“The changing fortunes of the local wine industry” by Alex Kanzler

Sonoma County’s wine growing and winery industries have been facing multiple challenges in recent years of changing consumer markets, changing climate conditions and changing internal business relationships and leadership. At our meeting on Sept. 4 we will benefit from an informed first-person perspective on what these multiple challenges may mean to the future of our world premium ag-related industry and local economy.

Alex Kanzler, winemaker at his family’s Kanzler Vineyards of Sebastopol, will share his many years of experience beginning with his local young years as an Analy High School and SRJC student, through his international travels to other premium wine regions of the world, including his tenures as an intern and student in New Zealand and Europe.

Alex also has worked with the owners of Kosta-Browne, Jemrose and VML wineries in Sonoma County before assuming the lead winemaker role at his family’s Kanzler Vineyards. Alex currently serves on the board of the Sonoma County Winegrowers and is a past member of the boards of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair and in other industry leadership roles.

Kanzler Vineyards is known as a grower of premium pinot noir grapes that have been sold to Kosta-Browne, VML, Lymar Estates, Flowers, Landmark, Rivers-Marie and others. The winery was founded in 1996 by Alex’s parents, Steve and Lynda. Today, Alex is also joined by his wife Breanna who leads the winery’s sales and hospitality programs.