Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Shone Farm – Santa Rosa Junior College’s incubator for aspiring winemakers, grapegrowers and farmers – had an impressive showing at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Four student-produced wines earned medals in the fair’s Professional Wine Competition, which received over 900 wine entries from 149 wineries this year. A panel of 21 judges blind-tasted the wines, all made with Sonoma County grapes. Shone Farm’s estate 2023 Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley earned a double-gold, with gold medals awarded to the 2023 Chardonnay and 2024 Sauvignon Blanc – both from the Russian River Valley – and the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon produced with Sonoma County fruit. All three Russian River Valley wines were produced with fruit grown by viticulture students at Shone Farm. “I couldn’t be happier with the results of this year’s Harvest Fair,” said Pat Henderson, Shone Farm’s lead winemaker and a wine educator at Santa Rosa Junior College since 1991. “There are a lot of wine competitions, but it’s always nice to do well in your own backyard.” A top-tier wine program Located in Forestville, Shone Farm provides students with hands-on experience in enology, viticulture, sustainable farming and more. The Wine Program, established in 1972, has become a respected center for wine education in the region. Once a World War II military listening post, the 365-acre property now includes 91 acres of vineyards and four acres of olive and apple orchards in the Russian River Valley. Shone Farm Winery, the property’s small but mighty production facility, is one of only three bonded wineries in California’s community college system. “Winning four gold medals in a prestigious competition like the Sonoma County Harvest Fair is unique,” said Steve Olson, a longtime Santa Rosa Junior College faculty member and a member of the school’s Agriculture Alliance foundation committee. “It certainly places SRJC’s Wine Education Program in the top tier of college wine programs in the country.” Top honors Shone Farm’s wines weren’t the only competition entries to impress the Harvest Fair judges. The facility’s estate-grown olive oil, Miller’s Blend, was awarded Best in Show. Shone Farm also received the Excellence in Local Food Production award for its longtime commitment to agriculture education and sustainable farming practices. “Shone Farm has become a hub for agricultural education and innovation here in Sonoma County,” said Connor Murphy, Shone Farm’s director. “It’s a real training ground for the next generation of agricultural and environmental leaders, so it’s motivating for students to get this kind of community recognition.” Products made at the farm, including produce, wine and olive oil, are sold on campus, at farm events and to local restaurants. Shone Farm wines can also be purchased online at shonefarm.santarosa.edu, at Oliver’s Markets and Bottle Barn, with all proceeds benefiting the school’s winemaking program.
