Kim Stare Wallace Celebrates Four Decades at Dry Creek Vineyard
40 Years of Leadership: Kim Stare Wallace Celebrates Four Decades at Dry Creek Vineyard
Second-Generation President Reflects on Legacy, Innovation, and Commitment to Place
HEALDSBURG, Calif. (February 11, 2026) – In an industry defined by constant change, longevity has become increasingly rare. Today, Kim Stare Wallace marks 40 years at Dry Creek Vineyard, a milestone that reflects the enduring power of family ownership, thoughtful leadership and an unwavering commitment to Dry Creek Valley. “In four decades, I’ve seen the wine industry evolve in remarkable ways,” says Wallace. “But our focus has remained the same: to make wines that honestly express where they come from. That kind of clarity only comes from taking the long view.”
Wallace formally joined Dry Creek Vineyard in 1986 as Director of Marketing, though her roots at the winery run much deeper. Raised in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, she grew up alongside the winery founded by her father, David Stare, who established the region’s first new winery after Prohibition. Early experiences in the cellar, on the bottling line, and on the road with her father shaped a lifelong connection to both the land and the craft of winemaking and how wine helps bring people together.
One of Wallace’s earliest and most enduring contributions was the introduction of the winery’s now-iconic nautical labels. At the time, the bold design was a departure from convention, creating a visual identity that reflected both the winery’s pioneering spirit and the family’s love of sailing. “As I saw it, every vintage is a voyage,” Wallace explains. “The nautical theme captured that spirit of exploration — honoring where we came from while always looking ahead.”
In 2011, Wallace assumed the role of President, guiding the winery alongside her husband, Don Wallace. Together, they have led Dry Creek Vineyard through key milestones, including achieving 100% Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery status and expanding the estate vineyard program. Don has played a central role in vineyard development, most notably with Endeavour Vineyard in the Lytton Springs district, underscoring the couple’s belief in Dry Creek Valley’s potential for world-class Bordeaux-inspired wines.
Throughout her tenure, Wallace has balanced innovation with restraint — embracing progress without compromising the winery’s founding principles. Under her leadership, Dry Creek Vineyard has remained steadfast in its deep commitment to terroir-driven wines sourced from Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma County, even as many producers broaden sourcing to reduce costs. Resisting this temptation is one of Kim’s significant accomplishments and speaks volumes about her passion and commitment to quality.
That philosophy has earned both critical and industry recognition. Wallace was named a 2025 Influential Wine Women Award winner by the North Bay Business Journal and a 2025 Sonoma County Innovator by Sonoma County Vintners. She also serves the broader wine community through leadership roles with Sonoma County Vintners, the Santa Rosa Junior College Wine Studies Advisory Board and the Shone Farm Foundation.
Under Kim’s leadership, Dry Creek Vineyard has been named to the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines list three times — most recently in 2025 with the winery’s 2023 Dry Chenin Blanc. Her leadership has left a lasting imprint on the winery, including:
- Championing Bordeaux varietals in Dry Creek Valley and demonstrating their ability to compete on a global stage
- Establishing the sailboat and nautical themes that define the winery’s visual identity
- Introducing transparency through innovative packaging, including being the first to create a patented cork design with printed sustainable sourcing information and wine labels detailing origin, winemaking practices, and attributes such as gluten-free, vegan and minimal-intervention production
- Founding one of California’s earliest wine clubs in 1987 and expanding membership offerings in 2026 with a new Blancs & Rosé Club
- Preserving family ownership and independence in a consolidating industry
- Launching Sparkling Chenin Blanc for the winery’s 50th anniversary, now an annual release
- Being the Official Wine of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for 12 years, the Official Wine of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Races (New York and Chicago) and the Official Wine of Artemis Racing during the 2013 America’s Cup Races (San Francisco)
- Being voted Best Tasting Room in Healdsburg, reflecting Kim’s commitment to warm hospitality and creating a welcoming place for people to connect over wine
Looking ahead, Wallace sees the 40-year milestone not as a conclusion, but as a foundation.
“We’re building something meant to last,” she says. “That requires innovation, yes — but also discipline, patience and staying true to who we are. Dry Creek Valley deserves recognition among California’s great winegrowing regions, and that’s work worth continuing.”
As Dry Creek Vineyard moves forward, Wallace’s four-decade journey stands as a testament to the enduring value of place, family and integrity — and to the belief that great wines are made not by shortcuts, but by commitment and unwavering passion.
Kim was instrumental in the development of many wines over the years. Today we are going to focus on two very unique wines that evolved under Kim's leadership.
2023 Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a unique grape and not one that all winemakers utilize as an expression in their wine line up. But this varietal has been at the forefront of Dry Creek Vineyard since 1972. Created from vines that are 14 to 29 years old, this sparkling wine is comprised of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Cabernet Franc. This starts with stainless steel fermentation for just under three weeks and then an impressive 19 months on the lees. The result? Medium golden color and explosive fresh floral boquet aromas, extremely ripe peaches, spring rainfall and apple welcome the senses. On the palate is vanilla pudding, caramel apple, pear and a beautiful and distinct minerality and frames the flavors together. The crispness is on point and this is really beautiful!
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard
Suggested retail price: $50.00
Drink The Bottles score: 91/100
2022 Dry Creek Vineyard Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon
