Wine, Food & Fun at Lodi Lake Lodi Wine Region Gears Up to Celebrate 11th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival on May 16th, 2015    Lodi, CA – Join your favorite Lodi vintners as they celebrate the 11th annual ZinFest Wine Festival with a weekend full of fabulous local wine, food and entertainment. Events will run May 15th through May 17th, with the main festival taking place on Saturday, May 16th, at Lodi Lake Park from 12 noon to 5pm. Additional weekend activities include the ever-popular (and sold-out!) Vintner’s Grille on Friday, May 15th, as well as Sunday’s Winery Tours & Open Houses on May 17th. More than 4,000 wine lovers are expected to attend this year’s festival.   The ZinFest Wine Festival will feature 200 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 either the al fresco ZinFest Cooking or Wine Schools.   This year’s ZinFest Wine School begins at 1pm and features the following lineup:   1:00-1:40pm – Intro to Wine Tasting  ​Presented by Fred Swan, Certified Sommelier, San Francisco Wine School and norcalwine.com. 2:00-2:40pm – The Art of Blind Tasting  Presented by Catherine Fallis MS, a.k.a grape goddess®, Planet Grape LLC and Resident Master Sommelier, Summertime in a Glass. 3:00–3:40pm – Taste of Lodi’s Historic Vineyards Tegan Passalacqua, Turley Wine Cellars. 4:00-4:40pm – Lodi’s New Alternative White Wines Randy Caparoso, author lodiwine.com blog, “The LoCA Life & Times” and The SOMM Journal.   “We’re extremely excited to celebrate Lodi’s heritage with Zinfandel as well as showcase the region’s diversity of winegrapes at the 11th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival on May 16th," says Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “ZinFest is the quintessential experience for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Lodi Appellation’s unique terroir and climate, tasting its variety of exceptional wines, and meeting our passionate winemakers and growers.” For those who need more than great wine to float their boat, the ZinFest Vintner's Regatta will return after making a memorable splash at its debut last year. Brave local winemakers will again take to the high seas of Lodi Lake as they race across it in ‘boats’ creatively fashioned from wine barrels, hoping to de-throne 2014 Grand Champion, Macchia Wines.   This year, the festival weekend will cap off a week’s worth of pre-ZinFest festivities, kicking off on Monday, May 11th, when the world-class Amgen Tour of California wraps its stage 2 finish in Lodi.  Amgen Tour of California’s Lifestyle Festival will take place from 11am to 4pm at Hutchins Street Square in the hours leading up to the exhilarating closed course circuit in downtown Lodi. On Thursday, May 14th, Harney Lane Winery will celebrate ZinFest with Lodi chef Warren Ito’s legendary food and wine pairing creations on their patio, while LangeTwins Winery will host “Top Chef” contestant (and Stockton native) Michael Midgley as he creates a multicourse winemaker dinner. RSVP & details here. 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 $10 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 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. 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. 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.  In addition, Lodi is 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.   For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit www.lodiwine.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. For additional event information, please contact Jenny Heitman of the Lodi Winegrape Commission at 209|367-0737 or jenny@lodiwine.com.       # # #

2015 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION RESULTS 15TH ANNIVERSARY MARKS LARGEST COMPETITION YET     SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The San Francisco World Spirits Competition hosted its 15th annual competition March 19-22nd at the elegant Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. Continuing its tradition of record-breaking entries annually, this year the number of submissions totaled 1580 (up 7% from the year before) from 41 states, 66 countries covering 90 classifications.  Many categories of spirits experienced a marked increase this year most notably Gin (nearly triple the entries in 3 years), Bourbon, Rye Whiskey and Single Malt Scotch. Always a harbinger of trends in the marketplace, the competition is considered to be the rite of passage for top quality spirits as it has 41 of the world’s top professional palates serving as judges.   The competition has mirrored, and spurred, the spirits industry’s explosive growth over the last 15 years. The inaugural 2000 World Spirits Competition welcomed 12 judges and 292 entries in 59 categories. “We have always been a bellwether for trends in spirits consumption and growth. Our caliber of judges, our international reputation and professional organization of the competition helps the marketplace be assured of tremendous quality control and opportunities,” says competition director and spirits guru Anthony Dias Blue. “Over the last 15 years as we’ve witnessed this explosive growth in spirits, we also note that the further sub-categorization of aging and types of spirits is proliferating.  We are in an exciting time in the beverage business.”   In addition to ace palates, glassware is as paramount to the high performance outcome of competition as the liquid it holds.  For the first time in its 15-year run, the competition featured exclusively the NEAT glass. The new industry standard for spirits tasting, with a patented design, NEAT glasses are scientifically engineered with a compressed lip and flared rim to enhance the judging experience. “We have rigorously tested the NEAT Glass in comparative tastings with other spirits glasses,“ says Blue. “It is the only glass that eliminates alcohol burn while enhancing aroma. It showcases all the nuance and complexity that the spirit’s producer intended.”   Top Awards Leading winners from the sweepstakes included Best in Show Un-Aged White Spirit went to Kappa Pisco ($35), Elqui Valley, Chile out of 603 submissions.  Best in Show Aged White Spirit was awarded to Parce 12 Year Old Rum ($60) from Colombia out of 169 submissions.  Best in Show Whisky went to Craigellachie Single Malt Aged 23 Years ($297) from Speyside, Scotland out of 497 whisky submissions (last year there were 297.)  Best in Show Brandy was awarded to Gautier Tradition Rare Cognac ($165) from Charente, France out of 118 brandy submissions and finally Best in Show Liqueur went to Croizet Liqueur d’Orange au Cognac ($179) out of 154 entries. Other highlights included Best Gin, which went to Master’s Dry Gin ($39), Barcelona, Spain out of 134 entries, Best Bourbon which went to Kentucky’s Knob Creek 9 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon ($31) out of 95 Bourbons, Best Tequila went to Villa Lobos Reposado Tequila ($47) from Jalisco, Mexico and Best Vodka went to Colorado’s Woody Creek Single Potato Vodka ($32) out of 168 entries.    Awarded annually, this year’s Tasting Panel Magazine Distillery of the Year went to Kavalan Distillery of Taiwan by winning 4 Double Golds and two Silvers for their Single Malt Whiskies submissions.  Importer of the Year went to Diageo North America, and the Director’s Award of Excellence went to Beam Suntory Inc., headquartered in Deerfield, IL for its excellent portfolio of spirits. Additionally, in the Packaging Competition this year there were 22 Double Gold medals awarded, the most ever.  There were 143 entries presided over by 3 judges.     A complete list of awards categorically will be posted to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition website on April 6th, please visit http://sfspiritscomp.com/ at that time for more information.     Judges Forty-one international judges gathered this year with several notable judges returning to the roster, including noted spirits writer and author David Wondrich, double degree Doug Frost, MS, MW, leading NYC based mixologist Julie Reiner and writer Sean Ludford.  Tony Abou-Ganim, aka the Modern Mixologist has directed the judging now for his 6thyear and says of the event, “I continue to be flattered and humbled to be a part of a competition with some of the best palates in the world. I look forward to it all year and it is a great way for an established or unknown spirit to gain credibility in this business.   The winners feel the impact of the competition’s results in significant ways and use the results to help build both their sales and reputations globally.” For more information about the judges, please visit http://sfspiritscomp.com/about/judges.   About the Competition Founded in the new millennium year of 2000 by noted wine & spirits critic and competition director Anthony Dias Blue, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition has gained a reputation as the leading gauge for spirits trends and top quality products in the country. Noted journalists, distillers, beverage directors, mixologists, restaurateurs, Master Sommeliers, hoteliers, consultants, educators comprise the august body of judges.   The continued growth of entries (more than 100 this year) annually points to an undeniable love affair with distillate products in the United States.   For interviews, images and media information, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463 ext.101. Please also like our page at San Francisco World Spirits Competition on Facebook, and follow the competition on Twitter and Instagram at #SFWSC.     #   #   #

    Oregon Craft Saké Brand Momokawa Announces Package Refinement America’s #1 Craft Saké Brand Momokawa Announces Label Relaunch   Forest Grove, OR – The advent of spring always signals fashion week in NYC and Milan and appropriately this March, Momokawa, the number one craft saké brand in the United States, is unveiling striking new label colors for their award-winning SKUs.   Momokawa’s top-selling line of ultra-premium junmai ginjo saké is refreshed in new colors and matching closures representative of their jewel-inspired names. The pioneering Oregon-based craft saké brewer modified the packaging in such a way that the new colors pop off the shelves allowing consumers to clearly differentiate and locate each Momokawa saké variety. The striking colors bring to life the accompanying, iconic splatter design labels originally created by master label designer Jeffrey Caldewey.   “The color refinement is a direct result of observations by both retailers and consumers that the differences between the bottles were very subtle and hard to differentiate,” says Brian Lynch, VP of National Sales for SakéOne.   For ease of consumer identification, America’s number one ultra-premium saké[1], Momokawa Diamond, will retain its original blue label color and Momokawa’s ultra-premium organic products will retain their original green label color.   Within each newly dressed bottle, the award-winning craft saké that makes Momokawa America’s #1 craft saké brand remains the same.   The new labels will launch this spring, 2015; the new Pearl label will release mid-March, the Silver label late April, and the Ruby label April to early May.   Consumers and trade professionals can see the new packaging in person at several upcoming events, including: SF Vintner’s Market, April 11-12, Saké Fest PDX, June 25, Tales of the Cocktail New Orleans, July 15-19, SF Outside Lands, August 7-9, and Joy of Saké NYC, September 18.   Label launch support materials are available upon request, including a trifold brochure, printable 6-up shelf talkers, and bottle images.   About Momokawa Saké:   Momokawa is Oregon craft Junmai Ginjo saké, brewed with time-honored techniques and the pioneering spirit of the Pacific Northwest.  Launched in 1998, Momokawa was the first commercial craft saké brand in America, and the first saké brewery in Oregon.   According to the latest Nielsen statistics that tracked the last 52 weeks of sales up until January 3, 2015, Momokawa is America’s number one craft saké brand, America’s second largest selling ultra-premium brand in retail, and Momokawa Diamond is America’s number one ultra-premium saké.   For interviews, images and media information, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. #   #   #   [1] Nielsen 52 weeks through January 2015  

                 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Marks 15th Anniversary with Largest Number of Entrants Ever   San Francisco, CA – More than fourteen hundred different bottles of high-end spirits under one roof for one weekend in the heart of San Francisco – sounds like the best ever pop-up bar or swank soiree in the world.   And it just might be for the 42 spirits professionals among the best palates and personalities in the world of spirits, who will be judging the largest international spirits competition in America.   The 15th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition, from March 20-22, 2015 will pit the world’s best whisk(e)ys, gins, tequilas, mezcals, sojus, baijius, rums – you name it – against each other  at the elegant Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco.   The competition has mirrored, and spurred, the spirits industry’s explosive growth over the last 15 years. The inaugural 2000 World Spirits Competition welcomed 12 judges and 292 entries in 59 categories. The 2014 competition saw over 400 spirits from the United States alone, and this year, for the second consecutive year, more than 1,400 spirits will participate in 90 categories.  “We have always been a bellwether for trends in spirits consumption and growth.  Our caliber of judges, our international reputation and professional organization of the competition helps the marketplace be assured of tremendous quality control and opportunities,” says competition director and spirits guru Anthony Dias Blue.   Entries continue to pour in for the 2015 competition with an extended deadline of March 11th.   The list of judges is as impressive as the bottle list. Blue, the Executive Director and competition founder, is a James Beard award-winning radio host, the Editor-in-Chief of both The Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal, as well as the author of 9 spirits, wine, and food-focused books.   Over the last 15 years, he and his director of judging, Tony Abou-Ganim, the Modern Mixologist, have recruited the industry’s top writers, bartenders, and personalities to judge, including Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Doug Frost, who judged the inaugural 2000 competition, and Esquire Magazine and Saveur spirits writer David Wondrich among many others.   In addition to ace palates, glassware is as paramount to the high performance outcome of competition as the liquid it holds.  For the first time in its 15-year run, the competition will exclusively use the NEAT glass. The new industry standard for spirits tasting, with a patented design, NEAT glasses are scientifically engineered with a compressed lip and flared rim to enhance the judging experience. “We have rigorously tested the NEAT Glass in comparative tastings with other spirits glasses,“ says Blue. “It is the only glass that eliminates alcohol burn while enhancing aroma. It showcases all the nuance and complexity that the spirit’s producer intended.”   The breadth and detail of entrant categories exemplifies America’s cocktail revolution, and evolution, and the competition has become the rite of passage for the highest quality bottles that line the shelves of leading restaurants and bars. Cachaça and nut liqueurs get their own Best in Show categories, for instance, while the competition organizes whisk(e)y entrants into 13 different sub-categories – from best Single Malt to best Irish Whiskey to the best over-11-year-old single barrel Bourbon.   “Every year with this event we see the emerging trends in the spirits category. Often, our event is a launchpad for a burgeoning trend to be taken seriously. Prior to our event, smaller categories such as Pisco, Calvados, Cachaça and Mezcal were little known in this country. Now, bartenders and journalists worldwide turn their attention to our results to gauge the marketplace,” says Director Blue. “Over the last 15 years as we’ve witnessed this explosive growth in spirits, we also note that the further sub-categorization of aging and types of spirits is proliferating. We are in an exciting time in the beverage business.”     About the Competition Founded in the new millennium year of 2000 by noted wine & spirits critic and competition director Anthony Dias Blue, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition has gained a reputation as the leading gauge for spirits trends and top quality products in the country and worldwide. Noted journalists, distillers, beverage directors, mixologists, restaurateurs, Master Sommeliers, hoteliers, consultants, educators comprise the august body of judges.   The continued double-digit growth of entries annually points to an undeniable love affair with distillate products in the United States. For interviews, images and media information, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. Please also Like our page at San Francisco World Spirits Competition on Facebook, and follow the competition on Twitter at #SFWSC.     #   #   #

    Lodi Wins 2014 ‘GEELA’ for the Region’s Sustainability Efforts Lodi Rules™ is honored by Jerry Brown at the annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award Ceremony in Sacramento   Lodi, CA – Governor Jerry Brown’s annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) ceremony honored the Lodi Winegrape Commission and its Lodi Rules™ for Sustainable Winegrowing program last night at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento. The award represents the highest environmental award in the state of California. The Lodi Winegrape Commission was one of twelve California organizations that received the distinction, recognized for its mission to address major environmental, economic and social challenges facing California agricultural industry.   "We are honored to receive this recognition of the innovative leadership of the Winegrape growers of Lodi and their commitment to sustainability, the community and farming for generations to come,” said Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission.   Lodi Rules™ is California’s first 3rd party-certified sustainable winegrowing program. It promotes practices that enhance biodiversity, soil and water health, community and employee well being, ensuring that quality grape-growing needs are met today without compromising the needs of future generations. The goal of the program is to support grower adoption of sustainable practices and to communicate this commitment to wineries and the general public. Lodi Rules™ has been and continues to be used as a model for other sustainable winegrowing certification programs internationally.   Launched in 2005, Lodi Rules™ grew out of the Lodi Sustainable Winegrowing program, which was awarded a 2006 GEELA for success with promoting grower adoption of Integrated Pest Management practices. Since then, the Lodi Rules™ has expanded and evolved, with the program growing to over 85 farming operations, and 20,000 acres of Lodi vineyards that have been certified. There are an additional 6,000 acres certified from Sonoma to Soledad. Over twenty wineries now produce wines that bare the Lodi Rules™ seal on the label.   These region-wide standards have been endorsed by Protected Harvest, a non-profit organization comprised of scientists, academics and environmentalists that certifies farmer’s use of stringent environmental growing standards.   There are now 101 farming practice standards in six chapters: Business Management, Human Resources, Ecosystem Management, Soil Management, Water Management, and Pest Management. Go to www.lodiwine.com for a complete list of updated Lodi Rules™ standards.   The 2014 GEELA finalists were chosen by a panel of judges that included the Governor’s Office and the secretaries of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency; the California Department of Food and Agriculture; the California Environmental Protection Agency; the California Health and Human Services Agency; the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; the California Natural Resources Agency; and the California State Transportation Agency. For more information on the GEELA program and this year’s award recipients, please visit www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/.   About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the Lodi wine region features 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. Lodi has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, and today is farmed by over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.  In addition, Lodi is one of the leading wine regions in sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which implements green-farming practices. For more information about the Lodi wine region, please visit www.lodiwine.com.     For additional information regarding the Lodi Winegrape Commission, please contact Executive Director, Camron King, at 209|327-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com.    For media inquiries regarding Lodi Rules, the Lodi region and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.   ###

    Lodi Native Project to debut at ZAP’s 2015 Zinfandel Experience The critically acclaimed wines will be featured at exclusive trade & media seminars   San Francisco, CA– ZAP’s 24th annual Zinfandel Experience will go au naturel to showcase its flagship grape in its most authentic form in 2015. The acclaimed Lodi Native Project will make its debut at the annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Zinfandel Experience, as the focus of two trade seminars surrounding the January 29-31 events.   Lodi Native™ is a collaborative project by six winegrowers of like mind, living and working in the Lodi American Viticultural Area – particularly Lodi’s historic Mokelumne River sub-AVA.  Their mission:  to turn the spotlight on the region’s heritage plantings – many of them dating back to the late 1800s – through sensible viticulture and minimalist winemaking practices, beginning with native yeast fermentation and use of no new oak.  The focus is on Zinfandel, but on the taste of vineyards rather than varietal character or brand.   2012 was the inaugural vintage, but the ever-growing crescendo of accolades surrounding the project have ensured a 2013 (and beyond!) release, as well as a growing list of wineries hopeful to participate in future vintages.   The result has been overwhelmingly positive, with Vinography founder and JancisRobinson.com contributor Alder Yarrow recently calling the project: “One of the most exciting things to happen to California wine in years”.   The project will be featured at ZAP’s select, invitation-only trade workshops and seminars, geared towards media as well as restaurant/retail/distribution professionals.     Zinfandel is Rising, Wednesday, January 28 Rock Wall Wine Company (2301 Monarch, Alameda CA 94501) 1:00pm - 2:00pm Seminar -- 2:00pm - 5:00pm Tasting   The Wednesday, January 28th event, entitled Zinfandel is Rising, will take place at Rock Wall Wine Company in Alameda. Moderated by multi-award-winning wine journalist Randy Caparoso, SOMM Journal Editor-at-Large and architect behind the Lodi Native Project, the seminar will feature a presentation of Lodi Native wines as well as a selection of first-rate Zinfandel contemporaries aimed to challenge previously-held assumptions about the grape variety.   Caparoso’s distinguished panelists are wine.com’s Wilfred Wong, NOPA’s Lulu McAllister and Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish, all of whom will address the versatility, potential and trajectory of the varietal in today’s retail, restaurant and digital markets.   2 complimentary tickets per qualified media or trade. Additional tickets can be purchased for $25 each. Call the ZAP office to place an order (530.274.4900), or check the appropriate box when registering to attend ZAP.   Sommelier & Winemakers Terroir Workshop, Saturday, January 31, 11:45am – 3:15pm Golden Gate Club & Film Centre Presidio of San Francisco 135 Fisher Loop, SF, CA 94129 The Sommelier & Winemakers Terroir Workshop will kick-off the Saturday, January 31st series of ZAP events at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio (also available exclusively to trade and media and officially co-sponsored by The SOMM Journal). The first workshop of the day offers another chance to sample the Lodi Natives and meet some of the winemakers behind the project. Lodi AVA Segment (11:45am - 12:15pm) ·       Randy Caparoso – The SOMM Journal & LodiWine.com contributor ·       Tim Holdener – Lodi Native Project & Macchia Wines ·       Layne Montgomery – Lodi Native Project & m2 Wines The Saturday workshops will focus on Zinfandel from the perspective of sommeliers: with an emphasis on terroir. In addition to the Lodi Native workshop, Caparoso will moderate four sommelier/winemaker workshops focused on some of California’s undervalued and/or overlooked Zinfandel regions. Trade and media entrance is complimentary - first come, first seated. More information can be found on the Zinfandel Experience website.   Trade tasting is for qualified trade or media only. Qualifications for trade: You must be a representative of a licensed on-or off-premise wine buyer/seller.  This includes Distributors & Licensed Brokers, Restaurants and Retailers.   For event media inquiries and registration please contact Patricia Schneider - patricia@elementalmeme.com   About Lodi Wine Country   Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the Lodi wine region features 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. Lodi has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, and today is farmed by over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.  In addition, Lodi is one of the leading wine regions in sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which implements green-farming practices. For more information about the Lodi wine region, please visit www.lodiwine.com.   For additional information regarding the Lodi Winegrape Commission, please contact Executive Director, Camron King, at 209|327-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com.   About the Lodi Native Project   The Lodi Native mission is to demonstrate to more sophisticated consumers, media (print and blogosphere) and gatekeepers (such as specialty retailers and sommeliers/restaurateurs) that distinguished, distinctly identifiable vineyards exist in Lodi, similar to other great wine regions of the world. To encourage preservation and appreciation of old vine plantings – well as of Lodi’s long tradition of grower/custodians – by focusing more attention on vineyard sites, vis-à-vis real and tangible sensory expressions in each bottling. To build professional camaraderie, a culture of information sharing, and new challenges for Lodi’s Zinfandel specialists. Click here for winemaking protocols.   For media inquiries regarding the Lodi Native project, the Lodi region and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.   About ZAP   About Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) Zinfandel Advocates & Producers is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, educational organization dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. Winegrowers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts comprise the membership. The common focus is the preservation and recognition of Zinfandel as America’s grape. The Zinfandel Experience is the largest single varietal tasting of its kind, now celebrating its 24th year.   ZAP Media Contact: Paticia Schneider 415-717-7595 or patricia@elementalmeme.com       # # #    

      The Ultimate Pre-Valentine’s Weekend Escape Lodi’s 18th Annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend, February 7th & 8th, 2015 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 Lodi! Northern California’s favorite pre-Valentine’s Day celebration marks its 18th year when Lodi’s annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend returns next month. Winery tastings and events are scheduled for Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th, 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 the varietal. 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 over 50 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.   “Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend is the quintessential occasion for anyone interested in one of the greatest gustatory pleasures: the pairing of wine and chocolate,” said Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Not only does this event offer exceptional wines, but one can experience the passion, heritage and variety of the Lodi 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 Mountain range, the Lodi wine region features 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings.   With more than 75 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long known as a superior producer of Zinfandel, 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 producing varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano and Vermentino, among many others.   Lodi has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, and today is farmed by over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.  In addition, Lodi is one of the leading wine regions in sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which implements green-farming practices.   For more information about the Lodi wine region, please visit www.lodiwine.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. For additional information regarding the Lodi Winegrape Commission, please contact Executive Director, Camron King, at 209|327-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com.   # # # 

***MEDIA ALERT***MEDIA ALERT***MEDIA ALERT***         Lodi, California’s 18th Annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend February 7th & 8th, 2015   WHO: Presented by LoCA – The Wines of Lodi, California. Over 50 boutique Lodi wineries specializing in quality, handcrafted wines.  WHAT: This year marks the 18th occasion of one of Northern California’s favorite Valentine’s Weekend celebrations: Lodi’s annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend. Bring someone special to Lodi Wine Country and fall in love with the diversity of handcrafted wines from the Lodi winegrowing region along with sweet & savory chocolate treats at more than 50 Lodi wineries. Advance tickets cost $55 per person and $65 per person the day of the event. Tickets include an event wine glass, a chocolate treat from event sponsor Brix Chocolate, an event map and guide, wine tasting and admission to all participating wineries. Don’t forget to check your chocolate treat for a “Golden Ticket” and a chance to win a Lodi Wine Country Getaway or one of over 100 additional prizes!   Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the winery’s hosted activities including wine and chocolate sampling, live music, barrel tastings and cellar tours.  Tickets are valid for both Saturday and Sunday. There is no charge for designated drivers. All guests (including designated drivers) must be 21 years of age or older. All tickets are non-refundable. Guests should be aware that there is a new policy regarding large groups and full-sized buses. For more details on this policy, guests may visit the event website. WHEN: Festivities are scheduled for Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th, from 11am to 4pm each day.  WHERE: At participating wineries throughout the entire Lodi Wine Region. For additional details on locations, please visit lodiwineandchocolate.com.  MORE: The Lodi Wine Region, which has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s and today is farmed by over 750 growers, is home to more than 80 boutique wineries. Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Lodi wine region features over 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings.  With 100 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long-known as a superior producer of Zinfandel, 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 producing varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano and Vermentino, among dozens of others. In addition, Lodi is the leading wine region in sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which implements green-farming practices.  For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit www.lodiwine.com CONTACT: For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com # # #      

    Casey Flat Ranch Winery Appoints Epic Wines & Spirits as California Distributor California’s fastest growing distributor of alcoholic beverages will partner with the Capay Valley’s leading producer of Bordeaux and Rhone style wines.     San Francisco, CA — Casey Flat Ranch recently announced their partnership with Epic Wines & Spirits, California’s fastest growing wholesaler of wine, beer and spirits.   Casey Flat Ranch is the Capay Valley’s leading producer of award-winning Rhone and Bordeaux-style blends, with a stunningly rugged location and a rich homesteading heritage that dates back to California’s Gold Rush era.   Epic Wines & Spirits is a natural partner to represent the Casey Flat Ranch brand statewide. Acclaimed producer and distributor Bill Foley recently acquired the wholesaler, and his leadership brings an unparalleled level of expertise in building emerging brands like Casey Flat Ranch. With Epic’s impressive portfolio of cutting edge wineries from both established and up and coming regions around the globe, Casey Flat Ranch is right at home among some of the industry’s most buzzed-about brands.    Brenda Bullington, Casey Flat Ranch VP of Sales said, “We are so excited to work along side of the fabulous team of Epic Wines to build Casey Flat Ranch. They absolutely share the same passion we have for the business. With the highest percentage of CSW-certified Sales Representatives, they are not the biggest wholesaler in CA but pride themselves as the best. We are going to have fun selling Casey Flat Ranch and Open Range Wines together.”   Kelly Connors, Epic’s Vice President of Supplier Relations, said, “We at Epic Wines & Spirits are very excited to start a long term partnership with Casey Flat Ranch and to represent wines for the up and coming Capay Valley AVA.”   About Epic Wines & Spirits   Epic Wines & Spirits was founded in 1995 and has been owned by Bill Foley since August 2013. The company is guided by a simple prevailing goal: recognize products that will be cutting-edge tomorrow while paying attention to the needs of our customers and their clients today. The brands of Epic Wines & Spirits are unique, and important to both knowledgeable and emerging wine, beer and spirits consumers. Each product featured in the Epic portfolio has been specifically selected for its quality, innovation and respect for tradition.   The people of Epic Wines & Spirits are industry professionals who have extensive backgrounds in premium wine, beer and spirits sales and distribution. Their knowledge of and passion for our products, combined with a commitment to customer service, have enabled Epic to become California’s fastest growing alcoholic beverage distributor, building lasting relationships with a sophisticated and demanding customer base.   About Casey Flat Ranch Winery Casey Flat Ranch is based in the Capay Valley AVA, in the Vaca Mountains bordering the eastern side of Napa County (22 miles due east of St. Helena). The working ranch is defined by its award-winning Rhone and Bordeaux-style blends, stunningly rugged location, the purebred Longhorn cattle that roam the estate and a rich homesteading heritage that dates back to California’s Gold Rush era. Casey Flat Ranch's two brands, the Estate wines and Open Range, serve as the perfect way to ignite the frontier spirit in any wine lover.   For press inquiries and high-resolution images, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.     # # #  

Oregon’s SakéOne Hosts Annual Kura Blessing Forest Grove, Oregon – SakéOne, America’s premium saké producer and importer, held its eighteenth annual Kura Blessing Ceremony in anticipation of World Saké Day October 1st, which marks the beginning of the traditional Japanese saké brewing season. The ceremony, which is rooted in ancient Shinto tradition, is intended to cleanse the brewery and ward off mischievous spirits.   The Reverend Koichi Barrish, of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Granite Falls, Washington, the first American to ever earn the distinction of being named a Shinto priest, presided over the ceremony, as has been the tradition for 18 years. His reverence for the tradition of paying respects to the saké kami (nature spirit) was evident in the precision of his movements and in his close adherence to the longstanding rituals of the kura blessing in the Shinto tradition. Performing the ceremony in both English and Japanese, the Reverend sprinkled rice grains and cleansed the four corners of SakéOne’s Forest Grove facility with a ritual offering of saké intended to satisfy the evil spirits that might try to occupy the kura. He then scattered salt and handfuls of sand from a sacred Japanese mountain and evicted the pacified spirits with a wave of his harai-gushi (a tasseled wand used in traditional Shinto ceremonies).   As an extra precaution, the ceremony concluded with a gregarious performance by the Eugene Taiko drummers, which inevitably succeeded in frightening away any spirits stubborn enough to resist the Reverend’s enchantments.   Following the service, attendees were invited to taste some of SakéOne’s specially priced, world-class, imported offerings in honor of Saké Day. The tastings, designed to showcase the brewing styles associated with different regions of Japan, were served alongside a feast of Japanese food prepared by Wassabi, a pan-Asian restaurant located in nearby Hillsboro.   To see a video of the kura blessing ceremony from a previous year, please click here.   About SakéOne SakéOne is America’s first craft saké producer and compliments its own fine products with a growing portfolio of fine Japanese saké imports. Its Oregon craft saké brands Momokawa, Moonstone, and g Saké are joined by import brands Murai Family, Yoshinogawa, Kasumi Tsuru, SakéMoto, Hakutsuru, KIBO and Tombo. A leader committed to saké education at the wholesale, retail and consumer levels, SakéOne is focused on expanding the enjoyment of premium saké in the United States. For more information, visit SakéOne’s website at sakeone.com.    For media information and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.       # # #

              “World Wine Guys” Announce Latest Book Launch Celebration of Wines of California: The Comprehensive Guide by Mike DeSimone & Jeff Jenssen to feature The Wines of Lodi, CA at Ordinaire Wine Bar   San Francisco, CA - Award-winning journalists and best-selling authors Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen will be launching their new book, Wines of California, at Ordinaire Wine Bar in Oakland on Saturday, September 20th.   Join the celebration along with vintners from LoCA - The Wines of Lodi, CA - a region featured in the book for both its historic importance to California wine as well as its burgeoning reputation for highly-sought, boutique labels and winegrape varieties that adhere to the highest standards in both quality and sustainability. About Wines of California   (Sterling Epicure, release date September 2, 2014)   Training their eyes beyond Napa and Sonoma, "World Wine Guys" Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen have created the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the state's myriad wine-growing regions. This 600-page tome offers an unparalleled look into California winemaking, history, and geography from Mendocino to Ramona Valley and all points in between, including detailed listings of outstanding producers.   Enjoy winery profiles with tasting notes, winemaker interviews, and recipes, with photos and wine labels throughout. Among 29 winemaker profiles are interviews with Peter Mondavi Sr, Heidi Barrett, and Jean-Charles Boisset. Dishes with wine pairings include recipes from wine country notables such as Michael Chiarello, Tyler Florence, and Joel Gott. The foreword is by Michael Mondavi and the preface is by Kevin Zraly—two of the most important names in wine today.   Advance praise for Wines of California includes quotes from Kathie Lee Gifford, Jennifer Simonetti Bryan MW, and others. Here’s what Virginie Boone, California Editor, Wine Enthusiast Magazine had to say: "In answer to those who would question California's wine soul, Wines of California joyously explores and celebrates the state's wide-reaching and diverse range of world-class wines and the people who make them. It'll inspire you to hit the California highway, corkscrew and Riedel’s in hand."   About the authors Aside from being the entertaining and lifestyle editors at Wine Enthusiast, DeSimone and Jenssen are award-winning journalists, authors and the proud recipients of the
prestigious Golden Pen Award for food, wine, and travel journalism.   The pair received the title "World Wine Guys" after visiting most of the world’s wine regions throughout six continents.   Their experiences prompted them to write the best-selling book Wines from the Southern Hemisphere: The Complete Guide, which won the Gourmand International Award for Best Wine Book 2012 in the US.   Along with regularly hosted wine tastings and educational seminars around the world, they have been featured guests on a number of national TV talk shows, and are regular travel and wine contributors for The Huffington Post.   The authors will be in Oakland celebrating the launch of their book at Ordinaire Wine Bar, which has quickly emerged as one of the most buzzed about wine bar destinations in the Bay Area since its opening last year. A fitting venue to celebrate Lodi and Wines of California, Ordinaire offers primarily small-production California wines, many of them made with natural techniques, and sports eight wines on tap for sampling.    The event will take place Saturday, September 20th at 5pm (4pm for a special media preview) at Ordinaire Wine Bar: 3354 Grand Ave Oakland, CA 94610.   For media inquiries, reservations and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.     ###      

Wines of Uruguay 2nd Annual U.S. Trade Tour   Sixteen member wineries of Wines of Uruguay (WoU), an association focused on international export and committed to promoting the quality and image of Uruguayan wine throughout the world, will pour many of their finest wines in a 3-city U.S. trade tasting tour in Chicago, Boston and Ft. Lauderdale in September. Each winery will pour up to five wines with an emphasis on Uruguay’s signature variety, Tannat. The events, which are reserved for members of the trade and press, will begin with a seminar on the regional diversity of Uruguayan wines presented by noted wine educator and speaker Gilles de Chambure, MS and will conclude with a walk-around tasting.   The 16 wineries on the U.S. tour are:   Alto de la Ballena  Ÿ•  Antigua Bodega Stagnari  Ÿ•  Artesana Winery  Ÿ•  Bodegas Carrau Bouza Bodega Boutique  •Ÿ  Juanicó/Familia Deicas  •Ÿ Familia Irurtia  •Ÿ  Familia Traversa   Finca Narbona  Ÿ•  Garzón  Ÿ•  Gimenez Mendez  Ÿ•  Marichal  Ÿ•  Pizzorno Family Estates Reinaldo De Lucca • Ÿ  Juan Toscanini E Hijos S.A.  •Ÿ  Vinos Finos H. Stagnari   Chicago, IL: Tuesday, September 9, 12-4pm City Winery 1200 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 Press Contact: Kimberly Charles (415) 701-9463; press@charlescomm.com   Boston, MA: Thursday, September 11, 12-4pm Grill 23 161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116 Press Contact: Kimberly Charles (415) 701-9463; press@charlescomm.com   Fort Lauderdale, FL: Monday, September 15, 12-4pm Market 17 1850 SE 17th, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Press Contact: Kimberly Charles (415) 701-9463; press@charlescomm.com   The U.S. and Canada are Uruguay’s largest export markets after Brazil. With more Tannat grown in Uruguay than the rest of the world combined, Tannat is Uruguay’s signature variety. Uruguayan wineries have also found success with Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Albariño and Viognier.   For more information, please contact Kimberly Charles by phone at (415) 701-9463, by email at press@charlescomm.com or visit www.uruguaywinetour.com or WoU’s website www.winesofuruguay.com.   ###

      Lodi Celebrates 2014 Harvest with Sip Savor Lodi, September 26-28th! Premier three-day festival to include an al fresco harvest dinner in downtown Lodi, cellar tours and a grand tasting showcasing 40+ Lodi wineries   Lodi, CA– Join the Wines of Lodi, CA and Lodi Appellation’s vintners for Sip Savor Lodi – a wine country harvest celebration! Festivities kick off the evening of Friday, September 26th with a picturesque, al fresco Harvest Dinner on Pine Street in downtown Lodi, featuring farm-to-table highlights from the region’s agricultural bounty paired with Lodi’s most unique and delicious wines. Pine Street (one block between Sacramento and School Streets) will be closed to traffic for the event, allowing for an unparalleled harvest setting underneath the historic, Mission Revival Lodi Arch – a California Registered Landmark.   On Saturday, visitors can enjoy wine and barrel tastings, live music, delicious food and more as they tour the Lodi region during special Cellar Tours at participating wineries. The weekend celebration culminates on Sunday with the Grand Tasting, where educational seminars and award-winning wines from 40+ Lodi wineries will be featured alongside flavorful local bites and live music at the beautiful Wine & Roses Hotel.   “Sip Savor Lodi is a new and exciting way for locals and visitors alike to celebrate the winegrape and agricultural bounty grown in the Lodi region,” says Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Not only can attendees look forward to experiencing a variety of exceptional Lodi wines throughout the weekend but can expect to learn more about our heritage and our region’s unique terroir and climate by participating in fun, educational activities hosted by our passionate winemakers and growers.”   A truly comprehensive Lodi weekend experience, the complete event schedule is as follows:   Harvest Dinner • Downtown Lodi FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 • 6 PM - 9 PM Take your seat at our dinner table, set with style on downtown Lodi’s Pine Street! Celebrate the agricultural bounty grown in the Lodi region as you enjoy exquisite, freshly prepared cuisine by Elaine Bell Catering served al fresco alongside the region's finest wines.   Tickets are $125 per person and $1,000 for a reserved table of eight. Attendance is limited. Tickets are non-refundable. Must be 21 years of age to attend. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at (209) 365-0621. Cellar Tours • Participating Lodi Wineries SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 • TIMES VARY BY WINERY Celebrate harvest with our passionate vintners in the intimacy of their cellars while enjoying wine and barrel tastings, live music, delicious eats, educational activities and more as you tour the Lodi region at your leisure. Experience firsthand the diversity, quality and hospitality that make Lodi the newest fine wine region in California. No ticket required. Some charges may apply. Must be 21 years of age to attend. For a complete list of participating wineries, please visit www.sipsavorlodi.com. Grand Tasting • Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant, Spa SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 • 1 PM - 4 PM Sip award-winning, handcrafted wines from 40+ Lodi wineries as you stroll the beautiful grounds of Wine & Roses Hotel. Savor tasty bites from the region’s finest food purveyors, relax to the sounds of live music at our open air garden lounge, or learn something new at the Sip & Savor Wine Seminars. Browse local olive oils, cheeses and sweet treats from regional vendors and take home your favorite wines from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center.   Tickets for Sunday’s Grand Tasting are $55 per person in advance and $65 per person the day of the event. Designated driver tickets for Sunday’s Grand Tasting are available for $25 per person in advance or the day of the event. Tickets are non-refundable. Must be 21 years of age to attend. Tickets can be purchased at www.sipsavorlodi.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at (209) 365-0621.   Tickets for all events can be purchased at www.sipsavorlodi.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at (209)365.0621. No ticket is required for Saturday’s Cellar Tours. Must be 21 years of age to attend events.   About Lodi Wine Country   Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the Lodi wine region features 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. With more than 75 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long known as a superior producer of Zinfandel, 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 producing varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano and Vermentino, among many others. Lodi has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, and today is farmed by over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.  In addition, Lodi is one of the leading wine regions in sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which implements green-farming practices. For more information about the Lodi wine region, please visit www.lodiwine.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. For additional information regarding the Lodi Winegrape Commission, please contact Executive Director, Camron King, at 209|327-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com.   ###        

KIBO Saké to Debut at San Francisco’s 2014 Outside Lands Festival SakéOne Debuts Premium Junmai Canned Saké highlighting “Hope” in the Lingering Aftermath of the 2011 Tsunami     Forest Grove, OR – SakéOne, the United States’ leading brewer and importer of premium saké, announced today that it will debut its newest import, KIBO Saké, at the sold out 2014 Outside Lands Festival, which will take place August 8th-10th in San Francisco. Suisen Shuzo, a saké brewery located in the Iwate Prefecture on Japan’s Northeastern coast, produces KIBO, which translates to “hope” in Japanese.   On Friday March 11, 2011, the very day that Suisen Shuzo was preparing to ship its 2010 production, the magnitude 9.0 Tōhoku Earthquake struck the coast mere miles from Suisen’s facility in Rikuzentakata City. The resulting tsunami decimated the entire city, including the Suisen kura, which sits two kilometers from the shoreline. The facility was reduced to rubble and its debris scattered across several kilometers. Seven of Suisen’s employees perished in the disaster.   Suisen Shuzo, a valuable contributor to Rikuzentakata City’s local economy, vowed to rebuild their facility in the wake of the disaster. With the generous help of fellow brewer Iwate Meijo, Suisen was able to temporarily resume its operations at a facility in the neighboring town of Ichinoseki for the duration of the rebuilding process. Now, more than three years after the devastation that took the lives of seven dedicated employees (and almost 16,000 others across the eastern coastline of Japan), the Suisen kura stands proudly once again – an intrepid symbol of human perseverance and the legion of Japanese restoration efforts that remain ongoing to this day.   KIBO is a premium grade canned Junmai saké, and is crafted from Hitomebore rice with a 70% polish rate. It is deliciously soft and sweetly mellow with a slightly dry finish. It has a 15.5% alcohol by volume and comes packaged in compact 180 ml cans that were designed by Swig Studio in San Francisco, the fitting site of KIBO’s forthcoming US debut. KIBO will make its national commercial debut on September 1st and will be individually for $5.99 per can (Suggested national retail price).   For the second year in a row, SakéOne will be the only saké brand represented at Wine Lands, the popular tented area of the Outside Lands festival dedicated to sharing and celebrating superlative beverages. Last year, SakéOne at Outside Lands made news by introducing their Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo saké in keg form, the first brand to do so in the US. The draft saké was an immediate success and is now in national distribution.   Compassionate concertgoers can imbibe with pride, knowing that they are the first to enjoy premium saké that will also help the towns and regions still recovering from this tragic disaster. Beneath the lid of the KIBO can is a small paper tab that depicts the following message (superimposed above the image of a lone pine tree): “The Miracle Pine Tree is the symbol of Rikuzentakata City, home of KIBO Saké. Of 70,000 pine trees in the coastal region, it is the only tree that survived the tsunami of March 2011. Support the ongoing efforts to rebuild the lives of the people here by donating to Mercy Corps at mercycorps.org/Japan.”   During the 2014 Outside Lands festival please follow SakéOne’s activities at #DrinkColdSaké #SakéBetweenSets and #OSLsaké.  Also being poured this year will be the popular Momokawa Organic draft saké in a taiko drum keg as well as the Genshu grade g joy saké. About SakéOne SakéOne is America’s first craft saké producer and compliments its own fine products with a growing portfolio of fine Japanese saké imports. Its Oregon craft saké brands Momokawa, Moonstone, and g Saké are joined by import brands Murai Family, Yoshinogawa, Kasumi Tsuru, SakéMoto, Hakutsuru, KIBO and Tombo. A leader committed to saké education at the wholesale, retail and consumer levels, SakéOne is focused on expanding the enjoyment of premium saké in the United States. For more information, visit SakéOne’s website at sakeone.com.      About Outside Lands Outside Lands is produced by Another Planet Entertainment, Superfly Presents and Starr Hill Presents in a partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. Now in its seventh year, Outside Lands has become a cherished event that the city of San Francisco has embraced. Fans from across the country flock to spend an incomparable weekend in one of America's greatest parks. Each year, festival organizers ensure that every facet of the event highlights the Bay Area and all of the components that make it one of the most desirable places to live and visit. In its first six years, Outside Lands raised over $8.3 million for the benefit of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. Based on a 2011 economic study, it is estimated that the festival generates over $70 million annually to the San Francisco economy. For current updates check out www.sfoutsidelands.com and follow Outside Lands on Facebook and on Twitter, @sfoutsidelands    For media information and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.       # # #

Charles Krug Winery Appoints New Vice President, Direct to Consumer Sales DTC expert Aura Bland joins historic, family-owned winery   St. Helena, California – Charles Krug Winery co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. announced today that Aura Bland will join the team as Vice President, Direct to Consumer Sales, to further develop the family winery’s growing portfolio of consumer accounts, effective August 4th.   The appointment underscores the company’s commitment to the next century on the eve of patriarch Peter Mondavi’s centennial, with its strategic plan to heavily invest in consumer hospitality offerings, including the recent investments in Charles Krug’s stunning new tasting room facility. Bland will report to Mike Jaeger, Chief Operating Officer.   A seasoned DTC and hospitality expert, Bland comes with a wealth of experience within the wine industry, having spent the last four and a half years as Director of Consumer Sales and Marketing at St. Francis Winery in Sonoma, where she managed all consumer direct channels, including the retail room, wine club, ecommerce, social media and special events.     Bland was instrumental in developing St. Francis Winery’s highly acclaimed wine and food program, which will benefit the promotion of Charles Krug’s new tasting room trattoria, Cucina di Rosa. Before St. Francis, Aura was the visitor center manager at Rosenblum Cellars (owned by Diageo Chateau & Estates).   Given the historic renovation of Charles Krug’s original 1872 Redwood Cellar into its new tasting room and hospitality center (in addition to the trattoria), Bland will develop programs delivering high touch visitor experiences as well as stronger offerings with the wine club, business development and the Direct to Consumer experience as a whole. Says Jaeger, “We conducted an exhaustive search to find just the right person, with the expertise to fully capitalize on the enormous opportunities that exist with our newly renovated tasting center.  Needless to say, we are all thrilled that Aura has accepted this role at the Charles Krug Winery.”   Bland graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida and holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University.  When she is not working, Aura enjoys running, cycling, dinners with friends, and spending weekends with her family at their Russian River cottage.     About Charles Krug Winery The Charles Krug Winery, Napa Valley's oldest winery, was established by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug in 1861. In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic property, which remains a family-owned winery producing estate-driven Napa Valley wines.  Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking tradition, the winery offers a portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-styled wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr., who along with his brother Marc Mondavi, stewards the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr., who continues to serve as President and CEO. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started almost 70 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###