The proprietors of BloodRoot Wines, Kelly and Noah Dorrance, have been organizing an annual music and wine festival called The Ramble as a fundraiser benefitting GIFFORDS, a national organization dedicated to preventing gun violence.
The partnership began as a way to honor the memory of their niece who was killed in the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. Since 2023, The Ramble has raised more than $250,000 for GIFFORDS.
“As hospitality junkies, we find fulfillment in creating joyful spaces where people can connect, celebrate and share in community. We created The Ramble to honor our niece, Evelyn, transforming a painful moment into an experience that brings people together while supporting a vital mission … . This is how we know to make a difference, through hospitality and the joy of community,” says Kelly Dorrance.
Tickets just went on sale for the fourth iteration of The Ramble, taking place on Saturday, June 6, at Abel de la Luna Community Center Fields in Healdsburg. The event will feature headline performances from award-winning musical artists Spoon and Lucius, plus many more nationally acclaimed musicians. Also expect a ton of local food vendors, the debut of a new culinary stage featuring local chefs doing interactive cooking demonstrations and representatives from local wineries, including the Overshine Collective.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Kelly Dorrance: A little bit of kismet, a little bit of passion and a lot of initiative. We assumed we would eventually move back to the Midwest and thought a try at the wine industry would be fun before we did so. That was 2008, and we’ve never looked back. Noah worked at a custom crush facility in San Francisco and made some wine on the side. With collaboration from friends in the industry, Banshee Wines was formed. We then went on to form Reeve Wines (our son’s name), BloodRoot Wines and Remy Saves The Sea Wines (our daughter’s name).
Did you ever have an “aha” moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Nothing quite beats an Aperol Spritz under the Italian sun. Sun in the glass, sun overhead—la dolce vita all around.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Honestly, we do get high on our own supply, mostly Reeve Wines Pinot Noir of varying degrees.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
So hard to choose. Madrona, Little Saint, Lo & Behold and Geyserville Gun Club are our favorite cocktail spots. Location depends on mood, and whether or not you want to be seen or hide in a dark corner.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Emphatically—rosé. It needs to be light, bright, vibrant, which is typically a rosé of pinot noir or grenache.
BloodRoot Wines, 118 North St., Healdsburg. 707.387.7058. bloodrootwines.com
