Sanchietti Ranch: Family, Farming, and Sonoma County Roots. Join Amy G and Mel and Mark Sanchietti to explore their family's deep-rooted farming history and the lasting impact they’ve made on Sonoma County agriculture.

J. Rickards Winery & Vineyards: A Sonoma County Renaissance Man. Join Amy G and Jim Rickards of J. Rickards Winery as they trace his incredible journey into agriculture and celebrate the spirit of Sonoma County’s small family farmers.

August 18 2014, Santa Rosa, Calif. – The Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) are excited to announce their 2014|2015 Commissioners, including the election of 6 new Commissioners representing some of Sonoma County’s top vineyard properties, families, regions, and industry leaders. www.sonomawinegrape.org

The new Commissioners include George Martinelli, a 5^th generation winegrower whose family is one of Sonoma County’s most recognized farming pioneers; Bret Munselle, a 5^th  generation winegrower for his family’s Munselle Vineyards in Alexander Valley that dates back to the late 1800’s; Mark Sanchietti, a 4^th generation winegrower on his family’s Russian River Valley ranch that has been farmed since 1919; Rich Schaefers of Silverado Investment Management Company, who has managed vineyards throughout Sonoma County for more than two decades; and Joe Judge, who owns a 10-acre vineyard in Bennett Valley and has acted as President of that region’s grape growers association.  Ray Johnson, Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State and major contributor and supporter of Sonoma County’s wine industry, has also joined the Commission Board as a public member at-large.

These winegrowers replace several respected Commissioners who were termed out, including Duff Bevill, Founder & Partner at Bevill Vineyard Management who was the Founding Chairman of the Sonoma County Winegrowers; Joe Dutton, 5^th generation winegrower and co-owner of Dutton Ranch; Mark Hauser, vineyard manager for Hoot Owl Creek and Alexander Valley Vineyards and past President of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association; Charles Karren of Terra de Promissio Vineyard who served as Co-Chair of the SCW Marketing Committee; and Pete Opatz, Vice President and Senior Viticulturist for Silverado Investment Management Company. 

“The Sonoma County Winegrowers launched one of the most important initiatives in the history of our organization with a goal of making Sonoma County the first 100% sustainable wine region by 2019,” says Karissa Kruse, President of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. “It’s a pivotal moment for our winegrowers and I’m thankful and proud of our outgoing Commissioners for their dedication, passion and boldness for putting a stake in the ground to preserve agriculture, while also excited for our new Commissioners who bring generations of family farming expertise, strong leadership and advocacy for grape growing, and a strong commitment to ensure we reach our goal.”

During their July Commission Board meeting, they unanimously re-elected Brad Petersen as Chairman of the Board, Kevin Barr of Redwood Empire Vineyard Management as Vice Chairman of the Board, and Richard Mounts of Mounts Vineyard as Treasurer of the Board.  

The 2014|2015 Sonoma County Winegrowers Commissioners are: Brad Petersen (Chairman), Kevin Barr (Vice Chairman), Richard Mounts (Treasurer), John Balletto (Past Chairman), Ray Johnson (Public Member At-Large), George Martinelli, Bret Munselle, Glenn Proctor, Dan Rotlisberger, Mark Sanchietti, and Steve Sangiacomo (Past Chairman).  Commission Alternates include: Joe Battaglini, Domenic Carinalli, Anna Darden, Joe Judge, Doug McIlroy, Vicki Michalczyk (Past Treasurer), Vickie Mulas, Mark Pasternak, Rich Schaefers, Rhonda Smith, and Brent Young.

About the 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 California Department of Food and Agriculture which supports producer regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is 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.  For more information about SCW and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

"STATUS OF THE MARKET FOR GRAPE GROWERS"

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and CAWG are presenting the next Smart Marketer Seminar for grape growers and vintners on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 3:45 - 6:00pm at the Hilton Hotel, 3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa. Register online by March 13, at: www.sonomawinegrape.org/smartmarketer or call Karen to attend at 707-522-5862.

 The seminar topics include: Forecasting the 2012 Grape and Bulk Wine Sales Market and The Realities of Retail. Glenn Proctor of Ciatti Wine Brokerage will discuss trends in grape contracts and the state of buyer interest. Ben Pearson of Bottle Barn delves into the state of the retail marketplace, trends in bottle sales, and understanding the layers of professionals that lay between a grower and the consumer.

There is no charge to attend. Registration check-in begins at 3:45pm with the seminar beginning promptly at 4:00pm and ending at 6:00pm. Please register by March 13. For questions or information contact Karen at 707-522-5862 or ipm@sonomawinegrape.org.

RSVP now to join 300 of your neighbors, friends, co-workers and over 50 favorite vendors at one of the year's largest gatherings of Sonoma County grape growers. This June 15, event takes place at SRJC's Shone Farm. Registration check-in and the tradeshow open at 7:30am with the seminar beginning promptly at 8:30am. This event is open to all who are involved or interested in the wine community.

Check out the full agenda at www.sonomawinegrape.org/bbq and register to attend by June 8. The registration fee of $25 or $30 includes lunch with wine, tradeshow, seminar and loads of camaraderie and networking opportunities. 

For information about the event or registration, contact Karen at 707-522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org.  For information about the tradeshow, contact Ginger at 707-522-5864 or ginger@sonomawinegrape.org.

2012 Annual Grower Seminar, Tradeshow & Barbecue

Join 300 of your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and over 50 favorite vendors at one of the year's largest gatherings of Sonoma County grapegrowers. The event is at SRJC's Shone Farm. Registration check-in and the tradeshow open at 7:30am and the seminar begins promptly at 8:30am.

A wonderful barbecued lunch is served at noon with Sonoma County wine and presentation of the Viticulture Award of Excellence. New this year will be a vendor raffle held at the tradeshow. Check out who is supporting Sonoma County grapegrowers and drop your business card in the box!

Check out the agenda below and register to attend by June 8. The registration fee includes lunch with wine, tradeshow, seminar and loads of camaraderie and networking opportunities. Don't miss this yearly gathering of the growers!

This event is open to all who are involved or interested in the wine community. 

EVENT DATE:  Friday, June 15, 2012 - 7:30am-1:30pm
RSVP DATE: Friday, June 8, 2012
LOCATION: Warren G. Dutton Pavilion - Shone Farm, 6225 Eastside Rd., Forestville, CA Directions to Shone Farm

Register Today! Attendee Registration Link

SCWC Grower and Commission Sponsor   *$25.00 Other Related Industry:   *$30.00

Seminar Agenda

7:30am Registration check-in, tradeshow opens 8:30am Welcome: Steve Sangiacomo, SCWC Chair   State of Sonoma County Report and Hot Topics for Grapegrowers: Tony Linegar, Sonoma County Ag Commissioner   Labor Perspectives for the 2012 Season and Beyond: Mike Saqui, The Saqui Law Group   Marketing and Community Outreach: Nick Frey, SCWC, and Honore Comfort, Sonoma County Vintners 10:30am Tradeshow re-opens; Shone Farm wine tasting at 11:30am and vendor raffle prizes drawn 12:00pm Lunch with Sonoma County Wines and Viticulture Award of Excellence

We hope to see you there!

For more information on event registration, please contact Karen at 707-522-5862.

View a list of 2012 Tradeshow Exhibitors

This free seminar was created in response to AB 964 which provides new options for growers and vintners to develop water storage up to 20-acre feet and to address efficient water use in Sonoma County. For information go to: http://www.sonomawinegrape.org/Water-Development-Strategies. 

The need to develop dependable water sources for frost protection and irrigation without impacting endangered or threatened salmonids remains a critical need despite the recent court ruling invalidating the California State Water Resource Control Board's vineyard frost protection regulations.

Presented by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, the seminar will be held on November 12, from 2:30-5:00pm at the Hilton Hotel. The presenters include Paula Whealen of Wagner & Bonsignore Consulting Civil Engineers, Pete Lescure of Lescure Engineering, Mason Knechtley of Sierra Pipeline, Bill Rodda of American AgCredit, and Brooke Cole of USDA's NRCS.

There is no cost to attend but RSVPs are requested. RSVP to attend by November 9 to: http://www.sonomawinegrape.org/Water-Development-Strategies. For information contact Karen at 707-522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org.

Please join us at the 22nd Annual Dollars & $ense Seminar held at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. The event opens with a tradeshow at 7:30am. The seminar begins at 8:30am. For more information go to: www.sonomawinegrape.org/13das

Fifty tradeshow vendors will be in attendance. Seminar topics include: a bulk wine/grape market update by Glenn Proctor and Chris Welch of Ciatti Company and Rob McMillan of Silicon Valley Bank sharing the current assessment of the winery end of the business and whether the strength of the grape market is sustainable. Christian Miller of Wine Opinions will present SCWC's national promotion and marketing campaign of Sonoma County Winegrapes. SCWC's Karissa Kruse will get attendees on-board with local Community Relations efforts.

Attendee ticket pricing remain at 2011 levels. Tickets include seminar and tradeshow. Lunch is an additional fee and includes wine.

Please register to attend by Monday January 14, at 5:00pm

Please contact Karen for more information at (707) 522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org - Hope to see you there!

Please join us for

 

Nick Frey's Retirement Celebration

 

Enjoy a Community Barbecue on

 

Friday, May 10, 2013

11:00 am until 2:00 pm

 

At Richard's Grove

3575 Slusser Road, Windsor

 

RSVPs required by May 3, 2013

Please visit: www.SonomaWinegrape.org/Retirement

 

ADMISSION: Two bottles of wine: One bottle of wine to share and one bottle for Nick Frey's cellar. We suggest two bottles of Sonoma County wine.

The Sonoma County Winegrowers is sponsoring a workshop for grape growers, wineries and agricultural employers on Farm Labor and Vineyard Management: The Risks and Rewards of Doing it Right. The workshop will be held on Thursday, May 16, from 4:00-6:00pm at the Hilton in Santa Rosa located at 3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa. Check-in begins at 3:45pm.

The seminar begins with a national and state Legislative Update by John Aguirre, president of California Association of Winegrape Growers. There is no cost to attend with advance registration. RSVP by May 12, at www.sonomawinegrape.org/smartmarketer

Mike Saqui's presentation on farm labor and vineyard management covers the latest court decisions and enforcement trends in the area of AB1675 with regards to violations, fines and penalties, joint employer liability, wage and hour, and employment in immigration cases throughout the U.S.

Saqui will review options for staffing solutions whether they be independent contractors, farm labor contractors or staffing companies. Most of all, this seminar will cover compliance and operational game plans to operate effectively in this area without exposure to joint employer liability.

For information contact Karen at 707-522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org  

This seminar is presented in conjunction with the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC) will conduct its annual seminar, tradeshow and barbecue lunch on Friday, June 7, 2013, from 7:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Warren G. Dutton Pavilion at Shone Farm, 7450 Steve Olson Way, Forestville, CA. The seminar, tradeshow and lunch are open to all wine industry, allied industry members and the public. The tradeshow will feature over 50 vendors. With advanced registration, the charge for growers to attend the seminar, tradeshow and lunch is $15.00; $20 day of the event. Registration for related industry attendees and the public is $25.00 in advance or $30.00 day of the event.

Two renowned industry experts on labor and immigration issues will address the critical situation of agricultural labor: Monte Lake, CJ Lake, LLC of Washington, D.C. and Michael Saqui, The Saqui Law Group Counselors to Management. The seminar focus will include: current labor trends for employers; the return of a historic collaboration between enforcement agencies and labor organizations; agriculture's efforts to address the legal status of its current experienced workforce; the need to create a program free market based and grower friendly as an alternative to the H-2A program; the likelihood of mandatory E-Verify; and employer challenges in using the H-2A temporary and seasonal foreign agricultural worker program.

The deadline for attendees to register is May 24, at www.sonomawinegrape.org/bbq. The tradeshow booth registration deadline is May 17. For questions on general registration or the event, please contact Karen Thomas at 707-522-5862 or Karen@sonomawinegrape.org. For information on the tradeshow contact Ginger Baker at 707-522-5864 or ginger@sonomawinegrape.org. 

#  #  #

Media Note: Please contact Karissa Kruse if you would like to attend.

CONTACT:    Karissa Kruse       

707-522-5863  or karissa@sonomawinegrape.org

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC) will conduct its annual seminar, tradeshow and barbecue lunch on Friday, June 7, 2013, from 7:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Warren G. Dutton Pavilion at Shone Farm, 7450 Steve Olson Way, Forestville, CA. The seminar, tradeshow and lunch are open to all wine industry, allied industry members and the public. The tradeshow will feature over 50 vendors. With advanced registration, the charge for growers to attend the seminar, tradeshow and lunch is $15.00; $20 day of the event. Registration for related industry attendees and the public is $25.00 in advance or $30.00 day of the event.

Two renowned industry experts on labor and immigration issues will address the critical situation of agricultural labor: Monte Lake, CJ Lake, LLC of Washington, D.C. and Michael Saqui, The Saqui Law Group Counselors to Management. The seminar focus will include: current labor trends for employers; the return of a historic collaboration between enforcement agencies and labor organizations; agriculture's efforts to address the legal status of its current experienced workforce; the need to create a program free market based and grower friendly as an alternative to the H-2A program; the likelihood of mandatory E-Verify; and employer challenges in using the H-2A temporary and seasonal foreign agricultural worker program.

The deadline for attendees to register is May 24, at www.sonomawinegrape.org/bbq. The tradeshow booth registration deadline is May 17. For questions on general registration or the event, please contact Karen Thomas at 707-522-5862 or Karen@sonomawinegrape.org. For information on the tradeshow contact Ginger Baker at 707-522-5864 or ginger@sonomawinegrape.org. 

REGISTRATION CLOSED - WALK-INS WELCOME!

#  #  #

Media Note: Please contact Karissa Kruse if you would like to attend.

CONTACT:    Karissa Kruse       

707-522-5863  or karissa@sonomawinegrape.org

Sonoma County’s 2013 harvest season has turned the corner and headed down the home stretch.  Current reports are showing that the region is approximately 85%-90% complete, with mostly Zinfandel and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Syrah still on the vines. Winegrowers anticipate harvest finishing up within the next week or two, which would put this year’s harvest about 3 weeks ahead of schedule compared to previous vintages.

Reports from winemakers and winegrowers about fruit quality continue to be positive, despite the recent rainstorm that had minimal influence on picking schedules and was characterized by one winegrower as “washing off the dust on the leaves.”  In fact, several regions around Sonoma County reported that the rain storm was accompanied by some high winds that helped dry out moisture.  This year’s grape crop continues to come in at average to above-average size with excellent flavor profiles that are lush, balanced, and consistent. Overall, winegrowers and winemakers are thrilled about this year’s harvest and the potential of these 2013 wines.

Click here to read the rest of the harvest update

Santa Rosa, Calif. - The Sonoma County Winegrowers is presenting their 23rd Annual Dollars & $ense Seminar and Tradeshow on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts located at 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 95403. Every year this seminar attracts the largest number of Sonoma County growers, vintners, wine industry professionals and tradeshow vendors who gather to discuss the industry's most important issues.

This year’s theme is “Sustaining the Moment” and will focus on the importance of sustainability in Sonoma County. Speakers include Brian Clements and Marc Cuneo of Turrentine Company who will discuss bulk wine and grape market prospects for 2014. Attendees will also hear from industry leaders on the importance of sustainability. Sonoma County Winegrowers’ president Karissa Kruse will also present the organization’s year in review and an overview on their marketing and promotional plans for 2014. Agenda details are available at: www.sonomawinegrape.org.

In addition, approximately 50 tradeshow vendors will be in attendance to showcase their latest vineyard tools and products, services, and much more.

Register online by Jan. at: www.sonomawinegrape.org/14das. For questions about registration, contact Karen Thomas at 707-522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org. Businesses interested in participating in the tradeshow should contact Ginger Baker at 707-522-5864 orginger@sonomawinegrape.org.

Wine Growers & Wineries Partner To Benefit Environment and Local Economy

 

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 15, 2014) -- Sonoma County wines are renowned throughout the world for their award-winning quality and superb taste.  And in the near future, consumers will be able to purchase any Sonoma County wine with confidence knowing that all of the region’s wines are grown and made in the nation’s first 100% sustainable county.

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), announced today that Sonoma County is committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable wine region through a three-phased program to be completed within the next five years. Although many of the region’s multigenerational wine growers and winemakers have been practicing sustainable farming techniques and winemaking practices for decades, this initiative demonstrates their seriousness and commitment to ensuring all vineyards and wineries across Sonoma County will soon be sustainable.

 

“Our county’s grape growers and winemakers have long been at the forefront of creating and utilizing sustainable practices in the vineyard, in the winery and in running their businesses, so this is the next natural step in their continued evolution,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers, an organization representing 1,800 wine growers throughout Sonoma County. She added, “Sonoma County has great leaders who have championed the wine industry’s sustainable efforts, and I’m proud of the unparalleled partnership between Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Vintners that enables us to put this stake in the ground for sustainability as a wine region.”

The first phase of this effort will focus on helping winegrowers assess their sustainable vineyard practices through trainings and educational sessions focused on over 200 best management practices such as land use, canopy management, energy efficiency, water quality assessments, carbon emissions; healthcare and training for employees and being a good neighbor and community member.  Although many vineyards and wineries are already implementing sustainable practices, the goal is to assess, and collect the assessment data of 15,000 vineyard acres per year for the next four years until every acre of planted vines are under assessment for sustainability.  As vineyard acres are assessed, phase two will involve the Sonoma County Winegrowers working with vineyard owners to achieve certification. Once the winegrower program has kicked off, focus will be expanded to work with wineries and winemakers to roll out sustainability assessments and certification all with a goal of 100% sustainability for the wine industry in Sonoma County by 2019.   The key of sustainability is continuous improvement.  Once all of the county’s vineyards and wineries are recognized as sustainable, improvement plans will be developed to provide access to new production models, techniques and approaches.

 

To ensure against "greenwashing," third-party verification and certification programs will be used such as the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance's Code of Sustainability that involves 15 chapters and over 200 best practice assessments for growers and wineries, focused on environmental, social and economic viability and continuous improvement with verification by a third-party certifier. Another critically-important factor to this initiative is transparency, which will be accomplished through regular progress updates, an annual Sonoma County Wine Region Sustainability Report Card and a vineyard and winery real-time tracker on the SCW website.

“I commend the growers and wineries of Sonoma County for pursuing this bold initiative.  It speaks volumes about their love of the land and their commitment to environmental stewardship, their community and their consumers,” said Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. She added, “It is a unique branding proposition and I wish them great success.”

 

Sonoma County’s wine industry is primarily comprised of multi-generational family businesses, which by their very structure, are sustainable.   There are 59,218 acres planted to vineyards, which accounts for only 6% of Sonoma County’s total acreage.  In fact, more than 40% of Sonoma County’s vineyard parcels are less than 20 acres, with 80% of the county’s vineyards less than 100 acres.  “Having spent the last 40 years farming around a thousand acres of vineyards throughout Sonoma County, I am really excited to participate in this major initiative to make our county 100% sustainable,” said Duff Bevill, Bevill Vineyard Management.  He added, “I have long felt that sustainability is the best approach to ensure we protect our land for future generations, improve the quality of life for our employees, and enhance the community where we live and work.”

 

Sonoma County has some of the world’s most prized grape growing areas in the world with the first vineyards dating back to the 1820s.  The region’s unique combination of rich geological history, fog patterns generated by its 70-mile Pacific Ocean coastline, and topography has given rise to 16 unique American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Each AVA offers distinct climate, soils and temperature areas perfect for growing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more. Sonoma County is also home to around 450 wineries whose wines are renowned throughout the world. In a recently released report, Sonoma County’s wine industry brought an economic impact of $13.4 billion in 2012. This includes providing 54,297 full-time equivalent jobs, directly and indirectly, from winegrowing and winemaking in Sonoma County.

 

“When traveling around the world as an ambassador for my family’s winery, I am constantly asked about our sustainable practices by customers, retailers, sommeliers, and media,” said Katie Jackson, Family Representative, Government Relations and Community Outreach at Jackson Family Wines.  “Today’s wine consumers are passionate about sustainability and support brands who share their values, so I am truly excited about this initiative and proud to know that soon our efforts will be displayed in each bottle of wine labeled Sonoma County.”

 

-end-

About Sonoma County Winegrowers
Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a non-profit 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 and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

 

About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness and building understanding of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions, and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 200 wineries and affiliates of all sizes throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.sonomawine.com.

Robert LaVine brings more than 30 years of experience implementing sustainability initiatives in vineyards across California

April 28, 2014, Santa Rosa, Calif. – The Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) are proud to announce the appointment of Robert LaVine as Sustainability Manager to help the organization reach its goal of bringing 100% of the vineyards in Sonoma County sustainable by 2019. www.sonomawinegrape.org

“Since making the announcement in January, we’ve promised our winegrowers that help was on its way to guide them through the process and ensure that we meet our goal of 100% sustainability,” says Karissa Kruse, President of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. “We created a new Sustainability Manager role to support our growers, both small and large, receive the proper resources to successfully become sustainable within the next 5 years. The addition of someone like Robert LaVine with his strong background in sustainability and grower relations shows our continued commitment to this initiative long term.”

In this role, LaVine will oversee all aspects of the Sonoma County Winegrower’s push towards becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region, including supporting the development and implementation of the program; supporting Sonoma County winegrowers in their sustainability assessment and certification process; providing education and workshops to growers and other wine industry stakeholders; tracking, measuring, and communicating the progress of the initiative; as well as expand and build new sustainability partnerships.  

LaVine is a well-respected viticulturist with more than 30 years of winegrowing experience throughout California with an emphasis on implementation, education, and promotion of sustainability.  Most recently, LaVine worked at Fetzer Winery as Director of Sourcing where he was responsible for sourcing grapes, juice, and bulk wine for production of luxury, premium, and popular priced brands from throughout California and throughout the world. This included leading the company’s efforts to promote sustainability with its vineyard sources throughout the state, including organic producers.  Prior to that, LaVine worked for two decades at Robert Mondavi as Director of Winegrower Relations in the Central Coast region. During this time, he was a founding member of the Central Coast Vineyard Team, a groundbreaking group of winegrowers that took a leadership role in the early adoption of sustainable vineyard practices. He was also on the development committee for Sustainable in Practice (SIP) program.  LaVine has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis.

About the Sonoma County Winegrowers

 

Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a non-profit 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 and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

The Sonoma County Winegrowers are presenting a Smart Marketer Seminar for grape growers on May 8, from 4:00-6:00pm at the Wine Country Hilton located at 3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa. There is no charge to attend. RSVP by May 5 to karen@sonomawinegrape.org. Check-in begins at 3:45pm and the seminar begins promptly at 4:00pm.

The seminar kicks off with a Grape and Bulk Wine Market Update and Trends by Glenn Proctor, Partner/ Broker of Ciatti Company. John Segale of Precision Public Relations will provide tips on communicating the grower’s story and delivering key messages.

For more information on the seminar contact Karen Thomas at 707-522-5862 or karen@sonomawinegrape.org

About the Sonoma County Winegrowers

Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a non-profit 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 and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

May 16, 2014, Santa Rosa, Calif. – There will be a free workshop on water pumping efficiencies and winery wastewater treatment energy efficiency measures on Wednesday, May 28. This workshop is a partnership between PG&E, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Farm Bureau and Francis Ford Coppola. This meeting will take place at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. Check-in begins at 8:30am with the meeting running from 9:00am until 11:30am followed by lunch.

The program will cover advanced pumping efficiency which includes pump testing, incentives for repair, pump efficiency and variable speed drives. Winery wastewater efficiency auditors, BASE, will present winery wastewater treatment conservation measures. PG&E will discuss energy efficiency incentives and programs and incentives to replace or retrofit eligible agricultural pumps for pumps 25 H.P. or larger.

How to Register

Attendance is limited and RSVPs will be required. RSVP with your name and company to nancy@sonomawinegrape.org. RSVP to attend by Friday, May 23.  Registration will be cut off early if the meeting is full.  Winegrowers, vintners, and Farm Bureau members have priority registration.

For more information on the meeting contact Lloyd Coker at llc5@pge.com or 707-577-7047.

 

About the Sonoma County Winegrowers

 

Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a non-profit 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 and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (June 2, 2014) – Inspired by Saralee McClelland Kunde’s lifelong passion for agricultural education for area youth, the Sonoma County Winegrowers and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau have established  “Saralee’s Sonoma County Ag Camp” designed to help the region’s leading agricultural teachers incorporate sustainable agricultural education into their classroom curriculum to benefit the next generation of farmers.

Saralee McClelland Kunde was a strong, dedicated advocate for Sonoma County agriculture and worked tirelessly promoting and preserving the region’s farming and ranching heritage.  During her life, she helped shape the Sonoma County Harvest Fair; inspired local youth to get involved in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America; and was relentless in educating the public on the importance of a strong agricultural industry in Sonoma County.

“It’s crucial that we carry on Saralee’s legacy of agricultural education by inspiring the next generation to take over the vineyards, farms and ranches that drive Sonoma County’s economy and define our way-of-life. Saralee was all about building the generational bridges that are essential for agriculture to thrive and prosper,” says Tim Tesconi, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

Saralee’s Sonoma County Ag Camp will provide valuable resources, educational tools and relevant information about agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Sonoma County to help teachers improve curriculum in the classroom for high school-aged students as well as provide agricultural “mentors” to continue the dialogue following Ag Camp.  Participating teachers will be fully immersed into the daily life of being a farmer, going behind-the-scene of sustainable vineyards, dairy ranches and other working farms. The teachers will interact with some multigenerational family farmers and local agricultural leaders who will provide an overview of sustainable farming practices and the impact agriculture has on the community. In additional to these visits and tours, each teacher will receive an Ag Camp guide for developing new curriculum. 

“Ag Camp is yet another example of our commitment to sustainability and maintaining our agricultural identity in Sonoma County by helping leading educators teach the how, why and the benefits to the next generation of farmers,” said Karissa Kruse, President of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “I think Saralee would be thrilled to know that her legacy of connecting kids with agriculture will continue through the teachers who will have a unique opportunity to interact with farmers and learn about our history as an agricultural industry leader as well as our efforts to become the nation’s first 100% sustainable wine region by 2019.”

The inaugural Saralee’s Sonoma County Ag Camp will take place on July 11, 2014, with a full day of vineyard, ranch and farm visits, educational presentations by local agriculture leaders and other experts, and much more.  Starting in 2015, this program will expand into a three-day camp that will allow each participating teacher to fully experience what it takes to farm sustainably in Sonoma County.  

“The Saralee Ag Camp will be a great opportunity for agriculture instructors to connect with industry to learn more about current practices and methods,” says Debi Batini, Director of Career Pathways & Community Outreach for Santa Rosa City Schools.  “The program will provide teachers with a variety of resources to be utilized in the classroom to assist students with understanding the agriculture industry in Sonoma County.” 

About the Sonoma County Winegrowers

Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a non-profit 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 and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visitwww.sonomawinegrape.org

About Sonoma County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary not for profit organization of farm and ranch families united for the purpose of analyzing their problems and formulating action to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity, and social advancement and, thereby, to promote the national well-being. Farm Bureau is local, county, state, national, and international in its scope and influence and is non-partisan, non-sectarian and not-secret in character. Farm Bureau is the voice of agricultural producers at all levels. Visit www. http://www.sonomafb.org/