Viticulture briefs
Published: Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 4:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, March 1, 2013 at 8:22 p.m.
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend distributes $483,500 to nonprofits
A total of $483,500 in proceeds from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, the annual Labor Day wine and food events produced by the Sonoma County Vintners and the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance, was distributed last week to 32 Sonoma County beneficiaries.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County received grants that totaled $264,000. The remainder was disbursed to local organizations across Sonoma County.
“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,” Dan Goldfield, president of Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, said in a statement.
Keller named marketing chair of Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance
Ana Keller has joined the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance as marketing chair. She has served at the helm of Keller Estate Winery since the family-run business turned from vineyard to winery in 2000.
Keller, a biochemist by training, joined the winery with the goal of producing distinctive wines that express the terroir of the family’s vineyards on Lakeville Highway in the Petaluma Gap.
“I am thrilled to join the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance so that together we can build a strong winegrowing region that continues to gain national and international recognition,” Keller said. Keller can be reached at AKeller@kellerestate.com.
Hunter named co-chair of Wine Caucus
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, was named the new co-chair of the congressional wine caucus. The news was announced by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, co-chair of the congressional wine caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group of 150 members of Congress who advocate on behalf of America’s vintners and winegrape growers.
“Congressman Hunter is an excellent choice for Wine Caucus co-chair,” said Bobby Koch, CEO of Wine Institute. “Because his district is home to many wineries and growers in Southern California, he knows firsthand of the important contributions of wine and he will be a terrific advocate.”
The U.S. wine industry has an estimated economic impact of $162 billion on the U.S. economy each year and creates an equivalent of 1.1 million full-time jobs, Wine Institute said in a statement.
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