Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division Findings Point to “Value Being in Vogue”

Throughout the Silicon Valley Bank report, written by Rob McMillan, founder of the wine division, are references back to the Jerry Maguire film, all leading to “Show me the money!”

Well, that’s what we’re all needing right now… A beacon in the economic storm that we’re all currently navigating in our fragile sailboats; one sheet down and two to go…Perhaps even more down for some.

Fine wine has taken a huge tumble. That’s now just old news.

It’s the $35 and below bottles of wine that are still selling, while the $50 to $125 bottles have hit a dead zone. Beyond that, guess who’s buying (Wall Street execs) the more expensive bottles  of wine (Wall Street…) that  are still selling (Wall….) in the hundreds of dollar range? Interesting, huh?

But, what about everyone else, because wine is being sold? No one’s going to give up vino just because there’s a recession. (Perhaps some want it even more.) According to this report, per capita consumption continues to rise in the U.S., and those who were in the position “to trade up” are now “trading down.” As consumers trade down to value-priced wines, those brands are having positive year-over-year growth results.

Here’s an interesting concept, as you think about this… While that wine consumer is trading down, it is without a doubt that this person is going to learn what great values exist that s/he might have otherwise missed, had this recession not hit us so hard. As these people experiments with new brands, they’ll begin to find new loyalties in the process, which means that what they once knew and did is now changed forever more.

Value is Vogue…

This report points to the fact that since there are continuing increases in per capita consumption, planting should also take place as non-bearing acreage in order to keep up. Right now, however, vine replacement levels of new vines is down. This will result in an under supply in the future, if something isn’t done about this now… not later. This is tough to do, because even though the prices of vineyards are falling, they’re still high priced.

That begs the question, What’s the incentive to grow a vineyard at this time? This also creates a lot of confusion about what the real price is of a vineyard and its new plantings in this deflationary economy. Then there’s the ever tightening of credit lending to further complicate things for wine grape farmers.

So, what’s currently in it for today’s confused consumers?

As well as the lower tier priced wines from California, Oregon wines are proving to be great values. Imports are doing well, too, because of the cost to produce their wine. With the cost of land and labor being much lower in other countries and the help of government subsides, imports are  super values. If land owners in the US don’t keep up with new plantings to meet the increase in demands, importers will take their places pretty quickly.

Imagine a Willamette Valley vineyard designated Pinot Noir that sells for $20.00? The 2005 Oak Knoll Winery Pinot Noir, Red Hill Vineyard is that wine. They also have a 2006 Oak Knoll Pinot Gris Willamette Valley at $10.00! These are extreme values that fit perfectly into today’s buying patterns.

I’m a huge fan of Fish Eye boxed wines. They’re great everyday juice, the box sits conveniently in your fridge or on your counter, and dispenses wine ever-so-easily. Track back The Wall Street Journal story by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher about their Fish Eye wine experiment. The wine claims a six week seal of freshness. That all proved itself as being true and correct, according to Dorothy and John, because air isn’t allowed into the package to destroy the wine over time. $16.00 for a three liter box.

Oak Grove Winery is another brand that has super affordable wines, many of which have received Best Buys from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and all of the varieties sell for about $8.00 a bottle. This is a hard to beat price for their full range of everyday wines.

A bit higher priced wines are the wines under the Artisan Family of Wines group: A Rose, a Meritage, a Cab… and, yes, a Petite Sirah under the Seven Artisans label at $17.99. For PS today, this is a real value.

Running through most of the Petite Sirah members, actually, their PSes fit in the $35 and under category. The Website has a full list with all of the members.

A glass a day keeps the doctor away….

Tags: Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, Jerry Maguire, John Brecher, Oregon, Pinot noir, US, Wall Street Journal, Wine

I once wrote of Delia Viader of Viader,  Her Heart is in the vineyards; her soul is in the bottle!

Nothing has changed along those lines, but the fabric of her story has become more rich and vibrant with additional experiences, since we last met two and a half years ago.

Yesterday, I began a story with Delia, and the intro had only my first two questions and answers, that were approaching 1,500 words. I respect the fact that everyone’s reading so much each day, so I’m trying to control my word count to be between 1,000 to 1,500 words… Respecting not only your time, but also the people for whom I’m writing. A very long story in a very quick world would mean that words past a 1,500 count might not be read, just skimmed. Please correct me if I’m wrong. I’m doing this intuitively, and may be off the mark. In Delia’s case, our time was very special, and her insights are quite revealing. In yesterday’s blog posting, I referred to her as a citizen of the world. At a certain point in our Q&A process, Delia and I veered off in this direction.

Delia: I used to log on the miles, now I logs onto Facebook to stay really connected. The world has shrunk significantly. People that I’ve not connected with in years are suddenly communicating with me almost on a daily basis. Before the term “citizen of the world” became political, it was a more of a philosophical term. It meant we were all brothers and sisters in harmony, as we encouraged humanity in each other. It had nothing to do with anything political or a regional statement. It meant that that person was open and felt at home anywhere in the world. In that regard, I’m a citizen of the world. I’m a humanist.

Continuing from yesterday’s blog:

[Q]   I’d like to really focus this one in on a very successful woman in the wine business, you… What are some of the challenges that you’ve met along the way? [You'll notice that her answer has nothing to do with being a woman, and everything to do with being a business person.]

[A]  There are challenges for everyone in  the luxury marketing business of making and selling wine in any economy, regardless of this present one. On top of knowing that, we also pray for more rain or less sun… Is the stock market going to crash, will that affect wine sales?

Wine is not a necessity. A luxury brand is not a priority brand. It’s not something you need to have. Commercial auctions are coming back. That’s a good indicator that the economy is reviving. Viader at $90 a bottle slowed a bit. The Dare brand sales then took off.. We had to slow that down and raise the price a bit to have it last.  It’s fascinating to play with the economy. There’s room for improvement in the economy, and the challenges sometimes translate into great wins.

The fire last year on Howell Mountain was also very challenging. We got kicked out of the house with our two dogs and our cat. The firemen came to the door and said, “You have to evacuate. Take anything you need, and you must leave.” I said, “Okay, we’ll get everything together.” They said, “No, right now, get everything and let’s go.” I grabbed the kids and the pets, and off I went to a friends for a few days. From their veranda, I could see the fire, and there was nothing I could do but watch. It was right at my gate’s door, then the wind shifted and it just went in the opposite direction.

We both looked at each other…. Divine Intervention?

[Q]  What are the joys you’ve experienced?

[A]  My greatest joy is that my kids are interested in continuing to make Viader better. This is more gratifying that anything else. I’ve never forced them to do it, but it validates the legacy that needs to be continued. Alan and Janet, and my daughter-in-law Mariela, who’s a chef, all contribute.

Mariela was working at Bouchon for Thomas Keller [also of French Laundry fame], when she met my son Alan, who was also living in Yountville. Thomas Keller trains all of his staff at any “Thomas Keller” establishment in doing things the way he likes…with utmost precision and technique. I love being turned onto her great food and wine with our Tempranillo. It’s patio fare… tapas, very informal for wine. It’s perfect for people beginning to enjoy wine (beginners).

My oldest son Paul works in a nursery and is connected to the earth and its beauty. My youngest son Alex is still in high school, and I have him working in the vineyards. He needs to know, like all my other children, where great wine begins.

[Q]  How is everything going for you with this season in your vineyards?

[A]  So far, so good. The crop level is normal. In 2005, 2006, and 2007 the yields were low. In 2008, yields began creeping back up a little, and in 2009 – in terms of quality – we’re back to normal. The temperature is constant – cooler springs and summers with less heat spikes.  In 2006 bud break was delayed, then the temperatures in October were mild. In 2008, we had a cool spring and a small crop. It’s cool right now, as I said, and then heat is much better during the peak season, which is coming. Each season is different and offers different challenges and its own rewards.

[Q]  What’s new with your brands?

[A] We have new releases of the 2006 coming out at the end of July or the beginning of August; the 2006 Dare Cabernet Sauvignon and Dare Cabernet Franc. Viader new releases aren’t coming out until next October.

[Q]  Tell me about this great event that you just did with the Royal Bank of Canada’s (BRC) corporate wealth management group, and Janet Engels from RBC (Senior vice president, director, private client research, RBC Dain Rauscher).

[A]  It’s mostly about 99 percent women who are corporate heads from all over the US, and an economic analyst who’s Harvard trained. We’ve learned that women are much more receptive with women talking to them and the delivering the news about the economy… with a glass of wine. Women come from all of the branches of the BRC. When Janet Engels says, “Well, I’m going to tell you news of the economy, but let’s have a glass of wine to go with that,” it just makes it so much more enjoyable. Then, we have a question and answer period, and sip more wine.

I’ve been doing it for two years now. The executives come to Janet. It’s a fiscally savvy audience. I’m more of a curiosity; but with a degree in finance, I may provide the perfect opportunity for this corporate wealth management group to hear the consumer’s perspective. We celebrate together, we know our work’s not done yet, but we sip our way through it.

There’s a counterpart affecting the industry. It’s so difficult to access capital right now. Banks can’t – in a way – lend any money. That puts small businesses in a task position, which is between a rock and a hard place. The pendulum went too far, from the lending spree that was giving to anyone with pulse money to now – which is almost like having to promise your first born child.

In this kind of a setting, it’s much more meaningful to talk to someone who’s financially savvy and in a perfect position to pay attention to your market. The wine industry is so capital intensive. The turnover for fine red wines takes so long. From someone just starting, it takes at least three years to seven years to begin to have any return on the investment. The industry has a very slow cycle, and demands a lot of patience. In order to be in the wine business, you must have a long term view of things.

The scores within the wine business are also challenging. I’ve been very lucky with my scores, but there are people who live by them from year to year. If one wine doesn’t get a score as high a score as the year before in some magazine, I might have someone ask, “Why isn’t this wine 100 Points?”

I just say, don’t change what you drink, just change what you read, because the same wine has been written up worldwide, and I can go from one periodical to the next until I find the desired score, whether it’s 100 points in one periodical, or 20/20 with anther, five stars in another, I can make you feel better about what you’re enjoying, if you need that.”

Don’t change what you drink, just change what you read. Is there any other more classic line? I loved “Live by the scores, die by the scores,” but this one takes the cake! Thanks, Delia!

When I told her what Costco is doing right now, only purchasing wines that have a score of 90 or above, she said, “Didn’t Costco learn from others?”

She’s a true classic.

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Tags: Facebook, Harvard, Harvard University, High school, Royal Bank of Canada, Stock market, Thomas Keller, US

I once wrote of Delia Viader, Her Heart is in the vineyards; her soul is in the bottle!

Nothing has changed along those lines, just the fabric of her story has become more rich and vibrant with additional experiences, since we last met two and a half years ago.

Recently, I got the urge to focus on a woman in the wine business… who knows why, I just did. I always just follow my instincts; because when I do, the reason is always shortly revealed. So, it was to Delia that I went looking for answers. I E-mailed her,

Delia, Time for an update of your story. I’d like to really focus this one in on a very successful woman in the wine business (you)… Challenges that you’ve met, joys that you’ve experienced, and how everything is currently go for you with the seasons, with your brand, and what the future will hold – as if anyone knows that!

She immediately responded:

For the first time in 19 years, I will not be going to Bordeaux for VINEXPO. I am just coming out of a great event I do with RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) corporate wealth management group, and their fantastic analyst Janet Engels from Harvard. This time it was at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills…fantastic people – all women leaders ready to show the world how it’s done.

This was exactly what my intuition had picked up on, and a date was set to meet.

The following is our time spent together, just chatting, with Delia filling in the blanks for my Woman’s Woman focus.

As slight in stature as Delia is, she stands regal in appearance. With her signature, classic pearl necklace adorning her slender neck and her confident smile as a welcoming vision, we again meet. My first visit to Viader was a couple of years ago, and the time spent with Delia Viader never left my mind. I wrote of her, Her Heart is in the Vineyards, Her Soul is in the Bottle. Some people just leave a very lasting impression, and one doesn’t have to spend more than a few minutes with certain people to have this happen. Delia is just one of those people.

I believe she’s a woman’s woman, because she’s a citizen of the world. Raised by a father who was a diplomat, she lived and was educated around the world. This doesn’t allow for someone to become filled with dogma; rather, someone with her life experiences becomes tolerant of others’ differences and sees those lines of differentiation as something to be celebrated. There’s also no guarantee that someone who moves around the world this way will be as gracious as Delia. It’s not a given. But for Delia, it’s her calling, and it’s quite evident as she beings to unfold in the interview process.

Arriving at Viader, Delia took me to her home, so we could have quiet time together away from her busy office. It was like reuniting with an old friend. The vision from the front of her home overlooks a reservoir below, which spreads forward into Napa Valley. From the reservoir, moving forward is the Silverado Trail, then forward to Route 128, and up the Mayacamas Mountain Range. I asked if she was above the fog line. I suspected she was… And, yes, very much so.

She brought out a frame that’s separated into three smaller frames. The color was dominant blue. In each frame was an image of fog blanketing the valley below, in different carnations of soupy, swirling moisture. The redwood forest of the Mayacamas is enveloping the fog, keeping it well contained. Then, up in the right hand corner, shines the morning moon… It was a blue moon moment, and very beautiful art to enjoy.

Before arriving at Delia’s, I reviewed the recent story about her in Quarterly Review of Wines, now celebrating their 33rd year of publishing. A most exceptional wine magazine based in Winchester, Massachusetts, it’s well known for covering prominent wine leaders with excellent profiles. Two amazing women are in the Summer 2009 issue that I know: Michaela Rodeno (formerly of St. Supery) and Delia Viader. Delia’s story is entitled “Queen of the Hill,” and is written by Yvonne Michie Horn. The story begins, “It was 1984 and the land was there, 92 acres on the rugged slopes of Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain…” I did the math: 2009 – 1984 = 25 years. This is Delia’s silver anniversary of this land being purchase by her father and then turned over to her. Delia had a vision and presented to her father a provocative enough business plan that would guarantee her future as a successful vintner of the world, based on Howell Mountain.

What’s below is the beginning of a question and answer that we did together.

[Q]  It’s now been 25 years since the land was purchased for what has become Viader, what’s that journey been like?

[A]  I have to break it down by decades. The first 10 years, and the second 10 years. The first were the most exciting. It was a new thing. It’s easier to be new. I noticed a big change in the second decade. Even finding a name for the wine in the first decade took two years. I had wine in the bottle, I had the label designed, but I had no name for the brand. (She chuckles.) At that time, you had to think marketing. It had to be catchy, and expression of terroir.

The second decade became a flurry of business activity. And, during that time came the evolution to the marketplace to reinvent oneself. Everyone wanted wine with their own name. Without a wine with your name on the bottle, you were nobody. It wasn’t just about the romance in communion with the bees, the sun, and the moon. Many people felt that they’d “made it,” and wanted to retire to make great wine. Napa Valley was finally getting recognition abroad. California was now represented in every country, with everyone wanting to know more about California wines… in the UK, Germany, Switzerland with publications. Everyone wanted to know about American made wines.

California wine was a fashion statement in Germany. It was the new doll of marketing. It was very easy to present my wine in Germany and Switzerland, and it became an instant success. I was competing with the world and doing well. I wanted Viader to show equal standing with the rest of the world.

The last five years of the 25 have been moving the next generation – more and more – to become in charge with the vineyards and wine making. My son Alan has worked in the vineyards since childhood. He’s studied viticulture at Sonoma State and enology at U.C. Davis, and is our director of operations. My daughter Janet has graduated from U.C. Berkeley, and is our director of sales and marketing. Alex, who’s still in high school, helps in the vineyards. It’s important to have Alex understand what goes into the bottle, because everything starts in the vineyards.

[Q]  “Viader Daring” is a quote from QRW’s story. Can you define what Yvonne Michie Horn had in mind when she referred to you this way? I know it’s hard to get inside someone else’s mind, but you might have some thoughts.

[A]  You have to be daring, not a shy pansy. I don’t have to change my personality in order to be who I am. In your actions that’s how you get your authority. I don’t have to prove anything or be overly assertive. I am fine. I find lies an enormous disappointment. If there’s a certain time or a certain way that something’s gone wrong, just don’t lie to me. I understand that people make mistakes. People need to be accountable; own up to it, and then fix it.

When the war was declared, when politics entered the mind of the European buyers, and they felt they couldn’t put American wine in their cellars, all I could think was, “I didn’t make Freedom Fries” the market changed, for the worse. Back then not only did I have to deal with the economy, but I had to deal with politics, too. There were too many variable that were completely beyond wine making . On top of that, the Swiss got a cheese and chocolate tax, and they just refused to put American wines on their wine lists.

Tomorrow, the rest of the interview continues…

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Tags: California, Delia Viader, Napa Cellars, Napa Valley, Royal Bank of Canada, Silverado Vineyards, Sonoma Vineyards, Wine

The heat of the day was sweltering this past Saturday at Rodney Strong – on the lawn – but it wasn’t as hot as the music…

And, what about that Mindi Abair? I didn’t know she was such a hot tamale. There something very empowering for all women (sorry guys), when a woman commands a saxophone that’s so glistening in the sun and sends lyrical vibrations right to your bone marrow… All while, Mindi’s looking like Miss America.

I can’t tell you how many times she’d say, after a number, “Peter White, Ladies and Gentlemen.” I kept waiting for Peter White to say, “And… Mindi Abair!” Not yet, though. I guess he’s never shared the stage with such a brilliant star before that he’s still star struck and can’t utter a single word in response. And, who can blame him? I didn’t realize that they’d be sharing the stage, either, but it all makes sense… Neither of them is an opening act any more.

Jose and I plunked down under the shade of an olive tree for the day. I kept a watchful eye for my friends Robert Larson (Rodney Strong’s PR person) and Amy Biege (we worked together at Ironstone), but it wasn’t in the cards to find them at first.

As we sat in this hot 90+ degree day, Jose asked me what I was going to be writing about. I wasn’t even sure, I was just  happy enough being there, and thinking about how I could keep from overheating. Then he brought up the Survival Guide aspects. Heck… I had just run my Road Warrior Survival Guide, and this blog entry took my readership over the top… I’ve never had so many people reading any one singular blog entry in the last three and a half years of blogging. I know it’s a hysterical story coming from somewhere deep inside my dark side of sarcasm…. But, people just seem to love that comedy. It reminds me of doing, “Why I want to be reborn as a yeast on a Chardonnay grape,” at Mondavi and having people do all they could from busting a gut in the wine cellar, as I delivered each line with perfect punctuality.

So, here I was, thinking about what I should do, and Jose brought up another survival guide. It could never be what my road warrior one was. I had been thinking about that one for about six years. But the concept certainly did have legs, because it was more relevant to that day. What to do, what to wear, what to bring, what not to bring… It all quickly came to me as I reached for anything to write on.

Also, keep in mind that not every performance is going to be enjoyed in this much heat… A morning with fog out here would make me think about these things less; but, regardless of heat, some of these things remain quite relevant:

What to do:

• Arrive early, between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m., for a 5:00 p.m. show. (People begin to line up early, waiting under the shade of the trees that line the driveway to Rodney Strong and J Winery.)
• Bring something to read, unless you have a Blackberry; or something to do, like knitting or writing.
• If you come with friends, you’ll be talking. You’ll be talking even if you’re not with other friends, because people in this environment are quite friendly and chatty, regardless.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes. (More than once I was thinking that I should have worn some kind of lose fitting dress. I think I’ll make one for the next performance I’m attending.)
• Water check point: Make sure you go to the water coolers, when you need water. Rodney Strong is wanting to have more and more coolers available to eliminate more and more plastic bottles. (How green is that!)

What to bring:

• Low chair with a low back. (High back chair will block the people behind you, because everyone else already got the “low back” memo.)
• Umbrella for pre-show (It’s can’t be up during the performances, because you’ll be blocking people).
• Cooler with food items and water for pre-show and before the food vendors are ready. (Once Rodney Strong gets in the groove – showtime – food vendors deliver all sorts of great items.)
• Ice in the cooler (This ice is going to have lots of functions, including keeping you from experiencing heat prostration. I can’t tell you how many faces went beet red yesterday. Rodney Strong takes this so seriously that they have an emergency center waiting for anyone who doesn’t feel well.)
• Sun Screen, sun screen, sun screen, sun screen… (I wonder how that blond lady feels today, whose back was as red as a lobster on Saturday? Can you say skin cancer, boys and girls?)
• Squirt bottle with water in it. (The misting is awesome.)
• Hats, for lots of reasons, all mentioned above (none of which include a fashion statement, but that works, too).
• Hand fan (More than once I’d wished I’d brought one. Rodney Strong could have some made up with the season’s events. I’da bought one!)
• Your own groove, because you’ll definitely get it goin’ on before you leave.

What not to bring:

• Glass glasses. (Image a glass broken on their lawn, and someone barefootin’… nuf said.)
• Anyone else’s wine. (Common folks, you’re at Rodney Strong.)

At the end of the concert, as we all exited to our cars, I came across this fabulous ‘57 Chevy tricycle, the creation of Rick Hubbard of Newcastle, California, which Rick shares with his partner Pat. (I’m not sure if they’re married, but they’re definitely partners, as indicated on the business card that Rick gave to me.) While waiting for Rick and Pat to leave so I could capture the moment, I looked over and there were Robert Larson and Amy Biege. Amazing how these stories just evolve right back to the very beginning… Just at the right time, too, so I could thank him for his extreme hospitality on behalf of Rodney Strong Vineyards!

Mindi Abair and Peter White at Rodney Strong, August 27, 2009

When Mindi sang “Every Time,” she demonstrated such beautiful vocals.. Lots of times a sax will supplement for what vocal cords can hit for perfect human pitch, but this is definitely not the case for Mindi.

Peter White is Peter White… He’s got a signature style that can’t be mistaken for anyone else, and I love it.

During the show, Mindi – after the band was electrically blowing through equipment – took control in a moment of great improv. She announced to the crowd that she was about to perform a number that would be in a style that she calls, “Stadium Jazz.” This is when, under normal conditions, people just hold up a flame and sway back and forth to the music. Given the winery lawn circumstances and day light, guests were asked to sway their wine glasses. She called on drummer Jamie Tate, in order to stretch the time while equipment was repaired. She had Jamie (who has a masters degree in music) perform different jazz riffs; from modern, to classical, to smooth. Each type demonstrated Jamie’s unique ability in each genre.

Then… back to normal, as all was put back together again.

When Peter White performed “My Daddy Was a Rolling Stone,” I looked at Jose and said, “Jazz?” He responded, “I went to a Jazz concert and Rock broke out… on a slow song.” Then grinned. It was a brilliant performance. Who knew Peter White had that in him?

“Billie Jean” was “the” monster of performance of the day, though… regardless of what anyone thinks of Michael Jackson’s eccentric life. He was a master of music and dance, and that’s all that’s left to celebrate, and so we did. This was also a turning point for setting our spirits free. Dancing completely broke out, and there was no turning back.

To purchase future tickets, Click Here:

July 11
The Rippingtons and Craig Chaquico
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

August 8
Guitars & Saxes 2009 featuring Euge Groove, Jeff Golub, Jeff Lorber and Jessy J
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

August 22
The KRUSH Presents: Susan Tedeschi and JJ Grey & Mofro
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

September 7
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Up Close and Personal Tour
In celebration of 50 Years making incredible wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards is proud to close it’s 19th Concert Season with an afternoon of timeless hits from Hall & Oates, including “Rich Girl,” “Maneater,” “Sara Smile,” “Kiss On My List,” and “One On One.”
Doors 3 p.m. Tickets: VIP $110 – GA $75

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Tags: August Cellars, California, Ironstone Vineyards, Miss America, Robert Larson, Rodney Strong, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Wine

Off to the vineyards this afternoon for the first in a series of concerts at Rodney Strong. I’ll be back with images and thoughts.

Robert Larson of Rodney Strong has graciously given me a pass to this event. When I was in Rock n’Roll radio, I went to so many concerts that I became jaded… “Yawn… Another one? Oh, gawd!”

Well, being out of the music business for the last 16+ years makes me really appreciate attending musical events, now. What I thought I’d never, ever miss I really do… And am thankful for Robert Larson, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Peter White and Mindi Abair.

See you there!

June 27
Peter White and Mindi Abair
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

July 11
The Rippingtons and Craig Chaquico
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

August 8
Guitars & Saxes 2009 featuring Euge Groove, Jeff Golub, Jeff Lorber and Jessy J
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

August 22
The KRUSH Presents: Susan Tedeschi and JJ Grey & Mofro
Doors 4 p.m. – Showtime 5 p.m. Tickets: VIP $70 – GA $45

September 7
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Up Close and Personal Tour
In celebration of 50 Years making incredible wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards is proud to close it’s 19th Concert Season with an afternoon of timeless hits from Hall & Oates, including “Rich Girl,” “Maneater,” “Sara Smile,” “Kiss On My List,” and “One On One.”
Doors 3 p.m. Tickets: VIP $110 – GA $75

Purchase Tickets or get your Season Pass by calling 707-869-1595 or by clicking here. Starting May 9th, tickets can be purchased in person at the Rodney Strong Vineyards Tasting Room. The 2009 Season Pass includes four shows (August 22 excluded), and offers exclusive benefits such as the same reserved seat for all concerts, commemorative gifts and early announcements on future engagements. Rodney Strong Vineyards Wine Club members enjoy an exclusive reception before the shows and at intermission as well as a $5.00 discount on each ticket price. Wine Club tickets must be purchased through Rodney Strong Vineyards by calling (866) 779-4637.

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Tags: Entertainment, Hall & Oates, Rodney Strong, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Wine