Sonoma County Winegrowers CEO Wins Wine Star Award

Sonoma County Winegrowers CEO

Karissa Kruse, CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers, unites regional wine groups and pushes sustainable practices.

“When I came to Sonoma County, I saw an opportunity to apply my experience to an entire wine region.”

Merger of Wine Organizations

Sonoma County Winegrowers merged with Sonoma County Vintners to form Sonoma County Wine starting January 2027.

Sustainable Winegrowing Progress

Sonoma County achieved 99% certified sustainable vineyard acreage after five years of effort.

Farm of the Future Program

Sonoma County Winegrowers launched Farm of the Future to partner with tech companies like Ford Pro and John Deere.

Kruse's Background

Kruse's experience outside the wine industry helped her see problems with greater clarity.

“Because I didn’t grow up in the wine industry, I wasn’t tied to how things had always been done.”

Sustainable Practices

Kruse and her team achieved 99% certified sustainable vineyard acreage through collaboration and belief in the vision.

Kruse's Vision

Kruse focuses on inviting innovative companies to work directly with growers to test and scale new solutions.

“Our growers aren’t just adopting technology. They're helping develop it.”

Wine Star Award

Karissa Kruse won Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Executive of the Year award.

Future of Wine

Sonoma County leaders seek new growth opportunities in the global wine market.

Wine Star Awards

Wine Enthusiast's 2026 Wine Star Awards recognize industry leaders and regional wine regions.