Rodney Strong Vineyards
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Winery |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Rodney Strong |
| Headquarters | Healdsburg, California , United States |
Area served | Sonoma County, California |
Key people | Tom Klein (Proprietor), Rick Sayre (Senior Vice President of Winemaking) |
| Products | Wine (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir) |
Rodney Strong Vineyards is a family-operated winery based in Healdsburg, California, established in 1959 by entrepreneur and former dancer Rodney Strong. The winery’s business approach is dedicated to crafting wines solely from grapes grown within Sonoma County. It oversees 14 estate vineyards situated in prominent Sonoma appellations such as Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, Sonoma Coast, and Dry Creek Valley.
Guided by Proprietor Tom Klein and Senior Vice President of Winemaking Rick Sayre, Rodney Strong Vineyards has developed a notable presence in the market with varietals including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Their dedication to quality and regional expertise has fostered a strong competitive position within the premium wine category.
The winery’s financial success and industry standing were underscored when it was named American Winery of the Year in 2013 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Continuing to capitalize on its Sonoma County roots and estate vineyard holdings, Rodney Strong Vineyards drives ongoing growth and sustains its leadership role in the sector.
About
Founded in 1959 by entrepreneur and ex-dancer Rodney Strong, Rodney Strong Vineyards has become a key figure in Sonoma County’s wine landscape. The Klein family, representing four generations of California farming heritage, acquired the company in 1989. Since then, under Tom Klein’s presidency beginning in 1991, the winery has expanded through targeted investments in winemaking innovation and production capabilities. Rick Sayre, who has served as Vice President of Winemaking since 1979, has played a pivotal role in shaping the winery’s acclaimed portfolio.
The operation encompasses 14 estate vineyards and sources fruit from critical Sonoma locations such as Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, and Sonoma Coast. Specializing in estate-bottled wines with an emphasis on single varietal and single vineyard expressions, Rodney Strong Vineyards also prioritizes sustainability. Their environmentally conscious practices—including fish-friendly farming methods, utilization of solar power, and achievement of carbon neutrality—enhance their market differentiation within the premium wine segment.
History
Rodney Strong transitioned from a career as a professional dancer to become a pioneering figure in Sonoma County viticulture. He was among the earliest to plant vineyards in prime regions like Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley, significantly influencing the development of these appellations.
In 1959, alongside his wife Charlotte Ann Winson, Strong established one of the first bonded wineries in Sonoma County. By 1962, he had purchased a historic property with 159 acres near Windsor and was a trailblazer in planting Chardonnay vines that contributed to the creation of the Chalk Hill AVA. In 1968, he broke new ground by planting Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley, utilizing climate research from UC Davis to guide vineyard site selection.
Strong’s visionary leadership led to the launch of the first single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley’s Alexander’s Crown vineyard in 1974—a region that subsequently earned AVA designation. In 1977, he introduced the initial Chardonnay labeled “Chalk Hill,” establishing a new niche within the market.
The company’s expansion accelerated following Rick Sayre’s arrival in 1979, which enhanced winemaking standards and reputation. The acquisition by the Klein family in 1989 ushered in further growth through investments in modern production infrastructure such as fermentation tanks, Bucher presses, oak barrel programs, and a large temperature-controlled barrel storage facility—advancing operational efficiency and capacity.
In January 2020, Rodney Strong Vineyards encountered a major operational setback when thousands of gallons of Cabernet Sauvignon were accidentally released into California’s Russian River—constituting one of the largest environmental incidents recorded in the county’s history—and highlighting critical aspects of risk management across its global operations.
Sustainability
Rodney Strong Vineyards practices sustainable management across its 14 estate vineyards and has earned certification from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Notably, it was Sonoma County’s pioneer in achieving carbon-neutral status. Their environmental efforts began with the installation of solar panels in 2003, which at that time represented the largest solar power system for a winery worldwide. The vineyard employs various soil conservation methods, including controlling runoff, preventing erosion, composting grape pomace, minimizing tillage, and utilizing cover crops. Water conservation is emphasized through the use of drip irrigation combined with sophisticated monitoring systems. The vineyards hold Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) certification, underscoring their commitment to improving aquatic habitats and maintaining water quality. To safeguard air purity, they implement natural cover crops, avoid burning prunings, and use environmentally responsible treatments on vineyard pathways.
Collaborations
In December 2016, Rodney Strong Vineyards joined forces with Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute to create the Rodney Strong Pathways Program, which focuses on expanding educational opportunities and fostering student achievement. The winery is also a patron of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, supporting both artistic performances and educational initiatives throughout Sonoma County. Furthermore, Rodney Strong backs the Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) organization, aiding children of hospitality workers facing significant hardships. The winery additionally participates in community-focused projects like The Ortiz Plaza initiative, which provides affordable housing solutions for agricultural laborers and their families.