Sonoma Wine Country Weekend 2014 Announces Sommelier Stars

Announcement from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend:

An exclusive group of rising sommelier stars from throughout the United States and Canada have been selected to serve as special guest, all-star wine guides at key events throughout this year’s Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, presented by Visa Signature®.

The young wine professionals, known as the “Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sommelier Stars,” are sponsored by Rodney Strong Vineyards. While visiting to work the highly-popular Sonoma Wine Country Weekend event, the sommeliers will bring their discriminating palates and become immersed in Sonoma to gain a deep understanding of the region and the wines.

In addition to the educational experience, the wine professionals will have some fun, and compete in a Sommelier Star Competition before they lead seminars and tours at Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Estate Vineyards in Healdsburg on Saturday, August 30 and provide custom wine service to auction guests at the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood, California on Sunday, August 31.

The 2014 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sommelier Stars are:

• David Keck - The Camerata at Paulie’s, Houston, TX

• Jacob Gragg - Cru Artisan Estates, Atlanta, GA

• Jonathan MacCalder - e11even, Toronto, Ontario

• Joshua Orr- The Marina Kitchen, San Diego, CA

• Joshua Thomas - Prospect, San Francisco, CA

• Marcus Garcia –The French Club, San Francisco, CA

• Ryan Bailey - The NoMad, New York, NY

• Young Won - Rialto Restaurant, Cambridge, MA

“As Rodney Strong Vineyards celebrates 25 years of Klein family ownership, our connection and commitment to sommeliers and to the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sommelier Stars program have never been stronger. Sommeliers are the sage guides of wine enjoyment, offering wine selection advice and encouraging exploration,” says Carmen Castaldi, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Rodney Strong Vineyards. “Our commitment to their discipline has grown significantly in the past five years as sommeliers not only introduce restaurant patrons to our wines and those from Sonoma County, but they raise awareness of wine enjoyment in general, which is a great benefit for consumers.”

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is Sonoma County’s inimitable Labor Day Weekend event, August 29-31, celebrating the region’s winegrowers, winemakers and chefs. Sonoma Wine Country Weekend brings America’s leading wine and food destination to life, while giving back to essential local charities. To date, more than $12 million has been raised to support the future of Sonoma County. The event offers unique, elevated experiences interwoven with the region’s indie spirit. It is inclusive and generous, mirroring the Sonoma County community, itself. Visa Signature® is the Presenting Sponsor of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

To purchase tickets and plan your Sonoma Wine Country Weekend celebration, please visit: http://SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com/

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About Rodney Strong Vineyards

Rodney Strong Vineyards is dedicated to crafting world-class wines that capture the essence of Sonoma County. Rodney Strong sustainably farms 14 estate vineyards and produces wines from Sonoma County’s finest appellations – Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill and Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1959 by Sonoma County wine pioneer Rodney D. Strong as the 13th bonded winery in the county. It was purchased in 1989 by the Klein family, a third generation California farming family. The company aspires to conserve and protect the environment in all its operations.

About 2014 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Presenting Sponsor Visa Signature

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is presented by Visa Signature. Visa Signature offers account holders a range of benefits that provide special access and can save time and money. In addition to points, miles, cash back and other premium rewards offered by Visa Signature partners, account holders enjoy perks such as 24/7 complimentary concierge services, the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection and exclusive offers for fine wine and food, travel, and sports and entertainment events. For more information on Visa Signature and issuers offering Visa Signature, visit www.VisaSignature.com.

About 2014 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sponsors and Beneficiaries

A partnership between Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is California’s premier wine, food and social event, taking place over Labor Day weekend each year. The events comprising Sonoma Wine Country Weekend have raised more than $12 million in support of local charities dedicated to children, the environment and health in our local communities. The 2014 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is presented by Visa Signature.® For a complete list of beneficiaries and sponsors, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving more than 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501c.3 organization that has raised more than $8 million for local Sonoma Valley charities. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 250 wineries and affiliated businesses throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.