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Vino For Veterans Program in Dry Creek Valley

November 11th is Veterans Day, a time in which we honor the selfless efforts of all our nation’s men and women who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. This year, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley got together and said, “Why not show our appreciation all month long?”

Presenting the first annual Vino For Veterans program: From November 1st-November 30th, many of our member wineries will be offering complimentary tastings to veterans and active military servicepeople as a toast to their sacrifice.

Nestled within Dry Creek Valley, there are several residents who have served our country in the military and are veteran winegrowers. We spoke to Jack Florence Sr., an independent grape grower who sells to Bella Winery and Dashe Cellars, along with many other wineries who produce Dry Creek Valley-designated wines. Florence is a Korean war veteran who served in the Navy and studied nuclear engineering before he decided to take up farming. He said:

I value the Navy so much. I had a great experience with the Navy.  I learned mental toughness, I learned the importance of hard work, and the need to stand up to challenges. Believe me–my wife Fran and I had challenges when we first got started as grape growers in 1976.

Here is a list of wineries participating and the offerings they’re providing:

Amista Vineyards – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Blanchard Family Wines – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Chateau Diana – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Collier Falls – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Forchini Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Fritz Underground Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Gustafson Family Vineyard -Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military and one guest

Kokomo Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Mazzocco Sonoma Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military and up to three guests

Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estates – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military and one guest, plus 25% off bottles purchased

Mill Creek Vineyards – 15% discount on all bottles purchased for veterans/active military year-round

Pedroncelli Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Peterson Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military and one guest

Ridge Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military and up to three guests

Roadhouse Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Seghesio Family Vineyards – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military and  year-round 15% discount on wines purchased

West Wines – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

Wilson Winery – Complimentary tasting for veterans/active military

We invite you to join us in extending our tremendous gratitude to the veterans and military servicepeople within our community of winegrowers:

  • James and Steve Blanchard of Blanchard Family Wines
  • Adam Collier of the Collier Falls family
  • Jack Florence Sr. at Florence Ranch
  • Fred Peterson of Peterson Winery