Kazzit Announces Website Redesign & New Mobile App New Kazzit.com Features Refreshed Design, Enhanced Content & Search Capabilities and a Mobile App   San Francisco, CA, September 14, 2016 – Kazzit, the wine industry’s most all-inclusive online community, today announced the launch of a new, redesigned version of its website, www.kazzit.com.  Still 100% free to consumers, key features of the site include a sleeker, more attractive design, a more engaging user experience with enhanced search and navigation, and a new mobile app.   Kazzit is the brainchild of Phoenix restaurateur Peter Kasperski and serial entrepreneur Babak Motamedi, who founded the website in February 2014 after the two wine-loving friends grew frustrated at the lack of comprehensive travel planning sites specifically built for wine tourism. In 2015, the United States alone saw over 30 million travelers, or 17% of American leisure travelers, engaged in culinary or wine-related activities in the first decade of the 21st century, resulting in $3 billion spent on wine-related purchases while in wine country – a huge tourism segment that had been heretofore ignored.   Clearly, Kasperski and Motamedi were on to something. Since its soft-launch two years ago, Kazzit now has a database of nearly 10,000 wineries (over 9,000 more than its closest competitor) across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and Ireland, and will reach 50,000 unique users this month (adding 600+ per day on average).  With its 92/100 Google experience ranking, wine lovers and industry insiders alike are drawn to Kazzit for its ease of use, online reservation system, detailed winery information and reviews, and educational blog, which is updated almost daily.   Since 2014, the average organic visitor to Kazzit spends over 5 minutes and 18 seconds on the site (58 seconds is the general average for most sites), with a return rate of 30-40%. These return users spend an impressive 11.5 minutes on average on return visits, clicking an average of 8.6 pages deep reading about wineries (a huge number by any digital marketing standard).   With some of the most dynamic search capability out there, consumers can use Kazzit to seek out specific wineries, discover new ones based on region or preferences (ie. wineries that specialize in specific varieties or styles), and also to find the perfect winery setting for events like weddings, corporate retreats, educational seminars and even baby showers.    This micro-level of personalization to consumer search demand has positioned Kazzit as a leader in wine consumer data – a benefit that Kazzit’s winery partners are beginning to capitalize on at a B2B level.  Aside from the user reviews, Kazzit’s elastic, open-ended search capabilities have unlocked an unprecedented amount of data that partner wineries can access; for example, the trendiest wine style in the month of September, the most popular types of winery events in the Finger Lakes, the demographic most likely to seek out white wine in winter, or the most searched wine region overall (hint: it’s not Napa).  Co-founder Motamedi has plans to publish some of this data in a future quarterly industry report.   No single platform has ever had access to this level of micro-data in the wine industry, and Kazzit is thus poised to take wine marketing to the next level, as wineries find themselves now capable of unlocking a new level of exposure and engagement never before seen.  Kazzit’s aim is to democratize wine and lift all boats, from the mom & pop winery in Hornby Island, British Columbia who can barely afford a website with a fraction of Kazzit’s capabilities, to the most sophisticated winery operation in Napa, and help everyone answer that simple, but ever-elusive question, “What do my customers want?”   Beyond wineries, the wine trade has noticed Kazzit as well, with distributors and suppliers increasingly turning to the site’s sleek layout when calling on their vendors to pitch a portfolio. In an unintended side-effect of Kazzit’s straightforward, one-page layout of winery search results, wine salespeople no longer need to wade through ‘evocative’ labyrinthine winery websites for critical information, with their long, (sometimes musical) page-loads and unintuitive layout.  Kazzit instead pulls into its database all the relevant data that busy trade and consumers most want to access and puts it all in one place (without the music).   The upcoming launch of Kazzit’s new mobile app will help enable more spontaneous searching on-the-go, with an enhanced zip-code function that displays the closest wineries to a user’s current location, along with the review and reservation features as well as local winery events for opportunistic (or on the go) planners.  Wineries can also now capitalize, publishing timely deals directly to the platform and utilizing Kazzit as a marketing partner arm to help attract potential customers nearby.   With its leadership position in the wine industry already staked, Kazzit sought to take the site’s educational component to the next level, enlisting the expertise of internationally renowned Master Sommelier, Laura Williamson, MS, CWE, hiring her to its executive team in February 2015.  Before Williamson attained it in 2005, only 12 women had held the expert credential of Master Sommelier (MS) – the highest in the industry. She has since directed wine programs at three star Michelin restaurants while managing the (sommelier favorite) Terry Theise portfolio on a national scale, all the while remaining a highly-sought educator and speaker at international wine conferences.  With Williamson’s impressive credentials, Kazzit has plans to roll out a “Somm Content Engine” in 2017, which will have curated, personalized features to help even the most seasoned wine experts and lovers plan their next wine vacation.   Williamson said, “Kazzit provides so many different tools for learning, and allows consumers, skilled sommeliers and everyone in between to connect with a wealth of knowledge, taking the mystery out of wine and breaking down barriers in the wine world.”   About Kazzit Kazzit stands out as the world’s most comprehensive online winery resource.  Kazzit serves as the ultimate all-inclusive online community, connecting wineries, vineyards, restaurateurs, collectors, sales people and enthusiasts, and helping them share services, products, experiences and consumer applications.   Kazzit helps wineries connect with both trade and consumers by providing comprehensive winery profiles, winery ratings, photo galleries, maps, real-time social media updates, upcoming winery events and a means to book wine tastings and plan wine trips all in one place.    The name Kazzit pays tribute to the friendship between founders Babak Motamedi & Peter Kasperski, which had its genesis at Kazimierz Wine Bar near what would become Kazzit’s headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. 

  Crocker & Starr Winery Celebrates 20 Years Estate St. Helena Property Celebrates with 20-Vintage Vertical and New Winery Facility   St. Helena, CA, September 8, 2016 – Crocker & Starr will mark its 20-year anniversary this September. The estate winery, located in St. Helena, Napa Valley has become renowned for its award winning Sauvignon Blanc (rated the “12th Best Wine in the World” on Wine Spectator’s 2006 “Top 100 List”), its sommelier-favorite Cabernet Franc, and distinctive Napa-style Cabernet Sauvignon. Established in 1996 by San Francisco entrepreneur Charlie Crocker and former Spottswoode winemaker Pam Starr, the winery has spent the last two decades cultivating the land to bring it to its fullest potential, and blending distinct blocks to define their own characteristic style founded on the estate’s deep Napa Valley roots. Though Crocker & Starr was founded twenty years ago, the estate has deep roots in Napa history which date back to 1875, when Irish-born James Dowdell first planted Zinfandel and Riesling there in the then budding wine region of St. Helena.  Dowdell sold grapes from this property (situated on what is now Dowdell Lane) during some of Napa’s most precarious years as a wine region, and can be partly credited for helping to keep the region’s wine industry afloat during at least one of its early economic downturns. The property has since become legend for its singular terroir, characterized by alluvial soils that proved almost unmistakable in any wine produced from its grapes. Today, Crocker & Starr handcrafts a small production of exquisite wines from select blocks within the 100-acre vineyard. Pam sees herself as a “soil-translator,” and her fidelity to the estate’s distinctive terroir has been evident in each wine she has made from the property. The vines are cultivated following organic principles, while the clusters are hand harvested and vinified through cutting edge winemaking techniques, blending the best of Old World philosophy and New World fruit. Between Charlie’s historic estate, that has grown grapes for over 140 years, and Pam’s winemaking expertise, vision, and business acumen, the partners have proved to be a spectacular match.   To celebrate this milestone, Crocker & Starr brought together select sommeliers, wine writers, and thought leaders in the industry for a tasting of the estate’s 20 consecutive vintages of Cabernet Franc and ‘Stone Place’ Cabernet Sauvignon to exhibit the progression of Pam Starr’s winemaking philosophy as well as the evolution of this exceptional estate.  Moderated by Christie Dufault, Associate Professor of Wine and Beverage Studies at The Culinary Institute of America (and renowned sommelier), the vertical elicited an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, who applauded their trajectory. Fred Swan, San Francisco-based wine writer, educator and authority on California wines and wineries, summarized, “The 17-wine verticals of both Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were remarkable. From beginning to end, each flight demonstrated Pam Starr’s gift for producing elegant, delicious wines which clearly reflect both the character and quality of Charlie Crocker’s vines and the unique signature of each vintage.” Christopher Sawyer, internationally renowned sommelier, wine educator and journalist, added “As a sommelier and wine writer, I've always believed the true expression of Napa Valley shines in wine made with grapes grown at special sites and handled by winemakers who think like farmers. As proven at the 20-year anniversary tasting, the simpatico relationship between vineyard owner Charlie Crocker, gifted winemaker Pam Starr and the pristine Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes grown on the historic estate near St. Helena make Crocker & Starr such an essential wine brand to follow for decades to come.”   The anniversary fortuitously coincides with the completion of the new, Taylor Lombardo-designed Crocker & Starr winery building, marking 2016 as the first vintage to be 100% vinified on site.  ‘Stone Place’ Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the original Dowdell stone architecture, which also forms the façade of the new winery.  Pam and Charlie officially celebrated its opening at the estate’s annual invitation only ‘Carnivus’ harvest party on Sunday, with over 300 wine club members and friends of the winery. Of the winery’s milestone, Charlie Crocker said, “Pam and I have had a great 20 year partnership, but we are really excited about the future, including the potential of our new winery and the great wines we plan to produce.”   About Crocker & Starr Crocker & Starr is located in the St. Helena appellation of Napa Valley, one mile south of downtown St. Helena. Established in 1996 by San Francisco entrepreneur Charlie Crocker and heralded winemaker Pam Starr, the winery is defined by its commitment to sustainable practices, preservation of Napa heritage, and to expressing the power and balance of the estate’s distinctive soil through its marquee Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Starr’s winemaking approach is a balance of technical know-how and intuition, using the most cutting edge tools to guide her in interpreting the character of the land, while consciously blending unique blocks to bring each vintage to its fullest expression.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. 

     San Francisco, California, August 2016 – Charles Communications Associates has been retained by Quintessential, the family owned-and-operated import, marketing and sales company headquartered in Napa, CA, to spearhead its public relations and marketing communications efforts for Les Vins Georges Duboeuf in the US.   Quintessential was named exclusive importer of Georges Duboeuf-branded wines in the US on January 1, 2016 in an effort to re-introduce their Villages, Cru, Domaine and Chateau wines to the wine trade (distributors, retailers, restaurants, etc.) and consumers, and to underscore the enthusiasm and joie de vivre surrounding the traditional “end-of-harvest” November release of Beaujolais Nouveau.     When seeking an agency to work with on Georges Duboeuf’s PR campaigns, Charles Communications Associates appealed to Quintessential based on the agency’s expertise and track record with the French wine industry and proven success refreshing brands.  Founded in 2003 by Kimberly Noelle Charles, Charles Communications Associates is a pioneering boutique marketing firm with deep knowledge of French culture, wine, and gastronomy.   In announcing the appointment, Dennis Kreps, co-owner of Quintessential with his father, Stephen D. Kreps, said, “For 35 years, Georges Duboeuf has been a leading name in French wine in the US. We’re confident that Charles Communications’ experience and successes with other wine clients, especially in the public relations and social media realm, can help us in our efforts to bring the wines of Georges Duboeuf to a wide range of consumer audiences. They will focus primarily on the introduction of the 2016 Beaujolais Nouveau, and also on the 2015 vintage, already acclaimed as one of the greatest ever from Beaujolais, that will be available in the country by the end of August.”   As head of public relations at Kobrand Wine & Spirits in New York City for 13 years, Kimberly Charles worked primarily with French brands including Maison Louis Jadot, Champagne Taittinger, among other leading brands, where she developed key messaging, creative marketing campaigns, led press trips to France, secured partnerships with top Michelin chefs and leading hotels, and putting her fluency in French to use. The Charles Communications team shares Charles’ passion for French culture, and her senior staff has ample experience marketing Bordeaux en primeur campaigns and even working a Burgundy harvest.   Of working with the Duboeuf brand, Charles shares “Having a deep passion for France and her gastronomy, the region of Beaujolais offers much in the way of charm and seriousness, depending on what the wine lover is seeking.  The Beaujolais appellation has wines for every occasion, be it a casual gathering or a serious sit-down wine tasting. Georges Duboeuf as a brand has innovated the category, and offers an incredible educational and interactive experience at Hameau Duboeuf in Romaneche-Thorins. Over my career, I’ve noted that Beaujolais is often the favorite wine of choice to drink with family and friends among leading retailers, chefs, consumers. My team is eager to help spread the passion for this beautiful region to new and established audiences.”   With 30+ years of experience in the wine world, Charles Communications’ senior team has shaped many brands, both major and minor, through innovative marketing strategies. Some of Charles Communications Associates’ past and recent clients include E. & J. Gallo, the Wines of Lodi, California (from 2012-2016), Square One Organic Vodka, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and the Wines of Uruguay among many others. Charles Communications plans to deliver the charm and appeal of the Beaujolais region to Georges Duboeuf audiences via strategic social media campaigns, media relations, and event coordination, publicity and promotion.   About Quintessential    Founded in 2002 by father and son, Stephen D. and Dennis Kreps, Quintessential is a family owned-and-operated import, marketing and sales company headquartered in Napa, CA. It is dedicated exclusively to representing multi-generational, family owned-and-operated producers who have the same passion for winemaking as Quintessential has in strategically marketing and selling their wines. These producers, from most of the top wine regions around the world, create wines that offer the best, most authentic expression of the grapes from their respective vineyards.   Quintessential’s roster of “top-quality” family producers include Bodega Valentin Bianchi, New Age, Sensual and Pascual Toso from Argentina; Henry’s Drive, Pillar Box, Shirvington, Paringa, 3 Rings, Kay Brothers and Frankland Estatefrom Australia; California’s Ironstone Vineyards, Eponymous and Two Angels; Brazil’s Bodegas Perini and Macaw wines; the Chilean wines of Vina Koyle, Matetic Vineyards and Terrapura; Les Vins Georges Duboeuf; Gustave Lorentz, Chateau Ferry-Lacombe, Cachette and Esprit du Rhone from France; the Karolyi Estate wines from Hungary; Villa Huesgen Rieslings from Germany; Italy’s La Mannella, Attilio Ghisolfi, Paolo Manzone, Luca Bosio, Bel Colle, Ascevi Luwa, Vino dei Fratelli and Villa de Varda Grappas and Liqueurs; the Portuguese wines of Quinta do Vallado, Vila Nova and Alexandre Relvas; Spain’s Bodegas Muriel, Vina Eguia, Conde de los Andes, Marquis de Elciego, Real Compania, Pazo Cilleiro, Figuero, and Bodegas Farina, and South Africa’s Simonsig Estate.     About Charles Communications Associates  Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. In 2013, CCA formed a strategic alliance with Cornerstone Communications Ltd in New York City to better provide clients with contacts and a network in two of the most important media and wine markets in the country.  For more information please contact press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.  

                                       San Francisco, CA, July 26, 2016 – The Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) announced the fifth International Albariño Days, August 3-8, 2016: a week-long celebration of the Albariño grape. TAPAS is encouraging wine lovers everywhere to celebrate by opening bottles of Albariño throughout the week and sharing their experiences online with the hashtag #AlbarinoFiesta.    Albariño’s popularity in the United States has skyrocketed in recent years.  In California alone, Albariño now has 280 acres planted across the state[1], up from 176 in 2011 (and well up from a mere 2 acres planted in 2000).  Consumers have found the Spanish grape a popular alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and even Chardonnay (Lettie Teague of the Wall Street Journal recently called Albariño “the Chablis of Spain”), with its crisp floral aromas and refreshing, peach-like flavors.   TAPAS will commemorate the grape with a week-long celebration - to coincide with the Fiesta del Albariño 2016 held in the small coastal town of Cambados, Spain during the first week of August.  Albariño is traditionally grown in Rias Baixas, a wine region in Galicia in northwestern Spain, and produces crisp, acidic white wines ideal for summer evenings and seafood pairings. There, Albariño represents 90% of all plantings.  It is also a commonly found grape in Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho and used extensively in Vinho Verde DOC wines.   Wineries and retailers across the country are celebrating with organized events, the largest taking place in Lodi, California, where the Lodi Tour of Albariños will be offered on August 5-7 (with eight Lodi-based Albariño-producing wineries participating).  Otherwise, TAPAS encourages wine lovers everywhere to use #AlbarinoFiesta to connect with fellow Albariño enthusiasts worldwide!       About TAPAS TAPAS, now in its twelfth year, started at the 2004 Unified Symposium, when Tempranillo winegrowers from California, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Arizona met for the first time to discuss their avocation.  Since that first visionary group pointed the way, the organization has incorporated and grown to over 100 members.  The first Grand Wine Tasting was held at Copia in Napa in 2008, and has continued annually since then, as one of many initiatives to promote Tempranillo and other varietal wine grapes native to the Iberian Peninsula and wines produced from them in North America. Connect with TAPAS Facebook as well as on Twitter at @TAPASociety.   # # #   [1] According to the latest California Grape Acreage Crop Report (2016)

                                 New Programming Announced for 2016 Wine Bloggers Conference in Lodi, California Hundreds of Wine Bloggers and Writers to Attend Conference in Wine Enthusiast’s Region of the Year August 11-14, 2016    Lodi, CA, June 22nd, 2016 – New programming was recently announced ahead of the ninth annual Wine Bloggers Conference, which will take place from August 11-14th, 2016, in Lodi, California. Hundreds of online, print, citizen and industry wine writers will gather with other wine and social media professionals from around the world to meet, learn, and share. This is the first time the conference has come to Lodi.   The annual Wine Bloggers Conference (WBC) is the pre-eminent gathering of citizen wine bloggers, industry bloggers and wine writing professionals who come together for educational sessions, networking and social gathering.  It is the platform from which many learn about regions, wine brands, new offerings and evolving trends.  Wine blogging continues to drive consumer interest with wine in interactive and innovative ways, and the region of Lodi, with over 750 growers and 85 wineries, has similarly been progressive in its outreach and education to the trade, media and consumer audiences.   Attendees will gather at downtown Lodi’s charming Hutchins Street Square to spend four days immersed in educational wine seminars, networking, grower and winery visits, wine tastings, and – of course – blogging. WBC is an excellent opportunity for wineries to showcase their wines to a discerning and influential audience. Programming and dinners will take place at various wineries and local businesses throughout the region. Given Lodi’s grounding in the grower culture, this conference will allow wine bloggers, writers, winery representatives, regional association representatives and others to interact directly with growers, many of whom have been in the region for 5 to 6 generations, thus providing literal hands-on experience for the attendees.    Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson will deliver the keynote address, and programming will include live wine blogging opportunities, as well as sessions on “History of Grape Growing and Wine Making in Lodi,” “Advanced Social Media for the Wine Industry,” “Wine Samples,” “United States Wine Regions & Climate Change,” “Monetization” and various breakout “Wine Discovery” sessions throughout the conference.  Friday’s programming includes evening excursions into Lodi Wine County, where chauffeurs will transport attendees to one of many exclusive Lodi winegrower-hosted events, all of which will include winery and vineyard visits, tastings and dinner. The well-attended “Panel of Wine Blog Awards Winners” will take place on Saturday, August 13, and include winners of the 2016 Wine Blog Awards. Winners will be acknowledged later that evening at a dinner with Lodi Wine, catered by South – recently named one of California’s farm-to-fork capital city’s top new restaurants, specializing in traditional southern cuisine like fried chicken, smoked brisket, and blackened catfish.  Click here for the full schedule of programming.   Lodi is well positioned to host WBC 2016 as its dynamic wine country and historic downtown continues to attract more attention to the region. In January, Lodi was honored at the Wine Enthusiast’s annual Wine Star Awards ceremony as the publication’s 2015 Wine Region of the Year. Lodi also recently won California Governor Jerry Brown’s annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) – the highest environmental award in the state of California – for the region’s mission to address major environmental, economic and social challenges facing California agricultural industry.   The Lodi Winegrape Commission’s Program Manager, Stuart Spencer said: “The historic Lodi wine growing region is excited to welcome the wine blogging and writing community as well as our colleagues in the industry and others into our vineyards, wineries and our home. Lodi is an important part of the American wine industry and we are pleased to be working with Zephyr Adventures to put together the 2016 Wine Bloggers Conference that will be educational, immersive, relevant and enlightening to the blogging community, but also provides attendees with an in depth Lodi vineyard experience like no conference has provided before!”   For more details on the conference or to register, visit www.winebloggersconference.org.   Follow LoCA – The Wines of Lodi, California (@Lodi_Wine) and 2016 Wine Blogger’s Conference (@WineBloggersCon) on Twitter and use hashtags #WBC16 and #LodiWine to keep up with the conversation, programming and news. The Wine Blogger Conference is organized by Zephyr Adventures.   About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi wine region features 110,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings.     A major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, today Lodi boasts over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 85 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions. Most notably, Lodi was recently named “2015 Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast, one of the world’s most well regarded publications dedicated to wine, spirits, food and travel. As stated by Wine Enthusiast, the award recognizes not only the region’s excellence in wine quality, but also the innovation and excitement demonstrated by its growers and vintners.     Lodi is also one of the leading wine regions when it comes to sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which recently won Governor Jerry Brown’s annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) – the highest environmental award in the state of California – for its mission to address major environmental, economic and social challenges facing California agricultural industry.  With more than 100 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long renowned for its high-quality Zinfandel production, including an estimated 2,000 acres of pre-Prohibition own rooted vines, the area also produces award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Chardonnay. More recently, Lodi has begun gaining consumer traction for its other exciting varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano and Vermentino, among many others.    For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit www.lodiwine.com.   About the Wine Bloggers Conference   The Wine Bloggers Conference is the premier gathering of online wine writers. Entering its ninth season, the conference provides a forum for bloggers and writers to network; includes educational content on blogging, technology, and social media; and provides immersive experiences in the local host wine industry.   The Wine Bloggers Conference is organized by Zephyr Adventures, which has run active tours around the world for the last 18 years. In addition to Zephyr’s active tours, its sister company Taste Vacations runs wine, beer, food, and spirits tours that leave the physical activity at home. Zephyr also organizes the Beer Bloggers & Writers Conference, International Food Blogger Conference, FitBloggin’ Conference, and Wine Tourism Conference.    For more information please contact info@winebloggersconference.org. 

Veramonte Winery in Casablanca Valley Announces New Offerings The winery invites travelers looking for a modern wine-drinking experience to explore the vineyards with new tours, tastings, and amenities   Casablanca Valley, Chile, June 2016 - Just an hour drive outside of Santiago awaits the recently remodeled Casona Veramonte, now offering the latest experiences in authentic Chilean winegrowing in a traveler’s dream setting.   Known for high-tech grape growing practices, focused environmental protection measures and unique wines that reflect the care and quality of the soil they come from, Veramonte Winery invites those who seek a professional wine-drinking experience to explore the surrounding estate in one of their new tours, designed specifically to entertain and educate.   Three new tours invite guests to witness a unique view of the vineyards, winery, and barrel rooms while delving into the art of winemaking with a focus on commitment to sustainable and organic practices. Tours end with an opportunity to experience wine like a professional with a tasting of premium wines that highlight Veramonte’s winemaking philosophy. For those who seek a richer touring experience, a personalized tour to parts of the vineyard restricted from many can be organized.   Each tour is offered in both English and Spanish and can accommodate private parties.   Those looking to kick their feet up after a long tour or to experience winemaking from the vine to the bottle in a comfortable setting should look no further than the new offerings at the Casona’s grand hall. When proprietor Agustín Huneeus commissioned famed architect Jorge Swinburn to design Casona Veramonte, the first “Napa-style” winery in Chile in 1998, Swinburn looked to the Santiago’s iconic Mercado Central for inspiration. Agustín had a vision for the picturesque Casona, imaging it as a place to share unforgettable experiences centered on wine. Today, although that dream was long ago met, it is strengthened through Chilean designer Santiago Valdés’ renovation of the 8500 square foot center hall, now home to a shop displaying local artisanal products and Chilean and international wines, an exclusive member’s lounge, and a 23-foot-long wine tasting bar that opens up to a modern café with delectable offerings sourced from the winery’s own gardens, which were designed by well-known landscapist Cristóbal Elgueta, specializing in wild gardens. All the furniture was designed and handmade by Valdés, who with his father, Cristián Valdés, created the renowned furniture design company, Muebles Valdes.   Casona Veramonte is an apex of adventure, education, and entertainment, and a worthy destination for all ages and all levels of wine knowledge. For information and touring appointments, please visit: http://www.casonaveramonte.com/ About Veramonte and Founder Agustín Huneeus Surrounded by a unique coastal mountain range deep within in the Casablanca Valley, the Veramonte estate produces wines that reflect the unique terroir and diversity of microclimates, a natural occurrence as the valley floor’s cool air drifts through the warmer foothills. From idea to bottle, Veramonte wines are crafted with respect for the environment and land. They are the consummation of sustainable farming practices in the vineyard met with Old World winemaking techniques and high tech advances in the cellar.   Spearheaded in 1990, the Veramonte estate represents founder Agustín Huneeus’ return to Chile, where he had entered the wine industry 30 years prior as part of Concha y Toro, which under his management became the largest winery in the nation. Recognizing the Casablanca Valley’s proximity to Santiago and potential in becoming a tourist’s dream vacation, Agustin’s decision put the region on track to becoming a world-renowned wine destination.   About Huneeus Vintners   Vintner Agustin Huneeus is credited with discovering some of the world’s greatest vineyards spanning five decades and 15 countries.  He founded Ritual in 1990 as the Huneeus family’s original, flagship estate on the extreme eastern edge of the Casablanca Valley in Chile. The Huneeus family was among the first to foresee this cool-climate Chilean terroir’s remarkable potential to produce world-class wines.   The Huneeus Vintners Chilean portfolio of wines is crafted by a team of expert viticulturists and winemakers, led by highly influential Chilean winemaker Rodrigo Soto along with superstar consultant, Paul Hobbs and renowned terroir specialist, Pedro Parra. Native to Chile, Rodrigo brings a wealth of international winemaking experience to the Ritual, Primus, Veramonte and Neyen labels. Currently Rodrigo is working on converting all the Chilean vineyards to 100% organic and eventually biodynamic - a project of massive scale given the extensive vineyard holdings of Huneeus in the Apalta and Casablanca Valleys. The ultimate goal is quality, and all four diverse properties are poised to be at the forefront of Chile’s fine wine evolution.  In addition to the Chilean properties, the Huneeus family's current vineyard and winery projects include the Quintessa estate in Napa Valley, Faust Napa Valley, Flowers Vineyards & Winery Sonoma Coast, and Illumination Napa Valley.  For more information, visit www.huneeusvintners.com.   Media Contact For press inquiries and images relevant to the Chilean portfolio, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.  

  London, UK: Robert Parker Wine Advocate and RobertParker.com, considered the world’s most widely read independent consumer’s guide to fine wine, announces that Neal Martin will be assuming full reviewer coverage of the wines of Bordeaux, both Bordeaux en primeur and Bordeaux in bottle reports, as of May 1st 2016.   The coverage of Bordeaux wines was previously the responsibility of Robert M. Parker Jr., who has reviewed every vintage of Bordeaux for the last 38 years, since he started the publication in 1978. This news follows the announcement last year that Neal Martin would assume responsibility for reviewing Bordeaux en primeur wines – barrel samples of the new vintage – commencing with his coverage of the Bordeaux 2014 vintage, published in The Wine Advocate magazine and on the RobertParker.com website in April 2015. Meanwhile, Robert Parker will continue his comprehensive annual coverage of Northern California, including the iconic regions of Napa and Sonoma, and he remains the president of the publication.   “Neal is clearly the most experienced and seasoned veteran to assume the tasting responsibilities of Bordeaux barrel tasting,” noted RobertParker. “He has been doing it well for nearly two decades, having started as a young man. I have full confidence in his ability, experience, integrity, independence and work ethic to make this an easy transformation. While I loved the challenge of tasting en primeur every spring, it is time for a change and an injection of younger talent."   Neal Martin has been visiting Bordeaux and tasting the region’s wines constantly for 19 years. After creating his own successful Wine Journalwine review website in 2003, Neal began working with Robert Parker for his eponymous publication. In 2008, Neal took over The Wine Advocate’s coverage of the sweet, white wines of Bordeaux. His award-winning 2012 book, Pomerol, and continued coverage of Bordeaux for the Wine Journal column of RobertParker.com demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the region.   Neal Martin commented, "It is a great honor that Robert Parker has passed Bordeaux coverage on to me. Robert Parker's coverage of Bordeaux, both in The Wine Advocate and his books, were instrumental in my understanding of the region and its wines. Bordeaux is where I began my wine education many years ago and though I have amassed a great deal of experience, visiting regularly since 1997, tasting thousands of wines and penning hundreds of Bordeaux-related articles, my passion for its wines and its people remains undiminished."   "Subscribers to The Wine Advocate should expect a constant stream of articles immediately after en primeur 2015. Every month will see at least one new report on RobertParker.com. On the immediate horizon: horizontal tastings of 2006 and 2013, a raft of vertical tastings accompanied by first-hand interviews with winemakers; as well as regular updated reviews of mature vintages both legendary and obscure. I'll not only be reporting on the top of the hierarchy or iconic wines. Bordeaux is occupied by countless, relatively unknown châteaux and rarely mentioned sub-regions that produce great and affordable wine. All of these will be on my radar. As usual, I will be writing everything in my own style that strives to be entertaining as well as insightful. Finally, there are a couple of "secret projects" up my sleeve, but readers will have to wait for those. In a nutshell, if you have an interest in Bordeaux, there is still going to be only one place to come."   On the calibre of the 2015 vintage, Neal remarked, "Three weeks in Bordeaux tasting the 2015 vintage from barrel has unveiled a clutch of wines so sublime that they are certain to become landmarks for their respective châteaux...not necessarily from the most obvious names."   Neal Martin’s “2015 Bordeaux En Primeur” report will be published in the end of April issue of The Wine Advocate and will be posted on RobertParker.com on April 29, 2016, featuring an in-depth look at the growing season and calibre of the wines for every major sub-region, with over 600 tasting notes. (Available for subscribers only.)   About Robert Parker Wine Advocate For more than 35 years, The Wine Advocate, and later RobertParker.com, have been the global leader and independent consumer’s guide to fine wine. The brand was established by the internationally recognized, Robert M. Parker, Jr., the only critic in any field to receive the highest Presidential honor from three countries – France, Italy and Spain. Robert Parker Wine Advocate provides a wealth of information to its subscribers, including a searchable database of more than 300,000 professional wine ratings and reviews, in addition to articles, videos, daily news content, online retail availability and pricing, an active, professionally moderated bulletin board, a mobile app for easy access to the comprehensive online database of reviews and much more. For more information, visit www.RobertParker.com or follow @Wine_Advocate on Twitter. For more information on the Matter of Taste tour, visit http://www.a-matter-of-taste.com and follow #MatterOfTaste on Twitter.   For a French version of this release, or for interviews, images and queries, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DWS or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.

Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year Celebrates 12th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival May 13th - 15th 2016    Lodi, CA – Join your favorite Lodi vintners as they celebrate the 12th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival with a weekend full of fabulous local wine, food and entertainment. Events will run May 13th through May 15th, with the main festival taking place on Saturday, May 14th, at Lodi Lake Park from 12 noon to 5:00pm. Additional weekend activities include the ever-popular (and sold-out!) Vintner's Grille on Friday, May 13th, as well as Sunday's Winery Tours & Open Houses on May 15th. More than 4,000 wine lovers are expected to attend this year's festival.  The ZinFest Wine Festival will feature more than 150 handcrafted wines from over 40 Lodi wineries. Beyond the glass, guests will enjoy a selection of gourmet food from local restaurants, live music, and browsing one-of-a-kind merchandise from artisan purveyors such as local olive oils and reclaimed wine barrel furniture. In addition, ZinFest attendees are invited to expand their knowledge of Lodi wines and food pairings during any of the scheduled sessions at the al fresco ZinFest Cooking or Wine Schools or the all new “Up in Smoke” ZinFest BBQ Experience, headlined by Lance Smith, Executive Chef at The Millworks in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to taking the helm of The Millworks, Smith served as Chef de Cuisine at the critically acclaimed SMOKE Restaurant in Dallas, Texas, where he assisted James Beard Award-winning Chef Tim Byres. Three 45-minute demonstrations are scheduled for the day and will feature summer grilling favorites like Zinfandel glazed pork ribs with German potato salad.   This year’s ZinFest Wine School begins at 1:00PM and features the following lineup:        1:00-1:40 PM | Wine Shopping – Insider Tips From A Master Sommelier      Presented by Catherine Fallis MS, a.k.a. grape goddess®, Planet Grape LLC and Tasting Panel Lead, Planet Grape Wine Review      2:00-2:40 PM | A Tour of Europe Via Lodi      Presented by Fred Swan, Certified Sommelier, San Francisco Wine School and norcalwine.com      3:00-3:40 PM | Single Vineyard Lodi Zinfandels – What’s The Fuss?      Presented by Randy Caparoso, author of lodiwine.com blog, “The LoCA Life & Times” and The SOMM Journal     “There is not a more exciting reason to visit Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Region of the Year than for the 12th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival on May 14th,” says Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “ZinFest not only celebrates Lodi’s heritage with Zinfandel, but also showcases the region’s diversity of winegrapes through its variety of unique and exceptional wines.” ZinFest tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.ZinFest.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at 209.365.0621. Advance tickets cost $55 per person and $65 the day of the event. Designated driver tickets are also available for $15 per person. Tickets include a ZinFest wine glass, wine tasting, and participation in all seminars and entertainment. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older, including designated drivers.   About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi wine region features 110,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings.   A major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, today Lodi boasts over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 85 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions. Most notably, Lodi was recently named “2015 Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast, one of the world’s most well regarded publications dedicated to wine, spirits, food and travel. As stated by Wine Enthusiast, the award recognizes not only the region’s excellence in wine quality, but also the innovation and excitement demonstrated by its growers and vintners.   Lodi is also one of the leading wine regions when it comes to sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which recently won Governor Jerry Brown’s annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) – the highest environmental award in the state of California – for its mission to address major environmental, economic and social challenges facing California agricultural industry. With more than 100 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long renowned for its high-quality Zinfandel production, including an estimated 2,000 acres of pre-Prohibition own rooted vines, the area also produces award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Chardonnay. More recently, Lodi has begun gaining consumer traction for its other exciting varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano and Vermentino, among many others. 2015 has seen a tremendous swell of support and recognition for the Lodi wine region. In addition to receiving the coveted title of 2015 Wine Region of the Year from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and the prestigious GEELA award, Lodi was selected to be the host for this summer’s Wine Bloggers Conference, the eminent gathering of hundreds of wine bloggers and wine writing professionals who come together for educational sessions, networking and social gathering.   For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit www.lodiwine.com.

Rare wines come down from the hilltops to benefit STEM Education in Silicon Valley   The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (SCMWA) is celebrating its second annual collaboration with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) to benefit education initiatives in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines with their Silicon Valley Wine Auction on Saturday, April 16, 2016. In a stunning show of unity for a meaningful cause, more than 40 acclaimed wineries will pour over 150 of their finest wines during the Grand Tasting at the Levi's Stadium 501 Club.  What would otherwise be a daylong adventure into the mountaintops will become a rare opportunity to sample the award winning, captivating wines from California’s most dynamic winegrowing region. After the tasting, the wineries will open their libraries and rare collections to attendees at the sold-out wine dinner – among them, prominent leaders in Silicon Valley technology innovation. The auction features exclusive opportunities to taste with winemakers, network and experience the distinct Santa Cruz Mountains firsthand. The auction raised $600,000 in 2015, and will generate resources for the SVEF’s Elevate [Math], a 75-hour summertime program. The program has already helped 8,000 Bay Area students, targeted at improving performance during the crucial period of 8th-grade math studies. The San Francisco Bay Area is a unique place for a reformation in STEM Education, with the world’s technology epicenter and America’s agricultural hub overlapping geographically in Silicon Valley. Individuals like Dave House, formerly of Intel and owner of House Family Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains are testament to the synergy. The Grand Wine Tasting is on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. PST. The (SOLD OUT) Wine Dinner is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Both events will be held in the heart of Silicon Valley at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.   

San Francisco, CA: Robert Parker Wine Advocate and RobertParker.com, the world’s most widely read independent consumer’s guide to fine wine, announced last Friday that it will unveil a new website on April 1, 2016.    The announcement was made during a press conference featuring Robert M. Parker, Jr. and the publication’s entire 9-member review team at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. The nine reviewers including Robert Parker, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, Jeb Dunnuck, Luis Gutierrez, Monica Larner, Neal Martin, Stephan Reinhardt, Mark Squires and Liwen Hao convened in New York for the Wine Advocate’s signature Matter of Taste tour as part of a global series of exclusive events for RobertParker.com members and guests. The press conference included an overview of the highlights of new offerings on the redesigned RobertParker.com website, where Wine Advocate Editor-in-Chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW walked the press through a beta version, currently available to subscribers at beta.robertparker.com as of February 20, 2016.   Perrotti-Brown said, “We are incredibly excited to at last unveil our new website. The lengthy process of transforming and improving our old database has been a painstaking labor of love. The new, robust search facility enables our members to more easily access the wealth of tasting notes, articles and resources we host on our website.”   The website includes a variety of new features, beginning with a new design and functionality. The aesthetic is particularly informed by the Wine Advocate’s dedicated photographer, Johan Berglund, whose beautiful images have won a host of awards in his native Sweden including “Picture of the Year” and “Photographer of the Year.” Berglund cites the Bordeaux region as his most enduring muse and has said of his work, “I feel a great connection between wine and documentary photography. In both cases they represent a window through time to a moment in history frozen by a cork or the release of a shutter.”   The revamped RobertParker.com will also include an enhanced search capability, enabling members to search the entire Wine Advocatedatabase of more than 300,000 tasting notes with a powerful and intuitive proprietary search tool, which features nine different filter criteria including searches by color, sweetness, type, variety, rating, author, price and location(s). Articles will now be searchable for the first time, using the same advanced search filters as the site’s tasting notes. A new wine information page will also include bottle shots and relevant vintage chart material.   Finally, fans of the popular dining section of RobertParker.com, Hedonist’s Gazette, will find far more flexible search capabilities when searching for specific restaurants, destinations, recommendations and/or wines.   Perrotti-Brown continued, “We could not have achieved our goals without the tireless efforts of our wine-loving IT director, Augustine Low. We also have the passionate efforts of our own review team to thank, who have spent many hours reviewing the site from their various perspectives, ensuring it meets all our many requirements. The clean, modern design, look and feel were created by Brand Union in Singapore and have been greatly enhanced with the images supplied our new photographer Johan Berglund. I couldn’t be more proud of our team and their results.”   In addition to news about the website, the Robert Parker Wine Advocate team outlined a few other recent initiatives at the media event, including the expansion of the publication’s global presence and reach by the recent hiring of Liwen Hao as its new Asian Wine Reviewer. A Chinese national and experienced wine writer and educator, Liwen Hao is based in Shanghai. His responsibilities now include reviewing Asia’s best wines including those from China, India and Japan. He will also be overseeing the translation of parts of the RobertParker.com website and database in simplified Chinese. The Chinese version of RobertParker.com is expected to launch in June 2016. Finally, Robert Parker Wine Advocate recently opened a new office in Napa, California to house its expanding editorial, marketing and business development teams. Perrotti-Brown relocated from Singapore to Napa to manage operations from the new west coast headquarters.     About Robert Parker Wine Advocate For more than 35 years, The Wine Advocate, and later RobertParker.com, have been the global leader and independent consumer’s guide to fine wine. The brand was established by the internationally recognized, Robert M. Parker, Jr., the only critic in any field to receive the highest Presidential honor from three countries – France, Italy and Spain. Robert Parker Wine Advocate provides a wealth of information to its subscribers, including a searchable database of more than 300,000 professional wine ratings and reviews, plus articles, videos, daily news content, online retail availability and pricing, an active, professionally moderated bulletin board, a mobile app for easy access to the comprehensive online database of reviews, and much more. For more information, visit www.RobertParker.com or follow @Wine_Advocate on Twitter. For more information on the Matter of Taste tour, visit http://www.a-matter-of-taste.com and follow #MatterOfTaste on Twitter.

Wine Business Upstart Bullish on 2016 Wine Hooligans LLC, created by wine industry veteran Dennis Carroll and his band of hooligan sales and marketing pros, is bullish on 2016 as the company enters its third year of business. Reflecting back on the year’s successes with notable brands Broadside Wines, Cycles Gladiator, Sea Monster, 3 Ball, Stephen Vincent and Goyette, the theme for 2015 was “Introduction”. 2014 was the “Set Up and Organization” year for the company as three brands were acquired, two brands were developed, a national sales team was hired, a distribution network was set up and a production and vineyard partner was appointed in Paso Robles, CA.   2015 kicked off with new packaging, wine and focus for Stephen Vincent and Cycles Gladiator and new wine offerings from Broadside Wines. Two newly developed brands Sea Monster and Three Ball were launched and embraced by the marketplace and media. An encapsulated report card from the Head Hooligan, who didn’t skip class for this update, highlighting 2015: Stephen Vincent was rebranded as a Sonoma County/North Coast brand with an emphasis on Pinot, Chardonnay and Cabernet in order to reflect the history and pedigree of Bob Goyette, winemaker and founder of the brand. The packaging was changed to a classic look. Since the reintroduction of the brand, we have received an 88 point score from the Wine Enthusiast for the Cabernet and Gold medals from the California State Fair for the Chardonnay and Red Blend (Crimson). After 50 years of making wine in Sonoma, people are beginning to know Bob and appreciate his winemaking. Cycles Gladiator has been completely reinvented in a “back to the future” scenario. Once a leading national brand with one of the most iconic labels in the wine industry, the brand had suffered over the last several years under prior ownership resulting in packaging changes, SKU proliferation, wine quality issues and a downgrade in appellation. The most important component of this acquisition was bringing back Adam LaZarre, the original winemaker for the brand. Along with bringing Adam back, we have gone back to the original label with some minor changes, partnered up with a vineyard owner to insure we can keep the brand Central Coast focused providing wine quality that consistently supplies a superior price/quality ratio. This has been supported by a Best Buy from the Wine Enthusiast, California State Fair Gold medals and a Sunset Magazine Wine Competition Gold Medal. Cycles has taken the first step to regaining its position as a leading Central Coast brand. Broadside had built a remarkable reputation over the past 10 years with its single vineyard Margarita Cabernet from Paso Robles. Together with its companion chardonnay, Wild Ferment, Broadside has forged a unique taste profile for Paso Robles cabernet and chardonnay. Brian and Stephy Terrizzi had wanted to produce a more affordable cabernet from Paso Robles, but did not have the organization to launch a product. Wine Hooligans partnered up with the Terrizzi’s in late 2014 to create Broadside Paso Robles Cabernet. In our inaugural year, we will ship close to 12,000 cases of the Paso Robles Cabernet. This has been the most successful launch of a product in my 15 years in the industry. While we have continued to grow the distribution of these products, Brian and Stephy have maintained quality, with the Paso Cabernet receiving an 88 from the Wine Enthusiast, Top 15 Summer Wine Values from Food and Wine Magazine, Gold Medal from Sunset Magazine and named one of the top 20 wines under $20 dollars and the only domestic product for the Fall from the New York Times.      Hooligans was also able to develop and introduce two brands in 2015. 3 Ball and Sea Monster were collaborative efforts with Adam LaZarre and Christian Tietje. Sea Monster was a small case production effort with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a White Blend. We produced 500 cases of each varietal to a very receptive distributor network and public. These small production wines were all bottled a second time due to demand. Speaking to the quality, the Chardonnay received a 91 from the Wine Enthusiast in its first vintage. We believe we have an opportunity with the White Blend to build a premier white blend simply known as… Sea Monster Eclectic White! 3 Ball is our project with Christian Tietje. 3 Ball is a tri appellated zinfandel with fruit from Sonoma, Amador and Paso Robles. Christian, aka Zin Bitch, is a pioneer in the Paso Robles zinfandel and Rhone worlds. 3 Ball reflects three of the best appellations that Christian has made single appellation wines from over the years. The quality is evident in the wine, receiving an 88 from Wine Enthusiast along with a Gold Medal from the San Francisco Wine Competition.   All told in 2015, the company garnered 4 Double Gold Medals, 30 Golds, two 99 point scores, 13 95+ point scores and 35 90+ scores in leading critical publications.  Quotes Carroll, “What started out several years ago as an idea to acquire and reinvent brands, has now become a reality with reinvented brands being introduced across the country throughout 2015. Our strategy of people, place and quality has just begun to have an impact in the market. Our run rates in the last few months of 2015, indicate we have a portfolio of acquired brands that will exceed 125,000 cases in 2016.” Shanken News Daily quoted Carroll in a company feature saying, “After forming new company Wine Hooligans, former BevMo and Purple Wine Co. executive Dennis Carroll is attacking at the premium-and-above tier with a growing portfolio of both new and familiar California brands." Carroll has said of the company’s assertive stance, “What most companies take a decade or more to do, we did in less than two years. Our theme for 2016 is “Intelligent Growth. We want to grow the brands in a manner that is mindful of distribution and brand positioning." Carroll also launched a popular business-to-business blog called “Hooligan Rants” in keeping with the disruptive, somewhat skewed viewpoint of its founder and team.  The most recent posting, “If You Have Sold Wine Through A Distributor, You Have Been On The Blind Date “Ride With” clearly resonated with the industry as a dead-on take on the infamous “blind date” between supplier and sales rep. It garnered over 4,000 likes and many shares on Facebook and is still spreading virally.   About Wine Hooligans  Wine Hooligans, LLC was created by wine industry veteran Dennis Carroll together with an expert team of artisan winemakers. Positioned as a passionate disruptor of conventional wine marketing and sales, Wine Hooligans is a brand acquisition and development company, which brings people, places and products together to make exceptional wines in a wide variety of categories. The portfolio consists of Cycles Gladiator, Sea Monster, Broadside, Goyette and Stephen Vincent. More information can be found at www.winehooligans.com. Follow the company on Twitter @WineHooligans and blog at http://winehooligans.com/blog/.  

Lodi’s 19th Annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend, February 13th & 14th 2016 featuring BRIX Chocolate Lodi, CA – Few culinary delights inspire romance quite like wine and chocolate and no wine region marries the two together better than Wine Enthusiast’s recently-crowned ‘Wine Region of the Year’ – Lodi. Northern California’s favorite Valentine’s Day celebration marks its 19th year when Lodi’s annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend returns next month. Winery tastings and events are scheduled for Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, from 11am to 4pm each day. The ultimate romantic California getaway, treat someone special to Lodi Wine Country and fall in love with the diversity of handcrafted wines from the Lodi region alongside decadent chocolate treats by BRIX Chocolate.   BRIX Chocolate (www.brixchocolate.com) returns as the high-end confectioner and official chocolate sponsor of this year’s celebration, generously donating the commemorative chocolate treats that all event attendees will receive. BRIX is the first line of chocolates specifically blended to compliment wine, based on its varietal and style. At the root of BRIX is single-origin Ghanaian chocolate (known for its red fruit tones) mixed with the highest quality confectionery chocolate. The result is a blend so pure in flavor that it actually enhances those nuances found in great wines, without confusing the palate.   In addition to exceptional wines and select chocolate, event attendees to Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend will have the exclusive opportunity to visit nearly 60 participating wineries over the course of two days and engage in various activities such as wine and chocolate tastings, barrel sampling, live music and winery tours. Over 100 prizes will be awarded to lucky wine and chocolate lovers, including one Lodi Wine Country Getaway, earned by the attendee who finds the “Golden Ticket” hidden within the wrapper of their chocolate treat included with entry.   “There’s no better time to experience Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year than during Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend,” said Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Not only can attendees revel in the pairing of award-winning Lodi wines and decadent chocolate treats, but can discover the passion, heritage and diversity which make Lodi a world-class wine region.”   Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.lodiwineandchocolate.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at 209|365.0621.  Advance tickets cost $55 per person and $65 per person on the day(s) of the event.  Tickets include a wine glass, a chocolate treat from BRIX Chocolate, wine tasting and admission to all participating wineries. Tickets are valid for both Saturday and Sunday and there is no charge for designated drivers. ALL attendees must be 21 and over to attend.   About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi wine region features 110,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings.  A major winegrape growing region since the 1850s, today Lodi boasts over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 85 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions. Most notably, Lodi was recently named “2015 Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast, one of the world’s most well regarded publications dedicated to wine, spirits, food and travel. As stated by Wine Enthusiast, the award recognizes not only the region’s “excellence in wine quality, but also the innovation and excitement demonstrated by its growers and vintners.”   Lodi is also one of the leading wine regions when it comes to sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which recently won Governor Jerry Brown’s annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) - the highest environmental award in the state of California -  for its mission to address major environmental, economic and social challenges facing California agricultural industry.   With more than 100 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long renowned for its high-quality Zinfandel production, including an estimated 2,000 acres of pre-Prohibition own rooted vines, the area also produces award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Chardonnay. More recently, Lodi has been gaining consumer traction for its other exciting varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Kerner, Gewürztraminer, Graciano and Vermentino, among many others.   2015 has seen a tremendous swell of support and recognition for the Lodi wine region. In addition to receiving the coveted title of 2015 Wine Region of the Year from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and the prestigious GEELA award, Lodi was also selected in August 2015 to be the host for the 2016 Wine Bloggers Conference, the pre-eminent gathering of hundreds of wine bloggers and wine writing professionals who come together for educational sessions, networking and social gathering.   For more information about the Lodi wine region, please visit www.lodiwine.com.   For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. 

    Wingtip partners with Oakland, CA local designer to offer stunning, tabletop ‘vintage suitcase bars’ and other imbibing accoutrements   The Bank of Wine & Spirits at Wingtip, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, is known for being the one-stop shop for the modern imbiber – now it’s the one-stop shop for the ideal Valentine’s Day, wedding birthday, graduation or special occasion gifts. Working with San Francisco-based designer Kelsey Laverne, ‘The Bank’ has partnered with Wingtip to offer High Bar, Polite Bar Solutions – the ultimate portable bar ‘show’case for the sophisticated entertainer. Just like Wingtip’s famous tailored and luxurious apparel, any High Bar can be customized to reflect the personality of its future owner. Custom-built and transportable, walnut (or mahogany) ‘Tabletop’ boxes open to create a small, charming working bar station, from one’s dining table, sofa console or side console. For traveling tipplers, or those who would like to add a little extra refinement to their Valentine’s Day or birthday soiree, High Bar ‘Vintage’ offers a similar experience, built within stunning repurposed antique suitcases. These classic valises have been stripped and re-upholstered to create a small treasure trove of bar tools, glasses, and accessories, all customizable. All High Bars come with the option to include a bottle or two of The Bank of Wine & Spirits’ unrivaled collection of rare whiskies, barrel-aged gin or any one of its 1,000 highly curated wines & spirits. Small train cases, High Bar ‘Cuties’ provide all the tools of the trade in a matching case, while Laverne’s stainless steel barcarts have been a popular fixture already at ‘The Bank.’ Painted cigar boxes are also available to enhance each High Bar, as well as custom paintings by acclaimed local artist (and Art Business News Magazine ‘30 under 30’ award recipient) Abigail VanCannon.   High Bars are available at Wingtip | The Bank of Wine + Spirits  (550 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA, 94111). View the entire gallery at www.highbar-pbs.com. High Bars prices range depending on the chosen liquor (if any) to include: Cutie (train case - just tools, no glasses): $400 Vintage (suitcase - tools and glasses): $650-$750 (depending on whether enclosed tools are gold plated or stainless steel) Tabletop (wood box - either mahogany or walnut): $2250 Bar Cart (two tiered, black glass/stainless, 48"x36"x19"): $2600 ** An estimated $100+ will be added to each for custom craft spirit inclusion Laverne, also a whisky and Champagne expert (and Bank of Wine & Spirits sales associate), came up with the High Bar concept after living in San Francisco and witnessing the size of apartments and condos shrinking before her eyes. With her eye for design, she began developing her tabletop bars “to fill the gap for those wanting to entertain in style and grace while living in a shoe box.” Laverne says, “I saw an opportunity to use my knowledge of the cocktail to offer beautiful and practical solutions to wow and amaze my friends when I didn’t have the space for a full bar.” Now even those with the real estate are clamoring for her unique, conversation-piece sets. For questions, pricing, and purchase inquiries regarding High Bar, contact kelsey@highbar-pbs.com.     About Wingtip Open to the public, Wingtip is a "one-stop shop" forthe modern gentleman. Housed in 22,000 square feet in San Francisco's Financial District, the store features professional & casual clothing, a custom tailoring department, cufflinks, pens, leather goods, barware, a fly-fishing shop, a cigar shop, a barbershop, and shoe shine stand. And that's just the store. Their members only club upstairs on the 10th floor has a parlor room, bar & lounge, golf simulator, wine cave, meeting rooms and dining options. Wingtip is located at 550 Montgomery Street in San Francisco.   About The Bank of Wine & Spirits at Wingtip Housed within Wingtip, The Bank of Wine & Spirits opened in late 2014 and features over 1,000 highly curated wines and spirits. Whisk(e)y guru Kyle Nadeau oversees management and the sourcing of some of the world’s most sought after small-batch, craft bottlings, making ‘The Bank’ arguably the most authoritative addition to San Francisco’s exploding wine and spirits scene. ‘The Bank’ is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information visit www.wingtip.com.  

San Francisco’s most stylish liquor & vinous purveyor marks one-year partnership with Wingtip, the sophisticated Financial District haberdashery and club  The Bank of Wine & Spirits at Wingtip, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. As the one-stop shop for the modern imbiber, ‘The Bank’ as it’s known, has become the Bay Area’s grown-up, luxury candy store for imbibing adults.   The Bank opened to the public in December of 2014. Housed within the opulent former Bank of Italy building (circa 1908) at the intersection of Montgomery and Clay streets in the shadow of the iconic Transamerica Building, the national historic landmark is a fitting space for beverage maven and General Manager Kyle Nadeau’s studied selection of spirits, wine, and Champagne. The Carrara marble floors, gold leaf ceiling and glass-paneled hardwood cabinets are set aglow with bottles – everything from Kistler’s single vineyard Chardonnays to the rare Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch.   With whisk(e)y as the focal point, Nadeau and his team have in stock the deepest selection of Scotch, small batch Bourbon, Rye, and Japanese whiskies in San Francisco (450+ labels), along with other hundreds of other libations – barrel-aged gins, Cognac, mescal, calvados, Champagne, and, of course, wine – all that is ripe for discovery yet utterly essential for the more serious connoisseur of good hooch.  Knowing the city’s reputation as cocktail central, that says something.     The Bank’s extensive roster of 350+ wines has earned recognition among the members of Wingtip’s private club, for supplying what has been justifiably called “the best by-the-glass wine list in all of San Francisco”. The famed Wingtip club, a members and guests elegant retreat, is located on the 10th and 11th floors above the public retail operation on the ground floor, has become known for its impressive Coravin™ wine program. Though the list changes daily depending on what The Bank team has in stock, the most recent Holiday Cellar Collection list had 37 by-the-glass options, including such rarities as a 1990 Cos d’Estournel St. Estephe Bordeaux, a 1998 Quintarelli Amarone, a 1995 Lopez de Heredia Viña Bosconia Rioja, and a 2005 Chateau Yquem Sauternes. All wines are available by the glass, or by 2oz tastes for those who wish to sample the extensive menu.   Appropriately coinciding with the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra (the original gentleman boozer – the famous crooner was literally buried with a bottle of Jack Daniels), The Bank will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a series of impromptu in-store tastings in addition to partnering with Wingtip for its themed Sinatra Century Party on December 12th.   About The Bank of Wine & Spirits at Wingtip Housed within Wingtip, The Bank of Wine & Spirits opened in late 2014 and features over 1,000 highly curated wines and spirits. Whisk(e)y guru Kyle Nadeau oversees management and the sourcing of some of the world’s most sought after small-batch, craft bottlings, making ‘The Bank’ arguably the most authoritative addition to San Francisco’s exploding wine and spirits scene. ‘The Bank’ is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information visit www.wingtip.com.     About Wingtip The Bank of Wine and Spirits is the latest addition to Wingtip, the ultimate 21st century men’s finery store. Here, the polished haberdashery foregoes the harried men’s shopping offerings for a more intimate, tailored experience.   Open to the public, Wingtip is a "one-stop shop" for the modern gentleman and those who love them. Housed in 22,000 square feet in San Francisco's Financial District, the store features professional & casual clothing, a custom tailoring department, cufflinks, pens, leather goods, barware, a fly-fishing shop, a cigar shop, a barbershop, and shoe shine stand. And that's just the store. The members only club upstairs on the 10th floor has a parlor room, bar & lounge, golf simulator, wine cave, meeting rooms and dining options. Wingtip is located at 550 Montgomery Street in San Francisco.

  Robert Parker Wine Advocate and RobertParker.com, the world’s most widely read independent consumer’s guide to fine wine, announces that it has recently expanded its global presence and reach by hiring Liwen Hao as the publication’s new Asian Wine Reviewer. A Chinese national and experienced wine writer and educator, Liwen Hao will be based in Shanghai. His responsibilities will include reviewing Asia’s best wines including those from China, India and Japan. He will also be overseeing the translation of parts of the RobertParker.com website and database in simplified Chinese. “It is a great honor and a privilege to join Robert Parker and his illustrious reviewer team,” commented Liwen Hao. “I feel that China and other areas are coming of age in terms of grape growing and winemaking. It is my hope to bring many high quality, truly interesting Asian wines to the attention of the wine world.”   Liwen Hao’s first articles will feature in Robert Parker Wine Advocate and RobertParker.com in the second quarter of 2016. It is anticipated that the Chinese version of RobertParker.com will launch in June 2016.   Meanwhile, Robert Parker Wine Advocate has recently opened a new office in Napa, California to house its expanding editorial, marketing and business development teams. Editor-in-Chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown has relocated from Singapore to Napa to set-up and manage the new office.   “The USA remains our largest market and an incredibly important one for us,” commented Perrotti-Brown. “At the heart of the American wine industry and with such a wealth of local talent, the Napa Valley is an ideal location for growing our team and a great place to service our U.S. subscriber base. While we aspire to be the world’s most comprehensive, timely and expertly produced wine guide, we are constantly looking to offer our subscribers even more. We are very excited to begin doing so over the forthcoming months from our new Napa home.”   About Liwen Hao Born in Xi’An and raised in Shanghai, China, Liwen started his career as a marketer in multi-national companies. His first wine job was working for ASC, the biggest wine importer in China, from 2004. During his eight-year period with the company, Liwen’s role ranged from marketing officer to a wine educator and writer. From 2009, Liwen has starred in the Chinese wine education video “Wine Connoisseur”, to bring the wine knowledge to audiences in a fun way. Today the series of his videos has more than one million viewers and is posted on China’s most popular video websites. In 2012, he worked as the Editor-in-Chief for WinePress magazine, one of the most influential wine magazines in China. In 2014, Liwen founded his own wine education school, and assumed the role of Brand Ambassador for Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter. In 2010, together with Chantal Chi, he wrote his first book, “Whys in Wine”, sharing the answers for the most common questions Chinese wine drinkers have. At the beginning of 2014, his second book, “The Footprints in the Vineyards”, was launched in China.   About Robert Parker Wine Advocate For more than 35 years, The Wine Advocate, and later RobertParker.com, has been the global leader and independent consumer’s guide to fine wine. The brand was established by the internationally recognized, Robert M. Parker, Jr., the only critic in any field to receive the highest Presidential honor from three countries – France, Italy and Spain. Robert Parker Wine Advocate provides a wealth of information to its subscribers, including a searchable database of more than 280,000 professional wine ratings and reviews plus articles, videos, daily news content, online retail availability and pricing, an active, professionally moderated bulletin board, a mobile app for easy access to the comprehensive online database of reviews, and much more. For more information, visit www.RobertParker.com.