Seghesio Family Vineyards offers guests the opportunity to dine and savor its wines at their source — among the vines of the historic properties where they’re grown — as part of its new Chef’s Summer Dinner Series. These dinners, hosted by members of the Seghesio family, continue the winery’s long tradition of sharing wine and food among friends. Guests will be shuttled from the winery to these treasured sites to enjoy special wines from the Seghesio library and seasonal menus prepared by Executive Chef Peter Janiak, formerly of San Francisco’s Boulevard and Presidio Social Club. Chef’s Summer Dinner Series Passalacqua Ranch/San Lorenzo, Alexander Valley – Saturday, June 9th Hosted by Winegrower Pete Seghesio and Uncle Fred Passalacqua The inaugural dinner series will kick off at the oldest site of the Seghesio farms. Guests will enjoy Chef Peter’s menu with Seghesio’s first vintage of Muscat Canelli and a flight of Old Vine Zinfandels while surrounded by beautiful century-old, head-pruned vines. Westphall Ranch, Rockpile AVA – Saturday, July 14th Hosted by Winegrower Pete Seghesio The second dinner will take place in one of California’s newest and most exciting appellations, Rockpile, situated on a narrow ridgetop with breathtaking views of Lake Sonoma. The winery’s limited-production Arneis and a flight of Rockpile Zinfandels will complement Chef Peter’s menu. Rattlesnake Hill at Home Ranch, Alexander Valley – Saturday, August 11th Hosted by Winemaker Ted Seghesio The series finale will be at Home Ranch, the birthplace of Seghesio Family Vineyards and the home of America’s oldest Sangiovese vines. Chef Peter’s menu, served atop Rattlesnake Hill overlooking Alexander Valley, will be paired with Seghesio’s first release of Vermentino, along with the Home Ranch Zinfandel, Aglianico and a flight of Venom Sangiovese. The Chef’s Summer Dinner Series will be limited to 50 guests per event. Tickets are $200 per person and $175 for Centennial Club members (two per membership). A limited number of tickets will be available to Visa Signature cardholders at $175 per ticket. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.seghesio.com/NewsandEvents/Events/ChefsDinnerSeries or call (707) 433-3579, ext. 109. Other culinary offerings: Seghesio Family Vineyards offers several other wine and food experiences throughout the year, including its popular weekend Family Tables and annual Zinfandel & BBQ Festival: New season of Family Tables Now in their seventh year, Seghesio’s Family Tables are considered by many a “must do” in Sonoma wine country. These private tastings allow guests to enjoy wine the way it was intended, around a table with food and friends. Each Family Tables experience begins with a tour of the historic winery before moving to private tasting rooms overlooking the century-old cellar. A seasonal menu of recipes from the Seghesio family and Executive Chef Peter Janiak is paired with a special selection of library wines. Family Tables are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Presidents Weekend in February through Thanksgiving. The cost is $50 per person and $35 for Centennial Club members (two per membership). For more information or reservations, please visit www.seghesio.com/wineandfoodpairing or call (707) 433-3579. Ninth Annual Zin & BBQ Festival – Saturday, July 28th   Pete Seghesio and the Blaze Pit Crew will put their famous ribs up against the barbecue of two of the best in the business — reigning Memphis in May champion Chris Lilly and Dr. BBQ. Guests will choose the champion in this annual showdown, showcasing some of America’s best barbecue and a stellar lineup of Seghesio Zinfandels. Seghesio’s barbecue tradition began 10 years ago, when Pete Seghesio met Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson’s at Memphis in May, the world’s largest barbecue competition. Inspired by what he saw, Pete headed out to Kansas City to bring back Blaze, a custom-built Jedmaster smoker. Upon his return to the winery, Pete invited Chris and Dr. BBQ to come teach him the tricks of the trade, and thus the Zin & BBQ Festival was born. Chris Lilly has won 11 World Barbecue Championships and is recognized as one of the top pitmasters in his field. Dr. BBQ has won numerous barbecue awards and published six cookbooks, and he frequently appears as an expert judge at major barbecue events across the nation. Seghesio’s Zinfandel & BBQ Festival will be held Saturday, July 28th from noon to 4 p.m. at the winery in Healdsburg, CA. Tickets are $75 per person and $60 for Centennial Club members (two per membership). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.seghesio.com/NewsandEvents or call (707) 433-3579, ext. 109. About Seghesio Family Vineyards Founded in 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County, Seghesio Family Vineyards produces critically acclaimed wines that honor the history of Sonoma and the Seghesio family. Collected over a century, Seghesio’s 300 acres in preeminent growing regions — the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys — represent some of the oldest vineyards and proprietary clones. True to Edoardo’s vision, Seghesio produces Zinfandel and Italian varietals. The winery offers daily tastings and weekend wine pairings with Seghesio family recipes. For more information, visit www.seghesio.com. For media inquiries, images and interviews please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

Healdsburg, CA - Seghesio Family Vineyards has appointed Ned Neumiller as the winery’s Head of Grower Relations. Neumiller, the great-great-grandson of founder Edoardo Seghesio, and nephew of Winemaker Ted Seghesio, was raised among the family’s vineyards in Sonoma County. He has years of experience dating back to the late 1990s when he worked alongside his father, Jim Neumiller, the winery’s vineyard manager since 1992. Ned Neumiller began his career with Bevill Vineyard Management, one of Sonoma County’s top vineyard management companies specializing in sustainable vineyard practices. At Bevill, Neumiller learned the trade from the bottom up, starting as a workhand, driving night harvesters and tackling anything that needed doing for the team. He was quickly promoted to data programming and vineyard management. Most recently, Neumiller was involved in agricultural and vineyard equipment sales. Neumiller represents the fifth generation of his family to carry on the tradition, which began when Edoardo Seghesio planted Zinfandel in Alexander Valley in 1895. In addition to his father and uncle, he joins his cousin Pete Seghesio, the winery’s winegrower; his uncle David Seghesio, who is in charge of operations; and his grandfather Ed Seghesio, who, at the age of 86, still runs the crushpad at harvest and welcomes guests at the winery’s tasting room in Healdsburg. Neumiller’s breadth of knowledge in vineyard management and operations, coupled with his desire to continue his family’s rich winegrowing tradition, makes him a valuable addition to Seghesio Family Vineyards. “I look forward to working with my uncle, Ted, and cousin, Pete, and bringing a fresh outlook to the family business where our goal remains to produce great wine,” Neumiller said. About Seghesio Family Vineyards Founded in 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County, Seghesio Family Vineyards produces critically acclaimed wines that honor the history of Sonoma and the Seghesio family. Collected over a century, Seghesio’s 300 acres in preeminent growing regions — the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys — represent some of the oldest vineyards and proprietary clones. True to Edoardo’s vision, Seghesio produces Zinfandel and Italian varietals. The winery offers daily tastings and weekend wine pairings with Seghesio family recipes. For more informaiton, visit their website at http://www.seghesio.com/. For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

GRATON, Calif -- One of America’s most promising female chefs, Kelly Liken, is partnering with California’s Avalon Winery to pair fresh and innovative recipes with Avalon wines. Avalon has teamed up with Liken to provide recipes that will be featured on the winery’s website and in-store promotional materials, including neck tags on bottles of Avalon California Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Merlot and California Sauvignon Blanc. The first recipe, Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb with a Spring Pea Sauté by Chef Liken pairs with Avalon California Cabernet  - http://www.avalonwinery.com/kellyliken. National Sales Manager of Avalon Winery, Michael Mestas commented on the partnership. “We are very excited about this collaboration between Avalon Wines and Kelly Liken.  It's a perfect pairing of talent and quality.” Mestas said. Liken, a Pennsylvania native, is owner and executive chef at Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail, Colorado.  In 2008, she was featured in Bon Appetit’s “Women Chefs: The Next Generation” and was a 2009 and 2010 James Beard Semi-Finalist for Best Chef Southwest. 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. Avalon Winery, located in Sonoma County, California, produces top selling wines recognized for outstanding quality. The winery also has a great environmental report card, employing cutting edge energy and water efficient practices at its winery.   World-class winemaking techniques combined with a culture of responsible resource conservation results in quality both inside and outside the bottle. For media inquiries please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.   #   #   #

Graton, CA – Purple Wine Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Baedeker as Managing Director, Imports.  Baedeker will be responsible for building and integrating a range of relevant international brands that are varietal-centric and regionally focused. A California native with fifteen years of wine industry experience, Peter has held key management roles as a wine importer and distributor, most recently as President of The Henry Wine Group.  He will now be tasked with expanding Purple Wine Company’s portfolio by sourcing brands from the global market.  “I was fortunate to have worked with Purple Wine Company as their wholesaler from the beginning, and have always admired the brand building strength of the organization.  There are few in the industry with such a strong reputation for developing brands through a focused, disciplined sales and marketing strategy.  It’s a great time for an importer with fresh perspective to enter the market, especially one who has the knowledge, planning capacity and infrastructure to rapidly scale brands in the United States.  I’m thrilled to be part of the organization,” he stated. Beginning his career as a Sales Representative at The Henry Wine Group, the same California distributor he would one day lead to a turnaround in the midst of the deep recessionary market from 2009 to 2012, Peter developed an expertise in the imported wine category throughout his career.  As Director of Corporate Sale and National Accounts Manager for Republic National Distributing Company covering the Southern United States and then at The Henry Wine Group, as Vice President of National Accounts, and Senior Vice President of Sales, he built relationships with leading producers from Spain, France, Italy, South America, Australia and New Zealand. “With Peter in this role, Purple Wine Company is now positioned to develop its influence in the global wine market.  We intend to leverage our existing infrastructure to bring relevant imports to the U.S. market and to provide a dynamic platform for existing imported brands to grow,” commented company owner and CEO Derek Benham.  “This move expands our global reach and diversifies our supply portfolio.” About Purple Wine Company 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.  The wines are produced by its sister production company, Sonoma Wine Company, using water and energy conservation practices while reducing Greenhouse gas emissions.  Current brands include:  Mark West, Avalon, Bex, Rock Rabbit and Four Vines. For more information, please visit www.purplewine.com.  For press inquiries please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.  For supplier inquiries, please contact Peter Baedeker, pbaedeker@purplewine.com.   #   #   #

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** Enjoy a Spanish-inspired afternoon of wonderful wine, food, and music at Arista Winery’s Fourth Annual Pinot & Paella event  WHAT:  Arista Winery invites you to attend their Fourth Annual Pinot & Paella event, which will be held on the winery’s stunning property on Russian River Valley’s famed Westside Road. Renowned paella master, Chef Gerard Nebesky, will pair his famous paellas with the winery’s newest releases. Renowned flamenco guitarist Mark Taylor and Sol de Flamenco dance ensemble will perform for the occasion. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased on the winery’s website at www.aristawinery.com. WHEN:  Saturday, May 26th, 2012 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: 7015 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 MORE:  Chef Gerard Nebesky will feature his seafood, chicken and chorizo, and vegetarian paellas at the event, alongside Arista Winery’s 2011 Ferrington Vineyard Gewurztraminer, 2010 Mendocino Ridge/Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, 2010 Longbow Pinot Noir, and 2010 Smokey Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel—a new release for the event. Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams, who bought the 36-acre property on Westside Road. 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, the Anderson and Willamette Valleys. CONTACT:For more information or to RSVP, please contact Katie Hunterof Charles Communications Associates: 415-701-9463|Press@charlescomm.com

      Livermore, CA -Wente Family Estates is pleased to announce the nationwide launch of its newest wine brand, Double Decker. Featuring three easy-to-sip varietals, Red Blend, Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel, Double Decker wines are crafted to pair perfectly with the adventures of your life. Double Decker Red Blend is a fruit-forward blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera that is robust, yet smooth, with flavors of black cherry and plum – perfect for barbeques or dinners in. The refreshing Double Decker Pinot Grigio has flavors of crisp green apple and citrus – ideal for summer picnics or a day at the beach. The spicy Double Decker Zinfandel has a long, fruity finish and pairs well with pasta night or dinner with friends. Artfully crafted by Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente, all three Double Decker varietals are priced at $9.99 and continue to build upon the Wente family’s 129 year legacy of delivering top quality wines at great value. “I’m fortunate to work with a great array of varietals and in the case of Double Decker Red Blend, I really enjoy the challenge of crafting a delicious focused blended wine,” said Karl Wente.  “Together with the Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio, I call these my porch wines, a perfect way to start the evening with friends, and hope our consumers will as well.” For more information on Double Decker, including where to find it at a store near you, visit doubledeckerwines.com. About Wente Family Estates Wente Family Estates portfolio is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, entwine, Double Decker and Hayes Ranch wine brands. Owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, Wente Family Estates’ wines are sold in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, the company received certification for its sustainability efforts with the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation. In 2011, Wine Enthusiast awarded American Winery of the Year Wente Family Estates. Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente handcrafts all of the wines within the Wente Family Estates portfolio. For media inquiries, images and interviews please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

Wente Vineyards partners with Phillips Seafood in engaging, consumer facing program in 2012          Livermore, CA – For a second year, Wente Vineyards and Phillips Seafood have partnered in a cross-promotional program in the retail grocery channel.  Once again offering savings on Phillips products, this year the wine and seafood companies teamed up for their inaugural “East meets West Crab Challenge” to include custom wine and crab meat pairing recipes, retail coupons off the purchase of Phillips Seafood* and an online Sweepstakes*. Competing in the program were Wente Vineyards chef Owen Nattrass and Phillips Seafood chef Todd Weisz.  Both chefs were challenged to make two different dishes using Phillips Crab Meat paired with Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay and Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon.   Consumers could download these unique recipes online and enter to win a trip for two* to Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley, California. One lucky winner, Mr. Delano Jennings from Yakima, WA, will be visiting Wente Vineyards June 8-10, 2012 for a two-night stay at the Cottage at Wente Vineyards. Additionally, Mr. Jennings and guest will enjoy a customized food and wine pairing dinner at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, and several private wine tours and tastings. Custom recipes developed by Wente Vineyards' Chef Owen Nattrass included Green Garden Gazpacho with Crab, Almonds and Avocado and Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Duck Fat Fingerlings, Red Wine Crab Butter, Trumpet Mushrooms and Cabernet Jus. Phillips’ Chef Todd Weisz newly created dishes included Lemon Caper Crab Cake and Crab Farfalle Puttanesca. Recipes: Green Garden Gazpacho with Crab, Almonds and Avocado Paired with: Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay (Serves 4) Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Duck Fat Fingerlings, Red Wine Crab Butter, Trumpet Mushrooms and Cabernet Jus Paired with: Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (Serves 4) Lemon Caper Crabcakes Paired with: Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay Yield: 4 crabcakes Crab Farfalle Puttanesca Paired with: Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Yield: 4 portions *For complete recipes contact Charles Communications Associates at: 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. 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. About Phillips Foods Phillips Seafood Restaurants and Phillips Foods, Inc. is a family-owned business founded in 1956 with headquarters in Baltimore.  They are best known for their famous Maryland style crab cakes and seafood dishes bringing genuine Maryland style favorites to life served at more than 20 Phillips Seafood Restaurants throughout the Eastern time zone.  In addition, Phillips is recognized as the leading importer and distributor of crab meat and other crab products in the U.S. The company has additional lines of the highest quality seafood items for both retail and foodservice customers as well as company owned restaurants.  Owning and operating crab plants and seafood restaurants for over 90 years has placed Phillips in a unique niche in the food world.  Phillips Foods is making seafood a bigger part of life by producing and distributing the most delicious seafood products on the market today.  To find out more information about Phillips, call 1.888.234.CRAB or visit www.phillipsfoods.com # # #

California’s First “Family of Chardonnay” commemorates this special centennial of Chardonnay on June 18, 2012 Livermore, CA - In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Wente family’s historic connection to Chardonnay, Wente Vineyards will be hosting A Century of Chardonnay Symposium for trade and media on June 18th, 2012 at their Cresta Blanca Events Center in the Livermore Valley. For those that are unable to attend, one can view the symposium live on Wente Vineyards’ U-Stream channel here.[1] This event will explore all aspects of the Chardonnay grape varietal, including its history, the migration of the various Chardonnay clones, the diversity of the variety, its expression via different winemaking techniques and more. Fourth Generation Winegrower Philip Wente, and Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente will host the event, with Master Sommelier, Tim Gaiser serving as moderator. Several distinguished guests will be joining as panelists, including Nancy Sweet, Director of the Foundation Plant Services at University of California, Davis and Chuck Hayward, Wine Educator at JJ Buckley Fine Wines , in addition to two prominent winemakers. 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 UC Davis employee 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. 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 Chardonnay[2]. Starting in the 1940’s and throughout the 1950’s, the Wente clone began to spread across the state to other wineries, most notably Stony Hill, Louis Martini and Hanzell. The Martini family’s Stanly Lane vineyard became the source for UC Davis trials in the late 1950’s and 1960’s, where Dr. Harold Olmo identified several selections that produced better yields and a more even crop. These were eventually taken to Foundation Plant Services (FPS) at UC Davis and heat-treated, becoming known as “heat treated Wente clones,” which consisted of clones FPS 04, 05, 06 and 08.[3] The Wente clone of Chardonnay lends its parentage to several other clones of Chardonnay that have been certified by FPS: FPS 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 67, 72, 79, 80, 97 and Hyde. The most famous and widely distributed of all the clones that derived from the Wente plantings, FPS 04, eventually became the most widely planted Chardonnay selection in California.[4] 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 1988.[5] Currently, there are almost 100,000 acres of Chardonnay planted in California and it has become the number one selling wine varietal in the US. [6] With much of that Chardonnay originating from the original Wente clone, the family has certainly earned the title as “California’s First Family of Chardonnay™”. Today, Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente carries on the family tradition of crafting Chardonnay with four different styles of wine; the lush Riva Ranch Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco, Monterey, the bright and crisp Morning Fog Chardonnay, the decadent and elegant Nth Degree Chardonnay and the Chablis-like Small Lot Eric’s Chardonnay. For more information on the Wente family Chardonnay history, please visit www.wentevineyards.com/chardonnay.  For media inquiries, interviews or to find out more about the Chardonnay Symposium please contact Skye Morgan or Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates 415|701-9463 or press@chalrescom.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. 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] Instructions to log on to U-stream and interact will be sent via invitation [2] Philip Wente [3] Nancy Sweet 2007 [4] Nancy Sweet 2007 [5] Wolpert et al. 1994; Robinson 2006 [6] CDFA 2011

***Media Alert***Media Alert***Media Alert***Media Alert***Media Alert*** Mark your Calendar for the  8th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium Global Thought Leadership on Technology & Innovation for the Wine Industry WHAT: The Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) will once again bring together leaders in the wine industry with top technology experts for a two day  thought leadership event on Tuesday, July 10th and Wednesday, July 11th. The symposium is dedicated to fostering learning and discussion around the unique information technology needs of the wine industry, through a technology showcase, thought-provoking keynote presentations by tech leaders, a series of workshops, and networking events. Early bird pricing to attend WITS on July 10th is $100, which will go up to $125 on June 25th. Early bird pricing to attend WITS on July 11th will increase from $250 to $300 on June 25th.  Cost to attend the VIP dinner on July 10th is $250. Attendees can register for one or both days of programing at www. wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com starting May 15th. WHEN:  Day 1-Tuesday, July 10th, 2012 Technology Showcase: 2 PM to 3 PM,  5 PM to 6:30 PM Round Table Workshops: 3 PM to 5 PM Welcome Wine Reception: 5 PM to 6:30 PM VIP Dinner & Speaker: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Day 2- Wednesday, July 11th, 2012 Technology Showcase: 8 AM to 9 AM, 1 PM to 2 PM Networking Continental Breakfast: 8 AM to 9 AM General Session: 9 AM to 11:30 AM Networking Seated Lunch: 11:45 AM to 1 PM Breakout Sessions: 2:00 to 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM Technology Showcase and Wine Reception: 4:45 PM to 6:30 PM WHERE: Napa Valley Marriot, 3425 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 MORE: The Wine Industry Technology Symposium® (WITS) was created in 2005 by a group of wine industry and technology professionals. The purpose of WITS is to advance innovation and to address the unique information technology and services needs of the wine industry. Join WITS on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more. CONTACT: For more information, please contact Katie Hunter of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 orKatie@charlescomm.com or contact Waunice Orchid of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-261-8716 orwaunice@swgnapa.com ###

Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley, CA –  Crimson Wine Group (CWG) has announced the appointment of Mike Cekay to the position of Senior Vice President, Global Sales for the estate-focused portfolio of luxury domestic wine brands including  Archery Summit (Willamette Valley, OR), Chamisal Vineyards (Edna Valley, CA), Pine Ridge Vineyards (Stag’s Leap District, CA) and Seghesio Family Vineyards (Dry Creek Valley, CA.) Reporting directly to CEO Erle Martin, Cekay’s appointment underscores the commitment to building a strong sales infrastructure as the company matures, expanding its domestic and export market potential exponentially. Commencing Monday, April 16th, Cekay, based in Chicago, IL will oversee five regional managers and one export manager as well as three account managers located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Metro New York City and Shanghai.  With a goal this year of selling 250,000 cases across the portfolio, Cekay’s appointment marks a strategic juncture in the company’s evolution. Over the past 18 years, Cekay has gained a breadth of experience in sales and distributor management having worked in U.S. cruise ship sales, as trade marketing manager for Allied Domecq Duty Free Americas, On Premise National Account Director for Allied Domecq Wines USA, DVP-Central Region at Beam Wine Estates, VP of Off-Premise National Accounts for Future Brands, LLC and most recently Executive Vice President and Global Sales Manager for Don Sebastiani & Sons where he was responsible for delivering $100 million of gross revenue.  His extensive sales management experience both domestically and internationally coupled with strong trade marketing skills and a passion for the luxury wine market make him a sound fit with Crimson. Of his appointment, CEO Martin states, “Following an outstanding year in 2011 for our business, including the integration of the Seghesio Family Vineyards wines into our luxury portfolio, Crimson was poised to take the next logical step in terms of a global sales focus.  Mike’s qualifications and cross-functional experience will bring a strong asset to our team.” The search was conducted by the executive search firm, The Cypress Group of Napa Valley. About Crimson Wine Group The Crimson Wine Group is a leading company in the luxury domestic wine business, with five coveted brands and over 700 planted acres in five growing regions and 11 outstanding AVAs across California, Oregon and Washington. Representing over 250,000 cases within the higher-end price segments, Crimson focuses on estate-grown wines from producers that represent the best their appellation has to offer.  The portfolio is a diverse collection, across both varietals and appellations, of top quality wines for the marketplace which are thoughtfully stewarded by the company’s team. For media inquiries, headshots or interviews please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates, press@charlescomm.com or 415/701-9463. ###

Paso Robles, CA—  The WISE Academy, the only wine industry education, training and certification program dedicated solely to direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, just announced that it will be offering its Tasting Room Professional Certification Course in Paso Robles on Monday, April 30th, Tuesday, May 1st and Thursday, May 3rd. The 3-day course focuses on providing professional skills and service training to tasting room managers, employees, and prospective employees by covering best practices in customer service, sales, and other skills critical to creating the best possible tasting room experience. Successful course completion results in earning WISE Level 1 Certification as a Tasting Room Professional, laying the foundation for future WISE coursework in Tasting Room Management, WISE #211. Specific skill sets the course will focus on include how to positively profile customers to determine their propensity to purchase, as well how to assess buying signals and appropriately cross or up sell. An additional focus will be on wine tasting with food pairing, in order to build wine fluency among tasting room employees. Mystery shopping opportunities at other winery tasting rooms will also be offered for course participants. “We are excited to bring our tasting room professional course to Paso Robles, and support the Central Coast in further building its reputation as a top wine country destination,” says Lesley Berglund, WISE Academy Chairman and Co-Founder. The WISE #111 Tasting Room Professional Course is the first class that WISE Academy has offered in Paso Robles, which was done at the request of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA). Berglund and the WISE Academy team hope to bring more Direct-to-Consumer focused courses to the Central Coast in the coming months. Until April 20th, WISE Academy is extending a discount introductory offer of 25% off the cost of the introductory Tasting Room Professional Course in Paso Robles with the use of coupon code PASO25 before April 20th. To register for the course or find out more information about WISE Academy and its offerings, please visit http://www.wineindustrysaleseducation.com. About WISE AcademyTM WISE - which stands for Wine Industry Sales Education - offers a comprehensive curriculum for wine industry professionals. It is the only wine industry education, training and certification program dedicated solely to direct-to-consumer sales and marketing. Developed by more than forty vintners and industry experts, all classes are geared to increasing the expertise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and marketing professionals while also igniting their passion for the role they play in a winery's success. WISE courses are divided into three levels, plus an executive series, so they can meet the needs of everyone in the wine industry - from new industry enthusiasts to seasoned direct sales managers to winery CEOs. Founded in 2008, the WISE Academy is led by Chairman Lesley P. Berglund, a wine industry DTC pioneer and serial entrepreneur. For more information please contact media relations representative Katie Hunter at Charles Communications Associates atKatie@charlescomm.com, 415-701-9463 or Lesley P. Berglund, Co-Founder and Chairman, WISE Academy, 707-246-6827. # # #

Livermore Valley, CA  – The Concerts at Wente Vineyards is proud to continue their tradition of summer concerts with a stellar line-up of acts for the 2012 season. As Northern California’s most unique concert experience, Wente Vineyards will host a summer of top name headliners in its spectacular vineyard setting. Every performance presents a memorable evening of entertainment and superb dining.  Delivering an exciting selection of musical genres, The Concerts at Wente Vineyards is thrilled to announce its line-up for 2012: An Evening with Foreigner Wednesday 7/11 Earth, Wind & Fire Guiding Lights Tour Monday 7/16  Sheryl Crow Monday 7/23 An Evening with John Fogerty Wednesday 8/1  Diana Krall Summer Nights US Tour Wednesday 8/15  Steve Martin And the Steep Canyon Rangers Wednesday, 8/29 Tickets go on sale for Entertainment Club Members on April 28 and to the general public on May 19. With a variety of ticket options, guests can choose from a number of different dining and seating choices. The Restaurant Front Row ticket includes stage-front seating, the evening’s performance, a four-course dinner at the award-winning The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, reserved parking, tax and gratuity.  Prices start from $289. Tickets inclusive of a buffet-style wine country inspired dinner by Catering with Wente Vineyards are available by reservation and include tables on the lawn seating eight or ten guests. This option provides guests with a view of the concert from their dining table. These tickets include Premium Outdoor Dining and Mezzanine Outdoor Dining, which offer different seating locations within the concert area. The price of the ticket includes seating, the evening’s performance, the buffet style dinner served from 6:00 - 8:00pm, tax and gratuity.  Prices start from $269. Tickets without dinner options are sold at prices starting at $89, and allow guests the option to dine at The Grill at Wente Vineyards prior to the show. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages are not included in the price of tickets, but may be purchased separately at the show. About The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery.  Greeting guests with warm hospitality, the Vineyard is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Located in historic Livermore Valley less than an hour east of San Francisco, Wente Vineyards offers guests a truly unique and memorable experience with classic dining, wine tasting and championship golf. The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards is an accurate reflection of the entire Wente Vineyards experience: Estate grown, Family-owned, Sustainably Farmed. 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 Eric Berg 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 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 the town 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 outstanding entertainment experience. 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, nearly 80% of all California Chardonnays derive from the Wente clone. 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. Catering with Wente Vineyards Serving the Greater Bay Area, Catering with Wente Vineyards provides a full range of personalized catering options. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, family to corporate events, Wente Vineyards infuses its wine country style into every occasion.  Wente Vineyards is pleased to bring these high standards directly to its guests at their chosen location. Catering with Wente Vineyards shares The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards’ philosophy to use the very best sustainably and organically grown local ingredients to create sublime wine country fare. Executive Catering Chef Jeff Farlow leads the catering team. “Catering with Wente Vineyards” is coordinated by Robert Gundrey, VP Hospitality Sales & Operations. For concert series inquiries, please contact Sophia Clarke of Andrew Freeman & Co. at sofia@afandco.com or 415|781-5700. For any wine realated inquiries please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. # # #

  Russian River Valley, CA – The McWilliams family, owners of Arista Winery on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley are pleased to announce the purchase of the historic 74-acre Martinelli Road Vineyard, adding to their 36 acres of estate vineyard ownership at the home winery. Well known for their elegant Pinot Noir portfolio along with limited production releases of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Zinfandel, the McWilliams are thrilled to add the prized 125-year-old Zinfandel plantings as well as 20+ year Pinot Noir and 30+ year Chardonnay plantings from the property to their offerings. Planted to 5 acres of Zinfandel, 10 acres of Chardonnay and 3 acres of Pinot Noir, the vineyard site has been continuously farmed since the 1870’s. The vineyard was originally planted by the Banfield family to Zinfandel with the majority of the existing vines being planted in the 1880’s. The property was sold by the Banfields in 1903 and has been farmed by the same family until the McWilliams’ purchase. The McWilliams plan to immediately begin producing estate designated Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from the property. They will also continue selling Zinfandel to Mike Officer of Carlisle Winery as he has crafted a vineyard designate from the property since 2009. Arista’s estate vineyard manager, Ulises Valdez, will oversee the management of the new property. Of the acquisition, Arista Winery’s co-owner Mark McWilliams said, “We are deeply honored to have had this rare opportunity to acquire a vineyard of such history and caliber. I vividly remember early in my wine career I had a job as a sugar sampler for a winery and this very vineyard was one of the ones I oversaw. I can remember thinking what an amazing property this was but it never crossed my mind that one day my family would have the opportunity to own and produce wine from this historic site. My parents, brother and I plan to continue the rich family heritage of this vineyard, sharing the story of the property and its excellent wines with fans old and new.” Ben McWilliams, co-owner who oversees the tasting room and estate management for Arista also commented about the continuity of working with Mike Officer, “Mike was the very first person to reach out to us after the completion of the acquisition.   He’s a friend and someone we look forward to working closely with considering his deep knowledge of the historic Zinfandel vineyards in Sonoma County.” Excited to work with the fruit from the property, Arista winemaker Leslie Sisneros commented, “You cannot replicate the nuance and complexity of these old vines, it is an incredible lesson in the beauty of Mother Nature and a privilege to work with such amazing fruit. It’s humbling to walk amongst these vines and consider the 125 years of farming history.” The transaction also includes 60 acres of redwood forest, the 1930’s farmhouse and numerous barns, which the McWilliams plan to restore to their original condition. Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams, who bought the 36 acre property on Westside Road, creating with their sons Mark and Ben, a winery known for crafting world class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Their vision has always been to grow and produce the finest quality wines possible working with a team of highly skilled artisan growers, gardeners and chefs to use the estate as a place to hone and showcase their talents. Taking pride in their non-interventionist approach, the same philosophy will carry through to the new property. 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, the Anderson and Willamette Valleys. For more information on the winery and its offerings please visit http://www.aristawinery.com/ For media inquiries, interviews, images please contact Kimberly Charles or Katie Hunter of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #  #  #

San Luis Obispo, CA - Chamisal Vineyards announced this month their inaugural support of The Fender Music Foundation (FMF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources to music programs across the United States. From August to October 2012, a portion of the sales of Chamisal Vineyard wines at retail and in fine restaurants will assist FMF in awarding grants to a variety of music programs for both children and adults, including music therapy programs, school-based programs, and independent after-school music training. Chamisal Vineyards’ donation will also help FMF award instruments and equipment to grant recipients, giving more individuals equal access to a musical education. About The Fender Music Foundation The Fender Music Foundation was created with the belief that music participation is an “essential element in the fabric of an enduring society.” It has made a commitment to supporting music education since 2005, providing assistance at a time when existing programs could use the much-needed boost. Through media initiatives and collaborations with other music-based organizations throughout the country, the FMF has helped over 150,000 people to date. Visit www.fendermusicfoundation.org to learn more about supporting the cause. About Chamisal Vineyards Planted in 1972, Chamisal is the oldest existing vineyard in the Edna Valley appellation of California’s Central Coast located half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Chamisal Vineyards Winery currently produces handcrafted, sustainably grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Gris. Its 80 acre estate with 25 clones of 5 varietals gives winemaker Fintan du Fresne’s a broad palette with which to create complex, harmonious flavor profiles. For more information on Chamisal Vineyards, please visit www.chamisalvineyards.com. For media inquiries, images and interviews please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com # # #

Graton, CA— Purple Wine Company is honored to announce that Mark West has been awarded the Impact Hot Brand Award in 2011 for the second year in a row. As the best-selling Pinot Noir nationwide, with an IRI annual revenue growth rate of 27%, Mark West was a natural candidate for the award. The Impact Hot Brand Award is given by M. Shanken Communications annually to established brands that achieve superior sales growth and performance in the marketplace. Additionally, Mark West was named one of Symphony IRI’s Top 30 Momentum Table Wine Brands in food and drug stores for 2011, achieving the honor of being the only Pinot Noir-focused brand in the Top 30 Momentum Brands group. Pinot Noir was the nation’s fastest growing key varietal in 2011, up 12% overall. Pinot Noir priced from $10 to $14, up 28%, is the fastest growing of all key varietal price segments, according to the 2011 Gomberg Frederickson Report. Mark West leads the growth in this dynamic segment. “We’ve built Mark West with focused sales and marketing strategies, investment in wine quality, and enthusiastic support from our distributors and trade accounts,” says Derek Benham, CEO of Purple Wine Company, speaking about the success of his company’s flagship brand. “In 2002, there simply wasn’t affordable Pinot Noir. Mark West changed all that and continues to be the Pinot that is recognized for its quality and style.” Mark West’s total volume growth continues to soar, rising 33% during the twelve-week period that ended February 19, 2012. This success builds on 10 years of double-digit growth for both the Mark West brand and for Purple Wine Company, whose volume has grown on average over 40% each year over the past decade. About Purple Wine Company Purple Wine Company was founded in 2001 by Derek Benham and is based in Graton, California. Its mission is to create wines that offer outstanding value, are high quality and consistent in style from vintage to vintage. The wines are produced at its sister production company, Sonoma Wine Company, using water and energy conservation practices, while reducing Greenhouse gas emissions. Current brands include Mark West, Avalon, Four Vines, and Bex. For more information, please visitwww.purplewine.com or contact Katie Hunter of Charles Communications Associates at 415.701.9463 or press@charlescomm.com. ###