Michael Verlander

Board Member

Michael has been in the wine and restaurant industry for over 40 years. He founded DuMOL Winery in 1996 which he sold in 2015. He now organically farms Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the heart of the Russian River Valley. His focus throughout his career has centered on learning, educating, and mentoring. As a board member, he desires to communicate the importance and fragility of the Russian River watershed, and to protect its limited resources to supply clean and plentiful water for generations to come.

He received his BS in economics at Portland State University. In his early career he was the Budget Director for American Samoa and later worked for an environmental engineering firm where he authored water and wastewater utility rate studies for municipalities. Over the years he served as on several boards and as president for the Contra Costa County American Cancer Society, St. Mary’s College County Scholarship Fund, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce, and the Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association.

He lives on a small ranch bordering Dry Creek with his wife Janet and their dog Roameo. They treasure the beauty and diversity of Sonoma County and take pleasure in hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. They have three children and three grandchildren.