SONOMA, CA (February 25, 2022) – The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA), a non-profit trade association representing more than 100 wineries and 140 grape growers in the Sonoma Valley, announced new leadership to the marketing organization’s board of directors, yesterday at their Annual State of the Alliance Meeting, where more than 160 members attended the virtual address.
Former Vice President Tom Rouse of Landmark Vineyards has been elected as President of the board, Chris Sebastiani of Viansa Winery has been elected as Vice President, Erich Bradley of Pangloss Cellars and Repris was re-elected as Secretary, Anne Moller-Racke of Blue Farm Wines and Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery was re-appointed as Co-Treasurer, and Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch and Serres Ranch Wines was elected as Co-Treasurer.
“SVVGA has an exciting year ahead,” says Rouse. “Following nearly two years of challenges from a global pandemic, our organization continues to evolve and reshape how we support our wine businesses, and market our wines. Our board and the SVVGA staff are focused on developing programming and initiatives to best support our members, and the health of their businesses. We continue to be more customer-focused, and vigilant in keeping up with changing consumer demands.”
Newly elected board directors include Mike Sangiacomo of Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Bart Hansen of Dane Cellars, along with board appointed community at-large members, Francis Abella of Merrill Lynch, The Gonzales Group and Jennifer Churchill of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, and re-appointed Quinn Arntsen of Farella Braun + Martel. Former board president Prema Behan of Three Sticks Wines and co-treasurer Steven Sangiacomo, both retired from the board after serving numerous years with Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance. Community at-large member Tim Zahner of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau has retired from the board as well.
The complete 2022 SVVGA board of directors include: Tom Rouse, President – Landmark Vineyards; Chris Sebastiani, Vice President – Viansa Winery; Erich Bradley, Secretary – Pangloss Cellars and Repris; Anne Moller-Racke, Co-Treasurer, Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery and Blue Farm Wines; Taylor Serres, Co-Treasurer – Serres Ranch and Serres Ranch Wine; Francis Abella, Merrill Lynch, The Gonzales Group; Quinn Arntsen, Farella Braun + Martel; Tom Blackwood, Buena Vista Winery; Jennifer Churchill, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; Bart Hansen, Dane Cellars; Brenae Royal, E. & J. Gallo Winery – Monte Rosso Vineyard; Mike Sangiacomo, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards; and Mia Stornetta, Atlas Vineyard Management.
The announcement of the board of directors was one of many highlights at the Alliance’s annual meeting. The State of the Alliance agenda featured several industry experts in their respective fields.
“The health and success of our member businesses are a top priority of the Alliance. Our organization continues to play a vital role in our wine and agricultural community, providing critical advocacy work, marketing resources and innovations, and access to industry expertise.’ says, Interim Executive Director Andriana Duckworth. “Our industry and wine community are still in a state of recovery after two years, it is our job to provide solutions and opportunities to help our members sell their wine and draw wine consumers back to the Sonoma Valley.”
The meeting featured a line-up of industry experts, with presentations including a Supply Channel Update, presented by Andrew Bottene, Senior Vice President for TricorBraun WinePak; a Grape Marketplace & Bulk Wine Update, presented by Glenn Proctor, Partner for the Ciatti Company; a Regional Performance Data analysis, presented by John Keleher, Founder of Community Benchmark; an update on the Groundwater Sustainability Act, presented by Mike Sangiacomo SVVGA Board Member and Sonoma Valley GSA Board Member; and a keynote on The Future of Wine Marketing, presented by Joe Fattorini, Managing Director – Trade for Pix.
About SVVGA
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit organization serving more than 500 vintner, grower and associate members who share a mission to promote the awareness of Sonoma Valley’s winegrapes, winemaking legacy, and history, as the birthplace of California wine. Sonoma Valley comprises six of the 18 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley. To learn more about the SVVGA visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com or call 707-935-2162.
