Sonoma County Winegrowers Reorganizes to Scale Proven Collaborations and Unlock National Growth Opportunities  At its annual Dollars & $ense meeting today, themed, “The Next Chapter: Elevating What Works and Expanding What’s Possible,” Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) announced a strategic reorganization and renewed organizational focus to build demand, expand partnerships, and increase sales of Sonoma County wines to support long-term grower success. The moves reflect a proactive response to an evolving marketplace and are designed to ensure Sonoma County remains competitive, relevant, and well-positioned for future growth. Moving forward, Jennifer Dieckmann, currently Chief Operating Officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers, will assume the role of Executive Director and COO, leading the organization’s day-to-day operations, program execution, and team leadership, while maintaining operational excellence and strengthening grower and stakeholder engagement

As part of our mission to keep our grower and vintner community connected and informed, here’s a look back at our September events, programs, and activations. Hosted Events Somm Immersion  in partnership with GuildSomm Somm Camp co-hosted by Ray Isle Grape Camp Consumer Event Out-In-The-Market Events The Wine Institute  - Eureka! A California Wine Experience in NYC SF Giants Partnership - VIP Cloud Club Wine Tasting Giants Wine Club - First Allocation Shipped! Chicago Bears Partnership - Influencer Suite Wine Tasting Ford Pro Accelerate: The Essential Economy Summit Sonoma County Magnum Awards Digital Media Back Roads & Back Stories - Filmed a New Season with Ray Isle “The Good Stuff” - Weekly Podcast and Articles with Virginie Boone Farm4Profit Podcast - 3 new episodes recorded

The California Department of Food & Agriculture has announced it has certified the votes on the referendum to continue the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), for another five years.  Garnering 85.77% percent of the vote, winegrape growers strongly supported continuation of the organization.  The Commission was established in 2006 and is required by California law to conduct a grower vote every five years to determine if they want to continue to be assessed to fund the organization.    “It is very gratifying to see the efforts of the Commission recognized and supported by the very people who fund it and make all the great work possible,” said Bret Munselle, chairman of the SCW board of directors and owner of Munselle Vineyards.  He added, “Through the assessment, the growers have been personally investing in promoting Sonoma County for nearly 20 years and with this vote, SCW will continue

Sonoma County Winegrowers Focus on Creating Experiences to Engage New and Existing Wine Lovers SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 17, 2025) – For over a decade, Sonoma County Winegrowers has been at the forefront of innovation, forging powerful partnerships with iconic brands like John Deere, Ford Pro, Wilbur Ellis, Landry’s, and the San Francisco Giants. As unveiled at this week’s annual Dollars & $ense meeting, held virtually, 2025 marks a year dedicated to “Renewing, Building, and Growing” these renowned programs, expanding their reach, amplifying the Sonoma County story, and setting new benchmarks in excellence. As Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers, started her presentation with a review of the past twelve years since she joined the organization, it was clear that the results in building the brand’s visibility over the years has been successful. From being world leaders in sustainability, to sports ma

Global Leader in Sustainability Cements its Legacy with Game Changing Innovation Accelerator SONOMA, Calif. (February 17, 2023) – Karissa Kruse, president and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers, used the organization’s annual meeting to unveil a number of innovative programs and impressive new partnerships all linked to building upon its role as a global leader in sustainable farming. “Our growers always ask, ‘what’s next?’ While we have made great progress in our commitment to sustainability, we refuse to rest on our laurels or assume we have reached our goal,” said Kruse. She added, “We are using our proven leadership in sustainability and climate stewardship to flip the narrative to go on offense for the future of farming in Sonoma County and beyond.” In 2023, Sonoma County Grape Growers, celebrating its 40th anniversary, continues to drive the marketing for the region through its partnership with Landry’s, which operates m

Afternoon Brief, July 25th

ULC’s Draft Shipping Changes Face Intense Industry Backlash: This month, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC; an attorney committee otherwise best known for promulgating the Uniform Commercial Code, required reading for every first-year law student and MBA candidate) sent shock waves through the wine business...

GuildSomm and Ruinart Select Sommelier Challenge Winners in the US

(July 22, 2022) — GuildSomm is excited to announce the top five US winners in the annual Ruinart Sommelier Challenge.  Created in 2010 and held in 15 cities around the […]

Wine Industry Leader Jenny Hemmer Named New Executive Director of GuildSomm

PETALUMA, Calif. (February 2, 2022)  — Wine industry and wine education leader, Jenny Hemmer, has been named the new executive director of GuildSomm. Hemmer brings over 18 years of industry experience, […]