Don Wallace

Agriculture is a natural way of life for Don Wallace, the product of four generations of a hard-working California farming family. Don’s interest in machinery took him away from the farm for 15 years while he pursued a career in international construction. While he was on a project in Sonoma County in 1980, Don met Dry Creek Vineyard founder David Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare, whom he married in 1982.

With his father-in-law and wife in the wine business, Don’s next move was a stint among the vines at Murphy-Goode Estate Winery to “test drive” his new family’s industry. After one year, Don accepted his father-in-law’s offer to manage ranch operations at Dry Creek Vineyard in 1990. Don’s sphere of influence gradually grew to encompass every aspect of the business, including winery operations and sales, as well as vineyard development and acquisitions. Don took on the role of General Manager in 1999. In April 2006, he was appointed President of Dry Creek Vineyard.

Don frequents the airways traveling coast-to-coast to promote Dry Creek Vineyard and help regional sales programs around the country. An active industry advocate, Don was on the forefront of the sustainable farming movement in California.  His work on  sustainable  issues  has led him to

take up a variety of important causes including salmon habitat restoration along the Dry Creek as well as water conservation issues in Sonoma County.  He is a fellow of the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy.   Don currently serves as the Vice President for the Dry Creek Valley Association.  He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, the Sonoma County Vintners, and The Wine Institute of California.

Business trips and long work days notwithstanding, Don’s primary focus are his two children, Taylor and Spencer. From coaching Little League to addressing homework issues at the kitchen table, Don prides himself on being a hands-on Dad. In addition, he still finds time to pursue an array of interests. Don is a passionate gardener and gourmet cook, enjoys mushroom hunting and duck hunting and, naturally, is an avid sailor.

Don is the analytical and practical one, while Kim is creative and intuitive. Despite their stylistic differences, they share the same vision and agree on virtually all strategic decisions. Perhaps most fundamental is their mutual agreement to continue the family tradition of producing only classically styled wines that define their category. The family lives in a house nestled in the vines next to the winery.