Dry Creek Vineyard announced the release of its 45th consecutive vintages of Dry Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc to celebrate the winery’s anniversary of 45 years of family winemaking in Sonoma County, California.
The love of the Loire Valley led Founder David S. Stare to produce his inaugural 1972 Dry Chenin Blanc, and the winery has continued to craft the varietal every harvest since. Dry Creek Vineyard remains the only American winery to produce 45 consecutive vintages of Chenin Blanc.
Stare is widely known as the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in Dry Creek Valley, against the advice of vineyard specialists. 45 years later, Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted white grape in Dry Creek Valley. Dry Creek Vineyard has proudly produced Sauvignon Blanc each year of its history and currently features four distinct Sauvignon Blanc bottlings in its portfolio.
Founded in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard paved the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in the Dry Creek Valley. Before Stare’s arrival, the Dry Creek Valley was planted to prune orchards. It was his vision to start a Loire Valley-inspired winery, which triggered a viticultural reawakening in northern Sonoma County.
Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, is currently the President of Dry Creek Vineyard and continues to lead with a “no compromises” philosophy producing appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines.
“Competition is at an all time high in our industry, so being true to our wines, our vineyards and the terroir of our region is more important than ever before,” said Stare Wallace. “Instead of getting sucked into the increasing corporatization of the industry, we are bucking the trends and are an increasingly rare breed.”
“We are proud to be one of the few remaining family-owned members of the illustrious ‘Class of ’72’,” continued Stare Wallace. “Our goal is to continue forward into the future as an iconic, family-owned, heritage brand – reflecting the true essence of Sonoma County.”