(SW) - Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is excited to announce that October is Sonoma County Wine Month. The inaugural Sonoma County Wine Month gives wineries, retailers and consumers the opportunity to promote and celebrate the diverse and truly exceptional wines from Sonoma County.

Sonoma County is a unique wine producing region, growing 60 varieties across 17 different appellations.  Sonoma County Wine Month will help bring this special region to life for consumers who have not had the opportunity to visit, as well as build pride for residents and guests who are already avid supporters of Sonoma County wines.

“We are thrilled to announce October as Sonoma County Wine Month,” said Jean Arnold Sessions, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners. “Fall is a perfect time to experience our 17 distinct regions featuring some of the world’s most diverse and unforgettable wines. There’s an experience for everyone to discover — from intimate tastings in family-owned wineries, to vineyard walks with breathtaking vistas tucked in and around every corner of Sonoma County.”

With 60 miles of coastland, Sonoma County’s climate is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Summers are dry, sunny and warm, while nights are cool and foggy, allowing vineyards to thrive in ideal growing conditions.

Sonoma County Vintners is pleased to offer member wineries a marketing toolkit highlighting the Sonoma County Wine Month promotion (http://sonomawine.com/sonoma-county-wine-month/). The toolkit includes customizable bottle neckers, tent cards, postcards and digital resources that wineries can use to generate excitement and awareness of Sonoma County Wine Month. During the month of October, retailers are encouraged to support Sonoma County brands and help tell the story of Sonoma County wines.

From waves crashing on coastal beaches to mountaintop hikes among giant redwoods, Sonoma County’s unique geography and lifestyle are as diverse as the wines grown here. In addition to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, our wine and food culture is unlike that of any other wine region. Local chefs thrive on working with our combination of locally made wine, produce, cheese, meats and other foods, resulting in an exceptional and exciting culinary scene.

“The lure of Sonoma County lies in its ever-changing landscape,” said Ken Fischang, President/CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. “We have around a million acres — only 6 percent planted to grapes — that entice travelers to get outdoors and explore. Sonoma County Wine Month is the perfect opportunity to visit the birthplace of California’s wine industry. Our rich heritage of producing premium wines — beginning in 1857 — is tasted in every glass.”

As home to more than 450 wineries and 1,800 vineyards, wine is at the forefront of Sonoma County’s economy. Wine-related tourism generates $1.2 billion annually and contributes an additional $13.4 billion in local economic revenue. The wine industry also accounts for more than 54,000 jobs in the county.

In an effort to preserve this unique wine, farming, tourism and culinary community, Sonoma County aims to be the first winegrowing region in the United States to be 100 percent sustainable by 2019. Currently, more than half of our 59,000 acres of vineyards are sustainably farmed, and we are committed to achieving 100% sustainability by 2019.