Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

Don and Barbara Stiling, owners of Stiling Vineyards, were awarded the 2007 Viticulture Award of Excellence from The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC) at the group’s annual BBQ May 10. Additionally, the Hispanic Community recognized Chuck Hussey, Judy Tuhtan, Hector Bedolla and Pete Opatz for their contributions to vineyard worker education.

SCWC annually presents the Viticulture Award of Excellence to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to SCWC, to Sonoma County viticulture, and the greater wine and local communities.

In 1986, Don Stiling decided after working 35 years in the corporate world (Procter & Gamble) to become his own boss and begin farming in California. He looked at several options, including avocado farming. He settled on grape growing once he found his dream property in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. Don immediately planted 35 acres of premier quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. At the time, Pinot Noir wasn’t a very popular wine, but he saw the potential and knew the land and weather conditions were perfect for growing it.

Don’s wife Barbara retired from owning her own marketing company in San Francisco in 2001. She immediately jumped into helping run the ranch more smoothly. In the past two years, Barbara has also used her marketing skills to assist with the formation of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and serving as a commissioner as well as heading the marketing committee.

Today the Stilings farm 25 acres of Chardonnay and 10 acres of Pinot Noir. They are dedicated to sustainable farming. Their vineyard foreman, Jesus Garcia, has worked with them for more than 20 years. Grapes from Stiling Ranch are vineyard designates for Eric Kent Wine Cellars. Additionally, Darioush, Gary Farrell and Simi buy Stiling grapes.

Don’s farming philosophy is “never assume you know everything you need to know. Always keep learning, asking questions, networking and seeking advice.” His community service includes board positions on the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, Russian River Valley Winegrowers and he is a member of the Sebastopol Rotary. He has four sons and 10 grand children that visit the ranch often.

“Don and Barbara are model members of the Sonoma County winegrape grower community,” says Duff Bevill chairman of the board of SCWC. “Not only do they grow note worthy grapes, they are also very involved with the winegrape industry and the local community in general.”

Hispanic Community Awards

At the SCWC BBQ, the Hispanic Community honored the following people for their contributions to vineyard employees’ education.

Chuck Hussey of Verite Winery for his coordination and promotion of the annual Sonoma County pruning contest. Chuck has raised thousands of dollars each for Alexander Valley pruning contest winners.

Judy Tuhtan, of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission for her coordination of the EDP Program, Pruning Contest and vineyard employee workshops in Spanish.

Hector Bodolla of La Crema Winery for his promotion of the professional participation of Hispanic viticulturists and winemakers in educational seminars and workshops and his support and teaching Spanish classes at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium each year.

Pete Opatz of Vino Farm for his support of affordable housing for agricultural workers and job opportunities for them. He was instrumental in the development of the “Bunk House Ordinance” that provides 900 beds for Sonoma County vineyard employees.

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission was established in 2006 as a non-profit marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCWC’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org.

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