Television Isn’t Done with Sonoma Yet

If you thought that public curiosity about Sonoma had died away since Ben Flajnik’s heart was broken in "" you are mistaken.

It turns out that E!, the cable network formerly known as Entertainment, has a project in development called, for now, "Young Sonoma." Here’s the available press info from their website:

This series chronicles the personal and professional lives of premier families at the top of their game in world renowned wine country, Sonoma Valley. Featuring Envolve Winery's Ben Flajnik (The Bachelor), Mike and Kate Benziger, Danny and Collette Fay, and B.R. Cohn Winery's Vallerie and Tasha Cohn, the series goes inside the day-to-day drama that comes from living in a small town, working with friends and family, as well as being local and national celebrities.

Note that the first five names are all partners at Envolve Winery, which has a tasting room downtown. The other two listed are Bruce Cohn’s daughters at the family winery in Glen Ellen, both of whom have positions in the wine and olive oil business.

While certainly Flajnik’s well-publicized 2011 run as “The Bachelor” gave the year-old winery some high visibility, the presence of his other partners at Envolve is a new twist.

The producers are listed as Mandt Bros., an LA based “turn-key” production company that’s worked on “new media” (web) and film as well as television shows such as "Rome is Burning", "The Car Show", "Destination Truth" and "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau."

Commentary on the proposed program has been lively on the Sonoma Valley Patch Facebook page.

“Wow. Because buck wild and jersey shore wasn't enough, now they have to make Sonoma look like a party destination,” said Tabitha Beck.

“But if anyone is getting tired of all those hot young thangs, howz about a show called 'The Divorcee?' I volunteer to be the (new) Sixties model, & invite all the (still) smokin' older dudes to vie for my – mind,” offers Lin Marie DeVincent.

“Much as I love Sonoma,” posts Sarah Rusmisel, “this sounds awful.”

Fitz Greenbaum adds an even more subjective judgment: “Isn't there enough crappy TV already?”

Patch has attempted to contact the wineries and personnel involved, we will update you as soon as we hear back.

Tell us: Does this television show sound like the Sonoma you know?

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter