Don Wallace
President
Dry Creek Vineyard

Agriculture is a natural way of life for Don Wallace, the product of four generations of a hard-working California farming family.

Don's interest in machinery took him away from the farm for fifteen years while he pursued a career in international construction. While he was on a project in Sonoma County in 1980, Don met Dry Creek Vineyard founder David Stare's daughter, Kim Stare. After dating for two years, they married in 1982.

With his father-in-law and wife in the wine business, Don's next move was a stint among the vines at Murphy-Goode Estate Winery to see how he'd enjoy his new family's industry. After one year, Don knew he belonged and accepted his father-in-law's offer to manage ranch operations at Dry Creek Vineyard in 1990. Don's sphere of influence gradually grew to encompass every aspect of the business, including winery operations and sales, as well as vineyard development and acquisitions. Don took on the role of General Manager in 1999. In April 2006, Don was appointed President of Dry Creek Vineyard.

Frequent twelve-hour workdays notwithstanding, Don's primary focus is his two children, Taylor and Spencer. From coaching Little League to addressing homework issues at the kitchen table, Don prides himself on being a hands-on Dad. In addition, he still finds time to pursue an array of interests. Don is a passionate gardener and gourmet cook, enjoys mushroom hunting and duck hunting and, naturally, is an avid sailor.

Don frequents the airways traveling coast-to-coast to promote Dry Creek Vineyard and help regional sales programs around the country. An active industry advocate, Don currently serves as Vice President of the Dry Creek Valley Association. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, the Sonoma County Wineries Association and The Wine Institute of California.

Don is the analytical and practical one, while Kim is creative and intuitive. Despite their stylistic differences, they share the same vision and agree on virtually all strategic decisions. Perhaps most fundamental is their mutual agreement to continue the family tradition of producing only classically styled wines that define their category. The family lives in a house nestled in the vines next to the wine