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.   #   #   #

Forest Grove, OR – SakéOne, America’s premium saké company, is proud to announce the launch of SakéMoto, a pure, premium saké imported from Japan, adding to the well-curated domestic and imported portfolio of the company. SakéMoto is a light, smooth, balanced and slightly dry style of saké accented by whispers of sweetness and a charming floral freshness. Brewed with rice from the Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan and created with mountain-sourced water from the Nada region, SakéMoto fits an important niche in the marketplace from a price and quality perspective.  Adding to the premium Oregon craft brewed saké line of Momokawa and G labels as well as the naturally fruit flavored infused line of Moonstone sakés, SakéMoto makes a perfect imported compliment to the SakéOne portfolio, joining the longstanding brands of the Murai family and Yoshinogawa. SakéOne President Steve Vuylsteke believes they have hit the proverbial bulls-eye with this newest addition.  Says Vuylsteke, “The Japanese have always preferred a finer, more subtle saké than Americans – they appreciate their saké drier, lighter in texture, with a focused, clean mouth feel.  From what we’ve observed, American stylistic preference has been moving in that direction, but currently leans towards a bigger, richer, taste expression.  SakéMoto is the result of over two years in development  working with a Japanese brew master to craft the perfect Japanese style saké for the American marketplace.” SakéMoto reflects a sense of tradition and innovation, as the brewer has 41 years of saké brewing experience and the brewery has been crafting saké since 1743. SakéMoto shows beautifully on its own, chilled and served in an all purpose white wine glass. It also pairs nicely with foods high in umami (i.e. “savory”) sensations, such as dried mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, aged beef, tomatoes, among many other options. Its package combines an homage to Japanese tradition with a clean post- modern American design, and is a nod to the two cultures which came together to craft SakéMoto. SakéMoto is a Junmai saké – meaning, it is made purely from rice, water, yeast and koji (the natural mold that converts rice starches into sugars), and given that it is junmai grade, the rice is polished to 70%. SakéMoto is distributed nationally at a suggested retail price of $11. 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.  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 http://sakeone.com/. For media information and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. -###-

Graton, CA – Avalon Winery is pleased to announce the winners of its first annual America’s Great Foods Recipe Challenge. Consumers were encouraged to participate nationwide and the winner, Donna Beck of Washington State paired Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with her Maple Cheddar Burger with Spicy Apple Bacon Compote to take home the $10,000 Grand Prize. Beck, who was inspired by her teenage son and daughter to create the winning recipe, said, “I love the flavors of fall. This burger combines all of the yummy goodness of my native state, tangy Washington apples, smoky bacon, honey, maple and spice. What could be better?” Of the winning dish, Avalon’s noted winemaker Alex Cose stated, “The bacon flavors in the burger with the cherry nuances of the wine combined to make a great pairing.” Danielle D’Ambrosio of Forest Hills, New York won the TEC® Infrared Grill with her Avalon California Cabernet Balsamic Cherry Filets inspired by the wine. Third place went to Laura Davis of Pocomoke City, Maryland with her daring delectable pairing of Avalon Napa Valley Cabernet with Striped Bass with Chorizo Salsa. The three finalists were flown to Charleston, SC, to compete at the BB&T Bank Charleston Wine + Food Festival®.  Attendees to the festival voted to decide the winner. All three contestants prepared their recipes in front of a live audience in the Avalon Outdoor Living + Grilling area.  Avalon Chef and Iron Chef and Top Chef candidate Kelly Liken mentored and assisted the finalists throughout the weekend and specifically with the preparation and presentation of their recipes. Participants were invited to enter the competition by submitting a recipe involving a “Great Food” element specific to their personal heritage or geographic region that would pair well with Avalon wines. Entries were submitted from around the country with inspirational foods as varied as Great Northern Beans from Nebraska, mushrooms from Pennsylvania, Colorado lamb, New Jersey tomatoes, Virginia ham, and Chesapeake Bay Oysters. About Avalon Winery Avalon Winery, located in the town of Graton in Sonoma County, California, produces top selling wines recognized for outstanding quality and food friendly style. Avalon specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon including a Napa Valley bottling and the winery’s flagship California Cabernet Sauvignon. The California blend includes grapes from premier vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lake County and Monterey. The wines are produced under the Purple Wine Company umbrella of brands that includes:  Four Vines, BEX, Cryptic, Lucky Star and kumbaya. About Kelly Liken Liken, a Pennsylvania native, is owner and executive chef at Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail, Colorado.  She has made numerous national television appearances including NBC’s Today Show and has been a contestant on Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Season 7 of Bravo’s Top Chef. For media inquiries and photography needs, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or415-701-9463. # # #

Napa Valley, CA - Hourglass Vineyards received the fourth highest Napa Valley Premiere Lot bid based on price/bottle ratio during Premiere Napa Valley’s (PNV) 17th annual auction, with a price tag of $35,000. In a separate event leading up to PNV, Hourglass proprietor Jeff Smith, hosted a panel discussion for key trade and press on the history and formation of the American Viticulture Area (AVA) system and how it has been applied in Napa Valley.  The panel explored the core rationale of the Napa Valley Vintners in the genesis of the AVA system, the differences to its “old world” appellation counterparts, the creation of the Napa sub AVAs, local politics, culture and terroir characteristics. Featured panelists, a who’s who of Napa winemaking, included: Jeff Smith of Hourglass, Tim Mondavi of Continuum Estate, Aaron Pott of Pott Wine, David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars, Beth Novak Millken of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Benoit Touquette of Realm Cellars and moderator Jeff Morgan of Covenant Wines, shared their personal experiences and perspec tives on the AVA system and its winemaking challenges in what is widely acknowledged as one of the most complex and compelling winegrowing regions in the world. “Napa is a truly special place, made even more so by the amazing people who live and work here. It was an honor hosting such an influential panel and being able to share their discoveries with dedicated wine enthusiasts,” stated Jeff Smith. The symposium can be viewed in its entirety on Charles Communications Associates’ BrandLive channel here: http://cca.yourbrandlive.com/c/hourglassnapaava/. About Hourglass Hourglass is a Napa Valley estate based, terroir driven series of Estate wines, comprised of two dramatic vineyards – Hourglass Estate and the Blueline Estate.  Focusing on modern interpretations of classic Bordeaux varietals, proprietors Jeff and Carolyn Smith, along with their partners and talented winemaking team, seek to integrate the nuanced relationship between Mother Nature and the art and science of winemaking.  As Jeff states, “the pursuit of a delicate balance of elegance, power and structure is at the core of everything we do.”  The creative modern design of the new winery (now open to the public by appointment only), crafted by Bay Area architect Olle Lundberg, is a reflection of these winemaking principles.  Modern restraint, finesse and a sense of the dramatic permeate all aspects of Hourglass.  Consistently recognized as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietal producers in America, the Hourglass wines reflect a true sense of place and time. For more information, go to www.hourglasswines.com. For media inquiries, interviews, images, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. # # #

Country’s Oldest Continuously Operated, Family Owned Winery Reviews Nearly a Century and a Half of Milestones LIVERMORE, Calif., February 5, 2013 – 2013 marks the 130th anniversary for the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards. The Wente family has played an integral role in the development of wine culture in America since the 19th century.  Today, the company maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under the ownership and management by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. “With such a longstanding history, we are happy to mark this milestone for both our family and our company,” states Carolyn Wente, CEO. “We are proud of our heritage and excited about the many new and innovative projects on the horizon.   Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations.  Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, the winery provides tastings, fine dining and championship golf, while serving as a venue for some of the finest outdoor concerts in California.  In 2011, Wente Family Estates received the American Winery of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast magazine for its leadership role in the wine market, as well as its historical relevance to winemaking and production in the United States.   The company was founded in 1883 when German immigrant Carl H. Wente purchased 48 acres of vineyard land in the Livermore Valley.  Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, today’s winery draws from 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards, located in Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco appellations.  Most notable within the historical Wente family history is the Chardonnay clone that was brought to California in 1912 from a vine nursery at Montpellier University in France.  Planted in, what is now a heritage vineyard, along with cuttings from the historical Gier Vineyard in Pleasanton, CA, the Wente clone today comprises a majority of all Chardonnay plantings in California.   Wente Vineyards now operates under the direction of CEO and Fourth Generation Winegrower Carolyn Wente, along with Chairman of the Board and Fourth Generation Winegrower Eric Wente and Fourth Generation Winegrower Philip Wente.  Fifth generation Karl D. Wente serves as SVP of Winemaking Operations and is lead Winemaker. He has brought innovation and modern style to the brand, particularly with the creation of The Nth Degree line of wines.  Karl’s sister, Christine Wente, Fifth Generation Winegrower serves as winery spokesperson and President of the Wente Family Foundation For Arts Education.   Wente Vineyards continues to be known as one of America’s leading premium wine exporters.  The company plays a pivotal role in positioning California wines in the global marketplace, selling about 20% of its branded production in more than 70 countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Germany, and the Caribbean.  More than 300,000 estate grown cases are distributed on a national basis.   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.   About the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is an accurate reflection of the entire Wente Vineyards experience: estate grown, family owned, sustainable.  When guests visit The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, it is almost as if they have been invited into the Wente family dining room. Featuring ingredient-driven California Wine Country cuisine, recently appointed Executive Chef Matt Greco offers seasonal dishes sourced from the Vineyard’s magnificent herb and vegetable garden.  With a wine list of 400 West Coast wines, The Restaurant provides guests with numerous wine pairing options for each dish.  The Restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with brunch service on Sunday.  For reservations, call (925) 456-2450 or visit www.wentevineyards.com.  The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is located at 5050 Arroyo Road in Livermore Valley, CA. About the Concerts at Wente Vineyards Fine wine and food, complemented by gracious, personal service, are the hallmarks of the Wente Vineyards concert experience.  Concerts are held at the beautiful Wente Vineyards Restaurant and Event Center, located at 5050 Arroyo Road, in a picturesque valley a few miles south of Livermore.  Seating is in a terraced amphitheater surrounded by gardens, hillsides and tile-roofed winery buildings recreated in the style of old California.  Patrons can choose either a four-course dinner in the award-winning The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, followed by reserved, stage-front seating, or a buffet-style dinner at tables of ten on the lawn.  The intimate nature and the limited number of tickets sold guarantee that every seat offers guests an exclusive, outstanding entertainment experience.    About The Course at Wente Vineyards The Course at Wente Vineyards opened in July 1998.  Designed by golfing great Greg Norman, the 18-hole course is tucked away in the scenic, rural Livermore Valley, 50 minutes east of San Francisco.  With three distinct topographies – native woodlands, mature vineyards and rolling hills of natural grass lands – The Course at Wente Vineyards offers extraordinary visual panoramas and a diversity of play unmatched in the Bay Area.  Additionally, in early 2010 and then again in 2011, the Course received the prestigious Audubon Certification in recognition of maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas throughout the course. For tee times, call (925) 456-2425 or visit www.wentegolf.com.   For more information, interviews and imagery, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463, or Kimberly Charles at press@charlescomm.com.      # # #

WHO: Presented by LoCA – The Wines of Lodi, California. Over 50 boutique Lodi wineries specializing in quality, handcrafted wines. WHAT: This year marks the sixteenth occasion of one of Northern California’s favorite Valentine’s Weekend celebrations: Lodi’s 16th annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend. Bring someone special to Lodi Wine Country and fall in love with the diversity of handcrafted wines from the Lodi winegrowing region paired with decadent chocolate treats by Brix Chocolate. Advance tickets cost $45 per person and $55 per person the day of the event.  Tickets include a commemorative wine glass, a chocolate gift, wine tasting and admission to all participating wineries. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in activities such as wine and chocolate pairings, live music, barrel tasting and cellar tours. Tickets are valid for both Saturday and Sunday and there is no charge for designated drivers.   WHEN: Festivities are scheduled for Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 10th, from 11am to 4pm each day.   WHERE: At participating wineries throughout the entire Lodi Wine Region. For additional details on locations, please visit lodiwineandchocolate.com.   MORE: The Lodi Wine Region, which has been  a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, and today is farmed by over 750 growers and is home to more than 80 boutique wineries. 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 60 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. 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, visit www.lodiwine.com. CONTACT: 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 Rules™ Raises the Bar   Lodi, CA – The Lodi Winegrape Commission is proud to announce Lodi Rules™ for Sustainable Winegrowing received its accreditation by Protected Harvest last week, thus raising the bar on vineyard certification. The original standards, approved in 2005, were California’s first appellation-wide sustainable winegrowing standards, which have now become a global benchmark for vineyard certification.   The revised guidelines culminate two years of work by Lodi wine growers to improve upon the original certification standards. The revision includes 22 new measures that address issues such as energy management, employee incentives and benefits, soil conservation, water quality and disease management, among many others.  There are now 101 farming practice standards in six chapters: Business Management, Human Resources, Ecosystem Management, Soil Management, Water Management, and Pest Management.   All standards have been peer-reviewed by scientists, members of the academic community and environmental organizations before accreditation by Protected Harvest. Vineyards must pass a third-party audit to verify vineyard practices prior to certification.   “We are very proud of the rigor and quality these standards represent,” noted local grower and committee chairman, Stanton Lange. “They reflect Lodi’s generational commitment to responsible farming and give wine lovers the opportunity to support our efforts by enjoying a glass of Lodi Rules™ certified sustainable wine.”   In 2005, Protected Harvest certified six farming families and 1,455 acres in the Lodi Appellation.  Over the past seven years, the program has grown to over 85 farming operations, and 20,000 acres of Lodi vineyards have been certified. There are an additional 6,000 acres certified from Sonoma to Soledad. Over twenty wineries now produce wines that bear the Lodi Rules™ seal on the label.   “The Lodi Winegrape Commission continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable winegrape growing by reevaluating farming standards for the Lodi Rules™ for Sustainable Winegrowing,” stated Dr. William Horwath, President of the Protected Harvest Board.  “The Board sent the standards out for scientific peer review, as well as reviewed them internally. They were very impressed with the rigor of the revisions by the Commission, the subsequent changes they made based on the reviews by the Board and scientists and their desire to keep the Lodi Rules™ up to date and relevant to the challenges that face this specific farming industry today. The Protected Harvest Board approved the standards revisions at their January 16 meeting.”   About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada, 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.    For more information about the Lodi wine region, visit www.lodiwine.com. Protected Harvest Protected Harvest is an independent nonprofit organization governed by Sustainability Council of leading environmental NGOs, scientists and practitioners that approve sustainability standards. Protected Harvest has received the Consumer Union’s highest rating for a meaningful eco-label.  For more information about the Protected Harvest, visit www.protectedharvest.org. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. For additional Lodi Rules™ information, please contact Camron King of the Lodi Winegrape Commission at 916|239-8732 or camron@lodiwine.com.   # # #

Lodi, CA – This year marks the sixteenth occasion of one of Northern California’s favorite Valentine’s Weekend celebrations: Lodi Wines' annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend. Festivities are scheduled for Saturday, February 9th and Sunday, February 10th, from 11am to 4pm each day. Bring someone special to Lodi Wine Country and fall in love with the diversity of handcrafted wines from the Lodi winegrowing region paired with decadent chocolate treats by Brix Chocolate.   High-end confectioner, Brix Chocolate (www.brixchocolate.com), is the official chocolate sponsor of this year’s celebration, generously donating the commemorative chocolate treats that event attendees will be receiving. Brix Chocolate has the distinguished privilege of serving as the first chocolate sponsor of Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend in 16 years.  Brix is the first line of chocolates that are specifically blended to compliment wine, based on the varietal. The primary ingredient of each Brix Chocolate is single origin Ghanaian chocolate, known for its red fruit tones, mixed with the highest quality confectionery chocolate. The result is a blend so pure in flavor that it actually enhances the nuances found in great wines, without confounding the palate.   In addition to exceptional wines and chocolate, event attendees to the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend will have the opportunity to visit over 45 participating wineries over the course of two days and engage in various activities such as wine and chocolate pairings, barrel tastings, live music and winery tours. Over 100 prizes will be awarded to lucky wine and chocolate lovers, including a Lodi Wine Country Getaway and the “Golden Ticket”, which will be hidden in a commemorative chocolate bag.   “Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend is the quintessential occasion for anyone interested in one of the greatest gustatory pleasures: the pairing of wine and chocolate,” said Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Not only does this event offer exceptional wines, but one can experience the passion, heritage and variety of the Lodi wine region.”   Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.lodiwineandchocolate.com or by calling the Lodi Wine and Visitors Center at 209.365.0621.  Advance tickets cost $45 per person and $55 per person during the event.  Tickets include a commemorative wine glass, a chocolate gift, wine tasting and admission to all participating wineries. Tickets are valid for both Saturday and Sunday and there is no charge for designated drivers.   About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi wine region features 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. With more than 60 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, 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.   # # #

Iconic Restaurant to Close After Almost 6 years The Mission district’s beloved Bar Bambino restaurant will have its final service on New Year’s Eve 2012.  After a successful almost 6 year run garnering regional, national and international acclaim for its visionary cuisine accenting Northeastern Italy, the restaurant will close its doors. Known for its original design, its early beachhead in the now established Mission neighborhood restaurant community as well as for its reputation for quality of food and service, Bar Bambino had become a beloved institution among food and wine lovers. Of the closing, proprietor Christopher Losa stated, “Like many entrepreneurial endeavors, there are risks taken and particularly in the restaurant business in major urban areas, owners operate on thin margins which make it challenging to flourish. We loved the daily experience of receiving notes of thanks, handshakes from happy parting diners, kisses on the cheek from our many loyal fans and clients. We will miss that dearly.” A perennial entrepreneur, Losa will focus on several projects going forward that tap into his passion for all things food & beverage, all the while bringing style and innovation to his offerings. The restaurant will be taking reservations for New Year’s Eve dinner seatings from now till booked fully by contacting 415|701-VINO(8466) or http://www.seatme.com/bar-bambino/. Much like the Italian New Year’s Eve tradition of throwing out old pottery to break with the past and start anew, 2013 brings new starts and opportunities for the Bar Bambino family.  In closing, Losa stated, “I wish to thank my team, my clientele and my family for all of their support over the years, the Bambino has grown up and is ready to leave home.” For media inquiries, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463. #   #   #

San Francisco, CA – San Francisco Wine School has added two more instructors, Rebecca Chapa and DLynn Proctor, bolstering its faculty as it diversifies its curriculum and opens enrollment for its winter California Wine Appellation Specialist™ (CWAS™) and French Wine Scholar (FWS) wine programs. Rebecca Chapa is a Certified Wine Educator, Certified Sommelier and holds the Diploma Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust in London.  Chapa is Chairman of the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition and Beverage Manager for SF Chefs. She has taught wine classes for consumers with her own company, Wine by the Class, since 2001 and also serves as the West Coast Ambassador for Wines of Chile. Finally, she teaches WSET classes and classes for W.I.S.E. as well. DLynn Proctor has spent years in fine dining, opening and consulting in several restaurants, and managed the wine cellars and education programs of The Halstin Group, Sambuca Restaurant Group, Wells’ Hospitality Group, Thirteen 26 Ventures, and Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Restaurants. He has worked alongside many of the world’s greatest chefs, such as Michael Mina, Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Masaharu Morimoto and Charlie Palmer. Proctor received his Advanced Sommelier Diploma in 2008 and has passed both the Theory and Service portions of the Master Sommelier exam. “San Francisco Wine School is excited about bringing Rebecca Chapa and DLynn Proctor aboard,” says Founder and Chief Education Officer, David Glancy. “Rebecca and DLynn’s diverse, broad-ranging backgrounds and credentials will further round out our faculty and improve our ability to offer a broad range of wine certification programs.” Students enrolling in the winter California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) and French Wine Scholar (FWS) courses before Christmas Day will receive a 15% discount on tuition. Classes begin on January 7 (FWS) and January 16 (CWAS). Classes and exams are currently being offered at the Oyster Point Embassy Suites in South San Francisco where this is ample parking and easy access to Highway 101. David Glancy, MS, CWE, CSS, FWS One of 112 professionals in North America and 180 worldwide who have earned the title of Master Sommelier, Glancy has held the MS degree since 2004.  Over the last 5 years he guided roughly 400 students through success on the Certified Sommelier (CS) credential. 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|505-9382.

San Francisco/New York — Two of the wine industry’s most respected marketing communications firms, Charles Communications Associates headquartered in San Francisco and Cornerstone Communications Ltd. in New York City, have announced a strategic alliance. With a mission to provide excellent client service, greater coverage and expert coordination between the respective agencies, this alliance will provide existing and future clients with more reach on both coasts. As San Francisco is the anchor for the majority of the California wine market and New York the hub for leading wine importers, aligning the two cities reflects the totality of U.S. wine sales (66.6% domestic wine and 33.4% imported wine.*) Appropriate given that in 2011 the U.S. wine market became the second largest in the world at a value of $44 billion (347 million bottles sold), wine associations, wineries and growers have an ever growing need for the tools and resources both agencies offer to deliver exceptional results. Bringing strategic marketing communications, social media & marketing savvy, creative events management, and branding expertise to the world of wine, spirits and gourmet food products, the two agencies have a track record of building and nurturing some of the leading brands in the U.S. wine market. These include, among others, Wente Family Estates, Boisset Family Estates, Purple Wine Company, Alto Adige Wines, Rías Baixas Albariño, and Winebow Imports. With the objective to further client satisfaction and retention, as well as offer a more in-depth expertise within their respective suite of services, the alliance now offers clients greater reach and access across the country and a proven history. In 2013, Cornerstone Communications will commemorate its 23rd anniversary and Charles Communications Associates will celebrate its 10th. Marsha Palanci, Cornerstone Founder and CEO commented, “With Cornerstone’s focus on international wineries and brands, the powerful strategic momentum created by allying our agency with Charles Communications and their California-focused portfolio was a natural fit.  We are pleased that this bicoastal alliance will offer our clients even greater capabilities and reach to manage today’s increasingly complex marketing environment.” Kimberly Charles, Founder of Charles Communications Associates said of the alliance, “I’ve had great respect for Marsha and her company over the past 20 years. We collaborated historically on marketing programs and given our keen interest and expertise in both domestic and imported wines, we are pleased to be able to offer our clients a strong on-the-ground team in the media capital of the world.” For more information on the two agencies, visit cornerstonepr.com and charlescomm.com or view their Twitter accounts at @marshapalanci and @charlescomm. *Source: Gomberg & Fredrikson Annual Wine Industry Review Media Contacts Kimberly Charles                                                   kcharles@charlescomm.com T: 415-730-0064 Marsha Palanci mpalanci@cornerstonepr.com T: 212-605-0370

This year’s major wine competitions have been more than kind to wines from the Lodi region of Northern California, proving that Lodi wines compete with the best wines of the world and have been delivering outstanding results. Lodi’s abundant old vine Zinfandel vineyards make some of the region’s finest wines and, not surprisingly, many Lodi Zinfandels earned high marks from competition judges. Macchia- a single stand-out Zinfandel producer – was awarded six gold medals for six different 2010 Zinfandels across four separate wine competitions, including the San Francisco Chronicle and California State Fair competitions. Additionally, Oak Ridge Winery’s 2007 Moss Roxx Vineyard Zinfandel took a double gold medal at the California State Fair while Gnarly Head’s 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel  won a gold medal and best of class at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and Consumer Wine Awards along with gold medals in five other competitions, from the Sunset Wine Competition to the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Although Lodi is best known for growing Zinfandel, the region also excels in other varietals. The 2010 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon won four gold medals throughout the year, including one from the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Cycles Gladiator’s 2009 and 2010 vintage Syrahs also earned a total of five gold medals and 3 silver medals from various competitions. An impressive number of other Lodi varietals took home multiple awards in 2012 wine competitions such as Spanish varietal specialist Bokisch Vineyards, who earned three gold medals for its 2009 Tempranillo. Some other accolades from Lodi include Harmony Wynelands’ 2010 Riverview Riesling, which was awarded Platinum at the Consumer Wine Awards. Michael David Winery’s 2010 Petite Petit was awarded Double Gold and Best of State at the California State Fair, and Toasted Toad Cellars 2010 Viognier was Best of Class and a Gold Medalist at the International Women’s Wine Competition. “Lodi is renowned for Zinfandel and many recognize Lodi for producing exceptionally flavorful wines at approachable prices, but we are also one of the most diverse regions in the world in terms of the number of varieties grown,” explains Camron King, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Lodi’s Mediterranean climate is well-suited to growing a broad array of grapes, from Rhone and Iberian reds to aromatic whites.” 2012 proved to showcase Lodi as a versatile and first-rate winegrowing region, receiving 177 gold medals out of a total of 313 awards. 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 60 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. 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 orpress@charlescomm.com.