Clay Mauritson, Mauritson Wines
Born and raised in the Dry Creek Valley, Clay is part of the sixth generation of his grape-growing family. Pioneers from Sweden, they raised Merino sheep for wool and planted their first vines on land they settled in 1868, an area that now anchors the Rockpile AVA. Because of his connection with the land, Clay commits to making wines that exemplify a sense of place. His passion for philanthropy has led him to be able to serve as President of the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation as well as serving as a founding board member of the Down Syndrome Association North Bay.
Jake Bilbro, Limerick Lane Cellars
As a fourth-generation Sonoma County winemaker and grape grower, Jake grew up checking vineyards throughout the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys with his father. His passion for the wine lifestyle began at a very young age when his chores at his father’s winery, Marietta Cellars, were cleaning barrels, dragging hoses and in most ways, being his dad’s shadow. Fate, luck and coincidence brought him eventually to owning the century-old Limerick Lane Estate where he now produces some of the most acclaimed wines in the Russian River Valley.
Mark McWilliams, Arista Winery
Mark has worked in the wine industry in Sonoma County since 2000. His introduction into the industry began with Kendall-Jackson; first in the vineyards, then harvest logistics and finally the cellar. In 2002, Mark’s parents began Arista Winery, a boutique brand focused on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Over the next decade Mark and his brother, Ben, grew the family business from a few hundred cases to several thousand cases. The brothers purchased Arista from their parents in 2012 with the shared vision of further defining the potential of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley.
Our 2020 Honorees
Vintner Honoree, Daryl Groom
One of the most influential people in the wine industry, Daryl Groom, has a unique global career as a winemaker. For more than 40 years he has made wine in the USA and Australia. Daryl is the Chief Judge and partner at North Coast Wine Challenge. He is also passionate about philanthropy. In partnership with Charlie Palmer, Daryl helped establish Pigs and Pinot, a fundraiser for national charities and various Sonoma County nonprofits. He also curated Colby Red Wine, inspired by his son Colby Groom who underwent back to back open heart surgeries. Proceeds from this wine go to charities across the USA that promote heart health. Colby Red has raised and donated over $1.7 million.
Chef Honoree, Charlie Palmer
Chef Charlie Palmer has received critical acclaim for his signature Progressive American cooking, a style built on rambunctious flavors and unexpected combinations with a deep and lasting infusion of classical French technique. Originally from upstate New York and classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Charlie has had an incredible career establishing numerous restaurants across the nation and is also the author of six cookbooks. Charlie also partnered with vintner Clay Mauritson to create Charlie Clay Pinot Noir now in its fifteenth vintage. In partnership with Daryl Groom, Charlie established Pigs and Pinot, a fundraiser for Share our Strength and local Sonoma County charities and organizations.
SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS FOUNDATION
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation cultivates a vibrant and diverse Sonoma County by elevating lives through charitable events and philanthropic giving. Our fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of literacy, education, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. Through community grants and Fund the Future initiatives, we have the ability to impact all needs, ranging from the immediate to the long term.
BIG HEARTS AND MINDS
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