Sponsor Spotlight: Rodney Strong Vineyards

Since 2009, thanks to the strong support of Rodney Strong Vineyards—the exclusive wine partner at LBC—patrons have been able to experience high caliber dance performances.

The Rodney Strong Vineyards Dance series stands out as a signature aspect of the Center’s programming. The partnership between Rodney Strong and LBC has a strong foundation in a sense of community that defines both. So it is a natural connection for Winery founder and former dancer Rod Strong and current proprietor Tom Klein to bring their shared passion for the arts to support the Luther Burbank Center which they consider the premiere arts center in Sonoma County.
A dancing prodigy from early on, Rod Strong studied at the American School of Ballet under the legendary George Balanchine. After this, Rod headed to Europe and produced Confetti, at Paris’s hottest club, The Lido. In 1952, New Faces premiered on Broadway with Rod dancing the lead, and by this time he was a star. During his time in Europe, Rod developed his interest in wine and fine cuisine. After retiring in 1959, Rod moved to Sonoma County and established Rodney Strong Vineyards as the 13th bonded winery in the county.
Tom Klein, a third generation farmer and businessman, purchased Rodney Strong Vineyards in 1989. His integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and love of wine, guided Tom’s work to shepherd the winery onto the world stage. A long-time proponent of Sonoma County and passionate steward of the land, Tom is a leader for sustainable practices in the wine industry. The winery and estate vineyards, the first carbon-neutral winery in Sonoma County, are California Certified Sustainable.
Today, Rodney Strong Vineyards is thriving as a family-owned company farming over 1,400 acres across 14 estate vineyards, all in Sonoma County. Visit the Rodney Strong Vineyards Tasting Room and Terrace in Healdsburg.