Healdsburg, CAThe Green Dog Rescue Project, a Sonoma County-based organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for at risk dogs, is pleased to announce that funds have been raised for the organization as a result of locally based Chef Douglas Keane’s Top Chef Masters Season 5 participation and charitable designation and the Funny Bones Comedy Show Fundraiser in early August. Chef Douglas Keane, Co-Founder of the Green Dog Rescue Project, is currently competing on the fifth season of Top Chef Masters, Bravo’s hit competitive cooking competition, which features 13 world-renowned, award-winning chefs from around the country competing to raise funds for a charity of their choice. The public can also help fundraise by voting online for their fan favorite here. Keane is now one of the five finalists on the show, making him a candidate to win the $100,000 grand prize towards the charity of his choice, Green Dog Rescue.   Green Dog Rescue’s fundraising event on August 3, the Funny Bones Comedy Show at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg, raised an additional $9,000.  The event included wine tasting and a lively comedy show, bringing together the entire animal-loving Healdsburg community for the cause.   Continuing it’s fundraising efforts, Green Dog Rescue hosts a weekly viewing party for the community to watch Top Chef Masters every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Healdsburg Bar & Grill: 245 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448. Raffles and other activities occur during the viewing. New episodes of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters premiere Wednesdays at 10pm ET/PT.   About Green Dog Rescue Project Green Dog Rescue Project is a non-profit organization that rescues dogs at risk of being euthanized, rehabilitates then in a pack setting, and finds them loving homes. Their mission is to revolutionize the animal welfare world by using a nature-based approach. They provide education in bridging the gap between the languages of dogs and humans by offering workshops, pre-surrender counseling, pre-adoption counseling and post-adoption support for at risk dogs.     For more information about Green Dog Rescue Project, visit www.greendogproject.com.   For media inquiries, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.     # # #

San Francisco, CA - As Charles Communications Associates (CCA) continues its yearlong celebration of its 10thyear anniversary, we are proud to share our client roster and a promotion announcement for the summer of 2013. The list of CCA’s current clients is as follows:   Avalon, Napa, CA Balverne Winery, Windsor, CA* Beni di Batasiolo, Piedmont, IT Bex Riesling, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany Bunnery Natural Foods, Jackson Hole, WY Chef Elizabeth Binder, Napa, CA Four Vines Winery, Paso Robles, CA Green Dog Rescue Project, Healdsburg, CA* Hourglass Vineyards, Napa, CA The Wines of Lodi, Lodi, CA Murrieta’s Well, Livermore, CA Parallel Vineyards, Napa Valley, CA Purple Wine Company, Graton, CA River Network, CA SakéOne, Forest Grove, OR Scharffen Berger Tasting Rooms, Healdsburg, CA & Napa, CA* Wente Vineyards, Livermore, CA Wines of Uruguay, Uruguay* (September 2013 event)   * Denotes new as of our last quarterly announcement   CCA is also pleased to announce that Skye Morgan has been promoted to Senior Account Manager. Morgan joined the company in the summer of 2011 and this is her second promotion. She brings energy, enthusiasm and great skills to her role and continues to lead accounts with creativity and results. “It’s wonderful to have a team member such as Skye grow and thrive at CCA, she cares about our clients as if they were her own business, and what more could anyone ask for in business?” stated founder, Kimberly Noelle Charles.      Please feel free to reach out to the CCA team as a resource for any needs by contactingpress@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.   For further information and background, visit CCA’s website at www.charlescomm.com. Stay tuned for CCA’s new website, coming early Fall 2013.   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 PR 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 and McCue Marketing Communications in Los Angeles to better provide clients with contacts and a network in two of the most important media markets in the country.   # # #

Healdsburg, CA – Balverne Winery, hailing from a 710-acre historical property sharing the Russian River and Chalk Hill AVAs, has launched a new series of wines in select U.S. markets this summer. Featuring wines crafted by noted Sonoma County based winemaker, Margaret Davenport, the inaugural launch includes a 2012 Rose of Sangiovese, Chalk Hill designated ($19.99 SRP), a 2012 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99), and a 2012 Russian River Chardonnay ($24.99). A 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir produced by Davenport’s predecessor winemaker Julie Lumgair completes the portfolio ($34.99 SRP). Currently these wines are distributed in CA, NY, FL, IL, TX, NJ and MN. As the brand increases inaugural production, more states will be added to the distribution network.    History Balverne wines hail from the Windsor Oaks Vineyard property, which was originally part of the Rancho Sotoyome land grant of 1841 and was later acquired by Antonio Perelli-Minetti, who was the first to plant grapes on the site. In the 1920’s, the estate was used as a summer residence, then purchased in 1972, replanted to grapes and winemaking was begun under the name Balverne.  Balverne was a well-known wine brand throughout the 1980s, when it was poured at the White House and served in the finest restaurants across the country. The wines were made by two young Davis graduates, Doug Nalle and John Kongsgaard.   In 1992, the property was purchased by its current owner, Bob Stein, who renamed the property Windsor Oaks Vineyards. The property was successfully managed as a vineyard, selling fruit to over 35 highly regarded wineries throughout the state. Winemaking resumed on the property in 2005 under the Windsor Oaks name and in 2012, Bob and his wife, Renee, made the decision to honor the legacy of their beloved property by re-introducing the Balverne name. Today, the wines are produced byrenowned winemaker, Margaret Davenport, and original winemaker, Doug Nalle, has joined the team as consulting winemaker. Today Today in addition to providing top quality grapes for the Balverne line of wines, the property, which has 50 blocks within its 225 acres of vines, continues to sell grapes to a number of well regarded wineries within Sonoma County including Flowers, Rockwall and Sonoma Cutrer to name a few. A significant portion of the acreage on the property was given over to open space in participation with the Sonoma County Open Space District. Designated Forever Wild, this part of the property forms a natural greenbelt and riparian corridor where many flora and fauna thrive. In tribute to that fact, the Steins have a majestic Red Tailed Hawk design on their label, created by noted artist Bob Johnson. Red Tailed Hawks preside over the expansive property, acting as nature’s solution to vineyard pests.   Launch  Earlier this past August, members of the media were invited to an elegant luncheon served at one of the property’s many stunning overlooks. Curated by Renee Stein, a lifestyle consultant and interior designer in addition to being a co-proprietor of the property, the design and décor reflected the Provencal sensibility that is Sonoma country living. Guests were also treated to an “air show” by several local hawks and falcons in tribute to the red tailed hawk on the Balverne label and the Forever Wild designation on the land.  For more information on the property and the wines, please visit http://www.balverne.com. For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact press@charlescomm.com or Skye Morgan or Kimberly Charles at 415| 701-9463.   #   #   #

San Francisco, CA – The membership of the Washington, DC based Society of Wine Educators has elected San Francisco Wine School’s founder and CEO, David Glancy, to their Board of Directors. Of their 15 Directors, two are now Master Sommeliers (including Glancy) and one is a Master of Wine. In addition to launching the San Francisco Wine School in June 2011, Glancy also runs SFsommelier Consulting, is on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Sommelier Journal and is Echanson Provincial (wine guy) for the Chaine des Rotisseurs Pacific Northwest. Previously, he created, managed and taught the Certified Sommelier Program at the Professional Culinary Institute (now known as International Culinary Center California). During that time, he secured the partnership for the school with the Court of Master Sommeliers and helped over 400 students pass the Court of MS’ Certified Sommelier exam (CS). Glancy also taught wine and business management at Le Cordon Bleu’s California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He has worked in the wine industry for over 20 years, throughout the U.S. and Asia and has traveled to many of the major wine regions of the world.   Glancy is one of only 132 Master Sommeliers in North America, and 201 in the world, he has also passed the Society of Wine Educators’ Certified Wine Educator Exam (CWE), the Certified Specialist of Spirits Exam (CSS) and French Wine Scholar Exam (FWS).   About San Francisco Wine School Master Sommelier, David Glancy, launched the San Francisco Wine School in June 2011, which serves to provide world-class wine education and professional training for successful wine careers. Bringing all relevant credential programs under one roof, students are offered a number of career path choices in the wine business. A roster of top instructors offers up in-depth certification programs on a frequent basis. Online registration is now available for the September class of California Wine Appellation Specialist® (online or in-class) and Certified Specialist of Wine.   About The Society of Wine Educators The Society of Wine Educators was founded in 1977. It is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to advance wine education through professional development and certification. They offer several programs: ­the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS), Certified Wine Educator (CWE), and Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC). These are internationally recognized and highly regarded in the wine and spirits industry.   For more information, please visit www.sfwineschool.com, look for San Francisco Wine School on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or contact David Glancy, MS, CWE, CSS, FWS at dglancy@sfwineschool.com or 415|779-2397.   #   #   #

Livermore, CA – Wente Vineyards will host their seventh annual The Front Porch Music Festival this Saturday, August 31st, and feature The Kin, from New York City, and Bay Area based, The Stone Foxes, as co-headliners.1   The Kin recently returned from a successful trip to Australia, where they toured with megastar, P!nk. The group just confirmed they will be the opening band during her U.S. tour as well, which kicks off locally at the Oakland Oracle Arena on October 10th, 2013. The Stone Foxes is a captivating new addition to the stellar lineup. Having performed at one of Wente Vineyards’ Homegrown concerts last year as well as Outside Lands in 2011, the group continues to sell out venues statewide. The complete list of artists in order of performance include: Garage Band Academy Lisa Marie Johnston Crawdad Republic The Front Porch Wolf Hamlin & The Front Porch Drifters The Stone Foxes The Kin The festival will be held on August 31st, 2013 at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room (5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550) from 2pm – 9:30pm. Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase; no outside food or drink is allowed. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased at TicketWeb.com; tickets will be available to purchase at the door for $30. This event is recommended for ages 12 and up. Alternate routes to Livermore during the Bay Bridge's closure include taking 101 South to the San Mateo Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge to Richmond Bridge and BART. Details can be found here. About Wente Vineyards Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. This year, the winery celebrates its 130th anniversary.   Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.   For media inquiries, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. # # # [1] Due to scheduling conflicts, The Lone Bellow will no longer be a co-headliner at the event. The band is planning to perform at the winery in the near future.

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT ***     WHO: Wente Vineyards and Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, will be hosting the seventh annual The Front Porch Music Festival, a full day of nationally acclaimed indie bands performing at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room in the heart of the beautiful Livermore Valley.   WHAT: Due to the opening of the new Bay Bridge, the entire bridge will be closed from August 28th-September 3rd, 2013. There are two easy, alternate routes from San Francisco to Livermore, which include:   ·      101 South to San Mateo Bridge, taking 880 North to 580 East ·      Golden Gate Bridge to Richmond Bridge, taking 580 East   Please allow a little extra travel time due to this closure.    WHEN: - Bay Bridged Closed: August 28th-September 3rd, 2013 - The Front Porch Music Festival at Wente Vineyards August 31st, 2013, 2- 9pm   WHERE: Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room, 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550   MORE: Although the Bay Bridge’s closure requires savvy ways to get from San Francisco to the East Bay, this mini-Outside Lands style music festival is one not to miss. The stellar lineup includes a total of seven bands to include Karl Wente’s band (performing alongside former American Idol contestant, Wolf Hamlin) and two major names in the independent music genre: The Lone Bellow and The Kin.   The Lone Bellow kicked off their musical excursion in the Bay Area this year with their outstanding show at Outside Lands—footage can be viewed here. Their second and only other gig in the area will be at Wente Vineyards. The Kin recently returned from touring in Australia, where they were the opening band for pop sensation, P!nk. This will be their exclusive performance in the Bay Area as well.   About Wente Vineyards Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. This year, the winery celebrates its 130th anniversary.   CONTACT: For more information, please visit http://www.wentevineyards.com/news/events/harvest_wine_celebration1/.   For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.      # # #

Lodi, CA – Join Lodi Appellation’s vintners as they celebrate California Wine Month with the second annual Lodi Road Trip Passport. Kicking off on Sunday, September 1st, 2013, and running through Monday, September 30th, 2013, this month-long event boasts over 150 unique and engaging activities collectively, hosted by nearly 50 participating Lodi wineries.   Experiences like LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards’ Cycling Excursion on September 2nd or Klinker Brick Winery’s “Iron Man: Pick, Run, Stomp” Contest, taking place on September 28th, appeal to the adventure-seeking wine enthusiasts. Those interested in adding an educational element to their road trip are encouraged to check out vineyard tours, bottle-your-own-wine opportunities and blending seminars by Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards, Estate Crush, Harney Lane Winery and the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. Over 14 Lodi wineries will offer food connoisseurs the ultimate gastronomical experience with delicious pairings of wine with creamy cheeses, rich chocolates, barbecued sausage or fresh-shucked oysters.   “Lodi’s Road Trip Passport is the perfect opportunity for visitors to meet and get to know our passionate vintners while experiencing the diversity of the region in an exciting, new way,” states Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “With such an action-packed calendar of festivities during the most exciting time of year, harvest, it will be extremely difficult to find a reason not to visit Lodi wine country this September.”   During the month of September, participating wineries will also be offering exclusive discounts on wine tastings and bottle or case purchases to those who purchase a Lodi Road Trip passport booklet. Passport holders can also expect to receive special offers from over 20 Lodi area restaurants, hotels and boutique businesses.   Passports are $20 per person and can be purchased online at www.LodiRoadTrip.com or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at 209.365.0621. Passport holders must be 21 years of age or older to enjoy Lodi wines; passports are non-refundable.   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 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. For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit www.lodiwine.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.   # # #

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** WHO: Historical wineries, Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well, will be hosting celebratory festivities at their respective properties this Labor Day weekend for the 32nd Annual Harvest Wine Celebration in Livermore Valley Wine Country.   WHAT: Wente Vineyards will be sampling a selection of their award-winning wines, along with bites from Catering with Wente Vineyards and Scotty’s Catering for purchase. There will be live music from Georgi & the Roughweek on Sunday and Crawdad Republic on Monday. Small Lot wines will also be available to sample for a nominal fee.   Just five minutes down the road from Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room, Murrieta’s Well will feature a barrel tasting of 2012 Los Tesoros Malbec for a nominal fee, live music by Silent Partner, local vendor showcase and delicious food offerings from Dickey’s BBQ.   Tickets for the Harvest Celebration are $55 in advance and $65 day-of and can be purchased online at lvwine.org. This will give one access to tastings at all participating wineries. Designated driver passes are also available to purchase the day of the event for $10.    WHEN: Sunday & Monday, September 1st & 2nd, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.   WHERE: Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room, 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550 and Murrieta’s Well, 3005 Mines Road, Livermore CA 94550   MORE: The Harvest Celebration will be showcasing over 40 wineries in the Livermore Valley region. Included in the ticket cost is: entrance into the participating wineries, complimentary wine tasting at over 40 wineries, shuttle bus service between wineries (Sunday only), special activities all weekend long, wine discounts, a commemorative Livermore Valley Wine Country glass and a program.   Ticket sale proceeds will benefit the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, a non-profit organization that supports the wineries and growers in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area.   About Wente Vineyards Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. This year, the winery celebrates its 130th anniversary.   About Murrieta’s Well With a deeply rooted history, unsurpassed terroir and rich winemaking heritage, Murrieta’s Well is one of California’s original treasures. The estate was originally propagated by Louis Mel in 1883 with vineyard cuttings from Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux. During the same era, he built a gravity-flow winery into the hillside adjacent to the property’s artesian well. In 1990, Philip Wente and Sergio Traverso realized a lifelong dream to revive the historic property, and since then, the two have been crafting estate blends that highlight the best attributes of the terroir.   CONTACT: For more information, please visit http://www.wentevineyards.com/news/events/harvest_wine_celebration1/.   For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 orpress@charlescomm.com.      # # #

Fifteen of Wines of Uruguay's (WoU) 23 member wineries, 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 Washington DC, Austin, and San Francisco this summer. Each winery will pour up to six wines with an emphasis on Tannat.  The events are for members of the trade and press.   The fifteen wineries on the U.S. tour are:  Antigua Bodega Stagnari – Artesana – Bouza – Carrau – De Lucca – Garzón – Gimenez Mendez – Irurtia – Juanicó – Marichal – Narbona – Pisano – Pizzorno – Toscanini – Traversa

   Washington DC: Monday, September 9, 1-5pm Embassy of Uruguay 1913 I Street NW Press Contact: Wendy Gordon (202) 412-6268; gordon.wendy@gmail.com   Austin, TX: Wednesday, September 11, 1-5pm Swoop House 3012 Gonzalez Press Contact: David Furer (954) 778-5712; uruguaywinetour@gmail.com   San Francisco, CA: Thursday, September 12, 12-5pm 12-12:45pm: Presentation and Discussion with Winemaker Francisco Carrau, Master Sommelier Gilles de Chambure and WoU Consultant David Furer Golden Gate Club at the Presidio 135 Fisher Loop 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. Originating from the Madiran region of southwestern France, Tannat was brought to Uruguay in the 1870s. Wineries have also found success with Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Albariño and Viognier.   For more information, contact David Furer, WoU Consultant (954) 778-5712; uruguaywinetour@gmail.com or visit www.uruguaywinetour.com or WoU’s website www.winesofuruguay.com. # # #

Livermore, CA – Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente of Wente Vineyards partners with the Bay Area’s leading indie music source, The Bay Bridged, Livermore Audi, popchips, Simply Fondue and European Wax Center to present the seventh annual indie music celebration, The Front Porch Music Festival Saturday, August 31, 2013. This year’s event will feature some of the category’s best performers including:  The Lone Bellow The Kin Wolf Hamlin & The Front Porch Drifters The Front Porch Crawdad Republic Lisa Marie Johnston Garage Band Academy “The music industry is constantly evolving, and being based in the Bay Area, one of the most innovative regions in the country, it’s a privilege to host a series that supports emerging talent,” states Karl Wente. “Music is constantly influencing my life in morethan one creative aspect—it’s a way for me to step back and reflect on everyday responsibilities.”   Located just 45 minutes east of San Francisco with a striking background of rolling hills and vineyards, Livermore Valley’s Wente Vineyards creates a picture-perfect setting for the full-day music festival. Guests will enjoy live music on the lawn, acoustic performances, and a variety of award-winning Wente Family Estates wines.   An avid proponent for supporting the local community, Wente Vineyards will feature regional food vendors at the festival, including Ken’s Wood Fired Pizza andGhirardelli Chocolate. Additionally, a portion of the event’s profits will go in support of the Wente Foundation for Arts and Education, the Wente family’s organization that financially supports arts programs and creates opportunities for talented children and students across the country.   The festival will be held on August 31, 2013 at the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room (5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550) from 2pm – 9pm. Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase; no outside food or drink is allowed. Tickets for the unbeatable lineup are $20 in advance and can be purchased atTicketWeb.com; tickets will be available to purchase at the door for $30. This event is for ages 12 and up only.   About Wente Vineyards Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. This year, the winery celebrates its 130th anniversary.   Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.   For media inquiries, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   # # #

HEALDSBURG, CA This summer, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery® is delighted to introduceScharffen Berger® Chocolate artisan chocolate into its Seasons of the Vineyard™ Wine Shop. Opened officially on July 1st, the shop will become the flagship store for Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker in Healdsburg Plaza. It will offer a range of gourmet chocolate for sale, wine and chocolate pairing events and a fun educational experience about bean-to-bar chocolate making. Throughout the years, guests of Seasons of the Vineyard have enjoyed one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, signature wine tastings from Ferrari-Carano and Lazy Creek Vineyards, and live performances by local jazz musicians. Now, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker’s gourmet assortment of products, including gifts and baking chocolates, will be available for purchase in the boutique. The Seasons of the Vineyard tasting bar will also feature the Scharffen Berger chocolate in new, expertly coordinated wine and chocolate pairing events.   “The Ferrari-Carano team is very excited about the collaboration with Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker,” said Rhonda Carano, co-founder of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. “I have always had a fondness for delicious chocolate, as mygrandmother was a chocolatier. Some of my happiest memories are of watching her dipping chocolates on a marble slab. Those are the one-of-a-kind tasting experiences that I am thrilled to offer at Seasons of the Vineyard withScharffen Berger chocolate and Ferrari-Carano wines. It seems like a match made in heaven for the discerning palates of Healdsburg residents and visitors alike to experience.” In addition to its presence at Ferrari-Carano’s Seasons of the Vineyard Wine Shop, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker will be sponsoring several concerts during the Healdsburg “Tuesdays in the Plaza” summer concert series. This community favorite for live entertainment features talented artists, and it will allow concert-goers an opportunity to try a sample of Scharffen Bergerchocolate. "I am really pleased with Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker’s new partnership with Ferrari-Carano wines. I think that the complex layers of flavors in Scharffen Berger chocolate complement the well-developed flavors of Ferrari-Carano's wine,” said John Scharffenberger, co-founder of Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker. “Scharffen Berger chocolate continues to make superior chocolate by sourcing the best quality cacao beans, just as Robert Steinberg and I did when founding the company. Our use of traditional chocolate making equipment, together with premium cacao, ensures the great flavor and great tasting chocolate we are known for.”   August 17th Special Event On Saturday August 17th from 2-6 PM, a series of events will be held at Seasons of the Vineyard Wine Shop to celebrate the launch of the collaboration. The event will include a baking demo by James Beard Award-winning chef, Joanne Weir, showcasing a new single-origin chocolate from Scharffen Berger called San Juan de Cheni, and a discussion of cacao bean sourcing from cacao expert, Ray Major. Schedule is: 2-2:45 PM Baking Demo by Joanne Weir, 2:45-3:15 PM Cacao bean sourcing talk by Ray Major, 4-6 PM Summer Jazz Session with Chris Amberg & his Hot Dogs featuring the Young Brauts.  For additional information about Seasons of the Vineyard, visit: www.seasonsofthevineyard.com or call (707) 431-2222. Also, visit www.ferrari-carano.com for more information about Ferrari-Carano wines. For more information about Scharffen Berger chocolates, visit: www.scharffenberger.com. For details about the Tuesdays in the Plaza concert series, visit: www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us. About Ferrari-Carano Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of world class, nationally acclaimed wines. Vintage after vintage, the wines exhibit a remarkable consistency of style and elegance. Unlike their corporate competitors, Don and Rhonda Carano's uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence is a reflection of their desire to produce memorable wines that enhance the pleasures of gracious entertaining and not focus on short-term financial goals. About Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker was established in 1997 in San Francisco, California, and first earned national recognition for its artisan-quality chocolate in 1998. Producing bean-to-bar premium chocolate, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker is one of the world's finest chocolate makers. All Scharffen Berger chocolate is composed of proprietary bean blends from up to nine different cacao-growing regions throughout the world. Scharffen Berger chocolate has received recognition throughout the U.S. for its high quality chocolate.  # # # 

Livermore Valley, CA – The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation and The Wente Foundation for Arts Education will present checks to the beneficiaries of the Livermore Valley Wine Auction on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 5:00pm at the Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa, 4549 Cross Road in the Livermore Valley. Media and guests are invited to attend from 5:00pm to 6:00pm to enjoy a wine and cheese reception plus a short presentation and photo opportunity. Following the check presentation will be a dinner hosted by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association. To RSVP for the reception and/or purchase tickets to the dinner, please contact Brandi Addington at membership@lvwine.org.    About the Livermore Valley Wine Auction The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation and the Wente Foundation for Arts Education are pleased to announce that $280,000 was raised at the 19th annual Livermore Valley Wine Auction on May 11, 2013 for the five beneficiary organizations:OpenHeart Kitchen, ValleyCare Foundation, Happy Talkers, Bankhead Theater, and Livermore Valley Education Foundation.    The Livermore Valley Wine Auction was generously sponsored by the following companies as Master Sommelier Sponsors: FedEx, Diablo Magazine, The Safeway Foundation, and The Rose Hotel.  Many other local companies sponsored at the Sommelier, Wine Lover, and Friends of the Foundation levels, as well as donated items to the live and silent auction. “The tremendous support we receive from sponsors and donors makes the Auction a great success,” said Peter Leary, President of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation Board.   The Wine Auction, held in the Barrel Room at the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery, was attended by approximately 300 guests who enthusiastically bid on 61 silent auction items and 22 live auction packages. In addition, the guests generously raised their bidding paddles during the Fund-a-Need portion, raising $30,000 for Open Heart Kitchen. During the silent auction, sixteen Livermore Valley winemakers poured their wines, showcasing the range and quality of wines grown and produced in the region.   About the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation and the Wente Family Foundation for Arts Education The mission of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation is to raise funds to improve the quality of life for under-served local children. The mission of the Wente Family Foundation is to provide support for arts education programs in the Livermore Valley and throughout the United States. For more information on LVWF, please contact Brandi Addington, Auction Manager, at auctionmgr@lvwf.org or (925) 321-8338. For more information on the Wente Foundation for Arts Education, please contact Kimberly Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.      #   #   #

Making festival history, the increasingly popular beverage will be served for the first time at Wine Lands San Francisco, CA – Momokawa, a premium craft saké produced by SakéOne in Forest Grove, Oregon, will join Wine Lands for the first time at the fifth annual Outside Lands, San Francisco’s music and arts festival that draws 200,000 attendees from around the world. SakéOne is one of the leading producers of Junmai Ginjo (premium) saké in the United States, with Momokawa as its flagship American-crafted brand. In addition to pouring saké at the festival for the first time, SakéOne will be introducing its Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo saké on draft, which will be served from a 662-ounce/19.57-liter size keg using “Guinness Gas,” a blend of 75% Nitrogen and 25% CO2 to ensure the delicate saké’s aromatics and flavors stay fresh. The keg will be enclosed in a specially designed Japanese Taiko Drum, created by Brooklyn-based Draft Choice Corp. The San Francisco foodie crowd also loves indie music, so serving up an organic American made saké is a perfect fit for the ever progressive food & craft beverage scene in San Francisco. Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival will take place on August 9 – 11 at San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Park. Joining Momokawa at Wine Lands will be an additional 30+ wineries. General admission tickets are currently sold out; 3-day VIP tickets are available here. For more information on Momokawa at Outside Lands, please visit http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/wine/. About Momokawa Re-launched in May of 2011, Momokawa is the core American brand of SakéOne, America’s premium saké company based in Forest Grove, Oregon. Deeply rooted in tradition and technique, Momokawa is celebrated and perhaps best known for pioneering the revolution of saké in the United States. Momokawa is a Junmai Ginjo saké, which is made from domestically-grown Calrose rice under the watchful eye of sakémaster, Greg Lorenz, with help from Japanese brewers by employing traditional Japanese production techniques. Momokawa currently produces six different labels: Silver, Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Organic Nigori and Organic Junmai Ginjo. The company is focused on expanding the enjoyment of premium saké in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sakeone.com/momokawa. For media information and interviews, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. # # #

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** Enjoy a full day of live performances from nationally acclaimed indie artists and delicious wines from Wente Vineyards WHO: As an ongoing effort to support emerging musicians, Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente and Wente Vineyards partner up with the Bay Area’s leading indie music source, The Bay Bridged, and welcome guests to their 7th annual The Front Porch Music Festival, held at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room. WHAT: The concert will feature performances by nationally acclaimed indie artists with a variety of award winning wines from Wente Vineyards. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased online at TicketWeb.com. This year’s line-up will include:   The Kin The Lone Bellow Wolf Hamlin & The Front Porch Drifters The Front Porch Crawdad Republic Lisa Marie Johnston Garage Band Academy WHEN: Saturday, August 31st, 2013 from 2 – 10 p.m. WHERE: Wente Vineyards Estate Tasting Room, 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550 MORE: Guests will be able to enjoy performances on the lawn with chairs and blankets. The festival will also feature regional food vendors; wine will be available for purchase, no outside drinks permitted. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Wente Foundation for Arts and Education, the Wente family’s organization dedicated to supporting arts programs and creating opportunities for talented children and students across the country. This event is for ages 12 and up only. ABOUT: Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. This year, the winery celebrates its 130thanniversary. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com. CONTACT: For more information, please visit http://wentevineyards.com/winery/the_front_porch_music_festival1/. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.  # # #

         Graton, CA - Owner and CEO Derek Benham announced that Antonio Treviño has been promoted to Director of Winemaking Operations for Sonoma Wine Company and Purple Wine Company.  In this newly created role, he will supervise winemaking activities over the companies’ wine brands, control and private label wine programs and contract bottling services, as well as wine and grape sourcing.  Alex Cose will continue to lead winemaking at Purple Wine Company as Senior Vice President, while David Elliott and Richard Castle will continue to lead control label and private label winemaking for Sonoma Wine Company. Since joining Sonoma Wine Company in 2003, Treviño’s leadership has been instrumental in helping develop the winery into one of the North Coast’s leading winemaking facilities.  Holding positions of increasing responsibility, first as Senior Winemaker, and then as Director of Winemaking, he implemented measures to improve the winery’s production capabilities and services, improve energy efficiency and water conservation. It’s fitting that Trevino’s career has blossomed in the very cellar at the Graton location where he first began his career almost two decades ago, when the winery was under previous ownership.  His experience then led to winemaking positions at Hambrecht Vineyards and Wineries and Rodney Strong Vineyards.   “Antonio’s can-do attitude and steady-as-it goes demeanor has been a great asset to us as the companies have grown and evolved over the years.” commented Benham.   “The winemaking teams will now be collaborating more closely than ever under his leadership.” About Sonoma Wine Company Sonoma Wine Company is a crush-to-bottle contract winery offering crush, ferment, barrel, and bottle and warehousing services to wine programs of all sizes.  With superior customer service and a wide array of equipment, including state-of-the-art crush facilities, over two million gallons of stainless cooperage, and six modern bottling lines, the facility can tailor its services and highly experienced staff to match client’s programs.  The winery’s sustainability program contains innovations in water and energy efficiency and has been singled out for numerous awards.  Sonoma Wine Company is one of the few ISO-certified wineries in California offering contract services, and is certified by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance.    About Purple Wine Company Purple Wine Company founded in 2001 by Derek Benham and based in Graton, California and was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 companies in 2012.  Its mission is to create wines of outstanding quality and consistent style from vintage to vintage.  The wines are bottled by its sister production company, Sonoma Wine Company using thoughtful and award-winning water and energy conservation practices while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Current brands include: Alto Cinco, Avalon, BEX, Four Vines and Cryptic.  Both Avalon and Four Vines were recently named Hot Prospect Brands by M. Shanken’s Impact Newsletter for 2012, tracking the most promising wine and spirits growth brands in the marketplace.  For more information, please visit www.purplewine.com.   For press inquiries, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   #  #  #