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The Dream

Ron Rubin’s 40-year dream

The start of it all

As a veteran of the beverage industry, Ron Rubin dreamed of starting his own winery when he was studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis in 1971. Then in 1972 he joined his family-owned and operated business, Central Wholesale Liquor Co. in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He quickly made innovation a priority, introducing numerous line extensions into their beverage portfolio. Ron stayed with his family’s company for the next 22 years.

 

Reading the tea leaves

Ron’s path through the beverage industry saw him as the master licensee in the Southeastern U.S. for Clearly Canadian Sparkling Water, selling over 3 million cases through over 100 distributors.

In 1994, Ron read The Republic of Tea, a book about the story and philosophy behind the groundbreaking tea company. Rubin was so inspired, and made an offer to the Ziegler’s and Bill Rosenzweig to purchase The Republic of Tea. Since then, Rubin has been on a mission to seek and procure the most exquisite teas from world premier tea gardens, making them accessible to everyone.

Making it real

40 years after Ron’s entry into the beverage industry, his dream came true. He purchased River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, in the heart of California’s Sonoma County. Finding himself in the prestigious Green Valley made this “dream come true” even more meaningful.

In 2016, due to his innovative spirit, Ron Rubin was honored by North Bay Business Journal, when he received their Innovator of the Year Award.

Click here to learn more about Ron.

A winery with a heart.

We’re committed to helping United States wineries provide the safest experience possible. Our Trained for Saving Lives program has put ZOLL Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in 424 United States wineries – and with a goal to cover 450. To date, 424 United States wineries are in the program!

Read more about Trained for Saving Lives

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Based in the heart of California’s Russian River Valley, our premium wines embrace both tradition and innovation to deliver A Beautiful Experience.
Available at all Total Wine & More locations.

Carneros Chardonnay
2023
River Road Carneros Chardonnay
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Non-Vintage River Road Pinot Meunier
2023
River Road Pinot Meunier
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Un Oaked Cabernet Sauvignon
2022
River Road Un-Oaked Cabernet Sauvignon
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Un Oaked Chardonnay
2023
River Road Un-Oaked Chardonnay
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Sonoma Chardonnay
2022
River Road Sonoma Chardonnay
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California Pinot Noir
2022
River Road Pinot Noir
California
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Double Oaked Chardonnay
2022
River Road Double Oaked Chardonnay
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Pinot Noir Reserve
2022
River Road Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
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Chardonnay Reserve
2023
River Road Russian River Valley Chardonnay
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Un Oaked Chardonnay Sur Lie
2023
River Road Reserve Un-Oaked Chardonnay
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Stephanies Pinot Noir
2023
River Road Stephanie’s Estate Pinot Noir
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Mills Chardonnay
2023
River Road Mills Estate Chardonnay
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