About Fundación de la
Voz de los Viñedos

Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees. Relaunched in January of 2016, the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees. 

In 2022, the first class of the Leadership Academy met to brainstorm names for the Foundation which would best represent them and the work they do. They selected Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de Los Viñedos (The Voice of the Vineyards).  

The Fundación is managed by the Sonoma County Winegrowers with a 16-member board of directors comprised of agricultural leaders, vineyard and winery owners, and Sonoma County community leaders.  

Our Mission

To support local vineyard employees and their families. 

Our Flagship Programs

Vineyard Employee Recognition Program • Leadership Academy

Our Vision

To improve the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive.

Our Role in the Community

The Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos collaborates with community organizations and government agencies to provide opportunities for vineyard employees to advance their education, skill development, and career advancement in order to create leaders in the agriculture community. The Fundación identifies resources, leverages support, and develops programs that improve the lives of local agricultural employees and their families.

Our Pillars

Leadership

Empowerment & Recognition

Workplace Development

Resiliency

Resources

Our Board of Directors


Duff Bevill, Board Chairman, Bevill Vineyard Management

Lisa Wittke Schaffner, Vice Chair, North Coast Builders Exchange

Joe Dutton, Treasurer, Dutton Ranch

Vicki Michaelczyk, Secretary, Retired Grape Grower

BJ Bertacco, Edward Jones

Carlos Chavez, Safety & Environmental Associates

Charles Karren, Terra de Promissio

Glenn Proctor, Puccioni Ranch

Jason Cunningham, West County Health Center

Jim Pratt, Atlas Vineyard Management

Joel Castaneda, California Vineyard & Farm Supply

Ron Rubin, River Road Family Vineyards & Winery

Steve Sangiacomo, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards

Terry Lindley, Retired – American AgCredit

Tim Tesconi, Retired – Sonoma County Farm Bureau

Suzanne Smith, Slingshot Strategic Consultants

Volunteer Staff


Karissa Kruse, Executive Director

Our Partners


The Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos would not be able to provide resources to our communities without our valued and esteemed partners. Many thanks to our supporters, many of whom gave generous donations or sponsorships during community challenges.

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