2008 was a year in which many Sonoma Valley businesses achieved recognition at the state, national and even international level.  Among them:

The Kenwood Inn and Spa was named the “Top Resort” in mainland USA in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards, while The Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn was chosen by the magazine as one of the Top Spas in North America.  Twelve Sonoma Valley restaurants and two hotels received coveted  Michelin Guide recommendations, including Café La Haye, Della Santina’s, El Dorado Kitchen, Glen Ellen Inn, Harvest Moon Café, Kenwood Restaurant, LaSalette, Maya, Rin’s Thai, Shiso, the Girl & The Fig, Wolf House, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and the El Dorado Hotel.  Sonoma Valley wines racked up 67 awards at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the oldest in North America, including “double golds” for Charles Creek Vineyards 1998 Muy Bonita Red and for Mulas Family Vineyards 1998 Carneros Syrah.

On the green business front, Sonoma Valley businesses continued to take a leadership role in modeling sustainability practices.  Kunde Family Estates received a 2008 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).  The award was in the category of Innovation Sustainability, recognizing Kunde’s integration of environmental values into the management of its vineyards, winemaking facilities, and open lands, along with its programs to educate visitors and the community on environmental practices.  Benziger Family Winery was the recipient of the first ever Endangered Species Coalition Champion Award for Land Stewardship, in recognition for its commitment to practices that protect local wildlife and promote sustainability.  MacArthur Place Inn & Spa received a Sustainable North Bay Award from Assemblymember Jared Huffman for its sustainability program that incorporates energy, water, and waste reduction, employee involvement, and other best practices.  Seven businesses joined the ranks of those honored under the Sonoma Valley Green Business Recognition program, including El Pueblo Inn, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Wine Country Film Society, Barking Dog Roasters, Haus Inc., Sonoma Valley Bank, and Arroyo Veterinary Hospital.  A total of 20 local businesses have now achieved this important recognition.