Sonoma County Barrel Auction
  • About
    • Contact
  • 2023 Lots
  • Attend
    • Where to Stay
    • Event Venues
    • Parking & Arrival
  • Honorees
  • Sponsors
  • Resources
    • Vintners
    • Trade
    • Media
    • Wine Archive
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

SONOMA COUNTY BARREL AUCTION HONOREES

Each year, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA) Honorees are selected as Icons who have shaped the heritage and history of Sonoma County winemaking and Innovators to honor forward-thinking visionaries in our wine community. For the first time ever, a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was recognized at SoCoBA 2022.

Join us in celebrating the contributions and achievements of your fellow wine industry leaders.

Lifetime Achievement, Icons & Innovators

Lifetime Achievement Award: Lifetime Achievement Award recipients have made a significant impact in the wine community, pioneered new techniques with groundbreaking work, elevated Sonoma County and put Sonoma County wines on the world stage.

Icons: Sonoma County Icons are individuals who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of Sonoma County wine and have helped raise the global perception for Sonoma County wines.

Innovators: Sonoma County Innovators are visionaries, who are introducing new methods, ideas or products. They provide fresh insight and new ways of thinking about wine and Sonoma County that help shape the future of our wine region and industry.

Tom Klein 2023 SoCoBA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient standing in a vineyard

2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

Tom Klein, Proprietor

Rodney Strong Vineyards

Following completion of his MBA at Stanford University and travelling through the great wine regions of the world, Tom became a management consultant for Rodney Strong Vineyards in the early 1980s. The opportunity to work with Rod Strong, one of Sonoma County’s wine pioneers, along with his love for fine wines, led the Klein family to purchase Rodney Strong Vineyards in 1989. Tom’s feet were firmly in the soil of Sonoma County for good.

Tom’s accomplishments at Rodney Strong Vineyards are astonishing. His third generation farming family’s significant and ongoing investments in vineyards, including the breathtaking Cooley Ranch Vineyard high above Lake Sonoma, planted but a decade ago and already hailed as one of the greatest vineyards in Sonoma County, have created the kind of wines Rod Strong himself could only have dreamed about. Under Tom’s direction Rodney Strong became an early leader in philanthropy and sustainability. Investments in sustainable farming, solar energy (Rodney Strong Vineyards has one of the largest solar arrays of any winery in California), becoming the first carbon-neutral winery in Sonoma County, and innovative winemaking have produced world-class wines while simultaneously improving the environment and supporting the community.

Carolyn and Lee Martinelli Sr 2023 SoCoBA Icons sitting on a bench with hills behind them

2023 SoCoBA Icons

Lee Sr. and Carolyn Martinelli, Owners

Martinelli Winery

Lee Sr. and Carolyn Martinelli are both Sonoma County natives who met while attending Santa Rosa Junior College and have spent many years since farming the land that has been in Lee’s family for generations. Carolyn grew up on the far Sonoma coast helping her father raise sheep for wool. Lee Martinelli Sr. is the patriarch of Martinelli Winery and the sole farmer of Jackass Hill, home to the same vines that were first planted by his grandfather over 100 years ago and known for having the steepest non-terraced vines in Sonoma County. After 47 years, Lee Sr. has passed many of his responsibilities on to his children, the fourth generation; however, he has no plans to retire and pass on the responsibility of farming Jackass Hill anytime soon. He still enjoys finishing up a day’s work in the vineyard and opening a bottle of wine when the day is done.

Theresa Heredia 2023 SoCoBA Innovator sitting with a glass of red wine in her hand and bottles of wine around her

2023 SoCoBA Innovator

Theresa Heredia, Director of Winemaking

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery

Theresa Heredia has received numerous accolades by focusing on site-specific wines. She joined Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and under her winemaking leadership, the Gary Farrell 2015 Russian River Selection Chardonnay took the top spot as #1 Wine, Top 100 Wines of 2017 from Wine Enthusiast. Gary Farrell has been named Winery of the Year twice, a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits, and a Top 50 Sonoma Producer by Wine Spectator. Theresa was also a 2020 Winemaker of the Year Nominee from Wine Enthusiast.

As a Sonoma County Innovator, Theresa has been a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only at Gary Farrell Winery, but within the entire wine industry. The winery has implemented a wide-ranging diversity pledge to create a diverse workforce and support those underrepresented in the wine industry.

2022 SoCoBA Honorees

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award

David Ramey, Ramey Wine Cellars

Sonoma County Vintners will bestow its very first Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary winemaker David Ramey as part of the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA) on Friday, May 6, 2022.

“We wanted to honor an individual who has made a significant impact in our wine community, pioneered new techniques with groundbreaking work, elevated Sonoma County and put Sonoma County wines on the world stage,” said Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director Michael Haney. “David Ramey is the perfect person to be our first ever Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. We appreciate his commitment to the Sonoma County wine region and our local community.”

“I am honored to be considered and selected for this award,” said David Ramey. “I was lucky enough to start making Chardonnay in Sonoma County in 1978. It’s very gratifying to still be making wine here all these years later.”

READ FULL STORY

2022 Icon

Audrey Sterling 2022 SoCoBA Icon

Audrey Sterling

Co-Founder
Iron Horse Vineyards

2022 Icon

Randy Ullom 2022 SoCoBA Icon

Randy Ullom

Winemaker
Kendall-Jackson

2022 Innovator

Benziger Family

Benziger Family Winery

2022 Innovator

Ames Morison

Co-founder
Medlock Ames

Past Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honorees

PreviousNext
123
Steve MacRostie, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2020
Marcello Monticelli, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2020
Jordan Kivelstadt, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2020

2020 Icons & Innovators

Icons & Innovators were announced in early 2020, prior to moving to an online format. Honorees were highlighted in the online programming.

Steve MacRostie, MacRostie Winery & Vineyards (Icon)
Marcello Monticelli, Gallo Family Wines (Icon)
Jordan Kivelstadt, Kivelstadt Cellars (Innovator)

PreviousNext
1234
Rod Berglund, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2019
Margo Van Staaveren, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2019
The Duncan Family, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2019
Ron Rubin, Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honoree 2019

2019 Icons & Innovators

Rod Berglund, Joseph Swan Vineyards (Icon)
Margot Van Staaveren, Chateau St. Jean (Icon)
The Duncan Family, Silver Oak Cellars, Alexander Valley (Innovator)
Ron Rubin, Ron Rubin Winery (Innovator)

Sonoma County Barrel Auction 2018

2018 Sonoma County Barrel Auction Icons

Honorees included those who rose to the challenge in response to the 2017 North Coast fires.

PreviousNext
123
Jim Bundschu
Jim Pedroncelli
Angelo Sangiacomo

2017 Icons

Jim Bundschu, Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Jim Pedroncelli, Pedroncelli Winery
Angelo Sangiacomo, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards

PreviousNext
1234
Helen Bacigalupi
Tom Klein
David Americo
Tom Rochioli

2016 Icons

Helen Bacigalupi, Bacigalupi Vineyards
Tom Klein, Rodney Strong Vineyards
David Americo Rafanelli, A. Rafanelli Winery 
Tom Rochioli, Rochioli Vineyards

Sonoma County Barrel Auction Honorees 2015

2015 Icons

John Balletto
Jean-Charles Boisset
Tom Dehlinger
Joe Dutton
Paul Hobbs
Zelma Long
Lee & Carolyn Martinelli
Joel Peterson
David Ramey
Joe Rochioli Jr.
The Sangiacomo Family
Ed & Ted Seghesio
Dave Stare
Burt Williams
Merry Edwards
Dave Rafanelli

BARREL AUCTION VIDEOS

Watch the videos below to learn more about the Sonoma County Barrel Auction and the Sonoma County Icons celebrated in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

2016 Sonoma County Icons

2017 Sonoma County Icons

2019 Sonoma County Icons + Innovators

#SoCoBA

@sonomacountyvintners

Open
#socoba #sonomawine #sonomawinecountry @vintecclub @americanagcredit
Open
A great kick-off for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction today at the beautiful @bacchuslanding! Many thanks to all of our incredible vintners, sponsors, partners and guests! We can’t wait to get the bidding going tomorrow!  @americanagcredit @vintecclub  #SoCoBA #sonomawine #sonomacountywine  photo credits: Bob McClenahan
Open
#SonomaCounty Icon Randy Ullom and the @kjwines team welcome trade tasters at our #SoCoBA preview event at @bacchuslanding. Randy will be honored at tomorrow's Sonoma County Barrel Auction.

@americanagcredit 
@vintecclub 

#sonomawine #sipsonoma #sonomawinecountry
Open
@themillennialsomm and Donald Patz of @maritanavineyards joined us at the #SoCoBA preview event. Looking forward to the bidding at the auction tomorrow!

@americanagcredit 
@vintecclub 
#sonomawine #sipsonoma #Sonomacounty #sonomawinecountry
Open
It’s the preview tasting at @bacchuslanding for tomorrow’s #SoCoBA! Hard decisions for trade to pick their top lots for tomorrow’s auction…
Open
Sparkling & White Wines Preview: Discover More About This Year's #SoCoBA Lots Before the Auction - see link in bio

Sonoma County Vintners and presenting sponsor @americanagcredit continue highlighting a different style of wine each week leading up to this year’s Sonoma County Barrel Auction (#SoCoBA), which will be held in person at MacMurray Ranch on Friday, May 6, 2022. These “never before, never again” wines showcase the spectacular diversity of Sonoma County’s wine region.

Lots are now available for viewing on the #SoCoBA website, along with details about the 2022 events. Trade registration is by invitation only and open now. Proxy bidding registration is available for trade buyers who are unable to attend the auction in person.
Open
2022 Sonoma County Barrel Auction Lots Revealed

Trade Registration is Open for the Live Events May 5-6

Sonoma County Vintners and presenting sponsor @americanagcredit are thrilled to announce this year’s lineup for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction (#SoCoBA), which will be held in person at MacMurray Estate Vineyards on Friday, May 6, 2022. These “never before, never again” wines showcase the spectacular diversity of Sonoma County’s wine region. 

Lots are now available for viewing on the SoCoBA website, along with details about the 2022 events. Trade registration is by invitation only and open now. See link in bio for lots and full event details.
Open
Each year, the sonomacountyvintners Sonoma County Barrel Auction selects icons who have shaped the heritage and history of Sonoma County winemaking. We are honored that this year, our Winemaster Randy Ullom was selected for his legendary 29 years at Kendall-Jackson. Known as a pioneer in the California Chardonnay movement, Randy's success stems from his deep-rooted passion for winemaking, hard work, and dedication. Being recognized as one of this year's Sonoma County Icons reaffirms his status as a legend in Sonoma County winemaking. 💛 #SoCoBA 

(📸 : sonomacountyvintners)
Load More Follow on Instagram

 

Sonoma County Vintners logo

Follow US

@SonomaCounty Vintners
#SoCoBA #SonomaWine #SipSonoma

About

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions. SCV represents over 250 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, benefits nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Read more

Sign Up for SCV News

By signing up, you agree with the Sonoma County Vintner’s privacy policy.

I’m interested in:

All Rights Reserved, © Copyright 2023 - Sonoma County Vintners
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Scroll to top

We use cookies to optimize your experience and analyze traffic. To learn more, please visit our Privacy Policy.

Accept SettingsCookie Settings

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Other cookies

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Privacy Policy
Accept settingsHide notification only