Family owned winery bucks industry
trend of consolidation
Thirty-five years ago the doors of Dry Creek
Vineyard officially opened, launching a whole new
era of winemaking in the Dry Creek Valley. Before
newcomer David Stare arrived, the Dry Creek Valley
had yet to recover from the effects of Prohibition.
In fact, only three wineries were in existence -
Pedroncelli, Frei Brothers (now Gallo-Sonoma), and
Fredson,
which is no longer in business. Upon his arrival,
Stare recalls that more than a few grape growers and
landholders were unhappy about his plans for a new
winery. “We sort of stirred up a hornet’s nest,”
recalls Stare. “Many of residents felt that I was
opening the door to commercial development in the
Dry Creek Valley. My reaction was, if they didn’t
want wineries in Sonoma County, what did they want?
I felt that my intentions were good and noble.”
Dry Creek
Vineyard circa 1972
Over the course of
more than three decades, Dry Creek Vineyard has
been responsible for many “firsts” in the wine
industry:
The
first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek
Valley.
The
first to produce a Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County.
The
first to initiate appellation status for Dry Creek
Valley in 1983.
The
first to label a wine with the Dry Creek Valley
appellation.
One
of California’s first proponents of Bordeaux-style
blending.
The first to consistently use the term “Old Vines”
Zinfandel, beginning with the 1985 vintage.
The first to release a Zinfandel from the “Heritage”
clone selection.
Today, Dry
Creek Vineyard remains family owned, under the
leadership of the second generation. Bucking
the industry trend of consolidation, the family
continues their goal of producing distinctive,
varietal defining wines that over deliver on
quality. Kim Stare Wallace, daughter of founder
David Stare, says that continuing her father’s
legacy is critical to the winery’s future
success. “My husband Don and I are fully
committed to maintaining and improving the high
standards that my father set for the winery.
The future of Dry Creek Vineyard has never been
brighter.”
Looking back over the past 35 years, the winery has
seen its share of changes. For example, in 1972,
the cost of a one acre parcel in the Dry Creek
Valley was about $2,500. In 2007, that same parcel
would sell for $75,000 or more. The winery’s
inaugural release of 1972 Fumé Blanc was available
for $3.25 per bottle. In 2007, the 2005 Fumé Blanc
has maintained a remarkably fair price of $14.50 per
bottle. And finally, it’s safe to say that Dry
Creek Vineyard is an industry trailblazer. In 1994,
20 new wineries had followed the path of Dry Creek
Vineyard. In 2007, there are 58 licensed and bonded
wineries in the Dry Creek Valley.
Looking toward the future, Dry Creek Vineyard
continues to evolve and grow. A narrowed portfolio
focus, appellation specific wines, improved cellar
techniques, and reinvestment into the facility have
all played an important role in setting Dry Creek
Vineyard up for future success. As winery
President, Don Wallace puts it – “We’ve sewn the
seeds of success and now it’s time to nurture our
hard work.”
