Viticulture briefs: Anaba Wines starts construction on new facility

Kendall-Jackson expands rosé program nationally

Kendall-Jackson has launched its Vintner’s Reserve rosé program nationally after testing it out in select markets. The 2017 vintage will start shipping out to retail outlets across the country this month.

The biggest-selling brand for Jackson Family Wines of Santa Rosa, Kendall-Jackson is looking to capitalize on the rosé craze popular among younger consumers. The U.S. market represents 37 percent of all dollars spent worldwide on the rosé style, where its pink color comes from red grapes’ skins being allowed to macerate for a short period of time before the fruit is pressed.

“Rosé continues to be one of the hottest trends in wine, with a broad appeal,” Randy Ullom, Kendall-Jackson winemaster, said in a statement. “Some thought this trend would end, but it has shown no signs of slowing down. I’m thrilled that this quintessential California rosé allows us to introduce Kendall-Jackson to new consumers.”

The grapes from the vintage come from Santa Barbara, Monterey, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The wine is comprised of primarily of pinot noir grapes with some syrah and grenache.

Anaba Wines begins construction on new facility

Anaba Wines of Sonoma has broken ground on its new wine production and hospitality facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The project is located at 60 Bonneau Road - right near where highways 121 and 116 meet - and where the winery’s 120-year-old farmhouse still stands. The farmhouse, which serves as Anaba’s tasting room and administrative office, will remain as part of its new hospitality center.

“Even though everyone loves the old farmhouse, our dream was always to build a state-of-the-art production installation next to an elegant and inviting hospitality facility,” co-owner John Sweazey said in a statement.

The new 31,000-square-foot buildings will be powered by both solar and wind energy.

Burns joins Sonoma County Farm Bureau board

Pat Burns, general manager of vineyard operations for M. Draxton Wines of Healdsburg, has joined the board of directors for the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, the county’s largest agricultural organization.

Burns is in charge of grower relations and purchasing grapes for Draxton Wines. Previously, he served as vineyard manager for ?Bevill Vineyard Management for ?20 years.

He chairs the bureau’s labor and safety committee and also serves on its membership committee.

Tristan Benson, the chair of the Sonoma-Marin Young Farmers & Ranchers, also joined the board.

Compiled by Bill Swindell. Submit items to bill.swindell@pressdemocrat.com.