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John & Barbara Drady

John Drady

John Drady, Founder and Managing Partner of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, is a dynamic, ingenious visionary. In his 15 years in the wine business, John has created, developed, and successfully marketed wine brands utilizing both traditional and out-of-the box approaches. His affinity for the ocean and surrounding landscape brought him to the Extreme Sonoma Coast and his passion for Pinot Noir drove him to start Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

In his career prior to wine, John served as the Marketing Director for the Chicago Division of Vantage Companies; a large Dallas based commercial real estate development and investment firm. He began his business career as Regional Sales Manager for Bose Corporation, a major producer of consumer audio products. John is an active part-time paid and volunteer firefighter for the Gold Ridge Fire Department in Sebastopol, California. The Gold Ridge Fire District covers 75 square miles in western Sonoma County. He completed the six month Firefighter Training Academy program in March 2000, becoming one of the oldest “rookie” firefighters in the history of the department.

John, a native of the Boston area, is one of five children. He graduated from Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He and wife Barbara are passionate about wine, food, the beautiful area where they live, their families and especially their three beautiful granddaughters.

Barbara Drady

Barbara Drady, with husband, John, founded Sonoma Coast Vineyards in 2001. As a self-proclaimed Wine Evangelist, Barbara shares her passion for wine, Pinot Noir in particular, the Extreme Sonoma Coast and of course, Sonoma Coast Vineyards with thousands of people every month through workshops, writing and tastings. Her Sonoma Coast Vineyards Food & Wine Pairing meals are legendary.

Barbara is the President and founder of Affairs of the Vine, a wine event and wine education company. She has always loved wine. Her many years in the wine industry, combined with her “thirst for knowledge” for wine have resulted in her extensive knowledge of wine, winemaking and wine growing practices.

Barbara is the creator of the innovative Aromatic Workshop, Wine Challenge Dinners and Wine Boot Camp® the most requested workshops at Affairs of the Vine. She has been recognized by Wine Business Monthly and Bay Area Business Woman as one of the leading women in the wine industry.

Barbara, born and raised in Chicago, has two children and three beautiful granddaughters who are precious and reveal their special qualities and complexity as they mature, just like great Pinot Noir