Home Industry News Releases Rutherford Roots Run Deep at Rutherford Dust Society’s Annual Meeting and Dinner

Rutherford Roots Run Deep at Rutherford Dust Society’s Annual Meeting and Dinner

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RDS 2017 Board of Directors Seated

RUTHERFORD, CA – The Rutherford Appellation growers’ and vintners’ organization, the Rutherford Dust Society (RDS), seated a new board of established community leaders at their annual meeting on February 2nd and expressed their dedication to promoting the quality, sustainability, and reputation of the appellation in the year ahead. The board is intentionally comprised of growers and vintners from both small and large-scale operations, with an engaging combination of community involvement, leadership, and deep roots in Rutherford.

The festive event was held in the historic Rutherford Hall (formerly the Rutherford Grange). A packed agenda included updates from the 2016 Board on marketing, financials, events, and strategies for the coming year, as well as presentations by Laurel Marcus of FishFriendlyFarming.org, Andy Beckstoffer, and Frank Leeds on the 100% Napa Green initiative in Rutherford. Key initiatives for the organization in the coming year include growing the Rutherford Experience consumer event in May, inspiring all members to become Napa Green Certified, and launching highly anticipated return of the Rutherford Chili Ball in August. The meeting ended on a high note with a powerful speech given by guest speaker Belia Ramos, 5th District Napa County Supervisor. Belia spoke passionately about her roots in Napa Valley and her dedication to the St. Helena/Rutherford area during the intimate seated dinner catered by Tre Posti Catering.

The board shared their appreciation for their outgoing president, Michelle Baggett (Alpha Omega Winery), who served for two years as president and will remain on the board to focus on a project that she was instrumental in launching: RDS’ participation in Auction Napa Valley live auction. The board also thanked outgoing treasurer, Maria Haug (Talahalusi Vineyards) and board members Frank Leeds (Frog’s Leap and Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards) and Jeffrey Stambor (Beaulieu Vineyard) for their contributions over the past several years.

After a vote by members at the Annual Meeting esteemed members of the 2017 RDS board include: President Davie Piña (Piña Vineyard Management), Vice-President Steve Tonella (S.R. Tonella Cellars), Secretary Regina Weinstein (Honig Winery), Treasurer Joel Aiken (Aiken Wines), Michelle Baggett (Alpha Omega Winery), Andy Beckstoffer (Beckstoffer Vineyards), Trevor Durling (Provenance/Hewitt), Maria Haug (Talahalusi Vineyards), Gemma Kochis (Inglenook), and three board newcomers Kathy Chaix (Chaix Wines), David DesForges (Beaulieu Vineyard), and Julie Johnson (Tres Sabores Winery).

Incoming RDS Board President, Davie Piña (Piña Vineyard Management), has served on the RDS board for many years, most recently as Vice President in 2016. A sixth-generation Napa Valley farmer, Piña continuously invests his time and energy into the Rutherford community through leadership and service. He is Chief of the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department and an active board member for the Rutherford Hall. He dedicated 14 years to the highly successful RDRT (Rutherford Dust Restoration Team) project spearheaded by RDS to restore the Rutherford Reach section of the Napa River.

RDS Board Vice-President Steve Tonella (S.R. Tonella Cellars) was born in Napa Valley and grew up living in Sonoma and Rutherford. Building on a successful career in high-tech, Tonella brings an astute business perspective to the board along with his deep passion and commitment to the Rutherford community. Established Rutherford community leader, marketing expert, and former RDS president, Regina Weinstein (Honig Winery) will continue the role of Board Secretary this year. Napa Valley winemaker Joel Aiken, a past president of RDS, will take on the role of treasurer.

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.rutherforddustsociety.org.

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