Gourmet News

Rodney Strong Vineyard Launches Annual Sustainability Sweepstakes

Published March 4, 2024

Sonoma County’s Rodney Strong Vineyards continues its annual sustainability sweepstakes this year with another environment-centric offering: $2,500 toward the purchase of an electric bike for 15 lucky winners of its 2024 drawing. Now through May 31, consumers can enter online for a chance to win and show solidarity with Rodney Strong in its decades-long mission to operate according to environmentally sound principles.

“At Rodney Strong we like to say sustainability is a journey. It is more than just a set of rules to follow; it’s a daily decision to be stewards of the land for generations to come,” said Justin Seidenfeld, senior vice president of winemaking and winegrowing. “Helping people leverage e-bike technology is just another way we can take consumers on this journey with us — and for them to literally journey from place to place in a sustainable way.”

Rodney Strong Vineyards has been at the forefront of viticulture and winemaking sustainability initiatives for 20 years. In 2002, after winery staff conducted a self-assessment based on a handbook developed by the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, the company installed the largest solar panel array the wine business had ever seen at the time. Two decades later, Rodney Strong staff are still deeply devoted to taking care of the earth through each step in their winemaking process. In the cellars, for example, new technology reduces water use on the barrel wash line by 80 percent. In the vineyards, staff fence-in their grapes in small blocks to maintain critical wildlife corridors.

“At Rodney Strong Vineyards we like to say, ‘place matters,’” Seidenfeld said. “Of course, Sonoma County is our place, and we’re doing all we can to protect and honor it. But we also want to honor the places our consumers call home, the environments they want and need to protect as they move through their day.”

To enter the sweepstakes, consumers can visit the Rodney Strong sweepstakes microsite either directly or by scanning a QR code available via social media and on sales displays at national and regional grocery chains and independent sellers of Rodney Strong wines. Winners will be chosen on or about June 7. More information, along with the details on terms and conditions, is available online at rodneystrongebikesweeps.com.

In 2023, the winemaker launched this sustainability-centric sweepstakes with a $60,000 prize toward the purchase of an electric vehicle. As one of California’s first certified sustainable wineries and vineyards, the company’s leadership felt it made sense to support a broader movement to go electric. The winner was chosen from over 22,000 entries, a number they hope to exceed in 2024.

Rodney Strong Wine Estates is a family-owned wine company that includes Rodney Strong Vineyards, Davis Bynum Wines, Knotty Vines, Upshot Wines and ROWEN Wine Company. Rodney Strong sustainably farms 12 estate vineyards and produces wines from Sonoma County’s finest appellations. The winery was founded in 1959 by Sonoma County pioneer Rod Strong as the 13th bonded winery in the county.

For over 30 years, RSWE has flourished under the leadership of the Klein family, fourth generation California farmers. The Klein family is committed to protecting and preserving the environment in both the vineyards and at the winery through sustainable and innovative practices. Rodney Strong Wine Estates is a family of passionate people committed to crafting premium wines, meaningful experiences, and sustainable leadership in Sonoma County. Learn more at RodneyStrong.com.

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Heroes Pantry Addresses Food Insecurity for Military, Veterans

Published March 4, 2024

Food for Health, a program under the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has launched the Heroes Pantry in San Diego to alleviate the burden of food insecurity among veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military families exacerbated by the high cost of living, especially for those facing health challenges or needing to cover medical expenses.

The new Heroes Pantry will offer fresh vegetables and fruits sourced directly from farms, with a focus on providing healthy options tailored to veterans with specific dietary needs. It is open and free to all veterans and active duty members. It will operate bi-weekly initially and expand to weekly distributions as needed.

Research from the Military Family Advisory Network reveals that food insecurity among military and veteran families is twice the national average, affecting one in six households. RAND reports that 1.4 million veterans struggle to access adequate food, leading to severe health implications.

“It is unacceptable that those who have served and protected our nation are going hungry,” said Carlos Marroquin, national director of food for health programs at AHF. “Veterans and active military personnel have sacrificed their well-being for our safety, and it is our duty to ensure they have access to nutritious food.”

“Veterans should not be forced to choose between basic necessities like rent and food,” added Wendy Calderon, VFW Post commander. “The rising cost of living has deprived many of them of a healthy lifestyle. The Heroes Pantry aims to provide assistance and promote wellness among those who have selflessly served our country.”

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 1.9 million individuals across 45 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and subscribe to our AHFter Hours podcast.

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Southern Glazer’s Promotes Kenrick to President of West Region

Published March 4, 2024

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits—the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol—has promoted Lewis Kenrick to the role of president, West Region, effective March 1.

In his most recent role, Kenrick served as executive vice president, general manager of California. He will now report to John Wittig, Chief Commercial Officer, and is filling the position of Patrick Daul who recently announced his retirement. As President, West Region, Kenrick will be responsible for leading all business activities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and Hawaii.

“Lewis’ commercial leadership experience in California, our largest market, helps make him the ideal successor for our sizeable West Region,” said Wittig. “I am confident that he will build on Patrick’s great leadership and continue to drive success for customers and suppliers well into the future.”

In 2008, Kenrick commenced his career at Southern Wine & Spirits, pioneering Trade Development for Chains across California. He soon stepped into roles of increasing responsibility, including Pacific Wine & Spirits vice president, sales manager for chains in 2010, followed by his appointment to vice president, general manager, PWS of California in 2013. In his next role as executive vice president, general manager, PWS of California and Hawaii, Kenrick led a dedicated division of over 500 sales professionals representing the prestigious portfolios of Diageo, Moët Hennessy USA, and Nolet Spirits. Prior to his tenure at Southern Glazer’s, Kenrick honed his expertise at Diageo, with roles at Chateau & Estates in Napa, Calif., and later in the National Account organization.

An announcement for Lewis Kenrick’s successor will be forthcoming.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

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