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Rutherford Dust Society Seats New Board and Sets 2016 Focus at Annual Meeting & Dinner

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Rutherford Dust SocietyRUTHERFORD, CA – In preparation for an eventful year ahead, RDS hosted its 2016 Annual Meeting and Dinner on February 4th at the historic Rutherford Grange. Together with its members, RDS reflected on the accomplishments of 2015, set goals, and established the board for the coming year.

RDS seated a new Board of Directors with a mix grower and vintner members, a combination that has always been an important factor in the association’s success. The board is comprised of the following individuals: President Michelle Baggett (Alpha Omega Winery), Vice-President Davie Piña (Piña Vineyard Management), Secretary Regina Weinstein (Honig Winery), Treasurer Maria Haug (Talahalusi Vineyards), and board members Andy Beckstoffer (Beckstoffer Vineyards), Trevor Durling (Provenance/Hewitt), Gemma Kochis (Inglenook), Frank Leeds (Frog’s Leap Winery/Chavez and Leeds Family Vineyard), Jeffrey Stambor (Beaulieu Vineyards), and Steve Tonella (S.R. Tonella Cellars).

During the annual meeting, RDS celebrated many accomplishments from the past year and established their focus for 2016. With the help of executive directors Dan and Valerie Moberg of Vintelligent Marketing, RDS will build upon the success of last year’s event schedule by promoting and enhancing Rutherford AVA tasting events for consumers and the wine trade. On July 13th, RDS will host the highly anticipated annual Day in the Dust media and trade tasting. As Dan Moberg stated during the meeting, “Day in the Dust was always the event I looked forward to the most when I was in the wine trade. This year, we’re making it even better with some very exciting opportunities.” In addition, RDS will be expanding on two main consumer events: Auction Napa Valley 2016, and its Rutherford Wine Experience May 13th and 14th.

The RDS team will also build upon its sustainability and community development efforts in 2016. Last year, the thirteen-year Rutherford Dust Restoration Team (RDRT) project for restoring Rutherford Reach of the Napa River reached completion. To continue the successful restoration effort, RDS and the RDRT team passed the shovel to Oakville. Looking ahead, RDS will continue to promote sustainability in the region through support for participation in Napa Green. With deep roots in its community, RDS will also continue its work to support local organizations such as Rutherford 4-H, Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department, and the Rutherford Grange, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this June.

RDS also strives to provide information and advocacy for growers and winemakers in Rutherford AVA. The annual meeting included a timely update on the increase of Pierce’s Disease in Napa County from the University of California, who is involved in a multi-year study of the problem in the North Coast. To improve understanding of biological and environmental conditions that lead to disease outbreaks, they are looking for growers to participate in a blue-green sharpshooter monitoring program. Participating growers will be asked to monitor yellow sticky traps in their vineyard and report results to the research group. For information regarding participation, please contact Dr. Monica Cooper, UC Farm Advisor: mlycooper@ucanr.edu.

About Rutherford Dust Society

The Rutherford Appellation is located in the historic heart of the Napa Valley. It is known world-wide for its signature “Rutherford dust”, a term used to reflect its terroir, its deep connection to the soil in the vineyards, the wine and the wineries of Rutherford. In collaboration with its grower and vintner members, RDS focuses on helping wine consumers, trade and media discover the celebrated Rutherford terroir, while promoting highest quality standards for grape growing and winemaking in the region. For more information about the Rutherford Appellation and the Rutherford Dust Society, please go to www.rutherforddust.org.

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