AYA’s Excellent Wine Program

Discover AYA at Graton Resort & Casino, a new rooftop restaurant showcasing Sonoma County’s local ingredients, wines, farmers and culinary talent.

A Sicilian White in Sonoma County

Sonoma County winemakers are embracing Grillo, a crisp Sicilian white wine grape thriving in Dry Creek Valley. Learn why this rare variety is one to watch.

Flowers and Farmers at the Sonoma County Fair

Opening day of the Sonoma County Fair is Thursday, August 7 but just the day before from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm is a flower show preview party called Floral Fandango, A Global Celebration.

Smaller crop and exceptional fruit quality point to a promising 2026 vintage

The Sonoma County winegrape harvest has begun in what may be the earliest start in the region's history. While weather conditions from the past winter through mid-summer are expected to result in one of the lightest harvests in recent years, healthy vines and lower crop loads are setting the stage for a vintage with exceptional concentration, structure, and character.

The growing season got off to an early start with above-average temperatures in early March. This was followed by cool, windy, and rainy weather during bloom that reduced yields in many vineyards.  As the season progressed, moderate summer temperatures, ample soil moisture, and strong canopy growth have created favorable conditions across the county. With harvest having already started in some regions, several weeks earlier than last year, growers are anticipating another outstanding Sonoma County vintage.

"The 2026 harvest is off to an encouraging start, but the real story is the people behind it," said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. "Even in a challenging marketplace, Sonoma County growers continue to do what they have always done. They invest in their vineyards, work with their employees to produce exceptional winegrapes, and look ahead with optimism. This is the earliest harvest I've experienced during my time with Sonoma County Winegrowers. We believe this smaller harvest will help bring supply and demand into better balance and strengthen the long-term outlook for Sonoma County growers, wineries, and the region."

Alexander Valley

“This season jumped up and got started early with unseasonable warm days in early March,” said Bret Munselle, owner and general manager of Munselle Vineyards.  “From there we had some April and May rains that have really kept the vines looking good and healthy.  The summer season has been relatively cool and made for a great growing season, but the crop load on most reds and the Sauvignon Blancs in Alexander Valley are light.  Early estimates, for most of our Cab blocks, are around 50-60% of our historic averages. It continues to look like we will be 3-4 weeks ahead of last year with our harvest.”

Dry Creek Valley

“The quality should be excellent in 2026,” said Tyler Klick, partner at Redwood Empire Vineyard Management and Board Chair of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  “The growing season started early with warm temperatures in March, then an abundance of rain and cool weather in April, followed by moderate summer temperatures.  We have healthy vine growth and a light crop.  The harvest will start early and ripen quickly.”

Sonoma Valley

“The 2026 growing season has presented its share of challenges, particularly during bloom with periods of wind, rain, and cool weather that led to some shatter and reduced crop loads, overall vineyard health has been exceptional,” said Taylor Serres, company director at Serres Ranch.  “Mild temperatures, ample soil moisture, and strong canopy growth have created favorable conditions throughout the season. Berry size is slightly smaller than average, which is often associated with greater concentration and quality in the finished wines. We are optimistic that the combination of the growing conditions, reduced yields, and strong fruit development will result in wines with excellent flavor concentration, structure, and aging potential.”

Russian River Valley

"The growing season has been ahead of schedule since early spring budbreak, with warm March temperatures putting us about three weeks ahead of last year," said Mark Sanchietti, owner of Sanchietti Farming, Inc. "While we haven't harvested any grapes yet, we're anticipating harvest could begin as early as the last week of July or the first week of August. An earlier start should give growers the opportunity to move through harvest more methodically, allowing fruit to be picked at its optimal maturity."

Carneros

“We are tracking early like the rest of Sonoma County, yields will be on the light side,” said Steve Sangiacomo, managing partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Board Vice Chair of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “The mild summer has led to a favorable growing season so far.  We are excited for this vintage, especially with great vine health heading to the finish line.”

Semillon in Sonoma County

Discover the enduring legacy of Bodega's Casino Bar & Grill, where community, history, and hospitality have defined Sonoma County since 1949.Explore the rich history of Semillon in Sonoma County, featuring historic vineyards, pioneering winemakers, and the revival of this age-worthy white grape.

We’re excited to invite young professionals to our GenNow Social! Join fellow professionals from Sonoma County’s agriculture, viticulture, wine, and hospitality industries for an evening of networking, conversation, and community.

Hosted at the Sonoma County Winegrowers' office, this is a great opportunity to connect with peers, expand your network, and meet others who are passionate about our local industry. We’ll provide the Sonoma County wine and light appetizers; you bring the conversation!

If you're interested in attending, please RSVP below, and feel free to share this invitation with others in your network.

RSVP here.

Honors Presented at Sonoma County Winegrowers Annual BBQ

As preparations for the start of the winegrape harvest get underway, Sonoma County winegrape growers gathered today for their annual BBQ to celebrate the season ahead and to honor two outstanding leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen the region's reputation for excellence in winegrowing and sustainability.

The 2026 Viticulture Award of Excellence was presented to the Mauritson family, who have farmed in Sonoma County for more than 150 years.  The 2026 Sustainable Winery Award was presented to Foley Family Wines & Spirits, one of the wine industry’s leading family-owned wine companies. 

“These awards celebrate the people and organizations that represent the very best of Sonoma County agriculture and wine,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “From the Mauritson family’s six generations of farming excellence to Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and community impact, these honorees demonstrate that exceptional wines begin with exceptional stewardship. Their leadership continues to strengthen Sonoma County’s reputation as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions.”

The Mauritson family first established roots in Dry Creek Valley in 1868.  Since then, they have helped shape Sonoma County's reputation for premium winegrapes through exceptional farming, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the land, qualities that embody the spirit of the Viticulture Award of Excellence. Today, the Mauritson family continues their stewardship of 300 acres of vineyards across Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Rockpile growing regions.

“We are honored to receive the 2026 Viticulture Award of Excellence. For six generations, we've farmed in Sonoma County and are grateful for this recognition of our commitment to responsible land stewardship and our community,” said Cam Mauritson, Managing Partner.

The Sustainable Winery Award, presented to Foley Family Wines & Spirits, recognizes the company for its commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices, support of agricultural workers and their families, investment in workforce development, and its dedication to strengthening communities throughout Sonoma County. Through the company’s philanthropy, community leadership, and ongoing support of programs that create opportunity and build resilience, Foley Family Wines & Spirits has helped advance a more sustainable future for Sonoma County agriculture.

“What an honor it is for Foley Family Wines & Spirits to be recognized by Sonoma County Winegrowers through its Sustainable Winery/Producer Award,” said Courtney Foley, Executive Vice President. She added, “This award is a testament to the dedication of our teammates, who continue to advance our sustainability efforts while supporting the people and places that make Sonoma County so special. My family is deeply committed to Sonoma County and is proud to give back to a community that has given us so much.”

Presented annually, the Sonoma County Winegrowers industry awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainability continue to advance the region's reputation for world-class winegrowing while ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture for generations to come.

Soho House Coming to Sonoma Valley

After decades in the making, Soho Ranch House Sonoma is coming to Kenwood. Explore the project's history, amenities, and its potential impact on Sonoma Valley.

New ‘Sonoma County Wine’ Promotion Effort to Launch in 2027

The success of Sonoma County’s wine community depends on the success of its growers and wineries. Recognizing that today's challenges also present an opportunity to build a stronger future, Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) and Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) today announced the alignment of their winery membership programs to strengthen collaboration and create a more unified voice for Sonoma County wine.

Today’s announcement follows months of meetings by a wine industry task force established by the boards of SCW and SCV to explore how best to serve the local wine community, improve efficiencies and eliminate duplication of programs.  The findings of a survey of nearly 100 local vintners helped provide direction to the task force as a clear majority of vintners “supported” or “strongly supported” exploring integration of the two organizations memberships to provide a more unified voice for Sonoma County.  Both boards have approved the strategic path forward.  

“The response we received from our members to integrate into a single organization was overwhelmingly positive.  This new effort should greatly help in promoting Sonoma County wines, increase visitation to Sonoma County wineries and grow direct-to-consumer sales,” said Prema Kerollis, co-founder and president of Three Sticks Wines and chair of the Sonoma County Vintners board of directors.  She added, “While there were some big decisions that had to be made, it was abundantly clear that the Sonoma County wine community is better together.”

Specifically, SCV will merge with SCW's Winery Collaborative to create a new Sonoma County Wine membership for wineries beginning in 2027.

SCW's Winery Collaborative focuses on expanding market opportunities for Sonoma County wines through national marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships, and innovative, non-traditional marketing channels. SCV actively promotes Sonoma County wineries through educational programming, regional and international marketing initiatives, and services that help strengthen winery visibility and business success.

Together, the new Sonoma County Wine membership will provide wineries with a more comprehensive suite of marketing opportunities, educational resources, strategic partnerships, and industry collaboration under a single membership.

“Our goal is simple: to ensure Sonoma County remains one of the most respected and competitive wine regions in the world,” said Emilie Eliason, interim executive director of Sonoma County Vintners.  She added, “This is an exciting proactive, strategic approach to combat the challenges ahead together to drive demand for our wines and elevate the region.”

Both organizations emphasized that the new direction reflects a shared commitment to long-term sustainability, both economically and structurally, for the Sonoma County wine industry. 

“Facing the realities of today’s market, our growers and vintners came together with a single purpose to explore merging resources to strengthen our efforts and speak with one unmistakable voice for Sonoma County wine,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “This is a natural evolution given today’s global challenges and the result will make our efforts to promote the Sonoma County wine region more effective.”

The Sonoma County Winegrowers, which represents approximately 1,800 grape growers,  is a state marketing commission established by a vote of winegrape growers and funded by grower assessments while the Sonoma County Vintners, representing the region’s wineries,  is a voluntary trade association that is funded by membership dues paid by wineries. 

“This is an exciting new chapter for our industry.  Unification makes sense and has the potential to benefit the entire wine region while securing the future for wine in Sonoma County,” said Bret Munselle, a fifth-generation winegrower with Munselle Vineyards and chairman of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. 

FAQ's Linked Here

The Rich History of Tzabaco Rancho Vineyards

Explore the 170-year history of Tzabaco Rancho Vineyards, a multigenerational Dry Creek Valley winegrape farm rooted in Sonoma County heritage.