Our 52^nd Harvest officially began on Wednesday, September 6^th with the arrival of local, Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc! Sauvignon Blanc always has a special meaning for us this time of year, since our founder, David S. Stare, was the first person to plant the varietal in the Dry Creek Valley in 1972.

Everyone from Winemaking and Production to our Marketing and Administrative departments gathered on the crush pad to raise a toast to this year’s harvest and watch the first grapes arrive at the winery. We look forward to this annual tradition every year — it never gets old!

Here’s what Winemaker Tim Bell had to say about our 52^nd Harvest:

“A thankfully wet winter and cooler spring led to a later budbreak in 2023 relative to recent years, which in turn also brought about later ripening. Lucky for us, this means even Winemaking had a rare day off during the Labor Day holiday! Interestingly, our founder, Dave Stare, says this is actually a return to what used to be a ‘normal’ timing for harvest many years ago.

“As it looks right now, vineyards are scheduled to be picked anywhere from 14 to 22 days later than in 2022. Weather has been nicely warm without any extreme heat events (phew!). My hope is that we’ll have a harvest like 2019, when the grapes ripened at an even, steady pace, allowing us to pick off various blocks at peak ripeness. Those 2019 wines have showed well in the bottle with plenty of life ahead of them — I’ll take that kind of harvest anytime!”

Brian Pruett, our Associate Winemaker, adds:

“In these early picks, we’re seeing grapes that are fully developed and have bright acidity. Quality so far is great! If Mother Nature cooperates and any decent rainfall holds off until after the grapes are harvested, this could be an amazing vintage — I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds!”

Our family winery completed its 52^nd Harvest on Thursday, November 2^nd. Harvest lasted a whopping 71 days, two days longer than the previous record holder: our 2019 Harvest. This officially makes our 2023 Harvest the longest period in over ten years.

Winemaker Tim Bell noted how similar this harvest felt to 2019:

“The 2019 vintage in particular turned out to be a real ‘sleeper’ year for high-quality reds. The quality of 2019 whites was obvious right away, and though I wasn’t as certain of the reds, they developed into stars in the bottle, as you might have noticed from our spectacular scores from critics!”

We have the same high hopes for our 2023 vintage. This year, our winemaking team was able to cherry-pick blocks when they were in perfect condition, without heat spells forcing their hand. Everyone is tired but happy — it’s been a ten-week grind, and they’ve done such an amazing job!

The post A Long and Steadfast Harvest appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

Food & Wine Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle, joined CNBC morning news program Squawk Box to discuss California’s rising grape price hike and inflation in the American wine industry. It is an honor to have Heritage Vines Zinfandel included as an example of the quality and value of Sonoma County wines!

The post Affordable Luxury Confirmed: Heritage Vines Zin featured as alternative to $100+ Napa wines appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

HEALDSBURG, Calif. – JUNE 8, 2023 – Dry Creek Vineyard is proud to announce that the California State Fair honored Sonoma County wine pioneer David S. Stare as the recipient of their “Wine Lifetime Achievement Award” during yesterday’s ceremony. Stare is one of two recipients for the 2022 year alongside legendary wine writer Bob Thompson, as the State Fair Advisory has recognized multiple industry experts across award categories due to delayed events during the pandemic.

Coming west in the late 1960s with little more than a dream to start his own winery, David Stare is the original innovator of present-day Dry Creek Valley.

“It was 1971, and I was studying winemaking at UC Davis during the week and searching for vineyard property on the weekends. It was on one of those visits that I discovered the Dry Creek area and immediately fell in love,” said Stare.

As the first new winery in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, Dry Creek Vineyard has become the flagship producer of Fumé Blanc and Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Over the last 51 years, the winery has also developed an international reputation for its Dry Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Bordeaux varietals and Meritage blends, continuing to craft classically styled, terroir-driven, appellation-focused wines.

Stare’s pioneering legacy reflects his lasting impact. Among the many achievements during his career, Stare was:

• First to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley in 1972.
• First to produce a Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County.
• First to initiate the appellation status for the Dry Creek Valley in 1983.
• First to label a wine with the Dry Creek Valley appellation.
• Ranked among California’s first proponents of Bordeaux-style blending.
• First to release a wine using the classification of “Meritage” (1985 vintage) on the label to classify Dry Creek Vineyard’s Bordeaux-style blend.
• First to champion Zinfandel among world-class vinifera.
• First to coin the term “Old Vines” Zinfandel, beginning with the 1985 vintage.

The journey to establish Dry Creek Valley as a premier winegrowing region was never easy, but David Stare remained persistent in his vision despite skepticism from agricultural critics.

“All along the way, I was told that my ideas had never been done before. Being a kid from Boston, I was just bullheaded enough to do what I wanted to do,” said Stare. “I am so proud that Dry Creek Vineyard remains one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries from Sonoma County consistently producing 90-plus point wines!”

Stare’s work extends far beyond the five-decades-old family winery. As a community leader, he has served as President of the Society of Blancs, President of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and President of the Sonoma County Wineries Association, as well as serving on the board of directors of the California Wine Institute. He was recently honored with Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “American Wine Legend” award as well in 2022.

With a passion for philanthropy, Stare continues to serve as the Board Chairman for Global Partners of Development, initiating Vineyards to Villages in 2012, a program that raises money from the wine industry to bring clean water to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. His family winery Dry Creek Vineyard continues to pave the way to an innovative future, led by the second generation and Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace.

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Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 50 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Contact:
Jenny Phan
Marketing & Communications Manager
JennyP@drycreekvineyard.com
(707) 433-1000 ext. 137

The post Dry Creek Vineyard Founder David S. Stare Receives ‘Wine Lifetime Achievement Award’ at California State Fair appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

HEALDSBURG, Calif. – APRIL 1, 2023 – In 1983, Dry Creek Vineyard founder David S. Stare was the pioneer behind Dry Creek Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA) status. It was a valiant effort among many notable ‘firsts’ in the industry by the family winery, paving the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in its home appellation.

Forty years later, Dry Creek Vineyard is faced with another change, perhaps an even more dire one — a change of heart. The recent heavy rainfall across northern Sonoma County provided much-needed moisture after a long drought. However, past the damp tasting tables and muddy lawns is a watery-eyed conviction that it may very well be time to reconsider the region’s world-famous name.

Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, says that she has been contemplating this conundrum for over two months, citing confusion from new visitors about the name of the appellation. Stare Wallace is currently the President of Dry Creek Vineyard and continues to lead with a “no compromises” philosophy, producing appellation-focused, varietal-defining wines. With overflowing desire to make change — and armed by her rainboots and poncho — she has been active in gathering signatures for a petition, now with over 1,972 names in support.

“No offense to my dad, but Mother Nature always plays her role in our future, so it’s important that we give back and reflect on the name of our home appellation,” said President Kim Stare Wallace. “We’re ready to fully embrace our sailing heritage and swim with the tide, metaphorically and literally.”

When asked whether Dry Creek Vineyard would be renamed to Soggy Creek Vineyard, she gave a small smile, just visible underneath her poncho hood. “I wouldn’t say that it’s improbable. Times change, and with it, names. It could very well be a new chapter for our family winery… but hey, at least our logo is still a great match!”

David Stare could not be reached for comment. We suspect he’s ignoring our calls for support.

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Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 50 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

—

Contact:
Jenny Phan
Marketing & Communications Manager
JennyP@drycreekvineyard.com
(707) 433-1000 ext. 137

The post Dry Creek Vineyard Launches Initiative to Change AVA Name to ‘Soggy Creek Valley’ appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

Left – 1972: The groundbreaking ceremony with founder David S. Stare, and daughter and current president Kim Stare Wallace
Right – 2022: A present-day reenactment of the famous moment with Dave and Kim outside the family winery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEALDSBURG, Calif. – AUGUST 24, 2022 – Exactly 50 years ago today, Dry Creek Vineyard founder and California wine pioneer David S. Stare received the necessary permits to build the first new winery in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, following Prohibition. Founded in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard paved the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in the Dry Creek Valley.

The history of this multigenerational family winery is full of notable firsts within the industry: 

• 1972:  First winery built in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition.
• 1972:  First to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley.
• 1972:  First to label a wine as “Fumé Blanc” in Sonoma County.
• 1982:  First to display a sailboat on a wine label, a bold and daring move beyond the popular chateau-style labels of the time
  
• 1983:  First to pioneer Dry Creek Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA) status.
• 1985:  First to label a wine as “Old Vine” Zinfandel, setting off an industry trend.
• 1987:  First to label a wine as a “Meritage,” illustrating the family’s love of Bordeaux blending.
• 1997:  First to release a “Heritage Clone” Zinfandel from pre-Prohibition vine cuttings.
• 2017:  First to receive a U.S. patent for the design of printed sustainable sourcing information on a cork.
• 2022:  First to release 50th consecutive vintage of Dry Chenin Blanc in the United States. 

Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, is currently the President of Dry Creek Vineyard and continues to lead with a “no compromises” philosophy, producing appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines.

“Competition is at an all-time high in our industry, so being true to our wines, our vineyards and the terroir of our region is more important than ever before,” said Stare Wallace. “We remain committed to producing world-class wines from our estate vineyards and small, local family farms.” 

“Our family winery began in 1972, and we have been building on that legacy for five decades,” continued Stare Wallace. “Through all the trials and triumphs, my father, my husband and I have worked together to meet each and every challenge head on. Our family legacy is 50 years in the making, and we are just getting started!” 

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Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 50 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

—

Contact:
Sara Rathbun
Director of Marketing & Communications
SaraR@drycreekvineyard.com
(707) 433-1000 ext. 128

The post Dry Creek Vineyard Celebrates a Family Legacy 50 Years in the Making appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

The post Dry Creek Vineyard Releases 50th Anniversary Sparkling Chenin Blanc appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

We are proud to announce the release of our 50^th Anniversary edition of Fumé Blanc to celebrate the winery’s achievement of 50 years of family winemaking in Sonoma County, California. Watch our video below about its commemorative packaging, presented by President Kim Stare Wallace.

The commemorative packaging features printing on both sides of the front and back labels, offering viewers a 360-degree retrospective view of when the winery was founded five decades ago. The front label showcases the historical 1972 Fumé Blanc label, while the back label displays photographs of the first harvest, the construction of the winery, and the groundbreaking ceremony with Founder David S. Stare and his daughter Kim turning over the first shovel of dirt. Fumé Blanc holds a special place in the heart and soul of our family winery, as Dry Creek Vineyard was the first to produce Fumé Blanc in the region.

“We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Dry Creek Vineyard,” said Kim. “Our first vintage of Fumé Blanc was in 1972, and we have been building on that legacy for 50 years. We remain true to ourselves and our commitment to producing world-class wines from our estate vineyards and small, local family farms.”

We hope you enjoy this special 2021 vintage of Fumé Blanc as much as we do!

The post Our 50th Anniversary Fumé Blanc is Here! appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEALDSBURG, Calif. – FEBRUARY 22, 2022 – Dry Creek Vineyard is proud to announce the release of its 50^th Anniversary edition of Fumé Blanc to celebrate the winery’s achievement of 50 years of family winemaking in Sonoma County, California.

The commemorative packaging features printing on both sides of the front and back labels, offering viewers a 360-degree retrospective view of when the winery was founded five decades ago. The front label showcases the historical 1972 Fumé Blanc label, while the back label displays photographs of the first harvest, the construction of the winery, and the groundbreaking ceremony with Founder David S. Stare and his daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, turning over the first shovel of dirt.

The love of the Loire Valley led Stare to produce his inaugural 1972 Fumé Blanc, and the winery has continued to craft the wine every harvest since. As the first new winery in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, Dry Creek Vineyard is credited with producing the first Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County.

Stare is widely known as the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in Dry Creek Valley, against the advice of vineyard specialists. Fifty years later, Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in Dry Creek Valley. Dry Creek Vineyard has proudly produced Fumé Blanc each year of its history and currently features five distinct Sauvignon Blanc bottlings in its portfolio.

Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, is currently the President of Dry Creek Vineyard and continues to lead with a “no compromises” philosophy producing appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines.

“We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Dry Creek Vineyard,” said Stare Wallace. “Our first vintage of Fumé Blanc was in 1972 and we have been building on that legacy for 50 years. We remain true to ourselves and our commitment to producing world-class wines from our estate vineyards and small, local family farms.”

“We are proud to be one of the few remaining family-owned members of the illustrious ‘Class of ‘72’,” continued Stare Wallace. “Our goal is to continue forward into the future as an iconic, family-owned, heritage brand – reflecting the true essence of Sonoma County.”

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Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 50 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

—

Contact:
Sara Rathbun
Director of Marketing & Communications
SaraR@drycreekvineyard.com
(707) 433-1000 ext. 128

The post Dry Creek Vineyard Releases 50th Anniversary Edition of Fumé Blanc appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

Just last night, Wine Enthusiast Magazine honored founder David S. Stare as their “American Wine Legend” at the annual Wine Star Awards. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we wanted to share this video with you that tells the inspiring story of Dave and our family winery.

Coming west in the late 1960s with little more than a dream to start his own winery, Dave’s work ethic and determination drove his early success and the incredible journey to who are today.

He was always a legend to us, so we are beyond grateful to see him recognized for all his pioneering “firsts,” and to raise a toast together!

Cheers,

The post Watch the Wine Star Award Video of Founder David S. Stare, ‘American Wine Legend’ appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.

HEALDSBURG, Calif. – NOVEMBER 18, 2021 – Dry Creek Vineyard is proud to announce that Wine Enthusiast Magazine will be honoring Sonoma County wine pioneer David S. Stare as its “American Wine Legend” at the upcoming 22nd annual Wine Star Awards. The momentous occasion marks the first time that the family-owned and sustainably-farmed winery has been awarded a renowned Wine Star Award. Stare will be honored in Wine Enthusiast’s special “Best of Year” issue and at the annual black-tie gala in Miami, FL on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.

Stare is the original innovator of present-day Dry Creek Valley and has made a significant impact on the Sonoma County wine industry. Coming west in the late 1960s with little more than a dream to start his own winery, Stare’s work ethic and determination drove his early success. As the first new winery in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, Dry Creek Vineyard has become the standard-bearer for Fumé Blanc and Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Over the last 49 years, the winery has also developed an international reputation for its Dry Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Bordeaux varietals and Meritage blends.

Stare’s legacy as an “American Wine Legend” reflects his lasting impact. Among the many achievements during his career, Stare was:

• First to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley in 1972.
• First to produce a Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County.
• First to initiate the appellation status for the Dry Creek Valley in 1983.
• First to label a wine with the Dry Creek Valley appellation.
• Ranked among California’s first proponents of Bordeaux-style blending.
• First to release a wine using the classification of “Meritage” (1985 vintage) on the label to classify Dry Creek Vineyard’s Bordeaux-style blend.
• First to champion Zinfandel among world-class vinifera.
• First to coin the term “Old Vines” Zinfandel, beginning with the 1985 vintage.

Stare embodies the essence of a visionary spirit through sheer determination and hard work. As a wine industry community leader, he has served as President of the Society of Blancs, President of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and President of the Sonoma County Wineries Association, as well as serving on the board of directors of the California Wine Institute. He was honored with a “Lifetime Contribution to the Sonoma County Wine Industry Award” at the 2014 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Stare has a passion for philanthropy and serves as the Board Chairman for Global Partners of Development. He helped initiate the Vineyards to Villages program in 2012, which raises money from the wine industry to bring clean water to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Among Stare’s other interests are spending time with his family, railroad history, New Orleans jazz, and playing both trombone and banjo.

“I am honored and humbled to be named an ‘American Wine Legend’,” said Stare. “All along the way, I was told that my ideas had never been done before. Being a kid from Boston, I was just bullheaded enough to do what I wanted to do. Nearly 50 years later, I am so proud that Dry Creek Vineyard remains one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries from Sonoma County consistently producing 90-plus point wines.”

###

Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 49 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

—

Contact:
Sara Rathbun
Director of Marketing & Communications
SaraR@drycreekvineyard.com
(707) 433-1000 ext. 128

The post Dry Creek Vineyard Founder David S. Stare to be Honored as ‘American Wine Legend’ at Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards appeared first on Dry Creek Vineyard.