2011 Annual Report - Russian River Valley Winegrowers

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY WINEGROWERS
2011 Officers, Directors & Staff
PRESIDENT
Nick Leras
Nick Leras Vineyards
phone: 546-5910 Fax: 568-7682
President, Grower – 3rd Term: 20102012
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
John Holdredge
Holdredge Wines
Phone: 431-1424 Fax: 431-1404
At-Large, Winery – 1st Term: 2009-2011
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Randy Luginbill
Silverado Sonoma Vineyards, LLC
Phone: 253-1776 Fax: 253-0135
Grower – 1st Term: 2009-2011
SECRE TARY
Carol Kozlowski-Every
Kozlowski Farms
phone: 887-1587 Fax: 887-9650
Grower 3rd Term 2009-2011
TREASURER
Saralee McClelland Kunde
Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vyd.
Phone: 546-3276 Fax: 546-3277
Appointed Treasurer – Past President
DIREC TORS
Armon Azevedo
Wilbur-Ellis Co
Phone: 473-4410 Fax: 473-4411
Other – 2nd Term: 2009-2011
Nicole Bacigalupi
John Tyler Wines
Phone: 473.0123 Fax: 473-0123
Winery – 1st Term: 2011-2013
Rod Berglund
Joseph Swan Vineyards
Phone: 573-3747 Fax: 575-1605
Winery/Past President – 2nd Term:
2010-2012
Percy Brandon
Vintners Inn/John Ash & Co.
Phone: 575-7350 Fax: 755-1426
Restaurateur (appointed) - 1st Term:
2011-2013
Guy Davis
Davis Family Vineyards
phone: 433-3858 Fax: 433-3889
Winery – 2nd Term: 2010-2012
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Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs • 2011 annual RepoRT
Chris Donatiello
C. Donatiello Winery
phone: 431-4412 Fax: 829-5942
At-Large, Winery – 1st Term: 2010-2012
Steve Dutton
Dutton Brothers Farming & Dutton
Ranch
phone: 823-0448 Fax: 829-5942
Past President, Grower – 3rd Term:
2009-2011
Alex Klein
American AgCredit
Phone: 545-7100 Fax: 545-7200
Bank (Appointed) – 1st Term: 2010-2012
Lee Martinelli Jr.
Martinelli Farms, Inc.
phone: 527-8746 Fax: 527-5008
Grower/Past President – 3rd Term:
2011-2013
Mark McWilliams
Arista Winery
Phone: 473-0606 Fax: 473-0635
Winery – 1st Term: 2011-2013
Valerie Wathen
Dutton-Goldfield Winery
phone: 823-3887 Fax: 829-6766
Past President, Winery – 2nd Term:
2010-2012
PAST DIREC TORS
Don Brown
Kristen Thigpen
al Rago
louis Foppiano
Don stiling
Judy Jordan
Warren Dutton
Paul Novak
Anne Giere
Rod Berglund
Kirk Lokka
Saralee McClelland Kunde
Michael Hirschberg
Peter Fanucchi
Mark DeVincenzi
John Windham
Bob Cabral
Ellen Mack
Bill Nachbaur
Donna Bernheim
Kristi Mohar
Merry Edwards
gina gallo
Jim pratt
Dan Berman
Lee Martinelli
1996-1997
1996-1997
1997-1998
1996-1998
1998-2000
1996-2001
1996-2001
1996-2001
1995-2002
1995-2003
1995-2004
1995-2004
2002-2004
1995-2005
2001-2005
2003-2005
2001-2006
2001-2006
2004-2006
2005-2006
2005-2006
2002-2007
2000-2008
2006-2008
2007-2009
2009-2010
PAST PRESIDENTS
Bob Cabral
Williams Selyem
Kirk Lokka
Emeritus Vineyards
Merry Edwards
Merry Edwards Wines
SC WC bOARD LIAISON
Vicki Michalczyk
phone: 829-2185 Fax: 829-0119
PROJEC T & OFFICE MANAGER/
MARKE TING COORDINATOR
Shannon Wesley
phone: 521-2534 Fax: 528-8633
Russian River Valley Winegrowers
P.O. Box 16, Fulton, California 95439-0016
phone: 707-521-2534 • Fax: 707-528-8633
E-mail: info@rrvw.org
Web site: www.rrvw.org
THE STATE OF THE UNION
President’s Report
DEAR RRVW MEMBERS,
The Russian River Valley continues to be an internationally
recognized region. As 2011 President of the Board of
Directors, I honestly believe that a driving force behind this
fact is the commitment and perseverance of not only this
organization, but more importantly the members that stand
behind and support it.
Last year we said, “Yes we can.” Now, one year later we
are saying, “Yes we did.” As we all know, 2011 proved to
be another challenging year, both fiscally and due to
the whims of Mother Nature. However, the grapes and
wines from this region continue to receive top acclaim
and it could be argued that our Pinot Noirs are second to
none. Looking forward, we will continue our Pinot Noir
focus, but will also begin to position our other varietals,
specifically Chardonnay, as distinct and unique Russian
River Valley treasures. We all know that the Russian River Valley produces regionally distinctive
Chardonnay. Now is the time for us to ensure that the consumer knows this as well. As stated
in our Core Messages, ultimately we’ll expect consumers to ask not for a “Chardonnay” but for
a “Russian River Valley Chardonnay.”
Our detailed Marketing Report follows, but I’d like to say a few words about two events:
In 2011, our Single Vineyard Night event was held at the beautiful Thomas George Estates,
whom we’d like to thank for generously offering their facility. Again, Mother Nature toyed
with us and provided some unwanted weather, but despite that, all those in attendance had
a fantastic time. Our Millennial Council again worked hard to ensure the success of this event.
We were able to bring our members a core audience of young adults while keeping the event
cost neutral for RRVW.
Grape to Glass was very much a success in 2011, and we were thrilled to report an increase
in attendance (with over 40% of attendees from outside Sonoma County) as well as income.
With a streamlined event focused on our Pre-Harvest BBQ, we were able to keep costs down
while still providing attendees with a unique and memorable experience in the Russian River
Valley, ultimately resulting in a successful fundraising effort for RRVW.
In 2011 we held two Membership meetings at which we asked our members to complete
a survey. The purpose of this was to really begin to re-connect with our members – find
out what they like, don’t like, feel we should or should not do. Our Board took this initiative
seriously and has met multiple times to discuss the results and begin to target the areas that
we can improve upon in the year to come. We welcome continued feedback and suggestions
from our valued members, for if we didn’t have the members, we wouldn’t be an organization.
You, the membership, are integral to the continued success of RRVW.
NICK LERAS
2011 annual RepoRT • Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs
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Marketing Report
By Valerie Wathen, Marketing Committee Chair
Our marketing activities for 2011 brought us
new consumer ambassadors to RRVW, expanded
awareness with millennials, national exposure
with our advertising, and increased the worldwide reputation of Russian River Valley.
Grape to Glass
The big hit for 2011, both in terms of attendance and
income, was Grape to Glass. The event was retooled and
streamlined to focus on the Saturday night “Hog in the Fog”
pre-harvest party, while wineries were encouraged to put on
their own events during the days Saturday and Sunday. The
afternoon started with our wine garden reception, with the
addition of a “farmer’s market” of produce and artists adding
their wares to the festivities, and giving our guests more of
the flavor of the area
and all the pieces
that make Russian
River Valley unique
and special. After the
tasting, another new
addition was bringing
in Sebastopol BBQ
guru Larry Vito of
Smokehouse Bistro &
Catering to prepare our
dinner. Of course, the
traditional apple pies
were also served after dinner, before local band Urban Oasis
took to the stage for a fun ending to the evening of dancing.
Our live auction was also pared down this year, with fewer
lots competing for pocketbooks. All in all, the changes were
very successful and resulted in one of our best Grape to Glass
events in years, with over 750 people in attendance, and 40%
coming from outside Sonoma County.
A big thank you to the Grape to Glass/Hog in the Fog committee
for putting on such a wonderful event:
Steve Dutton/Dutton Ranch
Saralee McClelland Kunde - Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s
Vineyard
Carol Kozlowski-Every- Kozlowski Farms
Armon Azevedo - Wilbur Ellis
Larry Vito - BBQ Smokehouse Bistro & Catering
Nick Leras - Leras Family Vineyard
Percy Brandon - Vintners Inn & John Ash & Co.
Leda Stelling
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Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs • 2011 annual RepoRT
A Special Thank You to the following for their donations of time,
goods and services:
Above the Vineyards Embroidery - Vina Leras
Andy’s Produce
BBQ Smokehouse Catering
Brian Rose, auctioneer
Casual Catering - Larry Pietrobon
Dutton Ranch
El Molino High School Soccer Team
Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc.
Kozlowski Farms
La Tortilla Factory
Lion’s Pride
Martinelli Farms - Pam and Lee Martinelli
Mike’s Produce Truck Garden, Fulton
Petaluma Poultry Processors
Redwood Hill Farms
Rose Valley Chapter #33
Russian River Valley Girls
Saralee & Richard Kunde
Seghesio Winery
Skikos Trucking
Sonoma County 4-H All Stars
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
Spring Hill Jersey Cheese
Village Bakery
Single Vineyard Night
In June, our Single-Vineyard Night was held at Thomas
George Estates, who graciously offered their caves for the
event. While unexpected rain dampened last-minute ticket
sales a bit, those in attendance had a great time, and we once
again turned on a new audience of our future best customers
to Russian River Valley and our single-vineyard wines, and
gave them an opportunity to meet the growers behind
the wines. The
Millennial Council
did a great job
bringing in
donations to keep
this important
branding event
cost-neutral to the
organization.
Wine Spectator Media
Partnership
to begin positioning our other
varietals, importantly Chardonnay,
as distinct and unique RRV gems,
and this tasting is a step toward
building that standing.
In the advertising world, we
partnered with Wine Spectator for
2011, and ran three full-page color
ads with them, and also received
For events, we’ll again be
space at their off-site events as part
holding our signature Grape
of our media partnership. Twentyto Glass event to bring wine
two of our winery members shared
consumers here to RRV in August,
in this opportunity, with 7-9 bottles
as well as targeting the millennial
of Russian River Valley Wine proudly
audience with our Single-Vineyard
displayed to the 3.2 million wine
Night event. For SVN, this year
connoisseurs who read this magazine.
we’re taking RRV to them, and
Our Russian River Valley seminar
will be having the event in San
and “wine garden” at the SF Chefs
Francisco, for a fun and hugely
One of the three full-page ads placed in Wine
event gave the appellation incredible
successful night in the city. New
Spectator in 2011.
exposure. In its third year, the festival
this year, based on feedback from
garnered over 450 million publicity,
our winery members, we are
marketing and advertising impressions and welcomed over
launching a Russian River Passport Weekend, which will drive
7,500 visitors. SF Chefs 2011 raised over $55,000 for the
traffic to tasting rooms and give wineries new customers
Golden Gate Restaurant Association Scholarship Foundation,
and sales. This is an idea that has worked very successfully
which will fund scholarships for aspiring chefs and Meals on
in many other appellations, so we thought it was time for
Wheels of San Francisco. In November, ten of our members
Russian River Valley to host our own.
took RRVW on the road to Chicago for the LuxeHome Chill
Continuing our national branding campaign, we’ll keep
event that was another piece of our package.
RRV in the wine readers focus with our advertising campaign
of full-page advertisements, and offer our members
opportunities to be included in the
package. Our media partner and
package hasn’t been finalized as
of this writing, but we’re working
hard to maximize the value and
effectiveness of our partnership.
The Crab is back
In an attempt to refill our coffers a bit, we brought back the
Crab Fest in March as a fundraising effort after its year hiatus.
Unfortunately, the event wasn’t successful, and we have
eliminated it from our future marketing plans.
Looking to 2012
We’re very excited as we look forward to 2012, and have
many wonderful programs planned for the year and beyond.
Starting in March, we’ll be holding our media tasting, with
a focus on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, plus Chardonnay.
Part of our core messages, which finely focus on what
separates Russian River Valley from other appellations, was
Lastly, we’re very excited about
our planned Russian River Valley
Pinot Classic event, which we
mentioned at our 2011 Harvest
Wrap-up Party. In order to make
this first year’s event excellent,
we’ve decided to launch the
event in 2013, giving us sufficient
time to put together all the
pieces for a truly world-class
branding event. Look for more
details as the year unfolds,
but expect an amazing event
that will elevate the region
to new heights and give us
extraordinary exposure and
recognition, lifting all wineries
and growers in Russian River
In 2011 RRVW revised the Russian River
Valley.
Valley Guide to a map format.
2011 annual RepoRT • Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs
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2011 REPORT
RRVW Harvest Report
Contributors: Mike Sullivan, Rod Berglund, Mark Sanchietti,
Nick Leras, and Lee Martinelli Jr.
Leading up to Harvest
The growing season during 2011 started later than “normal.”
Of course, we are not sure what normal is! We had spring rains
that kept coming into the months of May and June making it
necessary to open up the canopies as soon as possible to help
keep disease pressure down and to promote fruitfulness. These
rains also brought cooler temps at the time when the grapevines
were blooming (May and June) which caused shatter. Shatter
is the term used to describe the effect of missing berries on a
cluster of grapes. The cold weather disrupts the formation of the
pollen tube per individual berry causing the berry to not develop
and fall off. This is Mother Nature’s way of crop thinning and it can
be a blessing in some cases, but usually it is not.
The cool temps also caused 2011 to be one of the latest
vintages yet. Nobody thought that we could have broken the
record of the 2010 vintage so soon but we did. 2011 ended up
being later than 2010 by almost two weeks! That’s about a month
off of “normal”.
The cool growing conditions leading up to harvest were fairly
easy to deal with in 2011, especially when compared to 2010,
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Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs • 2011 annual RepoRT
which brought us cool temps with lots of drippy fog followed by
three days of 100 degrees in August. This year we were lucky not
to get huge amounts of the drippy fog and heat spikes which
meant that we didn’t have to spend time and money removing
sun burned berries from the bunches.
Most of the grapes that were on the vine during 2011 matured
at a nice, slow pace and retained more of their natural acid than
previous years. The only worry was that harvest didn’t start until
about 30 days later than “normal”. The writing was on the wall
-Look out for harvest rain!
Harvest Conditions
After much anticipation, harvest got underway and even with
the late start the weather remained cooperative. As a grower, it
is very hard to be patient and calm when all of your hard work
for the year is still hanging outside on the vine at a very late date.
Once the harvest gets underway things start to get more relaxing
as long as the weather holds out.
The 2011 harvest went smoothly in the beginning. There were
no sunburned berries to sort through, to speak of, especially
compared to last year. Most
of the earlier varieties were
picked with much anticipation
as to how great the resulting
wine would be. Some of the
later varieties, like Zinfandel
and Syrah, were not 100%
picked by the time the rain
came.
Rain is one of the biggest
challenges in growing grapes
and making wine. There is only
so much that can be done to
offset the effects of rain during
harvest, especially when there
are several substantial rain
events as in 2011. In some
cases growers started calling
wineries and in other cases
wineries started calling growers – everyone wanted to get the
fruit in. There was no more time to wait and the fruit had more
acid than usual with great structure and balance – and most
importantly flavors were there.
Fruit at Harvest
Winemakers wanted to pick more by flavor and not as much
by the numbers. The numbers showed higher acids and lower
pHs with lower sugars than usual but the wineries wanted to pick
because the fruit had well developed flavors. The fruit that made
it into the wineries before the rain was clean. Botrytis was only a
factor after the rain – especially after the second rain event. Then
another shot of rain and some of the later varieties in the RRV, like
Zinfandel and Syrah, that were still on the vine began to show
botrytis and grey mold. When it finally came time to pick these
blocks it was done very carefully and with much cooperation
between the grower and winery. Winemakers look at their blocks
with the grower to determine the best way to go about selecting
and picking the best fruit from the vines. This vintage gave us
more acid at harvest with brighter fruit flavors and winemakers
are excited about the 2011 RRV fruit.
Juice in the Cellar
The long hang time and cool growing season produced Pinot
Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah with dark color and fine tannin. Pinot
Noir has striking floral notes and bright and delineated aromatics.
Zinfandel has good weight and density but at dramatically
reduced final alcohols compared to warmer vintages. The long,
cool season also resulted in long hang time for Chardonnay
and Sauvignon Blanc grapes which produced wines with crisp
acidities and expressive aromatic complexity. Chardonnay grapes
had remarkably low pH at harvest producing wines with bright
and complex flavors. Winemakers are very excited about the
young 2011 wines.
2011 annual RepoRT • Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs
79
Financial Report
By Alex Klein, Chair
INCOME
EXPENSES
• Grape to Glass: The RRVW’s major annual fundraiser
exceeded expectations in 2011. This event generated gross
revenues of $84,190 in 2011 versus a budgeted amount of
$60,000. The gross amount compares to $79,518 in 2010 and
$109,772 in 2009. Expenses in 2011 totaled $45,025 for a net
income of $39,165. This compares to a net income of $17,938
in 2010 and $51,297 in 2009. Grape to glass has always been
the major source of funding for the RRVW after member dues.
• Membership Dues: Membership dues were slightly above
projections and totaled $179,691. However, this was down
slightly from the previous year’s which totaled $194,483 in
2010 and $185,988 in 2009.
• Wine Spectator Marketing Partnership: This marketing
initiative gives the Russian River Valley important visibility
in The Wine Spectator Magazine. This was the first year that
the RRVW partnered with The Wine Spectator. Revenues
generated in this category are from Russian River Valley
wineries and grapegrowers, which provide funds to
participate in special joint marketing programs with the
RRVW and The Wine Spectator Magazine. These funds
generally offset a majority of the RRVW’s costs. Gross revenues
amounted to $77,500. Expenses totaled $76,747, resulting in a
net increase in funds to the RRVW of $753. This compares to a
deficit in funds or a cost to the Association of $24,499 for the
Food and Wine Marketing Partnership in 2010 which included
a grant from the SCWC.
• Single Vineyard Night: The 2011 Single Vineyard Night
was the second year for this event targeting the millennial
consumers. It was run under the direction of the millennial
council. The event income totaled $14,604 with offsetting
expenses of $13,853 for a net income in the second year of
$751.
• The Crab is Back: The Association revived this event in 2011
after discontinuing it in 2010. The event generated gross
income of $26,485 and had offsetting expenses of $27,879
for a cost to the Association of $1,394. This compares to a net
income of $21,266 in 2009 and $19,789 in 2008.
• RRVW Manager: This is a full-time employee position held by
Shannon Wesley who began working for the Association in
June of 2011. Shannon oversees the day to day management
of the RRVW as well as marketing duties assigned. Prior
to June 2011 the Association had two full time people, a
marketing manager and an office manager.
• Project Coordinator: The association previously hired a
contracted position as a project coordinator. They were
responsible for execution of Grape to Glass and Single Vineyard
Night. This was a separate category under expenses. The
Association in 2011 utilized a project coordinator for Grape to
Glass for which the expense was included in the total expenses.
• Employee Expenses: These represent the cost to the RRVW
of payroll taxes, worker’s comp insurance, employee health
benefits, and reimbursement of out-of-pocket employee
expenses such as mileage related to employees’ travel to outof-area RRVW promotions.
• General and Administrative: Total costs under this category
were well below budget in 2011.
• Facilities Rent: The RRVW has a rental agreement with Leras
Vineyards (the site of the RRVW offices). Total annual rent is
$12,000, however the lessor waived a portion of the rent in 2011.
• RRVW Marketing Brochure/Brand Recognition: This
brochure is used by the RRVW to promote the AVA at various
industry and trade events in which the RRVW participates,
and quantities of this collateral material are made available
to wineries and event organizers promoting the RRV AVA.
Consumers and others who phone or write expressing an
interest in the RRVW may receive copies as well. The cost
of designing and printing the brochure is partially offset by
wineries, which place their logos in the brochure.
• Signs: Annually, the RRVW spends a varying amount to install
signs at new members’ vineyards and wineries; to install signs
along roads in our appellation directing visitors to our member
wineries; and to maintain and replace those signs already in
place. Some of the initial costs of signs installed at the location
of new members’ vineyards or wineries are defrayed from a fee
new members pay when the signs initially go up.
• Sonoma in the City: This event is a Sonoma County
Vintners program providing a countywide marketing tour
promoting individual AVA’s. The actual expense other than
some miscellaneous expenses is offset by a matching grant.
Miscellaneous expenses totaled $903 in 2011.
To conclude, in 2011, the RRVW generated a positive net
income of $70,915 on gross revenues of $398,717 and expenses
of $327,802. The 2011 budget projected a net income of $52,687
on gross revenues of $377,000 and expenses of $324,312. The
net income compares to a net loss of $48,839 in 2010 and a
net loss of $43,376 in 2009. The primary drivers behind this
performance were a better than projected variance to budget
for Grape to Glass and cost containment. All other generally
controllable expenses were at or below budget.
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Russian river valley winegrowers • 2011 Annual report
2011 Financials
YTD Info as of 12/31/2011
2011 Actual
2011 Budget
$179,691.02
$4,700.00
$84,190.90
–
$14,604.65
$1,392.52
$1,040.00
$975.00
$400.28
–
$3,950.00
$1,440.00
$26,485.00
–
$1,352.66
–
–
–
–
$247.07
$748.38
$398,717.48
$170,000.00
$2,500.00
$60,000.00
–
$25,500.00
$500.00
–
$1,500.00
–
–
–
–
$28,000.00
$8,000.00
$1,000.00
–
–
–
–
–
–
$377,000.00
$2,272.97
$1,177.50
$187.50
$15,242.77
$82.13
$6,169.04
$159.82
–
$411.80
$439.23
$2,167.35
$1,465.58
$11,000.00
$4,915.04
–
–
$1,745.44
$773.91
–
$1,578.09
$5,874.00
–
$3,194.23
$2,048.25
$(68.48)
–
$2,201.59
$70.00
$2,739.91
$31,146.87
$1,450.64
$54,259.58
$213.83
–
–
$3,507.23
$557.28
–
$903.74
$45,025.61
–
$27,879.00
–
$13,583.10
$2,750.50
$85.00
$2,752.17
$490.50
–
–
–
$76,747.25
$592.47
$10.00
$4,000.00
$500.00
$500.00
$14,000.00
–
$5,300.00
–
–
–
$230.00
$3,480.00
$1,446.35
$12,000.00
$5,000.00
–
–
–
$175.00
–
$1,000.00
$5,900.00
–
$45.00
$3,390.00
$4,300.00
$500.00
$1,315.00
$70.00
$2,665.00
$2,300.00
$400.00
$90,738.00
$180.00
–
–
$2,500.00
–
–
$11,500.00
$25,000.00
–
$30,000.00
$1,000.00
$13,950.00
–
$500.00
–
–
–
–
–
$79,998.00
$430.00
–
$327,802.44
$324,312.35
$70,915.04
$52,687.65
INCOME
Membership Dues
Signs
Grape to Glass
Foundation Income
Single Night
Pruning Contest
Annual Meeting
Brand Recognition Print
Misc
Lazy Susan and Barrel Staves Sales
RRVW Valley Girls Scholarship
RRVW Valley Girls Membership
Crab and Fennel Festival
SCWC Grant
Merchandise Sales
Blogger Conference
Equipment Auction
Pinot Cruise
Food And Wine
Interest
Sales Tax
Total Income:
EXPENSES
Signs
Advertising
Website Maintenace & Design
RRVW Brand Recognition
Corp Membership Recruitment
Bank Service Charges
Bank Supplies
Contract Labor
Donations
Due and Subscriptions
E-Mail Service Provider
Equipment Rental
Rent
Utilities
Forum
Winemaker Dinner
RRV Girls Scholarship
Freight and Shipping
Riedel Wineglasses
Growers Seminar
Insurance
Licenses and Permits
Misc. Expenses
Office Supplies
Office Equipment
Newsletter Expense
Postage
Post Office Box Rental
Phone
Professional Services
Pruning Competition
Employee Expenses
Board of Directors
RRVW Map-Vestra
RRV Map-Grower
Annual Meeting
Annual Planning Retreat
Pinot Cruise
Sonoma in the City
Grape To Glass
Appelation Boundary Change
Crab and Fennel Festival
Media Tasting
Single Night
Food and Wine Partnership
Marketing Misc.
Misc. Expenses
Blogger Conference/Meet your Neighbor
USB Device Promotion
Equipment Auction
Depreciation Expense
Wine Spectator
Sales Tax
Franchise Tax Board
Total Expenses
EXESS (DEFECIT)
2011 Annual report • Russian river valley winegrowers
9
——————————————————— R R V W mem b ers —————————————————————
Corporate Sponsors (9)
American AgCredit
Beau Wine Tours &
Limousine Service
Chris Maloney Crop
Insurance Serv.
Exchange Bank
Food & Wine Magazine
PG & E
Silicon Valley Bank
Sonoma Bank
TriCor Braun WinePak
Winery Members (95)
Acorn Winery
Ancient Oak Cellars
Arista Winery
Balletto Vineyards
Benovia Winery
Boriolo Vineyards
C. Donatiello Winery
Christopher Creek Winery
Cleary Ranch Vineyards
Copain Wines
D & L Carinalli Vineyards
DÕArgenzio Winery, Inc.
Davis Bynum Winery
Davis Family Vineyards
Dehlinger Winery
DeLoach Vineyards
Desmond Wines
DuNah Vineyard & Winery
Dutton Estate Winery/
Sebastopol Vnyds
Dutton-Goldfield Winery, LLC
Emeritus Vineyards
EnRoute Winery
Foppiano Vineyards
Foppoli Wines
Freeman Vineyard & Winery
Freestone Vineyards
Gamba Vineyards & Winery
Gary Farrell Wines, Inc.
George Wine Company
Gordian Knot Winery
Graton Ridge Cellars
Hanna Winery
Hartford Family Winery
Harvest Moon Winery
Heintz Vineyards & Winery
Holdredge Winery
Hook & Ladder Vineyards and Winery
Hop Kiln Winery
Inman Family Wines
Inspiration Vineyards & Winery
Iron Horse Vineyards
J Vineyards & Winery
John Tyler Wines
Joseph Swan Vineyards
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center
Kistler Vineyards
Korbel Champagne Cellars
Kosta Browne Winery
La Crema Winery
La Czar Vineyard, LLC
La Follette Wines
Landy Family Vineyards
Lauterbach Cellars
Lennox Vineyards
Littorai Wines
Longboard Vineyards, LLC
Lynmar Estate
10
Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
Martin Ray Winery
Martinelli Vineyards & Winery
Matrix Winery
Merriam Vineyards
Merry Edwards Winery
Moshin Vineyards, Inc.
Mueller Winery
Novy Family Wines
Novy Family Wines
Old World Winery
Paradise Ridge Winery
Paul Hobbs Winery
Pellegrini Family Vineyards
Porter Creek Vineyards
Robert Rue Vineyard
Rodney Strong Vineyards
Russian Hill Estate Winery
Russian River Vineyards
Sandole Wines
Sanglier Cellars
Selby Winery
Siduri Wines
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
St. Rose Winery
Sunce Winery & Vineyard
Thomas George Estates
Thumbprint Cellars
TR Elliott, LLC
Tremani Vineyards
Trione Vineyards
Twomey Cellars
UPTick Vineyards
Williams Selyem Winery
Windracer
Windsor Oaks Vineyards
Zmor
Grower Members (142)
Alary Vineyards
Alegria Vineyards
Allen Farm & Vineyard
Ancient Oak Cellars
Anderson-Ross Vineyard
Arista Winery
Bacigalupi Vineyards
Bazzano Vineyard
BCD Farms
Bella Vigna
Bellflower Vineyards
Bergman Family Vineyards
Bevill Family Trust
Bialla Vineyards
Bisordi Vineyard
BK Vineyards, LLC
Black Emerald Vineyard
Black Rose Vineyards, LLC
Bohemian Station Vineyards
Boriolo Vineyards
Boudreaux Vineyards, LLC
Bucher Vineyards
Bush Crispo Vineyards
Calegari Vineyards
Carrozzi Vineyard
Castelli-Knight Ranch
Catie’s Corner LLC
Chelli Vineyard
Christensen Family Vineyards
Cicada Vineyards
Cloud 9 Ranch and Vineyard
Cole Creek Vineyard
Constellation Wines U.S.
Cornerstone Certified Vineyard
D & L Carinalli Vineyards
Davis Family Vineyards
de grange Family Estate Vineyard
Dellinger Vineyard
Russian river valley winegrowers • 2011 Annual report
Dempel Farming Co.
Dow Vineyard
DuNah Vineyard & Winery
Dutton Brothers Farming
Dutton Ranch Corp.
El Molino High School Vineyard
Elsbree Family Vineyards
Elyse Rued Mengle
Emmaline Ann Vineyards
Ewald Vineyards
Falstaff Road/Gopher Hill Vineyard
Foppoli Family Vineyards
Forchini Vyds./Russian River Terrace
Fulton Valley Vineyards
Gallo Family Vineyards
Gamba Vineyards & Winery
Gantz Family Vineyards
Giusti Ranch
Gold Ridge Vineyards, Inc.
Graham Family Vineyards
Graton Ridge Cellars
Great Oak Vineyards
Gunsalus Vineyard
Hansen Vineyards
Hawk Hill Vineyard
Hawk’s Roost Ranch
Hopkins River Ranch
HoppeKelly Vineyards LLC
Inspiration Vineyards & Winery
Ivywood Vineyard
Jackson Ranch & Vineyard
Jessie’s Vineyard
JohnDory Vineyards
Joseph Swan Vineyards
Kilcullen Family Vineyards, LLC
King Family Vineyard
Klopp Ranch
Knowlton Farms
Kobler Family Vineyards LLC
Kozlowski Family Vineyard
Lafranchi Vineyards
Landa Vineyards
Landy Family Vineyards
Lauterbach Hill Vineyards
Lennox Vineyards
Leras Vineyards
MacMurray Ranch
Marsha’s Vineyard
Martinelli Farms Inc.
Martinelli Vineyards & Winery
Matthew’s Station LLC
Merriam Vineyards
Mononi Ranches
Moore Family Vineyard
Moshin Vineyards, Inc.
Nugent Vineyards Inc.
Nunes Vineyard
Nunesdale Farm
O’Connell Vineyards
Oehlman Vineyard
Paradise Ridge Winery
Parsons Home Grown
Perkins Family Vineyard
Ponzo Ranch
Porte Cochere Vineyard
Porter Creek Vineyards
Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s
Vineyard, Inc.
Ricioli Brothers
Riddle Ranch
Ritchie / Poplar Vineyards
River Myst Haven, LLC
Ruxton Vineyard
Saint Mark’s Vineyard
Sanchietti Ranch
Santa Rosa High School Farm
Saralee’s Vineyards LLC
Shiloh Hill Vineyard
Silverado Sonoma Vineyards, LLC
Slusser Vineyards
SRJC Shone Farm Vineyard
Starr Creek Vineyard
Sundawg Ridge Vineyard
Sunny Valley Vineyard
Sunny Valley Vineyard
Sweeney Vineyard
Syar Industries, Inc.
Tanuda Ridge Vineyard
Tanya’s Vineyard
Teac-Mor Vineyards
The Farm Vineyards
Tina Marie Vineyards
TOMAR Vineyards
Trecini Cellars
Trenton View Vineyard
UPTick Vineyards
V bar C Ranch & Vineyards
Vino Farms
Westside Farms
Westside Farms
Westside Vineyards, LLC.
Windsor Creek Vineyard
Windy Hill Ranch
Wren Hop Vineyards
Wycoff Ranch
Associate Winery
Members (18)
Arrowood Vineyards & Winery
Athair Wines Inc.
Barefoot Cellars
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery
Forchini Vineyards & Winery
Frei Brothers Winery
Gallo Family Vineyards
Kenwood Vineyards
Lake Sonoma Winery
Ledson Winery & Vineyards
MacMurray Ranch
Migration
Mirassou Winery
Papapietro Perry Winery
Patz & Hall Wine Co.
Seghesio Family Vineyards
Sequana Vineyards
Terlato Vineyards
Valley of the Moon Winery
Affiliates (20)
Agricultural Commissioner
Calif. Assoc. of Winegrape Growers
Canvas (Concierge Alliance Napa
Valley & Sonoma
Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce
Russian River Chamber of Commerce
Russian River Valley Winegrowers
Foundation, Inc.
Sebastopol Area Chamber of
Commerce
Sonoma County Culinary Guild
Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Sonoma County Farm Trails
Sonoma County Tourism Bureau
Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Wine Library
Sonoma County Winegrape
Commission
Sotoyome RCD
U.C. Cooperative Extension
Windsor Chamber of Commerce
Wine Institute
Wine Road-Northern Sonoma County
Women for Winesense Napa/Sonoma Chapter
Consumer Ambassador
Marne Coggan & Debra Friedenberg
Retail/Commercial (65)
Above the Vineyards Logo Wear
Affronti
Alexander Valley Cellars, LLC
All Clad Metalcrafters, Inc.
Andy’s Produce
Arysta Life Science
Ascus Nursery
Bartolomei Scale
Bovolo Restaurant
Bowland Vineyard Management
Burr, Pilger & Mayer Inc.
Cameron & Cameron, Inc.
Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen
Charlie’s Restaurant at the Windsor
Golf Club
Dawn Ranch Lodge & Roadhouse
Restaurant
Divine Pizza
Eagle Transportation Co., Inc/
Redwood Empire Wine Storage, Inc.
Farmhouse Inn
Fern Grove Cottages
Fountain Grove Inn Hotel &
Conference Center
French Garden Restaurant
Getaway Adventures
Gleeson Ranch
Goldstrand Planning Group
Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc.
Hotel Healdsburg
Hyatt Vineyard Creek - Sonoma
County
Jack & Tony’s Whiskey Bar
Jackson’s Bar and Oven
John Ash & Co.
Kitchen Aid
La Carte Marketing Inc
Les Petersen Drilling & Pump, Inc.
Martini & Prati Winery, Inc.
Mike Porter Vineyard Consulting, Inc.
Moss Adams, LLP
New Vintage Print
North Bay Petroleum
Park Avenue Catering
Purity Products Company
Redwood Empire Vineyard
Management
Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery
Russian River Vacation Homes
Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club
Solar Works
Sonoma Direct
Spring Hill Jersey Cheese Co.
Taylor Maid Farms
The Raford Inn
Underwood Restaurant
Valent U.S.A.
Village Bakery
Village Inn & Restaurant
Vineyard Industry Products
Vintage Nurseries
Vintners Inn
Viola Pastry Boutique
Wilbur-Ellis Co.
Willi’s Seafood
Willi’s Wine Bar
Willowood
Wine Country Hot Rod Tours
Wine Country Shipping
Wine Emporium (The)
zazu restaurant & farm
Membership
By Shannon Wesley
The RRVW continues to be a strong membership
driven organization. In 2011, there was only a very
small decrease in total members – from 356 to 349, and
seven new member signs were erected. (To those with
signs: Remember to give them a good cleaning now
and then!) As we look to 2012 and the educational and
marketing opportunities that await, we are confident
that our member base will continue to grow as those in
the area recognize the importance of working together
toward a common goal - promoting the Russian River
Valley as a premier winegrowing region. Help spread
the word about the benefits of joining RRVW, and feel
free to reach out to the office if you know someone who
may be interested in joining – we’ll send a new member
packet out.
500
2011
349
400
300
200
1995
100
74
160
175 180
99
1995
209
257
281
305
316
366 351 356
344 362
In 2011
membership
dips just a little
2011
El Molino High School Vineyards
By Steve Dutton
Both the high school vineyard and the Foundation
had a good year in 2011. Like most Russian River
Valley Pinot vineyards, the harvest was down slightly.
We harvested 2.3665 tons on September 12, and sold
the fruit to The Bohemian Club for the second year
in a row. The fruit was delivered to DuMol Winery
where Winemaker Andy Smith is making a Bohemian
Club Lion’s Pride wine to be used at club events. The
Foundation Board was able to try a bottle of the 2010
vintage which turned out excellent. We are very thankful
and appreciative to The Bohemian Club for their past
and ongoing support of this youth program.
In the spring of 2011 the Foundation Board awarded
$7,500 in scholarships to seven El Molino High School
students going on to college or trade school.
• one student going to universal Technical institute
• Three students headed to santa Rosa Junior College
• one student going to Modesto Junior College
• one student attending the university of Kentucky
• one student headed to Cornell university
The Foundation will be taking scholarship applications
again this spring. The RRVW Board thanks everyone for
their ongoing support of the El Molino High School Ag
Program.
Photos courtesy of Lynn Scholten, Viticulture/Agriculture Instructor, El Molino High School
2011 annual RepoRT • Russian RiveR valley winegRoweRs 11
Russian River Valley Winegrowers
P.O. Box 16, Fulton, California 95439-0016
phone: 707-521-2534 • Fax: 707-528-8633
Email: info@rrvw.org
www.rrvw.org