{"id":264433,"date":"2025-11-01T06:53:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T06:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/264433\/"},"modified":"2025-11-01T06:53:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T06:53:25","slug":"valkyries-a-new-era-in-womens-basketball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/264433\/","title":{"rendered":"Valkyries: A New Era in Women’s Basketball"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been a long time coming, but Valkyries fever has officially hit the Bay Area. San Francisco\u2019s first Women\u2019s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team, the Golden State Valkyries,<\/a> has burst onto the scene \u2014 and Wine Country is taking notice.<\/p>\n

Two Sonoma County wineries, La Crema<\/a> and J Vineyards & Winery,<\/a> have partnered with the history-making franchise. At a time when the wine industry faces challenges like winery closures, declining sales and shifting consumer habits, this play offers both brands a unique opportunity to connect with a new generation of wine drinkers and attract new customers.<\/p>\n

\"FolksLa Crema, the official wine partner of the WNBA, has expanded its collaboration with the professional women\u2019s league, becoming the official wine partner of the Valkyries. (La Crema)
\n\"SANSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA \u2014 MAY 16: The Golden State Valkyries are introduced to the crowd before their game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Tonight is the Valkyries first home game in their inaugural season. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Last April, La Crema was named the Official Wine Partner<\/a> of both the WNBA and USA Basketball Women\u2019s National Team \u2014 marking the league\u2019s first-ever official winery partnership through a multiyear agreement. That same announcement also named Kendall-Jackson Wines, another Jackson Family Wines brand, as the official wine partner of the NBA.<\/p>\n

This year, La Crema deepened its commitment to women\u2019s basketball by becoming the official wine partner of the Golden State Valkyries.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were partners with the Valkyries before they even had a name,\u201d said Vince Armini, vice president of partnerships for Jackson Family Wines, during a wine dinner in San Francisco last month celebrating the new WNBA franchise. \u201cLast year, when we started with the WNBA, we wanted to partner with the Valkyries. It was something that was important to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SANSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA \u2014 MAY 16: Fans cheer on the Golden State Valkyries during their game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Tonight is the Valkyries first home game in their inaugural season. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)
\n\"NEWNEW YORK, NEW YORK \u2014 MAY 27: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts in the first half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on May 27, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

In mid-May, Healdsburg\u2019s J Vineyards & Winery announced its entry into the women\u2019s sports arena, signing on as the official sparkling wine partner for the Golden State Valkyries\u2019 inaugural season.<\/p>\n

Founded by Judy Jordan in 1986 and now part of the Gallo portfolio, J Vineyards has a well-established track record of flexing its wine muscle to uplift and empower women. From its ongoing \u201cShifting the Lens\u201d culinary series<\/a> \u2014 highlighting the talents of women and people of color \u2014 to the recent release of LOVE Wine<\/a>, a collaboration with the nonprofit grantLOVE project supporting arts education and women in the arts, the winery\u2019s alignment with the Valkyries is a natural extension of its mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are leaning into our authentic connection by celebrating female teamwork and achievement,\u201d said estate director and head winemaker Nicole Hitchcock of the partnership. \u201cSo let\u2019s all raise a glass to women who raise the bar.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to pouring wine and popping corks at the Valkyries\u2019 home games at San Francisco\u2019s Chase Center, both La Crema and J Vineyards are planning programming, special events and other fan experiences. Details for upcoming events in Sonoma County are still being finalized.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, local fans can purchase Valkyries merchandise at J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg. Visit @jwinery<\/a> and @lacremawines<\/a> on Instagram for the latest updates.<\/p>\n