Executive Director Michael Haney will step down in September 2025, marking the close of a highly impactful era of leadership and a transformative chapter in the organization’s history. 

SCV will be led and supported by its Board, including SCV Board President, Prema Kerollis, General Manager of Three Sticks Winery; and Alexandra O’Gorman, SCVF President, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines and Spirits, until a new executive director is identified.

“Michael has always led with commitment and heart,” remarked SCV Board President Prema Kerollis. “His passion, relationships, and deep care for SCV, SCVF, and the Sonoma County wine community have left a lasting mark. We are deeply grateful for his tremendous contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”  

Over nearly eleven years leading SCV and SCVF, Haney guided both organizations through periods of growth and transformation, while responding to ongoing challenges related to recurring wildfires and industry-wide shifts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under his leadership, SCV strengthened its mission to support member wineries through greater political advocacy efforts, marketing initiatives, ongoing educational programs, and increased international visibility of Sonoma County wines.  In addition, Haney guided SCVF’s expanded philanthropic reach across Sonoma County, collaborating with over 400 nonprofit organizations to assist residents in need.

“It has been one of the great honors of my lifetime to serve my SCV family including our amazing vintner community. Working alongside my incredible team, passionate vintners, growers, industry partners, elected leaders and nonprofits has been a true privilege. While I am stepping away from this role, I’m excited to explore new opportunities and finding new ways to support the wine community,” said Haney. 

Taste of Sonoma Memorial Day Sale!

Save $15 on Admission Through May 28

Save $15 on all admission types through May 28 for Taste of Sonoma on June 21 at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. Produced by Sonoma County Vintners, this beloved annual event has been named as a Best Wine Festival in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

Already have your Taste of Sonoma Tickets? Read on to secure your exclusive event add-on experiences before the big day!

Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests under the age of 21, including infants and children. Pets are not permitted, only service animals will be granted entry.

Wine, Food, Activities, Beer and More!

General Admission
12:00pm – 4:00pm

General admission includes the grand tasting, complimentary food trucks, beer garden and themed lounges.

Memorial Day Sale General Admission $195

VIP Admission

11:00am – 4:00pm

All the fun included in GA plus a special lineup of award-winning wines and dedicated areas to relax with exclusive culinary & beverage selections

Memorial Day Sale VIP Admission $245

Special Group Pricing

Enjoy Extra Perks

We’ve put together special discounted group rates and benefits for both VIP and General Admission levels to help you enjoy the day. Please contact us for more information.

View Group Pricing

Make plans now to be at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens for one of Sonoma County's most anticipated wine and food events on June 21! Take advantage of early bird pricing through April 30 at TasteofSonoma.com.

Get tickets here.  

Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests under the age of 21, including infants and children. Pets are not permitted, only service animals will be granted entry. 

Check Out the Themed Lounges

Enjoy the Bounty of Sonoma County at These Experiences

Explore all of the fun planned inside the themed lounges at Taste of Sonoma. Get ready for summer sipping, delectable treats, interactive games, and more!

We can’t wait for Taste of Sonoma on June 21, 2025 at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, produced by Sonoma County Vintners! You’ll taste wines from 100+ wineries, refuel at complimentary food trucks and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more!

Get tickets here. 

Thursday, April 24, 9:00-10:00am, Via Zoom

Gain valuable insights into winery insurance during our SCV Winery Insurance Roundtable, where Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) and our trusted partners at Risk Strategies will lead an informative and solution-driven discussion via Zoom. 

Hear from top industry insurance carriers as the Risk Strategies team leads an important panel discussion. This interactive webinar will offer the opportunity to hear directly from U.S. and London leading insurers, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the evolving winery insurance landscape. The panel will discuss key coverage challenges, market trends, and tailored programs designed to protect your winery’s future. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions to ask directly to the insurance carrier representatives.

Risk Strategies brings deep expertise in winery-specific insurance solutions, risk management, and consulting services tailored to the unique needs of wineries, related businesses, and individuals. Their comprehensive offerings include commercial insurance, employee benefits, private client home and auto services, and specialty risk management.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts and access exclusive insights designed for SCV winery members. Join the conversation and ensure your winery is well-protected for the future.

See Panelist Bios & Register

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is pleased and excited to announce their new comprehensive member partnership with Wine Industry Network (WIN).

This new partnership between SCV and WIN is designed to provide SCV Winery Members and SCV Affiliate Members with new benefits and discounts to WIN’s extensive programs, WIN membership, and WIN Expo, its Annual North Coast Wine Industry Trade Show and Conference. SCV is the Featured Association Sponsor for the 2024 WIN EXPO, scheduled for December 5 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Santa Rosa.

In addition, increased exposure and visibility for programs, events, and member services for both organizations will be activated throughout 2025 as another key partnership benefit.

“Sonoma County Vintners has always been proud and honored to work with our friend George Christie and his fantastic team at WIN,” said SCV Executive Director Michael Haney. “Through this new enhanced partnership, SCV will expand access and member discounts for our members to much of WIN’s impactful programming. This will enhance our continuing educational opportunities for our members while increasing our support and visibility to our Sonoma County wine community.”

“Much of the success our industry has experienced is the direct result of a collaborative mentality and there’s no better example of this in action than the efforts of our winery associations, and Sonoma County Vintners serves as a shining example,” said George Christie, President of Wine Industry Network. “Wine Industry Network is very much modeled after our winery associations, but focused on the vendors that support our industry, so when the opportunity to partner and collaborate more closely with SCV presented itself, we knew this was a win-win for our membership as well as theirs,” added Christie.

About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) connects Sonoma County wine and the global marketplace for the sustainable growth and prosperity of our members and community. SCV represents over 250 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County and its world-class wineries through educational programming and marketing initiatives; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Celebration, its annual fundraiser, benefits nonprofit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit sonomawine.com.

About Wine Industry Network
Wine Industry Network is THE business resource for the North American Wine Industry sharing news and information, supplying products and service resources, and providing education & industry networking opportunities. Learn more at wineindustrynetwork.com.