Rodney Strong Wine Estates is thrilled to announce that its visionary leader, Tom Klein, has been honored with the prestigious “American Wine Legend” 2024 Wine Star Award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This award recognizes Klein’s decades-long commitment to enhancing Sonoma County wines, promoting sustainable practices, and passionately crafting exceptional wines, along with his dedication to charitable causes both locally and beyond. The American Wine Legend Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the American wine industry and shaped its future.
Klein’s journey with Rodney Strong Vineyards began in 1989 and reflects his dedication to excellence and innovation. Under his leadership, the winery has flourished and become a symbol of quality and sustainability within the wine community. Since the inception of the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards in 2002, Klein is only the sixth recipient of this honor.
Justin Seidenfeld, Senior Vice President of Winemaking and Winegrowing at Rodney Strong, remarks, “The best leaders inspire us to achieve the unimaginable, and that perfectly describes Tom. His guidance has allowed our winemaking and viticulture to thrive, resulting in wines that inspire with every sip.”
Klein has also led Rodney Strong Vineyards to be named Wine Enthusiast’s 2013 American Winery of the Year. In 2007, the winery expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of wines from Russian River Valley pinot noir pioneer Davis Bynum. In 2018, Klein launched ROWEN Wine Company, focusing on ultra-luxury wines sourced from the remote Cooley Ranch in northern Sonoma County.
In addition to crafting exceptional wines, Klein prioritizes sustainable and regenerative farming. Rodney Strong Vineyards became the first Carbon Neutral winery in Sonoma County, and Klein continuously advocates for practices that protect the environment while enhancing wine quality. The winery boasts a solar energy system with 4,200 state-of-the-art solar panels, one of the largest arrays of any winery in California, along with innovative water conservation measures, solidifying its leadership in sustainability.
Klein is also a strong advocate for California wine, having lobbied Congress on behalf of Sonoma County and served as a past president of the California Wine Institute.
An active philanthropist, Klein supports various nonprofits focused on healthcare, the arts, farmworker housing, and organizations promoting children’s literacy and education in the Sonoma County community.
As Rodney Strong Wine Estates continues to thrive, Klein is focused on the future, exploring new grape varieties, innovative vineyard planting projects, and deepening the winery’s commitment to sustainability. His vision encompasses not only producing outstanding wines but also inspiring the next generation of wine enthusiasts.
“We’re excited about what lies ahead,” Klein states. “We want to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and cultivate a culture of excellence and sustainability. Accepting this Wine Star Award is a privilege that recognizes my efforts and highlights the extraordinary work of our team at Rodney Strong Wine Estates.”
