Rodney Strong replaces K-J at Wells Fargo Center

Rodney Strong Vineyards has picked up the corporate wine sponsorship for Wells Fargo Center for the Arts that Kendall-Jackson winery dropped earlier this year.

The three-year deal calls for the Healdsburg winery to pay the Santa Rosa arts center an undisclosed annual sum and donate wine to be sold at fund-raisers.

“Community contributions, such as this gift from Rodney Strong, enable us to present world-class performances and education programs serving children and families, and provide a home for six local performing arts companies,” said Rick Nowlin, executive director of the arts center.

Kendall-Jackson canceled its five-year partnership with the center over the summer, citing a “new strategic marketing vision” for the winery. The partnership was valued at more than $100,000 per year.

The Rodney Strong deal is similar to the K-J partnership, except that Rodney Strong, founded by a former ballet dancer, will directly sponsor three dance events this year.

“This partnership is a perfect fit for us and Rod’s legacy,” said winery owner Tom Klein.

Strong established the Russian River Valley winery in 1959. Purchased in 1989 by the Klein family, it now produces nearly 900,000 cases of wine per year.