Sonoma County Farm Bureau will be honoring the Mulas Family of Sonoma Valley, California, in recognition of excellence in conservation, stewardship, environmental enhancement and generational dedication to farming and ranching in Sonoma County on July 13 at Love of the Land, a benefit dinner to protect farmlands and clean water. The event will be held at Richard's Grove and Saralee's Vineyard located in the heart of Sonoma County's Russian River Valley.

Three generations of the Mulas family work together producing wine grapes and milk on a family ranch that has become an agricultural landmark along Highway 121 between Sonoma and the community of Shellville in the Sonoma Valley. The Mulas family epitomizes the spirit and determination of the family farmers who are the backbone of the agriculture industry in Sonoma County.

The Mulases, a close-knit clan dedicated to family unity and community, work together on the family's 1,000 acres. The family enterprise includes more than 300 acres of vineyards and 500 acres of silage and pastureland for the 800 dairy cows.

In addition to being top-notch farmers, the Mulases are fixtures in the Sonoma Valley and stalwarts of the Schell-Vista Volunteer Fire Department. The Mulases, blue-ribbon farmers and vocal champions for agriculture, are Sonoma County Farm Bureau's Farm Family of the Year.

Clos du Bois vineyard and winery of Geyserville, California, and Tom Crane, a fourth generation Santa Rosa rancher will also be honored at the event.

Love of the Land is open to the public and begins at 5 p.m. with a Taste of Sonoma County Reception. A dinner featuring an array of Sonoma County-grown products will be served at 7 p.m. The dinner will be followed by the awards presentation and live auction. Click here for more information. PD

—From Sonoma County Farm Bureau news release