60+ Wineries Partner with Top Sonoma County Restaurants in New Cross-Industry Initiative

HEALDSBURG, Calif.–Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is doubling down on its efforts to entice wine and food lovers to visit, launching a pioneering partnership between 60-plus area wineries and the region’s top restaurants. Launching September 1st, the so-called “Culinary Cooperative” is the brainchild of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley (WDCV) in partnership with top restaurants located in and around the charming wine country town of Healdsburg.

The co-op benefits wine country visitors by including with each bottle of wine purchased at a Dry Creek Valley winery a voucher for complimentary corkage at participating restaurants. Program participants benefit by receiving enhanced brand exposure through WDCV’s website (www.drycreekvalley.org), social media channels and program pamphlets at member tasting rooms and restaurants.

“The Dry Creek Valley Culinary Cooperative celebrates the concerted efforts of local producers to educate guests on the symbiotic relationship between food and wine,” says Ann Petersen, executive director of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley. “An underlying goal of the program is to encourage a conversation among guests about the prestige of Dry Creek Valley wines and the extraordinary local culinary scene.”

A sampling of program participants includes big-name wineries such as Ridge Vineyards, Rafanelli, Dry Creek Vineyard and Ferrari-Carano, as well as dozens of boutique brands like Nalle, Talty, Lambert Bridge, Kokomo, Preston of Dry Creek Valley, Bella and many others. Restaurant participants include Spoonbar, Mateos, Michelin-starred Madrona Manor, Scopa Restaurant, Barndiva and others.

“This program is an exciting opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with the local wine community,” says Chef Mateo Granados of Mateo’s Cocina Latina. “Food and wine pairing is a major focus in my restaurant. This program allows diners to experience our menu at a deeper level with the wines they’ve discovered during their stay. It’s a great incentive for people to come to Healdsburg and Dry Creek Valley wine country.”

Healdsburg is located 15 minutes north of the Santa Rosa airport, which has direct flights to Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland and Seattle.

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley (WDCV) is an association of more than 60 wineries and 150 growers, of which more than 95 percent are small, family-owned operations. WDCV is dedicated to advancing the recognition, enhancement and preservation of Dry Creek Valley as a premium winegrowing region. Anchored by the charming town of Healdsburg, the Dry Creek Valley appellation was officially designated in 1983. Known as a premier zinfandel growing region, Dry Creek Valley is one of California’s oldest wine producing regions and is home to many heritage vineyards ranging in age from 50 to 120 years. To preserve this history and the valley’s pristine beauty, the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley supports sustainable viticulture and low-impact farming practices. www.drycreekvalley.org