Graton, CA - Purple Wine Company is pleased to announce that Michael Mestas has been promoted to Vice President at Purple Wine Company, joining the Executive Team as Vice President, National Sales Manager. With this promotion, Mestas will be working closely with Senior Management at the company’s Graton, California headquarters while continuing in his role as manager of the Purple Wine Company Sales Team, leading the day-to-day sales and distribution efforts from his Dallas office. Mestas’ contributions since joining the company in 2008 have played a key role in Purple Wine Company’s more recent growth and success. He initially created the company’s retail National Chain Account Group, soon moving into the role of Division Sales Manager for the Gulf, the Southeast and the Atlantic regions, where he was responsible for managing the Sales Team and all channels of business. A 20-year plus seasoned industry executive before joining Purple, Mestas will now work with the Senior Management Team on strategic and financial planning, brand development and organizational structure. “We are thrilled to have a person with Michael’s experience, business skills and integrity in his new role, while building on an ongoing evolutionary strategy to augment sales and marketing with additional staffing and resources,” commented the company’s owner and CEO, Derek Benham. About Purple Wine Company Purple Wine Company, founded in 2001 by Derek Benham and based in Graton, California, 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. #  #  #

Portland, OR – River Network, the leading conservation organization for the river and watershed community in the United States, commemorates its 25th anniversary this year, and just wrapped up a successful 14th annual River Rally in St. Louis, Missouri. Over 425 leaders in river and watershed conservation gathered from 44 states and Canada to engage, celebrate and deepen their knowledge of the clean water movement. After Rally, longtime partner, board member and most recently President of River Network, Todd Ambs announced that he would be leaving River Network to return to his home watershed – The Great Lakes. Ambs, who originally joined River Network as a partner over a decade ago, has served as a board member and chair until he was appointed President three years ago. He will be leaving to accept the position of Campaign Director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. The Coalition works to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Ambs says of his departure, “It’s with a heavy heart that I leave an organization near and dear to me. However, it’s time for me to return to Wisconsin and continue my contribution to the clean water movement at the regional level in a new capacity.” Ambs continued, “River Network is in a better place than ever before with its strategic plan well underway, and a fully aligned board and staff as well as a healthy budget of $2.6 million. We now work with over 2,000 state, regional and local grassroots river and watershed groups around the country, and our staff members will continue the great work we’ve undertaken after adopting our current strategic plan in 2010." River Network Board Chair Suzi Wilkins Berl states, “It’s an exciting time for River Network and the river movement. Rally this year was one of the most high-energy and spirited of late, and that’s a testament to the increasing momentum we are gaining with our partners, volunteers, staff and board. We will miss Todd and know he will remain part of our larger connected water community. All of River Network’s programmatic work will proceed as planned. We operate five main programs: Mobilization, Organizational Development, Partner Group Services, Educational Programs and Water, Energy and Climate Change program.  Todd leaves us in an excellent position. In addition, the five program leaders have over 90 combined years of experience in the conservation community and over 50 years with River Network. River Network seeks a motivated, high energy, collaborative and creative leader to guide us to our next level.” A transition team has been formed, and the national search is expected to take several months to identify the best candidate for the position. The President will be based in Portland, Oregon where River Network has been headquartered since its inception.  An interim director will be appointed by the River Network board upon Ambs departure on June 30, 2013. Interested candidates for the permanent President’s position should contact Suzi Wilkins Berl, Board Chair of River Network at ennalls@att.net.  Until an interim director is appointed, please contact Todd Ambs with questions at TAmbs@rivernetwork.org. Media should contact board development and communications chair, Kimberly Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com  or 415-730-0064. About River Network For twenty-five years, River Network has empowered and united people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country. River Network envisions a future when every person knows their watershed and is an active caretaker of their local river, lake, stream or bay. The organization works for the day when all people, fish and wildlife have access to clean plentiful water. The headquarter staff in Portland, OR and field staff in Vermont, Maryland, North Carolina, Utah and Idaho work closely with thousands of watershed protection groups from coast to coast – building the capacity of state and local groups, assisting people grappling with water and environmental health problems, protecting habitat for fish, wildlife and people, developing blue cities through green infrastructure, and reducing our country’s use of water and energy. # # #

Forest Grove, OR  – SakéOne, America’s leading producer of premium saké, has released the newest product in the American-produced g saké line, g fifty, which joins its sister product, g joy. g fifty is part of the rising trend of fine saké ($10+), a category that has recently seen significant growth in the US market. This emerging beverage category intrigues the consumer, as it’s an alternative everyday versatile libation for enjoying on its own or for food pairing. Handcrafted by saké brewmaster, Greg Lorenz, g fifty is a Junmai Ginjo Genshu saké that uses rice milled to 50%, a Daiginjo grade. The difference between g joy and g fifty is the rice polish rate. g joy is also a Junmai Ginjo Genshu, but the rice is polished at 60%. The g saké line consists solely of Genshu products, meaning the saké is not diluted, indicating there is no secondary water added to modify the alcohol level. The water sourced for g fifty is from the Coast Mountain range in Oregon. It’s imperative to use exceptional water when brewing saké, as it makes up close to 80% of the product. The rice is from the renowned region of the Sacramento Valley in California and is M401, which is a special strain with lower fats and protein and produces an extremely subtle and delicate saké. g fifty is a powerful, yet elegant saké, that boasts subtle notes of grape, pear and mint, with a backdrop of mineral and spice flavors. Although brewed in a customary Japanese sense by using traditional equipment, g fifty is fairly complex but smooth and harmonious, which captures the essence of East and West cultures. It pairs impeccably with grilled meats and hard, aged cheeses. g fifty joins the esteemed g saké line, as well as SakéOne’s two other Oregon craft-brewed saké lines of Momokawa and fruit-flavor infused Moonstone. g fifty will be available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $25 for a 750ml bottle and $13 for a 300ml one, nicely placed in the niche premium saké category. For more information, please visit sakeone.com. About SakéOne SakéOne was founded in 1992 as a joint partnership with Momokawa Brewing Japan originally as an importer, later to be the original American operated Kura (brewery).  SakéOne is the leading producer of “Ginjo” (premium) grade sake in the United States and today produces premium sakés under the Momokawa and G labels as well as innovative new products, such as the fruit-flavor infused saké under the Moonstone brand, in addition to its imported brands. Most recently, SakéOne released SakéMoto, a smooth and slightly dry sake with rice from the Yamaguchi prefecture. SakéOne distributes its saké in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.  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 Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.   # # #

             Livermore, CA - In honor of the best selling varietal in the United States, the Wente Family, creators of the Wente Clone of Chardonnay—the most widely planted Chardonnay clone in California—will host a virtual toast on Thursday, May 23, 2013 to celebrate the varietal with excited fans from around the country. Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family, bringing Chardonnay cuttings from France and planting them in the Livermore Valley. To build upon this milestone, celebrations from Wente Vineyards Event Center in Livermore, California, kick off at 4:00pm PST on May 23, when the Wente family will appear on a special Tout Suite Social Club live-stream video event, to offer up a special virtual toast to Chardonnay for wine enthusiasts around the country. Admirers of America’s favorite varietal can join in the celebration from their laptops to hear brief remarks from Fourth Generation Winegrowers Carolyn and Philip Wente, before raising a glass together in the first annual Wente Vineyards National Chardonnay Day toast. Wente Vineyards was the first winery in California to varietally label Chardonnay in 1936, and since then, the family has been producing benchmark Estate grown Chardonnays. The Wente family’s connection with Chardonnay began with second generation Winegrower Ernest Wente, while he was a student at the University of California at Davis. In 1912, with the help of University of California Davis’ academic staff Leon Bonnet, Ernest persuaded his father and winery founder Carl Wente, to import cuttings from the vine nursery at the University of Montpellier in France. Around the same time, Ernest Wente also sourced budwood from the Gier Vineyard in Pleasanton which had cuttings from Meursault in France. He planted the two sources in his family’s Livermore Valley vineyard and over the next 30-40 years, selected vines that showed favorable traits, and re-planted them to establish the Wente Clone of Chardonnay1. In 1976, the Judgment of Paris featured a 1973 Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena that was comprised largely of the Wente Clone of Chardonnay. When that wine bested some of France’s most prestigious whites in a blind tasting, California Chardonnay plantings grew exponentially from 2700 acres in 1970 to 11,000 acres in 1980 to 45,000 acres in 19882. Currently, there are almost 100,000 acres of Chardonnay planted in California and it has become the number one selling wine varietal in the U.S3. For more information on the Wente family’s Chardonnay history or to host your own National Chardonnay Day celebration by downloading the Chardonnay Party Kit, please visit www.wentevineyards.com/chardonnay. Join the conversation on Wente Vineyards' Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages as well. For media inquiries, interviews or to find out more about National Chardonnay Day, please contact Kimberly Charles or Skye Morgan at Charles Communications Associates: 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. 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 marks 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.     # # #     Bibliography Asher, G. 1990. Wine Journal: Chardonnay, Buds, Twigs, and Clones. Gourmet (May):62.   California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). 2011. Grape Acreage Report 2010 Crop.   Olmo, Harold P. 1971. Chardonnay. Wine Advisory Board, San Francisco, California.   Robinson, Jancis. 2006. The Oxford Companion to Wine. 3d ed. Oxford University Press. Oxford, England.   Sweet, Nancy L. 2007. Chardonnay History and Selections at FPS. FPS Grape Program Newsletter. (November)   Wolpert, J.A., A.N. Kasimatis, and E. Weber. 1994. Field Performance of Six Chardonnay Clones in the Napa Valley. Am.J. Enol.Vitic. 45(4): 393-399. 1 Philip Wente 2 Wolpert et al. 1994; Robinson 2006 3 CDFA 2011

Graton, CA - Purple Wine Company, known for wines of high quality, outstanding value and consistent style, is launching Alto Cinco. Sourced from Northern Spain’s Cariñena DO, the wine is a blend of 94% Garnacha and 6% Tempranillo. Alex Cose, Purple Wine Company’s Senior Vice President of Winemaking, drew upon his grape sourcing and blending expertise, working in close collaboration with local Paniza winemakers to create a vibrant, exciting wine. Purple has been cognizant that many emerging wine consumers in the 21-24 age range prefer full-flavored reds like Cabernet, Zin-based Blends, Malbecs, Cabernet and Petite Sirah.1 Spanish wines are also a favorite of this group with 45% drinking Spanish versus 29% of all adult wine consumers.2 Alto Cinco fills both of these desires and offers value and quality to this target market that enjoys experimenting with its wine choices. Alto Cinco also appeals to younger wine drinkers with a name that loosely translates from Spanish as “high five” with “high” referring to the height of Paniza’s dry-farmed vineyards in the region of Aragon at elevations around 2,800 feet above sea level. “Five” refers to the Paniza growing area. Located within one of four officially recognized growing regions in the area, some believe it should be its own appellation. Alto Cinco’s first vintage was aged for six months in a combination of French and American oak barrels for additional roundness and texture. The wine tastes of ripe, juicy raspberries and black cherries, complemented by oak notes of mocha and vanilla on the finish. Its crisp acidity, silky tannins and ripe fruit flavor profile makes it a versatile pairing with a wide range of cuisines. The bold label design draws upon the rich heritage, colors and tradition of the region and the flag of Aragon. A whimsical lariat element pays tribute to Spanish spontaneity, artistry and flair.  The wine will be available nationwide at fine dining establishments as well as fine wine retailers. Alto Cinco will exclusively produce one wine at a suggested retail price of $16. About Purple Wine Company Recently named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 companies in 2012, Purple Wine Company was founded in 2001 by Derek Benham and is based in Graton, California.  Its mission is to create wines of outstanding value, high quality and consistent style from vintage to vintage. Current brands include: Avalon, BEX, Four Vines, Cryptic, Lucky Star and Kumbaya.  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. #   #   # 1. (Source:  Mentel/Experian Simmons NCS/NHCS Winter 2012 Adult Full Year-POP) 2. (Source:  U.S. Dept. of Commerce/Gomberg, 2012, Total Table Wine)

An independent music series supports community and local Bay Area music talent         Livermore, CA – Wente Vineyards and Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, are pleased to announce The Front Porch presents Homegrown, a collective showcase of local Bay Area musical talent. As a creative individual who applies that energy to both winemaking and music, Karl Wente will share his unique collection of talents with the public by performing alongside his band, The Front Porch, who will be accompanied by former American Idol contestant, Wolf Hamlin. This year, the Homegrown Series will present two concerts with locally acclaimed artists. WHO: Wente Vineyards and Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, invite the public to enjoy two concerts, featuring Wolf Hamlin and The Front Porch Drifters. July 13th Tumbleweed Wanderers Wolf Hamlin and The Front Porch Drifters August 3rd The Wheeland Brothers Wolf Hamlin and The Front Porch Drifters WHAT: The Front Porch presents Homegrown music series supports the Bay Area community, as well as promotes local artists in a fun, social environment. This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wente Family Foundation for Arts Education. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com: $15 in advance/ $20 at door.  Club Wente Members $10 in advance/$15 at the door. WHEN: Saturday, July 13th & Saturday, August 3rd, 2013, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. WHERE: Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room, 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550 MORE: In addition to The Front Porch presents Homegrown, Wente Vineyards will host their fourth annual The Front Porch Music Festival on August 31st from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The festival will feature several nationally acclaimed artists including Brown Bird, The Kin, Crawdad Republic and more to be announced soon. Check out our blog for more updates. CONTACT: For more information, please visit http://www.thefrontporch.tv/ or http://www.wentevineyards.com/news/event_list. 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 *** WHAT: The Lodi wine region is pleased to host its 9th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival at Lodi Lake Park. The event will feature more than 200 handcrafted wines from over 40 Lodi wineries, delicious food from a variety of local restaurants and an eclectic mix of live music entertainment. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the gate and can be purchased online or by calling the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at (209) 365-0621. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 12 – 5 p.m. WHERE: Lodi Lake Park, 1101 – 1301, W. Turner Road, Lodi, CA 95242 MORE: Guests will enjoy a wide array of Lodi varietals to taste, from Albariño to Zinfandel, regional cuisines from the best of San Joaquin County’s gourmet food purveyors and live music along the Mokelumne River. Local artisan merchants will display their one-of-a-kind merchandise, from local olive oil to reclaimed wine barrel furniture. In addition, guests will learn some new tips from demonstrations at the ZinFest Wine and Cooking Schools. Unique to this event, a custom blended commemorative bottling of Old Vine Zinfandel will be available for purchase as well. In addition, on Sunday, May 19th, guests are invited to embark on a self-guided tour of the Lodi Appellation as participating wineries host special activities and tastings in the intimacy of their cellars. No ticket is required for Sunday's ZinFest Winery Tours and Open Houses. ABOUT: 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. CONTACT: For more information, please visit www.zinfest.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of 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. # # # 

Lodi, CA – The Lodi Winegrape Commission is pleased to introduce the launch of LoCA Thoughts, a new video series that demystifies wine, featuring local wine grape grower, Ben Kolber. Consistent with the region’s breakthrough promotional campaign – “LoCA – The Wines of Lodi, California” – which launched in September 2011, the video series will continue to highlight Lodi’s engaging approach to the world of wine. The LoCA Thoughts videos seek to challenge conventional myths about storing, pouring, tasting and cooking with wine, while providing consumers with fun, down-to-earth solutions to some of the most common wine-related questions such as: Is there a correct way to pour a glass of wine? Is it true that I should never chill a red wine? Do pricey bottles automatically mean a better wine? Serving up the answers and dishing out quirky wine tips is grower Ben Kolber, the official spokesman of the new LoCA Thoughts video series. “The LoCA Thoughts video series is all about taking the fear factor out of relating to wine and making it more accessible, exciting, and fun! says Ben Kolber. “When consumers see Lodi on a wine label, we want them to associate it with great quality and good times!” Kolber is the owner of KG Vineyard Management, one out of a select number of regional vineyard management companies, which is Certified Green under the Lodi Rules™ for Sustainable Winegrowing, California’s first 3rd party-certified sustainable winegrowing program. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, with a Bachelors of Arts in Professional Music, Kolber is an avid musician, a lover of bacon-wrapped hotlinks paired with Lodi Barbera, and a busy father to three young children. Currently, there are three videos that can be viewed at www.lodiwine.com/locathoughts. A fourth video, titled “Gooseberry Bush?”, debuts today. Future plans for LoCA Thoughts videos involve a question and answer forum as well as consumer contests to choose a topic for future videos in the series. 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 Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. For additional information regarding the Lodi Wine grape Commission, please contact Executive Director, Camron King, at 209|327-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com. # # # 

Lodi, CA – Join the Lodi Appellation’s growers and vintners at the 9th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival for an afternoon filled with incredible wine, food and entertainment. Festivities are scheduled for Friday through Sunday, May 17-19, with the main festival taking place on Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5pm at Lodi Lake Park. Additional weekend activities include the popular Vintner’s Grille on Friday, May 17, and Sunday’s Winery Tours and Open Houses on May 19. The ZinFest Wine Festival will feature 200 handcrafted wines from over 40 Lodi wineries. Along with exceptional Lodi wines, guests will enjoy a selection of gourmet food from local restaurants, live music and educational tips from the ZinFest Wine and Cooking Schools, where guest speakers such as Master Sommelier, Catherine Fallis and chefs Ruben Larrazolo of the locally-acclaimed Alebrijes Mexican Bistro and Mark Berkner of Taste Restaurant will be presenting. Unique to this event, a custom blended commemorative bottling of Old Vine Zinfandel will be available for purchase. “Although Lodi’s climate and terroir allows for close to 100 different varietals to thrive, it’s important to pay homage to the grape that has helped define the region. ZinFest is a great way to learn more about Lodi’s history with Zinfandel and taste the many unique wines that are produced from the area, as well as connect with the passionate winemakers and growers,” states Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.ZinFest.com or by calling the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center at 209.365.0621. Advance tickets cost $45 per person and $55 at the event. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 per person. Tickets include a ZinFest wine glass, wine tasting, participation in all seminars and entertainment. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. 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. For additional event information, please contact Jenny Heitman of the Lodi Winegrape Commission at 209|367-0737 or jenny@lodiwine.com. # # #

SAN FRANCISCO, California – The San Francisco World Spirits Competition hosted its 13th annual event on March 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th at the elegant Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. Continuing its tradition of record-breaking entries annually, this year the number of submissions increased 17% up from 10% the year before. Many categories of spirits experienced a marked increase this year most notably American Craft Whiskey, Gin and Herbal Liqueurs.   Often a harbinger of trends in the marketplace, the competition is considered to be the rite of passage for top quality spirits as it has 34 of the most professional global palates serving as judges. Timothy McDonald, President of Wine Spoken Here states, “If you look back upon this competition, which I’ve been judging at for 13 years, as go the winners, goes the marketplace.   Prior to SFWSC, categories such as Cachaça, Pisco and even Mezcal were relatively unknown.   This is the best competition I judge in and the pool of judges only gets better every year in terms of experience and dedication to the art of distilled products.” Top Awards Best in Show Awards, which are the top five awards of the event, went to 8 Viboras Espandin Mezcal from Oaxaca in the Best Mezcal and Best in Show Unaged White spirit.  Best Extra-Aged Rum and Best in Show Aged White went to Barcelo Rum from the Dominican Republic, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.   Best Single Malt Scotch 20 Years & Over & Best in Show-Whisky went to Jura from Whyte and Mackay importers, Best Calvados and Best in Show – Brandy went to Berneroy from Camus Wine & Spirits of France and Best Cream Liqueur and Best in Show Liqueur went to Chila Orchata Cream Liqueur from the Sazerac Company. Awarded annually, this year’s Tasting Panel Magazine Distillery of the Year went to Suntory Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan and Importer of the Year went to Pernod Ricard USA of New York, NY and the Director’s Award of excellence went to William Grant & Sons, New York. Top Awards in Each Category Each year, the leading spirit in a category receives the title of “Best” of that category.  In the White Spirits other category winners included “Best Vodka” won by Absolut ELYX Vodka ($50) of Sweden imported by Pernod Ricard; “Best Flavored Vodka” went to Miodula Vodka ($35) for its Presidential Blend Honey Vodka of Distilleries Group Toorank of Poland imported by MHW of Manhasset, NY; “Best Gin” went to the classic Beefeater ($20) imported by Pernod Ricard; “Best White Rum” went to Miami Club ($28) of Destileria Caneca of Jamaica from Miami, FL; “Best Gold Rum” went to Screech Rum ($15) of Jamaica imported by MS Walker; “Best Flavored Rum” was awarded to Sailor Jerry ($22) of the Virgin Islands imported by William Grant & Sons; “Best Over-proofed Rum” (108-proof) went to Panama Red ($30) of the Liber Group of Panama; “Best Cachaça” was given to Maison Leblon Cachaça ($30) of Minas Gerais, Brazil imported by MHW; “Best Soju” went to Myeongin Andong ($26) of Korea; “Best Pisco” went to Pisco Porton ($40) from Destileria La Caravedo of Peru; “Best Other White Spirit” went to Mozart Chocolate Dry White Spirit ($42) of Mozart Distillerie of Austria. Best of the Tequila category included “Best Silver” (which also won Best Tequila) for Abreojos ($29.99) imported by Abreojos Spirits; “Best Reposado Tequila” went to Alquimia Organic Reposado Tequila, Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico ($54), imported by Tierra Madre from Oxnard, California who also won the “Best Añejo” category for its Alquimia Anejo Tequila ($60);  and the “Best Extra-Aged Anejo Tequila” went to Gran Centenario ($121) of Casa Cuervo Mexico imported by Proximo Spirits of Jersey City, NJ. Continuing its growing popularity, the Bourbon category this year grew 33% in terms of entrants.  Winners included “Best Small Batch and Best Bourbon” for Pappy Van Winkle ($65) from the Sazerac Company; “Best Single Barrel Bourbon” went to Blanton’s ($75) of Age International; “Best Straight Bourbon” went to Jim Beam ($24). The Whisky/Whiskies categories included American Craft, Canadian, Rye, Irish, Blended Scotch Up to 15 Year Old, Blended Scotch 16 Year and Older, Single Malt up to 12 Years Old, and Single Malt Scotch 13-19 Year Old. Winners included: Firestone and Robertson ($40) for “Best American Craft Whiskey” out of Ft. Worth Texas; “Best Canadian Whisky” to Lot No. 40 ($40) from Corby Distilleries Ltd. imported by Pernod Ricard; “Best Rye” went to Masterson’s 10 Year Old Rye ($79) of Canada; “Best Irish Whiskey” went to Bushmill’s 21 Year Old ($125) imported by Diageo North America of Norwalk, CT; “Best Other Whiskey” went to English Whisky Company ($75) of Scotland imported by Purple Valley Imports of Alberta, Canada; “Best Blended Scotch Up to 15 Year Old” went to Label 5 ($25) from the Crosby Lake Spirits Company of Scotland imported by the Prestige Wine Group of St.Paul, MN;  “Best Blended Scotch 16 Year and Older” went to Johnnie Walker Blue ($220) imported by Diageo North America; “Best Single Malt Scotch Up to 12 Years Old” went to the Islay Malt Ardbeg ($109) imported by Moet Hennessy-USA; “Best Single Malt Scotch 13-19 Year Old” went to Lagavulin ($90)  also an Islay malt imported by Diageo North America. In the Brandy category the “Best Cognac” went to Louis Royer, Fine Champagne Cognac VSOP, Force 53 ($49) imported by Lapham Import Company of Florida; “Best Spanish Brandy” went to Gran Duque d’Alba XO Solera Gran Reserva Especial ($100) imported by Palm Bay International of Pt. Washington, NY. Responding to the rising popularity of the Açai fruit, the “Best Fruit Liqueur” went to Cedilla ($24) the macerated Açai berry liqueur from Brazil made by Leblon Cachaca and imported by MHW of Manhasset, NY; “Best Absinthe” went to Pernod ($70) of France imported by Pernod Ricard; and finally “Best Pre-Mixed Cocktail” went to Trueglamour’s Lemon Drop Martini ($16) from Sonoma Coast Spirits of California. Judges Thirty-four international judges gathered this year with five new judges joining including: Jackson Cannon Mixologist and Bar Director of the Hawthorne, Island Creek Oyster Bar and Eastern Standard in Boston; Charles Joly Mixologist and Beverage Director of Aviary, Chicago; Fred Minnick Wine & Spirits journalist from Louisville, KY; Matt Myers traveled the furthest from the MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach in Vietnam where he is the Director of Beverage; and lastly Levi Walker, Craft Sprits Manager of Young’s Market Company, San Diego, CA.   For a complete list of 2013 judges, please visit: http://sfspiritscomp.com/about/judges.  Tony Abou-Ganim, the “Modern Mixologist”, and the competition’s Director of Judging for the past four years says of the event, “I’m 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 results in significant ways and use the results to help build both their sales and reputations globally.” 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 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.    #   #   #

Livermore Valley, CA – The Wente Foundation for Arts Education (WFAE) was established formally in 2012, building on the Wente family’s legacy of charitable giving, particularly in the realm of arts and education.  In 2013, the Foundation will expand its reach by hosting events in New Orleans and New York in addition to its home base in Northern California, the Livermore Valley.  The purpose of the organization is to meet the financial needs of arts programs as well as create opportunities for talented children and students across the country.  For the first three years through 2016 the WFAE will focus on music education. This Spring will kick off two signature events: one in New Orleans on Wednesday, April 24th, and the annual Livermore Valley Wine Auction on Saturday, May 11th. This fall WFAE will host a very special event in New York City, details of which to follow.  Famed New Orleans musician Trombone Shorty will perform at the historic Rice House in New Orleans on April 24th for an intimate audience while they enjoy New Orleans gourmet specialties paired with Wente Vineyards wines.  Benefiting the Trombone Shorty Foundation with aligned goals of helping less advantaged children develop skills as young musicians, the event promises to be a very special experience. For more information on purchasing tickets, please visit http://wenteshorty.eventbrite.com. May is an exciting time in wine country as the vines begin to awaken and develop. Each year for the past 18 years, the Livermore Valley Wine Auction has been held in May.  This year, as in 2012, the event will be presented by the newly formed WFAE as well as the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation, on Saturday, May 11th. During its 18-year history, the event has raised $3.5 million for underserved local children, a complementary mission to the WFAE goals. The Livermore Valley Wine Auction will be held in the Wente Vineyards barrel room, and will feature live musical performances by The Stone Foxes, as well as Wolf Hamlin and The Front Porch, a wine tasting, gourmet dinner, and live and silent auctions. For tickets and information please visit www.lvwf.org. Wente Family Estates, the country’s oldest continuously family owned and operated winery has through its own fundraisers on property during their world class concert series raised close to $250,000 to benefit music education in the local school system.   As a family that has long held a sustainable philosophy in running its company and operating its vineyards and winery, giving back to the local community is ingrained in its core values. Wente Family Estates is creating a limited release small lot wine, The Art of Giving, to support the mission of the Foundation.  All proceeds from the sale of The Art of Giving will be donated directly to WFAE. More exciting developments are in the works for a stand out event in New York City this fall presented by WFAE, with details to be shared this summer. The WFAE directors are fifth generation winegrowers Christine Wente and Karl Wente as well as Executive Director Steven Lau, and Wente Vineyards Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer and Global Sales Director, Amy Hoopes. For more information on the Foundation, and for interviews and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, Charles Communications Associates, at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.  # # #

San Francisco, CA – As Charles Communications Associates (CCA) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we are proud to share a list of our current clients, which we will now do quarterly to keep media and trade abreast of our clients and exciting projects.  The following is a list of CCA’s current clients: Arista Winery, Russian River Valley, CA Avalon, Napa, 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 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 Wente Vineyards, Livermore, CA Please feel free to reach out to the CCA team as a resource for any needs by contacting press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. Please visit our website for further information and background www.charlescomm.com. 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 we formed a strategic alliance with Cornerstone Communications Ltd in New York City and McCue Marketing Communications in Los Angeles to better provide our clients with contacts and a network in two of the most important media markets in the country. # # #

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** Enjoy a perfect Southern BBQ-themed afternoon of wine, food, and music in the Russian River Valley WHAT: The McWilliams family of Arista Winery is pleased to host its annual Memorial Day Weekend Backyard Party, at the winery’s stunning Pavilion with panoramic views of the Russian River Valley and environs.  Executive Chef Tim Kaulfers and sous-chef Russ Sheldon will pair delicious BBQ creations with the winery’s newest releases. Live music from the SoulShine Blues Band will entertain guests. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased on the winery’s website at www.aristawinery.com. WHEN: Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 12 to 3 p.m.  WHERE: Arista Winery’s Pavilion Event Area, 7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 MORE: Arista Winery will celebrate the release of their 2012 Ferrington Vineyard Gewurztraminer, 2011 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, 2011 Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir, and 2011 Smokey Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel with a family favorite traditional southern BBQ lunch featuring a whole roasted pig with Black Cherry & Chipotle Peppers, apple & beet slaw, potato rolls along with flatbreads from the winery’s pizza oven served up by Executive Chef, Tim Kaulfers, and Sous Chef, Russ Sheldon. ABOUT: Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams and today their sons Mark & Ben McWilliams run the winery. Currently, the winery produces wines both from the family’s Westside Road estate as well as small lot bottlings from growers in Sonoma County, Mendocino Ridge, and the Anderson Valley. In 2012, the family purchased the historic Martinelli Road vineyard planted to old vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir with anticipated future bottlings.  In 2013, noted winemaker Matt Courtney was appointed to a full time position with the family. CONTACT: For more information or to RSVP, please contact the winery at 707-473-0606 or visit http://www.aristawinery.com/Events/Winery-Events .   For media queries please contact Lauren Eastman of Charles Communications Associates: 415-701-9463 | Lauren@charlescomm.com

***MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** WHO: Bunnery Natural Foods- crafter of all-natural, grain-based breakfast foods & snacks located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. WHAT: Bunnery Natural Foods is returning to Natural Products Expo West for the second consecutive year teaming up with the state of Wyoming at their booth. After a successful debut in 2012 showcasing their newly released flavored Pancake & Waffle mixes, they return to dazzle food connoisseurs with their proprietary breakfast products. They will be showcasing their four different granolas including the: Original Granola, Banana Honey-Nut Granola, Blueberry Granola and Cranberry-Nut Vanilla Granola. WHEN: Natural Products Expo West March 8-10, 2013, from 10:00am-4:00pm WHERE: The Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, Booth #5362.  MORE: Bunnery Natural Foods is a producer of all-natural, grain-based foods located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Bunnery Natural Foods granola blends and trademarked oat-sunflower seed-millet (O.S.M) products, are made from the beloved Bunnery restaurant in Jackson Hole, a local favorite for decades. Bunnery Natural Foods owner Gérard Yvernault, a Jackson Hole resident since acquiring The Bunnery Bakery and Restaurant in 1990, spent much of his career in the luxury wine import sector before launching Bunnery Natural Foods. His insistence on the highest standards of quality, authenticity and balanced flavor translated seamlessly to the natural foods sector.  From its small local market, Bunnery Natural Foods is now represented in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida, New Jersey, New York and is poised for entry into other select west coast and Atlantic seaboard markets The products are also available on Amazon.com. For more information about Bunnery Natural Foods, visit  www.bunnerynaturalfoods.com. CONTACT: For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.   #   #   #

San Francisco, CA - San Francisco Wine School, the Bay Area’s leading wine education and certification program has appointed Tracye Laun as COO and Co-Founder.  Laun brings SFWS over twenty years of experience in education management with unique leadership in secondary, vocational, and higher education public and private sectors. Her specializations include distance learning/e-technology, school start-ups, board governance, professional fundraising and corporate marketing and communications. She holds a Masters in Education: Education Policy and Leadership from Kansas University and a Bachelors of Arts: English Education from Washburn University. She is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy in Education: E-Technology and Learning from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Arizona. San Francisco Wine School specializes in wine education and certifications geared toward individuals in the wine profession or those seeking a different career path, looking for a foothold in the credentialed arena.  The San Francisco Wine School brings all relevant credential program preparation under one roof, delivering a variety of career-focused learning paths and content-rich programs. The school is in the process of gearing up to expand its offerings and launch one-of-a-kind industry Externships, Boot Camps, and online certification programs. Laun’s prior roles include serving as the Director of Online Education and System’s Director of Instruction for Pinnacle Career Institution, Vice President of Marketing at CarterEnergy, President and CEO of the Learning Exchange, and Regional Director of Education Operations for Chancellor Beacon Academies.   “I am thrilled to have Tracye join the team. Her drive, energy and experience in career education will be the catalyst to bring our programming and offerings to the next level and beyond,” said David Glancy, Founder and CEO.   About SFWS The San Francisco Wine School 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. About Founder, David Glancy One of 129 professionals in North America and 197 worldwide who have earned the title of Master Sommelier. Glancy has held the MS degree since 2004.  Over the last 6 years he guided over 400 students through success on the Certified Sommelier (CS) credential.   #   #   #