Dry Creek Vineyard Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Family owned winery bucks industry trend of consolidation

January, 2007.  Thirty-five years ago the doors of Dry Creek Vineyard officially opened, launching a whole new era of winemaking in the Dry Creek Valley.  Before newcomer David Stare arrived, the Dry Creek Valley had yet to recover from the effects of Prohibition.  In fact, only three wineries were in existence - Pedroncelli, Frei Brothers (now Gallo-Sonoma), and Fredson, which is no longer in business.  Upon his arrival, Stare recalls that more than a few grape growers and landholders were unhappy about his plans for a new winery.  “We sort of stirred up a hornet’s nest,” recalls Stare.  “Many of residents felt that I was opening the door to commercial development in the Dry Creek Valley.  My reaction was, if they didn’t want wineries in Sonoma County, what did they want?  I felt that my intentions were good and noble.”

Over the course of more than three decades, Dry Creek Vineyard has been responsible for many “firsts” in the wine industry:

The first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley.

The first to produce a Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County.

The first to initiate appellation status for Dry Creek Valley in  1983.

The first to label a wine with the Dry Creek Valley appellation.

One of California’s first proponents of Bordeaux-style blending.

• The first to consistently use the term “Old Vines” Zinfandel,  beginning with the 1985 vintage.

• The first to release a Zinfandel from the “Heritage” clone selection.

Today, Dry Creek Vineyard remains family owned, under the leadership of the second generation.  Bucking the industry trend of consolidation, the family continues their goal of producing distinctive, varietal defining wines that over deliver on quality.  Kim Stare Wallace, daughter of founder David Stare, says that continuing her father’s legacy is critical to the winery’s future success.   “My husband Don and I are fully committed to maintaining and improving the high standards that my father set for the winery.  The future of Dry Creek Vineyard has never been brighter.”

Looking back over the past 35 years, the winery has seen its share of changes.   For example, in 1972, the cost of a one acre parcel in the Dry Creek Valley was about $2,500.  In 2007, that same parcel would sell for $75,000 or more. The winery’s inaugural release of 1972 Fumé Blanc was available for $3.25 per bottle.  In 2007, the 2005 Fumé Blanc has maintained a remarkably fair price of $14.50 per bottle.  And finally, it’s safe to say that Dry Creek Vineyard is an industry trailblazer.  In 1994, 20 new wineries had followed the path of Dry Creek Vineyard.  In 2007, there are 58 licensed and bonded wineries in the Dry Creek Valley.

Looking toward the future, Dry Creek Vineyard continues to evolve and grow.  A narrowed portfolio focus, appellation specific wines, improved cellar techniques, and reinvestment into the facility have all played an important role in setting Dry Creek Vineyard up for future success.  As winery President, Don Wallace puts it – “We’ve sewn the seeds of success and now it’s time to nurture our hard work.”