Tag: Sonoma

Sonoma County Tourism Unveils “Wine Country for All of Us”

Sonoma County Tourism an industry leader in destination stewardship announces its new initiative, “Wine Country for All of Us,” a thoughtful and deliberate commitment to fostering belonging among visitors and residents. Grounded in Sonoma County’s long-standing dedication to inclusivity, the initiative celebrates the region’s diverse history and invites everyone to experience Wine Country through their own lens.

Through the decades, the area has become a haven for visitors and local residents seeking connected communities and genuine acceptance. From the LGBTQ+ pioneers who found refuge in Guerneville’s redwoods to the multi-generational immigrant families who shaped the wine and agriculture industries to a collective of women’s history activists who began efforts that became Women’s History Month, Sonoma County’s culture reflects a deep-rooted tradition of advocating for, welcoming and celebrating individuals from all walks of life.

Sonoma County Tourism is further reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity by pursuing a new partnership with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessibility travel experiences, to enhance accessibility and create more inclusive travel experiences. The region is in the beginning stages of seeking “Destination Verified” status, which will provide visitors with access to necessary information regarding accessibility options, ensuring their needs are fulfilled before, during, and after their trip. Additional affiliations with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kind Traveler, and Leave No Trace help solidify the region’s philosophy of stewarding the environment and encouraging visitors to respect and care for the county’s natural splendor and habitat. Training classes and resources provided by SCT’s Accredited Hospitality Professionals (AHP) program will also continue to equip local businesses with tools to further foster inclusivity and create environments where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Brian Marchi, Chair of Sonoma County Tourism’s Board of Directors, remarked, “Sonoma County has always been a place where creativity and inclusivity thrive. ‘Wine Country for All of Us’ builds on that legacy, ensuring every visitor feels seen and celebrated while enriching the community. This initiative is a testament to our shared values and a meaningful step toward a more connected, welcoming future.”

The initiative will be supported by a dynamic and upcoming integrated marketing campaign, “This is Wine Country”, which will expand perceptions of the region and invite travelers to discover Sonoma County’s unexpected treasures. The campaign underscores SCT’s authentic, purpose-driven travel ethos, showcasing unique wine country experiences, including redwood hikes, coastal adventures, encounters with local artisans, culinary innovation, and more.

As Sonoma County Tourism looks ahead, “Wine Country for All of Us” serves as a guiding principle, reinforcing the region’s commitment to the belief that travel can inspire deeper understanding and connection. With a history steeped in inclusivity and a future focused on equity and accessibility, Sonoma County Tourism is leading the way in creating a destination where Life Opens Up — for all.

The Top Ten Winegrowers in Sonoma, California by Acreage

A Wine Business Monthly survey indicates Jackson Family Wines grows the most grapes in Sonoma County, followed by E&J Gallo. Other top growers include the pension fund owned by TIAA-CREF, Treasury Wine Estates and Rodney Strong Vineyards.

The survey was completed by phone, email, and analysis of Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner records and other public databases. Growers in the survey noted that planted vineyard acreage is bound to change as they pull vines or replant.

Tony Correia, president of The Correia Co., also expects to see new vineyard transactions. Some may be driven by the lack of family succession planning or “just plain owner fatigue” due to challenges property owners face, including; weather, regulations and a slowing wine market. Correia also predicts that larger wineries may decide to liquidate vineyards to improve financial performance.

Vineyard pricing in Sonoma, like in Napa, is either flat or up while prices in California’s other wine regions are down, according to Ciatti’s presentation during Wine Business Monthly’s Vineyard Economics Symposium (VES) in May.

Correia, who also spoke at VES, stated the average cost for prime vineyards in Russian River Valley or the Sonoma Coast runs between $175,000 and $180,000 per acre.

For a full list of the Top 100 Growers in Sonoma County, check out the July 2019 issue of Wine Business Monthly.

1. Jackson Family Wines, 3,700 acres
The Jackson family owns 3,700 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company.

2. E&J Gallo, 3,665 acres
The biggest winery in the world owns 3,665 planted vineyard acres in Sonoma County, according to the company.

3. TIAA/Silverado Investment Management Group, 2,000 acres
TIAA/SIMCO has about 2,000 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company.

4. Treasury Wine Estates, 1,375 acres
Treasury Wine Estates owns about 1,375 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company.

5. Rodney Strong Vineyards, 1,369 acres
Rodney Strong owns about 1,369 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company.

6. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards, 1,285 acres
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery owns 1,285 planted vineyard acres in Sonoma County, according to the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s database.

7. Constellation Brands, 1,150 acres*
Constellation Brands owns about 1,150 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s database and other public records.

8. Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, 1,128 acres
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards owns about 1,128 planted vineyard acres in Sonoma County, according to the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s public database.

9. Foley Family Wines, 1,100 acres
The Foley family owns about 1,100 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company. The vineyards include Roth, Foley Sonoma, Chalk Hill, Sebastiani, and Lancaster Estate.

10. Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, 1,100 acres
Sangiacomo Family Vineyards owns about 1,100 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company. The family also leases another 500 acres in the county.

Source: Wine Business