WING Takes Flight
Recent WING meeting at MacMurray Ranch with Supervisor Paul Kelley
The Facts
Who: Wine Industries Next Generation
What: An educational and networking group open to any and all young professionals in Sonoma County’s agriculture and wine industries
When: Traditionally, the first Wednesday of every month, from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Various Sonoma County locales
How: Email winesocial@yahoo.com to be notified of upcoming events or visit www.wineindustriesnextgeneration.blogspot.com for more information and photos from past events. Bring a bottle of wine to share!
The future of the Sonoma County wine and agriculture industries has landed. Wine Industries Next Generation (WING) was formed last year by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission as a way for Gen Xers and Millennials with ties to the wine business to connect, while learning more about issues that directly affect both young people and the community at large.
Open to anyone in the wine and agricultural industries, monthly WING meetings attract upwards of 40 attendees and are held at various locations throughout Sonoma County. Each meeting features a keynote address from a distinguished member of the business community.
Supervisor Paul Kelley delivered the keynote address at the June WING meeting, hosted by the Gallo family at MacMurray Ranch on Westside Road. Prior to a historical tour of the property, Supervisor Kelley shared his insight regarding conserving Sonoma County’s water resources during the dry months this region is sure to face throughout the summer and fall.
“I proudly support the WING organization,” noted Kelley. “It is paramount that our next generation workforce come together to network, socialize and become educated on the issues that will impact our county’s future.”
Larry Levine, VP of Marketing and Communications for the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, is equally enthusiastic. “WING is a great forum for young members of the grape growing and winery industries to learn about current issues and establish working relationships with other members,” he stated. “I am impressed with the high caliber of the presentations and the wonderful energy of the participants.”
Past meetings have run the gauntlet from discussions on sustainable and Biodynamic agriculture, marketing Sonoma County, affordable housing, ag lending, and sparkling wine production, at locations ranging from Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, American Ag Credit, and Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves.
Terry Lindley, Senior Officer, American AgCredit and Santa Rosa Junior College Trustee spoke at WING’s November 2006 meeting and praised the grass roots group. “This up and coming organization is comprised of young, talented and highly motivated individuals. Their energy and desire to make a difference is “refreshing”.
Reasserted Supervisor Kelley, “I encourage all young professionals to take advantage of this unique and professional organization.”