A force on the field

Sonoma County philanthropist Henry Trione began playing polo more than 40 years ago at the urging of a fellow horseman.

He soon became addicted to the sport's speed and excitement. "It's very competitive," Trione said.

Over the years, he played on visiting U.S. teams in Argentina, England, Chile, Italy and other countries. He also promoted the sport, founding two Sonoma County polo clubs.

On Sunday, Trione, 88, was honored as the father of Wine Country polo during the Polo Classic, a Santa Rosa benefit for Memorial Hospice.

Trione, who hung up his mallet 15 years ago after a riding accident, said he wasn't prepared to show off his riding skills. "My horses are too old," he joked.

But he joined hundreds of guests who paid $75 each to watch polo teams race up and down Trione Field at Wine Country Polo Club at Oakmont in east Santa Rosa. The event also included wine and food, car shows, an art sale and a silent auction.

Earlier this year, Trione was named to the National Museum of Polo Hall of Fame in Florida for his contributions to the sport. He has supported college, women's and senior polo teams and headed the U.S. Polo Association Pacific Coast circuit in the 1970s.

The Oakmont event raised funds for Memorial Hospice, an 11-year-old program of St. Joseph Health System. The hospice provides home care, counseling and other services for individuals and families facing life-threatening illness or the death of a loved one.

Trione, one of Sonoma County's leading benefactors, has been a longtime supporter of the hospice.

Trione founded a Santa Rosa mortgage company that later merged with Wells Fargo Bank. He has been a major donor to Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Sonoma State University, Sonoma County Museum, the state park system and other institutions.

He is the former owner of Geyser Peak winery. His family has established a new winery, Trione Vineyards, in Geyserville.

You can reach Staff Writer Steve Hart at 521-5205 or steve.hart@pressdemocrat.com.