Founded five years ago by Sonoma County Winegrowers and Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos to provide participants with essential skill sets to become future leaders
June 10, 2026 (Santa Rosa, CA) — The Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos Leadership Academy graduated its fifth class in front of friends and family on Tuesday. More than 100 participants have now graduated from the Leadership Academy which was created by the Sonoma County winegrower community in 2022.
The nationally recognized Leadership Academy does not teach new farming skills, but, instead, focuses on advancing the skills needed for vineyard employees to be promoted into leadership positions within their organization or their community. This year’s twenty-four graduates have been gathering over the past few months to participate in classes on a range of topics including financial literacy, communications, leadership, wine production, sustainability and more.
“Congratulations to the 2026 graduates of the Leadership Academy. We have always believed that our vineyard employees are among the greatest strengths of our farming community, and this program is designed to help them build the confidence, leadership skills, and voice to thrive both in their careers and as leaders in our region,” said Karissa Kruse, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation/Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos and Chief Executive Officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “This program represents a meaningful investment by our farming employers in the people who make our industry possible. As we reflect on the past five years, it is clear the Leadership Academy has exceeded our expectations, creating opportunities for personal growth, professional advancement, and stronger community leadership.”
The success of the Leadership Academy is impressive; most members of the previous Leadership Academy classes have taken on new responsibilities as well as earning promotions in the years following their graduation. Just as important, the employers of the graduates have noted their employees possess more confidence, demonstrate stronger leadership skills and have become better at teaching, communicating and supervising.
“We are incredibly proud of the graduates and the impact they are making in their workplaces and communities,” said Duff Bevill, Chairman of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation/Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos. “This program reflects the commitment of Sonoma County growers to investing in their employees and creating opportunities for leadership and growth. We are grateful to the growers and industry experts whose support is helping cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
The Class of 2026 represents more than 400 years of combined farming experience in Sonoma County. Among this year’s graduates are two Vineyard Employees of the Year, eight supervisors, and six crew leaders. Each participant was nominated for their exceptional work ethic, commitment to teamwork, and leadership potential. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and the bright future they represent for Sonoma County agriculture.
About the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos
Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees.
Relaunched in January of 2016, the Fundación is focused on improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive. Our mission is simple – support local vineyard employees and their families.
Since its relaunch in 2016, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees. The Fundación has five strategic priorities: leadership; empowerment and recognition; workforce development; resiliency; and resources. The two flagship programs are the Vineyard Employee Recognition Program and the Leadership Academy. The Fundación is managed by the Sonoma County Winegrowers with a 16-member board of directors comprised of agricultural leaders, vineyard and winery owners, and Sonoma County community leaders.
