They are recognized for their sustainability efforts including fish friendly farming, solar energy production and being carbon neutral.

[9][10] In 1959, Rodney Strong and his wife Charlotte Ann Winson, moved to Northern California where they purchased a century-old boarding house and began making their first wines.

[5][10] In 1962, Rodney Strong purchased a turn-of-the-century winery and vineyard in Windsor, Sonoma County with 159 acres of “mixed” grapes.

Using the latest climate data from UC Davis, he purchased his River East Vineyard and planted Pinot Noir.

[5] In January 2020, Rodney Strong Vineyards made headlines when it was reported that thousands of gallons of cabernet sauvignon spilled into California's Russian River.

They protect air quality by using natural cover crops, completely eliminating the burning of winter prunings and the use of environmentally safe wetting agents for vineyard roads.

[18][20] In December 2016, Rodney Strong Vineyards announced in partnership with Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University the Rodney Strong Pathways Program, designed to bring a broad range of students to Sonoma State University and provide them with a better educational experience and support to guarantee academic and life success.

[21][22] The winery is a sponsor of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts supporting performances and education programs for children and adults throughout Sonoma County.

[24][non-primary source needed] They are also involved in a variety of other philanthropic organizations throughout Sonoma County including The Ortiz Plaza project for affordable housing for agricultural workers and their families.