Innovators and Icons to Be Honored
SANTA ROSA, CA (March 7, 2019) – Presented by Sonoma County Vintners and celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction returns to MacMurray Estate Vineyards in Healdsburg on Friday, May 3, 2019. A new collection of “Never Before, Never Again Wines” from Sonoma County’s leading vintners and growers will be auctioned. This year four Innovators and Icons have been named and will be honored for their contributions to Sonoma County and the wine community at a private reception leading up to the auction.
“We are excited to celebrate our fifth year of the Sonoma County Barrel Auction,” said Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “Since its inception, our event continues to raise the bar and elevate awareness for Sonoma County’s world-class wines. We are grateful to be back at MacMurray Estate Vineyards, and our thanks and appreciation go to Kate MacMurray for her gracious hospitality and to the Gallo family for their support and commitment to our auction and to Sonoma County Vintners.”
The Sonoma County Barrel Auction has traditionally celebrated Sonoma County Icons, vintners who have shaped the heritage and history of Sonoma County winemaking. New this year, Sonoma County Vintners have added the category of Innovators to honor forward thinking visionaries in the Sonoma County wine community. They will be celebrated at a private reception to be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Seghesio Family Vineyards and at the Barrel Auction on May 3.
This year’s Innovators and Icons include:
The Duncan Family, Silver Oak Cellars, Alexander Valley
Innovator
Under the direction of David R. Duncan, President and CEO, Tim Duncan, Chief Revenue Officer, and his daughter Haley Duncan, LEED AP, the Duncan family together have achieved LEED Platinum Sustainability Certification, the highest level of certification, at Silver Oak Cellars, Alexander Valley. It is the first winery in the world to earn this certification under the category of Building Design and Construction. Globally recognized, LEED is the most widely used green building rating system. LEED buildings are known to save energy, water, resources, generate less waste and support human health.
Ron Rubin, Ron Rubin Winery
Innovator
After experiencing a rapid heartbeat ventricular tachycardia and being saved by a defibrillator, Ron Rubin made it his personal mission to pay it forward by launching the “Trained for Saving Lives” program. In collaboration with the American Red Cross and ZOLL Medical Corporation, Ron Rubin has covered the cost of one ZOLL® AED Plus® (Automated External Defibrillator) unit for over 100 Sonoma County wineries and expanded the program to include the entire North Coast, including: Napa, Solano, Lake, Marin and Mendocino Counties. To date, he has provided over 200 defibrillators throughout the entire North Coast.
Margo Van Staaveren, Chateau St. Jean
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Margo Van Staaveren celebrated her 38th harvest with Chateau St. Jean in 2018 and is the winery’s fourth winemaker. Upon joining the winery in 1980 as a lab tech, she worked her way up through various positions before becoming head winemaker in 2003. Margo was instrumental in helping create Cinq Cépages, a Sonoma County Bordeaux blend, which was awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator in 1999, the first Sonoma County winery to receive this prestigious distinction. Margo was recognized by Wine Enthusiast as Winemaker of the Year in 2008, the first female winemaker to receive this honor.
Rod Berglund, Joseph Swan Vineyards
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Rod Berglund of Joseph Swan Vineyards has been making wine for 40 years, 32 of those at Joseph Swan. His winemaking career began at La Crema Viñera (now La Crema) in 1979. When Joe Swan, his friend and mentor, asked him to help him finish the 1987 vintage, he joined him for what would become his final vintage. Joe became ill that winter and Rod gradually took over the day-to-day operations prior to Joe’s passing. Rod’s service and dedication to Sonoma County has spanned his entire career—from being one of the founding members of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers to acting as President of Wine Road to helping move forward Sonoma County conjunctive labeling.
The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind wine crafted specifically for licensed members of the trade. This year’s Auction lots will be announced in March. Trade registration for the 2019 Sonoma County Barrel Auction is by invitation only and open now. To learn more visit: SonomaWine.com/BarrelAuction or contact info@sonomawine.com.
The funds raised at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction support Sonoma County Vintners marketing initiatives and the county’s 18 diverse growing regions.
About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Sonoma County Vintners represents over 200 wineries throughout the county. We actively promote Sonoma County through our educational programming; advocate for our vintners at local, state and federal levels; and contribute to our local communities through our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, our annual fundraiser, has raised over $30 million benefitting non-profit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit sonomawine.com.
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About MacMurray Estate Vineyards
With estate vineyards in some of the world’s most sought-after Pinot Noir regions, MacMurray Estate Vineyards crafts an award-winning collection of Pinot Noir and cool-climate white wines. The winery’s namesake Russian River Valley vineyard, MacMurray Estate, was once owned by actor Fred MacMurray, who purchased the land in 1941. Today, the winemakers at MacMurray Estate Vineyards are dedicated to Pinot Noir, overseeing everything from rootstock selection to barrel aging, to craft the winery’s signature varietal. The result is a portfolio of wines that illuminates the unique, nuanced flavors of each estate vineyard. Learn more at MacMurrayEstateVineyards.com.
