Sonoma County Vintners Appoints Michael Haney as Executive Director

A Unanimous Vote by the Board of Directors Confirms Appointment

The board of directors of Sonoma County Vintners today announced the appointment of Michael Haney as Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County’s leading wine trade organization. Haney has been serving as interim executive director since February.
 
“The Board voted unanimously to appoint Michael Haney,” said Russell Joy, Board of Directors President. “He leads with vision and purpose and is focused on long-term results. Under his direction as interim executive director, Sonoma County Vintners has successfully executed an array of programs and events, which continue to raise awareness for and elevate Sonoma County as a world-class wine region. His presence in the community, work ethic, compassion and authenticity reflect who we are as vintners and growers, and there couldn’t be a better choice to reflect this as the leader of a vintner association.”
 
During his tenure, Sonoma County Vintners have executed multiple programs promoting Sonoma County as one of the top wine regions in California and the world to consumers, trade and media, including, two record breaking fundraising events: Sonoma County Wine Auction, one of the region’s largest fundraisers for the community, and Sonoma County Barrel Auction, a fundraiser to support Sonoma County Vintners programming. In addition, he has overseen Taste of Sonoma, a locally-based, consumer-focused event; Sonoma Summit, a national trade program; and recently, Vinexpo Explorer, which brought 70 international trade buyers to Sonoma County for three days, connecting buyers with local wineries.
 
“It is an honor to serve Sonoma County Vintners as executive director and assume this role,” said Haney. “I am proud of everything our team has accomplished this past year and am excited to continue our work together to promote Sonoma County, not just here in California, but around the world as well.”
 
Haney has been acting as interim executive director since February and previously served as director of membership for three years. He has worked to strengthen the relationships with Sonoma County Tourism and Sonoma County Winegrowers—together known as the TRIO. A vintner himself, he has been instrumental in leading wine industry-focused government and community relations, raising much needed awareness about the wine community’s positive impact to Sonoma County.
 
As executive director, Haney will oversee Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. A member of the Martinelli family of Martinelli Winery and Vineyards, Haney also produces his own wine under Black Dog Cellars, specializing in small boutique case lots of Russian River Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay.