SONOMA, CA (February 12, 2024) – The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (
SVVGA), an esteemed non-profit trade association representing over 100 wineries and 140 grape growers in Sonoma Valley, proudly announces the appointment of Ned Hill as the incoming President of the Board of Directors.
Ned Hill, an esteemed figure deeply rooted in Sonoma Valley’s agricultural heritage, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role. Born into a family entrenched in the valley’s farming legacy, Hill’s journey began when his parents, Steve and Gwen, moved to Sonoma in 1979 to cultivate some of the first grapes on the West side of the Valley. His formative years were spent in the vineyards, where he honed his craft alongside his father, eventually earning accolades such as the “Outstanding Fruit Science Graduate” from Cal Poly, SLO.
Reflecting on his lifelong commitment to Sonoma Valley, Hill remarked, “My upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the land and a passion for grape growing. “It’s an honor to return to the SVVGA Board where I served as President 20 years ago, leading initiatives aimed at strengthening our community. As we celebrate the bicentennial year of Sonoma Valley’s farming legacy, I am committed to advancing our region’s global reputation while staying true to our roots.”
In addition to his extensive involvement in community activism and leadership roles within the SVVGA, Hill co-founded La Prenda Vineyards Management Inc. with his wife Erika, overseeing the cultivation of nearly 900 acres across almost 30 properties in the area. Their commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in their diverse portfolio of wines, including labels such as Happy Wife, 95476, La Prenda, Sonoma Collection, Sonoma Cellars, and 5th Hill.
Additional officers include Vice President Bart Hansen of Dane Cellars; Treasurer Anne Moller Racke of Blue Farm Wines; and Secretary Mike Sangiacomo of Sangiacomo Vineyards.
The complete 2019 SVVGA board includes: Ned Hill, President – La Prenda Vineyards; Bart Hansen, Vice President – Dane Cellars; Anne Moller-Racke, Treasurer – Blue Farm Wines; Steve Sangiacomo, Secretary – Sangiacomo Vineyards, Sangiacomo Family Wines; Tom Rouse, outgoing President, Landmark Vineyards, Taylor Serres, Serres Ranch, Serres Family Wine; Tom Blackwood, Buena Vista Winery, Katie Bundschu, Gundlach Bundschu, Abbot’s Passage Winery & Mercantile; Jordan Kivelstadt, Kivelstadt Cellars; Ricky Young, Farella Braun + Martel; Justin Wilson, MacArthur Place Hotel; Francis Abella, Merrill Lynch The Gonzales Group.
About SVVGA
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit organization representing over 400 members united by a common mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and storied history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley encompasses six of Sonoma County’s seventeen American Viticulture Areas (AVAs): Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley. To learn more about the SVVGA, visit http://www.SonomaValleyWine.com or call 707-935-0803.
