Sold-Out Tastings for both Trade and Consumers at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

The famed Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas was the backdrop for fifty Sonoma County wineries and six sponsoring regional associations to educate and entertain 306 members of the trade and media, and 417 qualified consumers at this year’s Sonoma in the City Dallas, which took place Tuesday, March 19.

Supplementing the popular trade and consumer tastings was a morning panel and seminar, followed by a pairing luncheon led by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein for VIP trade.

Feedback from Trade Attendees:

• Fantastic representation of top quality wineries from Sonoma, and great speakers during lunch.  This is the best Full Circle event I have been to!
• Great! Very informative.  Mr. Goldstein is a great moderator and stand-in for the winemakers that were not here.  Thank you all for hosting.
• Really appreciate the opportunity to taste this amount of Sonoma wines in a single setting. Insightful and in-depth approach- site and vintages.

Early Media coverage:

Hayley Hamilton Talks Sonoma Wines on D: The Broadcast

http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2013/03/19/hayley-hamilton-talks-sonoma-wines-on-d-the-broadcast/

What To Drink Now: Wines of Sonoma

http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2013/03/22/what-to-drink-now-wines-of-sonoma-county/

Special thanks to Sonoma County Winegrowers, Sonoma County Tourism, Full Circle Wine Solutions, and our regional sponsors for their support for Sonoma in the City!

Two of the primary beneficiaries, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County, received grants that totaled $264,000 raised from the “Fund-A-Need” lot at the 2012 Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction, one of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend’s flagship events. The balance of funds was disbursed through the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation and the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation in small grants to local organizations across Sonoma County, from Petaluma to Geyserville, from Guerneville to Sonoma.

“Our goal is to support local groups that reflect our little towns, and multiply their efforts by supporting those in need while at the same time enriching the lives and neighborhoods of those engaged in helping,” said Dan Goldfield, Sonoma County Vintners Foundation President who chaired their grant program which donated $100,000 to organizations throughout Sonoma County, “The Wine Country Weekend grants don’t reflect the wine community giving anything away, but only doing our best to be involved in the culture that nurtures us, and of which we are a part.”

Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation President Paul J. Hoffman, who oversaw the allocation of the organization’s $119,000 fund, said, “This year we were pleased to support even more worthy groups, increasing the total recipient list by 25%. As a result of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, thirty-two non-profits received funds critical for continuing the services they provide.”

The 2012 charity beneficiaries include: 10,000 Degrees, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, Ceres Community Project, Friends in Sonoma Helping, Global Student Embassy, Green Acre Home & School, Jewish Community Free Clinic, La Luz Center, Operation Access, Parks Alliance for Sonoma County, PDI Surgery Center, Petaluma Health Center, Redwood Empire Aqua Stars, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma County Family YMCA, Sonoma Overnight Support, Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, Sonoma Valley High School Agriculture Department, Sonoma Valley Hospital, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma Valley Teen Services, Sunny Hills Services, SVVGA Scholarship Fund, The Living Room Center, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Transcendence Theatre Company, Verity and Willmar Family Grief & Healing Center.

Including the charitable grants, the event generates a total of more than $830,000 that supports the community through local non-profit organizations. Of the event’s $1.7 million gross revenue, organizers noted that with the Sonoma County organizations and businesses used to produce Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, approximately 90% of the total event revenue is returned to the Sonoma County economy. As the tourism dollars generated by the event are added to the equation, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend creates exponentially more impact.

Over the years, the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation have raised a cumulative total of more than $11 million that has been donated directly to Sonoma County’s non-profit organizations. The 2013 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is set for Labor Day Weekend, August 30 – September 1, 2013.

About 2013 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sponsors and Beneficiaries

A partnership between Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is California’s premier wine, food and social event, taking place on Labor Day weekend each year. The events comprising Sonoma Wine Country Weekend have raised over $11 million of support to local charities that benefit students, children, farm workers and people in need. For more information visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

PHOTO ID:

Front Group, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Representatives, L to R:

Maureen Cottingham, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance; Cathleen Gorham, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board; Tom Menzies, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board; Squire Fridell, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board; Danny Fay, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board; Dan Goldfield, Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Board; Mike Pucci, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Board; Andrew Bottene, SWCW Executive Sponsor TricorBraun WinePak and Sara Cummings, Sonoma County Vintners.

Back Group, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Beneficiaries, L to R:

Barbara Cullen, WillMar Family Grief & Healing Center; Daniel Rabkin, Operation Access; Benjamin Aune, Operation Access; Holly Butler, Petaluma Health Center; Ramona English, Petaluma Health Center; Viveka Rydell, PDI Surgery Center; Claudia Mendoza Carruth, La Luz; Joyce Giammattei, Sonoma Valley Community Health Center; Chris Castillo, Verity; Lisa Leeb, Sonoma Overnight Support; David Brown, Sonoma County Family YMCA; Michelle Head, Sonoma County Family YMCA; Laura Zimmerman, Sonoma Valley Education Foundation; Cathyrn Couch, Ceres Community Project; Harmony Plenty, Sonoma Valley Hospital; Cate Steane, Redwood Empire Food Bank; Kate Crigler, Global Student Embassy; Mike Reilly, Parks Alliance for Sonoma County; Linda Alwitt, F.I.S.H.; Tina Baldry, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance; Cheryl Parkinson, The Living Room Center; Katie Barr, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today; Deborah A. Roberts, Jewish Community Free Clinic; Kate Ecker, 10,000 Degrees; Kate Eilertsen, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art; Bob Florez, Sunny Hills Services; Amy Miller, Transcendence Theatre Company; Liz Treacy, Sonoma Community Center; Anna Logvinova, Operation Access; Anastasia Pryor, Sunny Hills Services and Rich Aguirre, Green Acre Home & School.

Over 300 Sonoma County Vintners Winery and Affiliate members gathered for the 2013 Annual Meeting at the Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa.

January 10, 2013, Santa Rosa, CA – Sonoma County Vintners, the trade marketing group representing over 200 Sonoma County winery and affiliate business members, gathered today in Santa Rosa to get a first look at new marketing research focused on assessing current consumer awareness of Sonoma County and its appellations among core wine drinkers.

John Gillespie, founder and CEO of Wine Opinions, presented the research to a packed ballroom at the Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa, following an overview of Sonoma County Vintners marketing plans for 2013 by SCV Executive Director Honore Comfort, which include full launch of the region’s first comprehensive marketing campaign, “We Are Sonoma County”.

The goal of the consumer research, commissioned by SCV and Sonoma County Winegrowers, was to establish a baseline of consumer awareness and perception of Sonoma County and its AVAs among core wine drinking consumers in order to measure any movement generated by the new “We Are Sonoma County” marketing initiatives in coming years. “Sonoma County is already in a very solid position among the world’s best known wine regions for both consumer awareness and quality perception,” said Honore Comfort. “Our goal is to make the awareness and perception even greater in coming years, and see consumers coming to understand and appreciate our region and our fifteen AVAs even more.”

New Sonoma County Vintners board member Russ Joy from Patz and Hall Winery was announced. Officers for 2013 are President, Matt Gallo, Gallo Family Winery; Vice President, Corey Beck, Francis Ford Coppola Winery; and Secretary and Treasurer, Gerry Forth, Forth Vineyards.

In addition to the new members and officers noted above, members of the Sonoma County Vintners Board of Directors are Jeff Bundschu, Gundlach Bundschu Winery; George Christie, Saini Vineyards; Stan Fridstein, Mulberry Trample Wine Brokerage; Dan Goldfield, Dutton-Goldfield Winery; Tom Hinde, Popcorn Wine Co.; Bahaneh Hobel, Esq., Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty; Dan Kosta, Kosta Browne Winery; Steve Messinger, Vinum Exports; Joel Peterson, Ravenswood Winery; Caroline Shaw, Jackson Family Enterprises; and Dan Wildermuth, Rodney Strong Vineyards.

Sonoma County Vintners Annual Meeting attendees take a moment to smile for the camera. Photos: George Rose

SCV Board Member Stan Fridstein and Kelley Perez, Director of Member Development, take a moment for a photo. (Photo: George Rose)

SCV Executive Director, Honore Comfort (R) with Regina Martinelli (L) and Peter Habicht (Ctr). (Photo: George Rose)

Current and prospective SCV Winery and Affiliate Members are invited to attend the SCV Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 10, 2013, from 3-5 PM at the Vintners Inn Business Center in Santa Rosa.

Maximize membership for your winery and be among the first to see results of recent Sonoma County wine consumer market research presented by special guest John Gillespie, Founder and CEO of Wine Opinions.

For details and to RSVP, please visit http://scv2013annualmtg.eventbrite.com/

Reminder: You may bring your SCV Annual Wine Commitment Wine to the Annual Meeting

The Sonoma County Vintners team takes a little time to share some holiday cheer on the Healdsburg Square.

The team at SCV wishes you a very happy holiday season! We look forward to seeing you at the SCV Annual Meeting on January 10, 2013 at the Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa from 3-5:30 PM. Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize your winery membership by being a part of our programming. If you haven’t reserved your seat, RSVP now here: http://scv2013annualmtg.eventbrite.com/

Sonoma Summit attendees take a moment from their tour and tasting of vineyards in the Rockpile AVA for a group photo. Photo: George Rose

Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Winegrowers, in partnership with Full Circle Wine Solutions, presented the fifth annual Sonoma Summit November 5-7 at wineries and vineyards throughout Sonoma County. The event convened 31 top wine decision makers from across the US and Canada for three days of intensive tastings and education under the tutelage of Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein and Full Circle Wine Solutions in a program designed to deepen knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the region.

In the span of their three day visit, Sonoma Summit attendees traveled to four Sonoma County AVAs, tasted over 80 wines, and met countless vintners, growers, and chefs during the program. Events took place in vineyards and wineries, as well as the new Culinary Center at Santa Rosa Junior College. Attendees represented a broad array of local and national accounts from across the United States and Canada.

“Post-event surveys indicate that most attendees intend to carry more Sonoma County wines on their restaurant wine lists after completing the program, and that shows us that we have accomplished our goals when we see those results”, said Sonoma County Vintners executive director Honore Comfort. “When we conduct well organized and focused educational programs with leaders in the wine industry, the quality of Sonoma County wine sells itself.”

“The whole event was absolutely relevant and clearly done for sommeliers by a sommelier,” commented Jared Hooper, wine director at The Royce at the Langham Huntington, Los Angeles. “Learning about the different aspects of Sonoma County definitely gives me a better understanding of the whole.”

“The experience was a deep dive into Sonoma County–not a cosmetic deal,” said Philadelphia journalist and wine consultant Marnie Old. “Evan does a great job of adding multiple layers of communication. Regardless of your level of experience, you can take something from the event.”

“Even though Sonoma County isn’t a new region to me, the diversity I’ve experienced during this event has been remarkable,” said Thomas Price, MS, wine director at the Metropolitan Grill, Seattle. “The Sonoma County Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines we’ve tasted have been spectacular, and the visit to the Rockpile vineyard was off the hook.”

“The Sonoma Summit program improves understanding of Sonoma County’s regions, growers, and producers, and our attendees leave with higher appreciation and understanding for our wines,” said Sonoma County Winegrowers president Nick Frey. “We work to deepen their connection with Sonoma during their time with us, and we had an enthusiastic group this year. Their response to our wines was gratifying to see.”

Alexander Valley

“Here at the Robert Young Estate, we are running two to three weeks late for a normal season, but seven to ten days ahead of last year’s very late harvest. First in as usual was Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Viognier, Melon, and now some Chardonnay. The ideal weather has allowed the crop to size up more than our original early season estimates and fruit quality has been excellent so far.” — Jim Young, President/CEO, Robert Young Vineyards

Sonoma Valley

“Harvest began for us at Kunde the second week of September and has brought us above-normal crop yields while producing high quality fruit. We have almost completed the harvesting of our white varietals and hope to complete the reds by the first of November. Mother Nature is helping to make this an exceptional harvest.  The cool nights and warm days with no rain are creating a vintage we are sure our consumers will enjoy!” —Jim Mickelson, President, Kunde Family Vineyards

Chardonnay grapes being harvested this week at Kunde Vineyards in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County.

Russian River Valley

“We’re thrilled with this year’s Russian River Valley grape harvest.  The sparkling wine portion at J concluded on a high note in mid-September, smoothly transitioning into our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris varietal grape harvest. The quality of the fruit is nothing short of exceptional and as long as the warm weather holds up, we expect to be finished picking grapes before the end of October.”—Melissa Stackhouse, Vice President of Winemaking, J Vineyards & Winery

J Vineyards Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse having a little crushpad fun during Pinot Noir harvest in Russian River Valley, Sonoma County. Photo: George Rose

Dry Creek Valley

“In July and early August, word on the street was, ‘Early and compressed harvest!’, but Nature had other plans.  The number of clusters per vine has been about average, but increasing bunch weights have slowed and drawn out the crush. Sauvignon Blanc is almost all in, and waiting on other varieties has given us time to really baby the white fermentations. As they start to wind down, here come the reds!  We’re closing in on completing 60% of our harvest.” —Tim Bell, Winemaker, Dry Creek Vineyard

Dry Creek Vineyard Winemaker Tim Bell takes a break from Harvest to talk about the 2012 vintage in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County. Photo: Dry Creek Vineyard

Sonoma County Overview

“We will be about 25% harvested by the end of this week, with a good portion of white varieties in, and Pinot Noir coming in at full speed. Quality has been outstanding across the varieties, and the fruit is in excellent condition reflecting the perfect growing conditions we experienced this year.” —Nick Frey, President, Sonoma County Winegrowers.

About Sonoma County Vintners

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness 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 175 wineries of all sizes throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.

About Sonoma County Winegrowers

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers, was established in 2006 as a non-profit marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. 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 SCW and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org.

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Magnum Force Dancers strike a pose at Sonoma Shambala, the 20th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. Photos: George Rose

(Sonoma County, CALIF.) — Attendees enjoyed the exotic theme of “Sonoma Shambala” at the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean, the grand finale of the fifth annual Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, August 31 – September 2, 2012 which raised essential dollars in support of Sonoma County non-profits. Gross proceeds, due to the generosity of more than 5,500 attendees at various events throughout the weekend, were in excess of $1.6 million, up more than $350,000 from last year.

Following a reception in a bustling and brilliantly colored bazaar, auction-goers at the 20th annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction enjoyed an afternoon of world-class wine and cuisine from Sonoma County’s hottest vintners and top-notch wine country chefs. Within the tent at Chateau St. Jean, and under the watchful eye and signature humor of Auctioneer Dave Reynolds, more than 550 auction attendees battled for lots ranging from extreme adventures to highly-sought wines to once-in-a-lifetime experiences at locations across the globe. While auction totals are being finalized, early tabulations total more than $730,000, which is more than was raised in 2011.

“Our 20th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction provided the perfect ending to Sonoma Wine Country Weekend,” said Maureen Cottingham, Co-Producer, “In Sonoma County we are able to share the authenticity and intimacy of everything that makes wine country so desirable. Once again vintners, grape growers and winemakers went above and beyond with their generosity and our bidders responded.”

“We were again amazed at the generosity of the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend attendees,” said Co-Producer Honore Comfort, “as well as the continued generosity of the hundreds of vintners and growers from throughout our region, many of whom opened their cellars, estates and in some cases their homes, to showcase the best of Sonoma County. It is the participation of our vintners, growers, and chefs that makes this event so special and they pull together to give back to our community. ”

The largest grossing lot of the day was the “Fund-A-Need” which, after an appeal by several deserving Sonoma County children, raised more than $250,000 of donations at various levels, which will be divided equally between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County.

The top two lots purchased by single bidders were the Magnum Force lot purchased for $25,000 by Rick Miron of TricorBraun WinePak and the Kosta Browne lot purchased for $25,000 by Terri and Mark Stark of Stark Reality Restaurants. The ever-popular Magnum Force lot, consisting of a library of large format wine bottles, was presented by the Magnum Force “Bollywood Ladies” of the wine industry who performed a choreographed number which urged the bidding up. The MacMurray Ranch Party lot was sold to multiple bidders at $500 per person, with the Gallo Family Winery matching every bid for a total lot price of $69,000.

Some of the other hottest among the thirty-five live lots of the event included a lot from Ram’s Gate Winery featuring a racing experience with actor Patrick Dempsey which sold for $22,000 and a lot from Buena Vista Winery that was sold twice for a total of $20,000. In addition, Buena Vista Winery owner Jean-Charles Boisset resold a lot from last year’s auction for an additional $10,000 which brought the total winery contribution to $30,000.

The 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Honorary Co-Chairs, were selected for their wine industry leadership and community service.  Honored this year were Margo and Don Van Staaveren, Chateau St. Jean as the Winery Co-Chairs and The Robert Young Family as the Grower Co-Chairs.

The auction ended with a celebratory post-auction party and special Founder’s Bar that offered ultra-premium and limited edition wines served by some of Sonoma’s legendary vintners.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, presented by Visa Signature®, included winery lunches, barbecues and dinner parties as well as the new Sonoma Starlight Supper Club at Francis Ford Coppola Winery sponsored by Kaiser Permanente this past Friday night, the elegant and unparalleled Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch on Saturday which sold out for the third year in a row, and culminated with the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean on Sunday afternoon sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak.

For those who could not attend the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction, yet would still like to participate in the charitable effort, an online auction of additional  lots, including many of Sonoma County’s finest large format wine bottles and exclusive experiences, is open for bidding through September 7, 2012 at http://www.biddingforgood.com/sonomawinecountryweekend.

About Sonoma Wine Country Weekend:

Produced in partnership by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and the Sonoma County Vintners, the 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend event features the Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch®, the Sonoma Starlight Supper Club at Francis Ford Coppola Winery sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the 20th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak, and an assortment of additional winery-hosted events throughout Sonoma County. www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com. Proceeds from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend support Sonoma County non-profit organizations. To date, a cumulative total of more than $11 million has been donated directly to Sonoma County non-profits by the local wine community through this event.

About 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sponsors and Beneficiaries

A partnership between Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is California’s premier wine, food and social event, taking place on Labor Day weekend each year. The events comprising Sonoma Wine Country Weekend have raised over $11 million in support of local charities that benefit students, children, farm workers and people in need.  The 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is presented by Visa Signature®.  In addition to Visa Signature, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend sponsors include: TricorBraun WinePak, MacMurray Ranch®, Buick, Cooking Light, Wine Spectator, San Francisco Magazine, Chateau St. Jean, Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Kaiser Permanente. For a complete list of beneficiaries and sponsors, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners

The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade 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. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501c.3 organization that has raised over $8,000,000 for local Sonoma Valley charities. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness 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 175 wineries of all sizes throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.

Don’t Miss The Mark.

You are invited to be a part of an exciting moment in Sonoma County’s marketing history…

Share in the excitement as an exciting new Sonoma County brand mark and advertising campaign are unveiled and learn how you can be a part of it.

Join us on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 3:00 PM Vintners Inn Conference Center, 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

RSVP: www.dontmissthemark.eventbrite.com

Presented by: Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, and Sonoma County Tourism Bureau

Sonoma County-based writer Rod Smith makes the case for Sonoma County in a range of subject areas including the food/dining scene, tasting room vibe, natural beauty, and accommodation options, and Napa-based writer Heather John is dispatched to do the same for Napa Valley. Depending on what is important to you as a wine region visitor, you can choose to weight some of the categories more heavily than others, but the general consensus here is that they did an outstanding job giving an accurate and realistic depiction of both regions.

Here is the article: http://www.sunset.com/m/travel/wine-country/napa-and-sonoma-face-off-00418000078101/

Cyclists explore the roads of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley.