Press Releases

DELOACH VINEYARDS TO HOST RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PIONEER FESTIVAL
Weekend festivities to induct pioneers and celebrate heritage of the Russian River Valley

SANTA ROSA, Calif., October 4, 2004 - DeLoach Vineyards has announced plans to host the inaugural Russian River Valley Pioneer Festival on Saturday, October 16, 2004. The event is open to the public and will feature local purveyors showcasing food and farm exhibits unique to the Russian River Valley.

In conjunction with the Festival, founders of the Russian River Valley Pioneers, Louis M. Foppiano and Christine DeLoach, along with winery host Michael DeLoach, will present the Luther Burbank Award during a private dinner. The award will be given to individuals who have steadfastly advanced the good name and generous spirit of the Russian River Valley throughout their lifetimes. The following award recipients will be honored:
• Louis J. Foppiano, Foppiano Vineyards
• Rodd and Lynne Berglund on behalf of Joseph Swan, Joseph Swan Vineyards
• Davis Bynum, David Bynum Winery
• Joe Rochioli, Rochioli Vineyards
• Rodney Strong, Rodney Strong Vineyards / Toad Hollow Vineyards

Additionally, Christine DeLoach and Foppiano will induct a small group of individuals into the Russian River Valley Pioneers. The inductees will be recognized for their recent efforts to advance the notoriety and stature of the Russian River Valley through innovation, research, preservation, and promotion. They will be officially inducted during a canoe trip on the Russian River prior to the Festival. Inductees include:
• John Balletto, Balletto Vineyards
• Dan Berger, Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences
• Bob Cabral, Williams Selyem Winery
• Rich Cartiere, Rich Cartiere’s Wine Market Report
• Merry Edwards, Merry Edwards Wines
• Brice Cutrer Jones, Gold Ridge Pinot
• Saralee Kunde, Richard’s Grove / Saralee’s Vineyard, Inc.
• WH Terry Wright, Sonoma State University

“We are excited to recognize these exceptional winemakers, writers, educators, and winery founders who have passionately promoted the unique characteristics of the Russian River Valley appellation,” said Michael DeLoach. “It is an honor to publicize their efforts in a casual, lighthearted ‘non-ceremony’ that truly exemplifies the spirit of this region. We also look forward to providing a venue for the public to learn more about the region’s heritage while celebrating our local produce and wine.”

During the Russian River Valley Pioneer Festival, neighboring food purveyors will offer a sampling of their products. Participating vendors include:

• DeLoach Vineyards Wines, Santa Rosa
• C&C Wine Services Olive Oil, Santa Rosa
• Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, Petaluma
• The Village Bakery, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol
• Gourmet Mushrooms, Sebastopol
• Patisserie Angelica, Sebastopol
• The Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, Point Reyes Station
• Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese, Modesto

Antique farm equipment, supplied by the Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association, will be displayed throughout the day. In addition, the Wine Library Associates of Sonoma County will provide historical black and white photographs and artifacts of old Sonoma County wineries, and local 4-H members will show off beef and dairy cattle and other farm animals.

The Festival will be held from 10am-4:30pm at DeLoach Vineyards, located at 1791 Olivet Road in Santa Rosa. For more information, please visit: www.deloachvineyards.com.

DeLoach Vineyards has been making wine in the Russian River Valley since 1975 and is known for its exemplary Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. The DeLoach family pioneered Pinot Noir wine growing in the Olivet District beginning in 1971. The winery seeks to produce wines that spotlight the personality of the Russian River Valley in a socially responsible, environmentally sensitive way by fostering a better understanding of the Valley’s unique terroir.