Second generation to take helm of family winery founded in 1972
 

Wine industry pioneer, David S. Stare, who founded Dry Creek Vineyard in 1972, announced that, effective April 10, 2006, he will officially step down from his role as President of the winery and hand full responsibility to his son-in-law and daughter Don and Kim Wallace. "Don and Kim are doing a remarkable job and are well-equipped to lead thewinery into a new era," says Dave. "It’s their time to guide the ship." Dave will provide counsel to the winery in the newly created role of Chairman of the Board. Don will become President and Kim will retain her role of Vice President.
 

Dave started  Dry Creek Vineyard  after traveling  to France in the early 1960s and experiencing the Loire Valley’s refreshingly  grassy and herbaceous Sancerres  and  subtle  Pouilly Fumés.  "Originally,  I  had  planned  to  start  awinery in France," says Dave. "But, after reading a Wall Street Journal article about the burgeoning wine industry in California, I decided to head west. It turned out to be the right choice." After arriving in California, Dave enrolled as a graduate student at UC Davis and, on the weekends, spent time in the wine country looking at potential vineyard sites from Monterey to Mendocino. "The location I decided on in the Dry Creek Valley was ideal," says Dave. "The property is perfectly situated in the center of Dry Creek Valley and the nutrient rich soil made it very attractive. When I bought the property, there were no vines – just a run-down old prune orchard with a vintage farm house."

In 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard made its first vintage of white wines – Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. In 1973, came Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Today, the winery continues to produce these same varietals along with several vineyard designated versions which express the unique terroir of the Dry Creek Valley.

Stare is credited with many “firsts” in the wine industry. As the first new winery built in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, the region’s namesake winery launched a whole new era of winemaking in Sonoma County with its introduction of Fumé Blanc and revitalization of Zinfandel. Dave’s original Sauvignon Blanc vineyard was the first ever planted in the Dry Creek Valley and the winery’s Fumé Blanc was the first released in Sonoma County. An early champion of Zinfandel, he was the first to label a wine with the designation, "Old Vines" Zinfandel. Stare also initiated the movement to gain legal recognition for Dry Creek Valley as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1983. And, he was an early advocate of traditional Bordeaux blending, leading the winery to help create the Meritage Association in 1988. These achievements are the result of Dave’s absolute dedication to the winery, which became and remains the center of his family’s life.

Dave’s long time friends in the wine industry are complimentary. “David Stare has been an integral part of Sonoma County viticulture since 1972. He has worked tirelessly to promote Dry Creek Vineyard wines and those of Sonoma County. I’m proud to have him as my friend,” says Louis Foppiano of Foppiano Vineyards whose own family has been farming in the Russian River Valley since 1896. Mike Lee, founder and former owner of Kenwood Vineyards agrees. “I’ve known Dave since the early 1970’s. He has played an important role in developing the California wine industry. I really respect Dave for the work he has done and congratulate him on his success.”

Dry Creek Vineyard is built on family pride and decades of hard work and dedication. Inspired by Dave’s efforts, the second generation is determined to continue the winery’s success. “We’re picking up the torch and running with it,” says, President, Don Wallace. “Dave built this winery into an extraordinarily successful business. We will continue to build on Dave’s vision so that someday we can pass the business onto the third generation.”