This week, I had a chance to attend both the Sonoma County Vintners Annual Meeting and the Dollars and $ense Seminar and Tradeshow, sponsored by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.

One of the most interesting themes common to both is a new marketing strategy for both organizations to deliver a consistent message, positioning Sonoma County as one of the premier wine regions in the world.

For those of use who live in Sonoma County, that we have world-class wines is not new news, but what is new is the branding and common message.

Honore Comfort, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners, and Nick Frey, President of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, presented this unified front. It makes all the sense in the world, allowing both organizations to benefit from the synergy derived from delivering the same core message to customers worldwide.

Branding is a powerful tool, and despite an overall cost conscious economy, brands work and brands do sell. This is why marketers will be clamoring all over themselves to show us their best and brightest new commercials in 10 days at Super Bowl XLII for a record $2.7 million for a 30 second ad.

It’s been said that branding is passé here in the 21st century Internet world and our increasing need for instant gratification. Unfortunately for some, brands endure and deliver the goods. Bravo Sonoma County on  a unified front for our wines. Now I wonder if we’ll be seeing any new Sonoma County wine ads during the Super Bowl?