Rodney Strong

rodneystrong_062019-2

rodney Strong

 

“Winning something from the public here in the North Bay makes us feel like we’re on the right track,” Chris O’Goreman, director of communications

Healdsburg’s Rodney Strong Vineyards can claim two unique distinctions: being founded by a former celebrated American dancer more than 50 years ago, and being named Best Cabernet Sauvignon of 2019. “We’re a historic, family-owned Sonoma County winery. Members of our staff have worked here for more than 30 years,” says Chris O’Goreman, director of communications.

Rodney Strong’s director of winemaking, Justin Siedenfeld, began as an intern at Iron Horse in 2005, leading to a position with Robert Mondavi in 2006. Siedenfeld knows a thing or two about crafting a Cabernet Sauvignon. One of his duties at Mondavi was overseeing the small lot Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking. Siedenfeld introduced a shift in philosophy at the winery, favoring to measure by yield per vine, as opposed to yield per acre. This change aims to create optimum results for the vines, specifically in regards to color and concentration.

Rodney Strong’s balanced and elegant varieties of Cabernets are sourced from vineyards in the Alexander Valley, Cooley Ranch and the Russian River Valley. “We make a few different Cabernets. It’s one of our core strengths,” says Chris. “We think all of our Cabernet’s over-deliver for quality.” The wine lovers in the North Bay, who voted for Rodney Strong over the fierce competition in the world-famous region, agree with the winery’s thinking on its Cabernets. “Winning something from the public here in the North Bay makes us feel like we’re on the right track,” Chris says.

The winery strives to be on the right track when it comes to sustainability and preserving the environment. In 2010, Rodney Strong was officially certified sustainable by the California Winegrowers Alliance, recognizing the winery’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the winery has also reduced its carbon footprint by becoming carbon neutral, and owns a Fish Friendly Farming Certification for its conservation efforts in preserving natural creek banks along permanent and seasonal waterways.

The winery’s roots in the community run as deep as its vines run in the county’s soil. Rodney Strong is a proud supporter of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and CORE – Children Of Restaurant Employees, a group providing support to children and families of restaurant employees who are experiencing (or are afflicted by) life-altering circumstances.

Rodney Strong also plays host to a summer concert series, as well as launching a “Locals Americana” series of smaller shows for local families to enjoy. The winery has shown that there is a lot to love about Rodney Strong throughout its rich history, and the award for “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” only further cements its status among one of the top wine-producing names in the North Bay.

www.rodneystrong.com

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