Residents and visitors to Sonoma County may be familiar with the “Sonoma County Sustainable” signs that are omnipresent in local vineyards. However, many people may not be aware that when local winegrape growers made their commitment to become the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world ten years ago, that commitment continues to provide numerous benefits throughout the region. Sustainability is built on a comprehensive set of practices that are environmentally sound (make the land better than when you first set foot on it); economically viable (make your company better so it can remain in business); and socially equitable (make your community a better place to live and work). The work of the Fundación de la Voz delos Viñedos is guided by sustainability and the commitment to social equity.

“Our Leadership Academy is the pride and joy of Sonoma County’s winegrape growers. It is amazing to witness the growth and success of the graduates and it confirms we are surpassing our objectives,” said Karissa Kruse, executive director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “More than 50% of the members from the first two Leadership Academy classes have taken on new responsibilities since they graduated with one-third of all the graduates having received promotions. Just as important, the employers of the graduates have noted their employees possess more confidence, demonstrate stronger leadership skills and have become better at teaching, communicating and supervising.”

The 2024 graduating class recently returned from what has been described as a “trip of a lifetime,” where they spent four days in Washington, D.C., which culminated in their being the featured guests of the Congressional Wine Caucus reception, hosted by Congressman Mike Thompson and Sonoma County Winegrowers. They were able to meet numerous Congressional Members including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

“Our goal has always been to make this the most meaningful leadership program in U.S. agriculture.  From the courses offered to walking the halls of Congress, both the growth of the Leadership Academy and the graduates over the past three years has been truly amazing,” said Duff Bevill, chairman of the Sonoma County Fundación dela Voz de los Viñedos’ board of directors. He added, “We are fortunate to have excellent partners to help make this a reality including Congressman Mike Thompson and his staff; Alaska Airlines and their generous Gift of Travel;  American AgCredit for investing in our local ag workforce; and our local growers who support their employees to ensure they have the ability to participate.”