SV Vintners & Growers Alliance has new ED

The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA), a non-profit trade organization representing the wineries, grape growers, and community of Sonoma Valley, has named Robyn Sebastiani as its new Executive Director.

“Robyn brings a wealth of experience and expertise, along with a deep passion for our mission, which will propel the organization forward into its next phase of growth,” said SVVGA Board President Tom Rouse. “We’re confident she will build an even stronger sense of community and commitment to serving our members and the greater wine community of Sonoma Valley.”

Sebastiani graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Marketing and later earned her MBA from Sonoma State University in the Executive MBA program. During her time at Santa Clara, she met her now husband, Chris Sebastiani, and experienced the beauty of the Sonoma Valley. She joins SVVGA as an award-winning corporate sales leader working for world-renowned companies Medtronic and Pfizer and, more recently, taking her first official dive into the wine industry with the launch of her canned wine business, West Shore Wine Co, with co-founder and fellow Sonoma Valley native Meg Edwards. This move gave her a greater perspective on the industry, its opportunities, and its challenges. 

“I look forward to leading the SVVGA into their next great era,” she said. “With its well-respected reputation and highly engaged membership dedicated to both industry and the community, this organization is poised for new growth and transformation. I am excited to put my experience to use in a way that creates meaningful growth for our members and our local community.”

In addition to the leadership announcement, the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) shaared updates and progress across its various programs. Highlights include:

Sonoma Valley High School Scholarships: For the twentieth year, SVVGA is pleased to offer merit scholarships to selected 2023 high school graduates attending an accredited college or university in the fall of 2023. Students with the strongest high school records and unique financial needs will be awarded scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded at SVHS Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 31, in Pfeiffer Gym at 6 pm.

Transcendence Theater Company, Gold Lounge Wine Sponsor: SVVGA is thrilled to enrich its partnership with Transcendence Theater Company (TTC) as the lead wine partner in their Gold Lounge for the upcoming summer season. As part of this collaboration, the RBC Wealth Management Gold Lounge, in concert with SVVGA, will provide an exclusive wine experience for Gold Lounge ticket holders, featuring three Sonoma Valley wineries pouring their wines before each evening’s performance. Tickets for Transcendence 2023 Broadway Under the Stars, Summer Season are available now at www.transcendencetheatre.org.   

Napa2Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon: SVVGA is excited to continue its community partnership for the third consecutive year, dedicated to enhancing, supporting, and promoting the Sonoma Valley region. As part of this collaboration, SVVGA vintner and grower members will be prominently featured during the post-race wine festival and as part of the race’s VIP experience on Sunday, July 16, at the Sonoma Plaza. Visit www.runnapatosonoma.com to learn more about the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rosé 5K, named one of the top 7 most scenic courses in the U.S.

SVVGA (Sonoma Valley Wine) is a non-profit organization serving hundreds of vintners, growers, and associate members who share a mission to protect and preserve the winemaking legacy and agricultural heritage of Sonoma Valley. SVVGA supports its members, local community, and entire wine region through advocacy, marketing, and education. The ​Sonoma Valley’s wine region comprises six of the 18 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley.