Show Notes
In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Bret Munselle, Owner/General Manager of Munselle Vineyards, Sonoma County Winegrowers Board Chair, Pilot Farmer – John Deere SmartApply, & Century Club Member.
Bret Munselle, a Sonoma County native and 5th-generation grape grower, represents nearly 150 years of family farming in Alexander Valley. His family began farming in the region in 1876 and today manages approximately 800 acres, including 400 acres of owned and leased vineyards in the Alexander Valley, and another 400 acres for client partners. Bret grew up in Alexander Valley, later attending UC Davis, where he studied agricultural economics and took viticulture courses. Unsure of his career path within the wine industry after graduation, Bret worked for American AgCredit for nearly four years. This experience, as Bret describes, was pivotal in shaping his career. About 20 years ago, his father, Bill, offered him the chance to join the family business. Within weeks, Bret had transitioned from his role at American AgCredit to working in the vineyards—a decision he considers one of the best he’s ever made.
Munselle Vineyards Today
Munselle Vineyards, operated by Bret, his wife Kristen, and his parents Bill and Reta, specializes in sustainable vineyard management. The business focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and other Bordeaux varietals. All vineyards and client operations are certified sustainable, a cornerstone of their business practices. In 2006, Bret and Kristen partnered with his parents to establish the Munselle Vineyards wine label. Their offerings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Rosé, and occasionally Petit Verdot, showcasing their commitment to quality and heritage. Today, Munselle Vineyards produces up to 1,000 cases annually of hand-crafted, award-winning wines.
Leadership & Innovation
Bret serves as the Board Chair of the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) and is a Pilot Farmer collaborating with John Deere on SmartApply Technology. His dedication to sustainability and innovation has solidified Munselle Vineyards’ place as a leader in the industry. The Munselle family is also part of the Sonoma County Century Club, SCW’s club celebrating families farming here for over 100 years.
Munselle Family Legacy
The Munselle family has been farming in Sonoma County’s since 1876. Their farming history began with Shadrach Osborn, who established Alexander Valley’s first winery, Lone Pine Cellars, and Broder Frellson, who managed the second, Red Winery. Over time, the family transitioned from winemaking to farming, exploring crops like prunes and tomatoes before fully committing to grape cultivation in 1972. For five decades, their premium grapes have contributed to award-winning wines, and the family has come full circle by returning to winemaking. The Munselles home ranch, Wasson Ranch, was originally purchased by Bret’s grandparents, Fred, and Ruby Wasson, in 1942. It remained as open, rolling hillside pasture until they planted it to grapes in the late 1970’s.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!
