​Wine Down Media is Napa County Small Business of the Year

Wine Down Media is Napa County Small Business of the Year

NAPA – Will and Julissa Marcencia had owned two of Napa County’s most popular radio stations for little more than three months when wildfires broke out in October and quickly became among the worst disasters in state history.

The new owners of KVON 1440 AM and KVYN 99.3 FM -- under the parent company Wine Down Media -- rose to the challenge, broadcasting without commercial interruption for five days straight and providing much-needed information for thousands of listeners, including many who had been forced from their homes.

“Our mission to super-serve the community was put to the test during the wildfires,” said Will Marcencia, who goes by the title of chief executor. “When we recognized our community needed real-time information, we interrupted our regular programming and went on-air. With many concerned calls, we worked around the clock comforting people that just needed a familiar voice. We continue to strive to be the connective tissue of the Napa Valley day after day.”

For their dedication and community service, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, has named Wine Down Media Senate District Three business of the year for 2018 for Napa County.

“Under Will and Julissa’s leadership, these stations proved themselves to be absolutely indispensable during the fires,” Senator Dodd said. “I commend them for their tireless work and continued commitment to the community. They truly are the voice of Napa Valley.”

KVON was founded in 1947. KVYN – also known as The Vine – was launched in 1975. Will and Julissa bought the stations in July 2017 after careers with Southern California media companies. They employ a staff of 10. Wine Down Media is expecting to move into an all-new, state-of-the-art facility on Gasser Drive in the coming months.

“We are honored to receive Senator Bill Dodd’s Napa County Small Business of the Year Award, solidifying our team's commitment and dedication to our core audience, the Napa Valley and North Bay,” said Julissa Marcencia, the chief visionary. “A heartfelt congratulations to our team and our listeners.”

Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.