The Sailing Spirit

Wine for Sailors

Combining a Passion for Winemaking with a Passion for Sailing

Since the mid 1980s, when we first put a sailboat on our wine labels, Dry Creek Vineyard wines have become known as the wine for sailors. The origins of our nautical themed labels are purely personal. We have enjoyed a long love affair with the sport of sailing and have a profound appreciation of America’s nautical heritage.

Winemaking and sailing actually have a lot in common. Like winemaking, sailing is fun, adventuresome and romantic. Like sailing, the art of winemaking demands the skill, discipline and determination of a group of people committed to the same goal. Sailing and winemaking are a study in choreography and teamwork – each person contributing something essential to the ultimate success or failure of the team.

Combining two passions, we were inspired to use the sailing ship theme on our wine labels . In 1982 when the original idea was unveiled, it was seen as a rather daring and risky move. More than 20 years later, the sailing ships that adorn our wine bottles are easily identifiable and recognized by consumers around the world. Since the beginning, Sonoma County artist Michael Surles has provided the beautiful paintings for our labels. Using a variety of mediums from water color to richly oiled hues, Surles captures the spirit of the high seas.

Dry Creek Vineyard’s commitment to the sport of sailing extends far beyond our wine labels. Not only was Dry Creek Vineyard the first sponsor of Brad Van Liew’s Around Alone campaign but the winery is also the official sponsor of several major sailing regattas around the country. In support of the entire sailing community, Dry Creek Vineyard has also partnered with US SAILING, the national governing body of the sport.

Links to learn more . . .
	19th Annual Dry Creek Vineyard Pro Am Regatta
	2002 Regatta White Wine Partners with US SAILING
	Champion Sailors Pay Tribute to Dry Creek Vineyard
	18th Annual Dry Creek Vineyard Pro Am Regatta
	Yachtsman of the Year
	Dry Creek Vineyard Sponsors Extreme Offshore Yacht Race
	New Regatta Label Supports Young American Sailors
	Dry Creek Vineyard Joins Rolex to Honor Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year 2001
	Regatta Wine Celebrates American Sailing and Solo Sailor Brad Van Liew

Back To Story

Sampling of Labels 1984 -2011

click to enlarge


	1984 Zinfandel


	1985 Fumé Blanc


	1988 Old Vines Zinfandel


	1989 Fumé Blanc


	1999 Heritage Clone Zinfandel


	1999 Fumé Blanc


	2007 Heritage Zinfandel


	2007 Fumé Blanc


	2009 Heritage Zinfandel


2010 Fumé Blanc