When visionary Rodney Strong founded Rodney Strong Vineyards in 1959, his passion and vision was to produce world-class wines focusing on an
obligation to community, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

That commitment and vision has been the driving force behind Rodney Strong Vineyards since the beginning. Always looking to the future, when the Klein Family (fourth generation California farmers) purchased the operation from Strong in 1989, they did so with an obligation to carry on the same vision of its founder.

Continuity

Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld has been with Rodney Strong Vineyards for ten years – being only the fourth winemaker in this esteemed winery’s sixty-year history. He carries on the vision of the founder, being intricately engaged in producing exciting wines and committed to continuing the vineyard’s leadership role in sustainability. Setting an example for environmental responsibility, the winery conserves water, energy, and natural resources, all while utilizing technology effectively, so as to have as little impact on vineyard sites as possible. Producing high quality wines, while reducing negative environmental effects is done without compromise. One example is that all of Rodney Strong’s eleven estate vineyards are certified sustainable, as are the vineyards they source from. The entire staff has always been committed to their founder’s vision.
 

A Rejuvenation

Today, there is an exciting rejuvenation taking place at the winery. This includes all aspects of “winemaking,” - the soil, the growing, new bottle labeling, production, etc. Literally every aspect of the operation is under a microscope and being evaluated and reinvented. The goal of course, is to make great wine, which can’t be done without growing great grapes. To this end, all of the vineyards Rodney Strong sources from are example of innovation, change, and vision in vineyard management practices.  
Changes are being made such as canopy management, thereby reducing the use of irrigation and utilizing moisture sensors. The minutest details are looked at, down to brooming out winery floors instead of always cleaning by water hoses. All of the changes being implemented help preserve the environment, while producing grapes of outstanding quality to be used in the wine that will end up on your table.
Rodney Strong Vineyards was Sonoma County’s thirteenth bonded winery, and may be considered the crown jewel in this esteemed growing area, by constantly staying ahead of the times and setting new trends.

The Wines

Year after year, Rodney Strong wines consistently receive praise and high scores from industry publications such as Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Wine & Spirits Magazine and The Tasting Panel.  These are wines that will please almost any palate, from the novice to more sophisticated wine lover.
Currently, among Strong’s selection, there are nine separate varietals produced, including a mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc, an elegant Chardonnay plus an estate and single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, both of which are refined, expressing a plethora of aromas and intertwined flavors as you would expect from a quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rodney Strong’s vision, commitment to community and the future, has been carried on non-stop for generations.  If he was here today to see how his dreams have been realized, and new dreams conceived, he might sit down, with a glass of Chardonnay (being the varietal the brand was built around), taking pride in knowing that of all the achievements over the last six decades, the one that may be the most satisfying, is that Rodney Strong Vineyards’ solar energy system is one of the largest of any winery in the world.  He would smile knowing his commitment to the earth’s future, and sustainability, has made Rodney Strong Vineyards the first winery in Sonoma County to offset their carbon footprint-being an example for others.
Lift a glass to a true visionary, his love of community, mother earth, and of course, wine. These are wines that will make you happy.

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Tasting Reservations
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Upcoming Events at Rodney Strong

Pumpkins, Succulents, Wine, Oh My!
Sunday, October 10, 3-5pm, $55 | $50 club members
Each ticket includes one pumpkin for you to decorate,
succulents, craft materials and a glass of wine.  

Candle in a Bottle
Sunday, October 17, 3:30-5pm, $50 | $45 club members
Ricci from Sonoma 707 Candle leads us in a candle making experience:
Two candles, craft materials, and Rodney Strong wine, of course.

Pizza, Wine Evening at The Winery
Sunday, October 24, 3:30pm OR 5pm, $55 for two guests
Come out to wine and dine on the lovely Terrace + Green with a
16" pizza for two, live music, a bottle of wine and dessert.

Holiday Wreath Making
Sunday, December 5, 2pm, $65 | $60 club members
Enjoy Rodney Strong wine while crafting your own take-home wreath.
 

By Don Sonderling
…. Freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle and culture, from the Central coast up through the Napa Valley and Sonoma.  He may be reached at:  donsonderling@gmail.com