Charles Communication Associates' Latest News
The Wente Family Celebrates the Fourth Annual Wente Family Estates Legacy Awards
6 March, 2012
Livermore, CA, – The Wente Family is proud to announce the winners of the Fourth Annual Wente Family Estates Legacy Awards, held on March 5-6, 2012 at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. The two-day event commenced with the highly anticipated Legacy Awards Dinner, followed by the Legacy Awards Pro-Am at The Course at Wente Vineyards, and Distributor Council meeting to discuss goals and the outlook for 2012 and beyond.
The awards are categorized based on distributor size, with the Platinum Tier selling the highest quantity of more than 100,000 cases. This year’s distributor winner in the Platinum Tier category is: Southern Wine & Spirits of California. Tier One awards were awarded to Classic Wine Imports of Massachusetts, Glazer’s Distributors of Texas and Lauber Selections of New Jersey. Tier Two distributors were New England Wine & Spirits Inc. of Connecticut, Glazer’s Distributing of Missouri and Capitol-Husting Company Inc. of Wisconsin. The Tier Three distributors recognized included g. housen in Vermont, Glazer’s of Indiana and Lipman Brothers of Tennessee.
Equally notable were awards given in the importers category, where International Cellars of Canada, Amrbos Inc. of Guam and West Indies Corporation of the Virgin Islands won awards for Most Successful Growth of the Wente Family Estates’ wine portfolio.
Lastly, Special Recognition Awards were presented to distributors that showcased outstanding sales performance for brands within the Wente Family Estates portfolio. The distributors that received the various Special Recognition Awards included: Southern Wine & Spirits of Maryland for Outstanding New Distributor, Glazer’s Distributors of Texas for Outstanding Portfolio Performance for Wente Family Estates, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida for Outstanding Brand Launch for entwine, New England Wine & Spirits Inc. of Connecticut for Outstanding Sales Performance for Murrieta’s Well, g. housen of Vermont for Outstanding Sales Performance for Hayes Ranch, Southern Wine & Spirits of Maryland for Outstanding Sales Performance for TAMÁS Estates and Southern Wine & Spirits of California for Outstanding Sales Performance for Wente Vineyards.
“The Legacy Awards honors top distributors and importers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in distribution and successful wine portfolio growth. This is a monumental year for the Wente family, as we celebrate our 129th year in business, the 100th anniversary of bringing Chardonnay to California and American Winery of the Year. This event gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to our distributors’ partners, who enable us to continue building upon our success each year,” said Carolyn Wente, CEO of Wente Family Estates.
About Wente Family Estates
Wente Family Estates is comprised of Wente Vineyards, TAMÁS Estates, Murrieta’s Well, entwine and Hayes Ranch wineries; 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, Wente Family Estates was awarded American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. All of the wines within the Wente Family Estates portfolio are handcrafted by Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Family Estates is home to one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, world class concerts, fine dining at the award-winning Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, and championship golf at the Greg Norman designed Course at Wente Vineyards. For more information, visit www.wentefamilyestates.com.
Photography from the event is available and for any interviews or media assistance, please contact Skye Morgan at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.
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American Canyon Facility Remains State’s Only Custom Crush Site To Obtain Top Quality and Food Safety Certification
1 March, 2012
Graton, CA – After a vigorous review process, Sonoma Wine Company’s American Canyon Facility attained ISO 22000 certification for a second consecutive year, remaining the first and only custom crush wine facility to achieve this designation in the state of California. The certification includes a well-defined and documented Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety program qualifying the facility to handle imported bulk wine. The American Canyon facility provides contract services to third party winery clients in the following areas: custom crush, bulk wine storage, barrel storage, bottling, and case goods storage.
To obtain ISO 22000 certification, the American Canyon facility passed a rigorous two day audit consisting of document review and physical site inspection. This year’s certification is especially noteworthy as the facility doubled its bottling, storage, and crush volumes in 2011 from 2010.
Meeting ISO 22000 standards means that a facility has an excellent level of management, well-documented operating procedures, and high quality food safety practices. An ISO 22000 is the only certification that is recognized as an internationally consistent standard and allows companies to do business in a global market.
“The attainment of this quality and food safety certification for the second consecutive year is a significant achievement for this site and provides us with a distinct and significant point of differentiation from our competitors,” says Mark Castaldi, General Manager of the American Canyon Facility.
About Sonoma Wine Company
Sonoma Wine Company is a full-service crush-to-bottle contract winery partnering with California wine producers to crush, ferment, barrel, bottle, and warehouse wine programs of all sizes. With five modern facilities located in both Sonoma and Napa counties, the facility can accommodate any size program. With superior customer service and a wide array of equipment including state-of-the-art crush facilities, over two million gallons of stainless cooperage, and six modern bottling lines, the facility can tailor its services and highly experienced staff to match client’s programs, so that clients can spend time connecting with distributors, building a customer base, and growing brands. Sonoma Wine Company has tailored its business to match the size of almost any wine program from private label to large contract producers. Whether companies are producing 500 cases or 500,000 cases, Sonoma Wine Company can scale a company’s growth accordingly. The obtainment of ISO 22000 and HACCP certification also allows Sonoma Wine Company the ability to facilitate bulk-imported wines.
For more information about Sonoma Wine Company, their management team, or to arrange interviews, please contact Lisa Ehrlich at lehrlich@purplewine.com or (707) 829-6132.
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Bunnery Natural Foods Introduces Three New Pancake & Waffle Mix Blends
1 March, 2012
Jackson Hole, Wyoming -- Jackson Hole’s Bunnery Natural Foods, producer of all natural, grain-based cereals, will debut three extensions to its existing line of proprietary O.S.M. products in the Innovators Hall at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West, March 9 – 11, in Anaheim, California.
Bunnery Natural Foods is owner of a trademarked blend called “O.S.M.,” based on oats, sunflower seeds and millet. Combined with other whole grains, this blend is the foundation of its original O.S.M. Oatmeal and O.S.M. Pancake & Waffle Mix, created and served at the Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant since 1975.
The popularity of these nutritious, healthful products has resulted in the development of three new pancake and waffle mixes based on the O.S.M. blend: Coconut-Vanilla, Double Chocolate and Wild Blueberry. High in fiber, protein and essential microelements, the nutty, toasty flavors of the O.S.M. blend are an irresistible complement to the slightly sweet, exotic notes of moist coconut, fragrant vanilla and luscious Caillebaut dark chocolate, and contrast deliciously with the lush fruit flavors of low-moisture wild blueberries. These ancillary ingredients also boost the nutritional value of the O.S.M. blend with a spectrum of beneficial elements of which flavonols, anthocyanins, heart-healthy fats, vital minerals and vitamin C are only a few.
Bunnery Natural Foods’ existing line of products includes its Original Granola, also created in 1975, and its Banana Honey-Nut, Blueberry and Cranberry Nut-Vanilla granolas, all based on the original granola recipe. All products are 100 percent natural, minimally processed foods with zero trans fats, zero cholesterol and zero additives.
About Bunnery Natural Foods
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 original recipes that have remained largely unchanged since the bakery’s beginnings. 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 products. 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 throughout Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana, and is poised for entry into select west coast and Atlantic seaboard markets.
For more information on Bunnery Natural Foods, please go to http://www.bunnerynaturalfoods.com/, or visit their table at the Natural Products Expo West in Hall E, booth #5572.
For media related questions, images or interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at skye@charlescomm.com.
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Oregon Craft Saké Company Presents Saké Cocktail Guide
15 February, 2012
Forest Grove, Oregon – SakéOne, America’s premium saké company, is proud to announce the release of their inaugural Saké Cocktail Guide. The Oregon craft saké company has been crafting signature saké cocktails for 14 years. Though it has become increasingly customary to find chilled, high quality, artisan saké served on it’s own, saké adds depth and body to cocktails at a lower alcohol level than the classic spirits or wine ingredients.
Beverage enthusiasts have long touted that saké has no measurable sulfites, no measurable gluten, it’s lower in calories than spirits, adds flavor and body to traditional recipes and it can be used to create amazingly diverse cocktails. Largely due to the appealing levels of acidity, alcohol, body and flavor, saké works seamlessly with spicy, fruity or floral flavors in cocktails.
Eager to gain outside perspective and inspiration from America’s most renowned mixologists, SakéOne asked their all-star mixologists to taste four diverse styles of saké (genshu, undiluted G saké, Momokawa’s Organic Junmai Ginjo, Momokawa Pearl nigori saké and flavored Moonstone saké) and come up with a collection of recipes. From San Francisco to New York by way of Portland, OR, each mixologist fashioned innovative and flavorful saké cocktail recipes. These recipes have been compiled alongside SakéOne’s private collection of recipes developed over the years to create one of the most innovative and phenomenal saké cocktail guides to date. Mixologists featured in the cocktail guide include: Lucy Brennan, owner of Mint/820 in Portland, Ryan Magarian, president of Liquid Relations in Portland and co-founder of Aviation Gin, Jordan MacKay, wine & spirits writer, author and beverage innovator, Sarma Melngailis, One Lucky Duck Founder & CEO and Pure Food & Wine Owner in New York City, Chris Johnson, certified saké sommelier and owner of Bao Noodles Restaurant in New York City and last but not least, the team at SakéOne’s kura in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Incorporating cocktail ingredients as original as Monin Jasmine Syrup (in Brennan’s Pear Flower cocktail) to maple syrup, coarse crystal date sugar and cayenne pepper (in Melngailis’ Master Cleanse-Tini), the cocktails are as complex and thoughtful as their names. “Because SakeOne is an intersection of Japanese tradition with American execution, I chose as names for these drinks a few titles from one of my favorite directors, Japanese auteur Akira Kurosawa. Besides creating samurai and cowboy films as we know them, Kurosawa was interested in Western subjects and tropes,” says MacKay, “These films’ titles became the names of the cocktails… Celebrating that common communion between the Japanese and Western palates.”
On Tuesday, February 28th, join SakéOne and special guest Lucy Brennan (owner of Mint/820 in Portland) on their BrandLive channel http://live.sakeone.com/outside-the-shaker as they discuss all things saké including infusing cocktails with premium saké. Guests will be invited to share recipes and ask Brennan questions live while watching her craft her signature saké cocktails. One of the most innovative cocktail minds, Brennan has been honored as one of Playboy Magazine Top 10 Mixologists and Food & Wine magazine’s Top Five Mixologists, to name a few of her many accolades.
The booklet is free and available by e-mailing info@sakeone.com with Saké Cocktail Booklet in the subject. Trade and Media can e-mail VP of Marketing Dewey Weddington directly at dewey-weddington@sakeone.com.
About SakeOne
SakéOne is America's premium saké company and importer of some of Japan’s finest sake. Founded in 1992 as an importer, SakéOne has been crafting strictly junmai ginjo quality saké at its state-of-the-art kura (brewery) in Forest Grove, the heart of the Willamette Valley: Oregon’s craft beer-brewing and winemaking mecca, since the early 1990s. In 2010, SakéOne’s Momokawa “Ruby” Junmai Ginjo earned a silver medal at the prestigious all-Japanese U.S. National Saké Appraisal, no small feat for an American saké producer. Though SakéOne clearly honors tradition, their Oregonian pioneering spirit is constantly evolving and has truly come to define Oregon craft saké. For more information, please visit www.sakeone.com.
For media inquiries and interviews with saké expert and SakéOne Vice President of Marketing Dewey Weddington, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.
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Pine Ridge Relaunches Buy a Bottle, Plant a Tree Campaign With American Forest
14 February, 2012
Napa Valley, CA: Pine Ridge Vineyards announced today the relaunch of its Buy a Bottle, Plant a Treecampaign in partnership with American Forests. For the months of April through June of 2012, for every bottle of Chenin Blanc + Viognier purchased, Pine Ridge will donate $1 to American Forests to plant a tree, up to 5,000.
“We at Pine Ridge Vineyards are thrilled to partner with American Forests again this year. Stewardship of the land is one of our core values and we have a responsibility to preserve it. This campaign provides us with a unique opportunity to make a greater ecological contribution- not just here in the Napa Valley but also through American Forests’ global reach,” says Winemaker and General Manager Michael Beaulac.
The Buy a Bottle, Plant a Tree campaign was born out of Pine Ridge Vineyards’ commitment to preserving the environment and recognition of the importance of trees in the overall health of the global community. As reported by American Forests, healthy trees reduce the buildup of greenhouse gases, contribute significantly to energy savings and improved air quality, help improve water quality and reduce storm water flows. Studies have shown that every $1 invested in urban trees results in $2-4 in benefits from lowered energy costs, reduced storm water flows, improved aesthetics, higher air quality and reduced carbon dioxide concentrations.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Pine Ridge Buy a Bottle, Plant a Tree program for a second year,” says Scott Steen, CEO of American Forests. “Once again, this collaborative partnership will help us restore vital ecosystems by planting trees in endangered forests through our Global ReLeaf program (http://www.americanforests.org/our-programs/global-releaf-projects/.) These efforts will ultimately improve air and water quality, as well as provide vital wildlife habitat.”
Any purchase of Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viogner in stores, restaurants and online will contribute to the Plant a TreeProgram. The program will be promoted through the winery’s social media sites, including Facebook, (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pine-Ridge-Vineyards/337472802022) and Twitter (@pineridgewine) as well as to customers who purchase wine online at store.pineridgevineyards.com. Marketing materials will feature a QR code that points consumers to a Facebook Causes page where they can make a direct donation to American Forests.
About Pine Ridge Vineyards
With meticulous attention to detail and a knowledge developed over 30 years of continuity, Pine Ridge Vineyards produces wines that showcase 200 acres of premier estate vineyards across five renowned appellations in the Napa Valley. Since its founding in 1978, the winery has specialized in Cabernet and other Bordeaux-style red wines as well as handcrafted Chardonnay. For more information on Pine Ridge Vineyards and Chenin Blanc + Viognier please visit www.pineridgevineyards.com. For media inquiries, images and interviews please contact Kristin Namimoto of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.
About American Forests
American Forests restores and protects urban and rural forests. Founded in 1875, the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the country has served as a catalyst for many of the most important milestones in the conservation movement, including the founding of the U.S. Forest Service, the national forest and national park systems, and literally thousands of forest ecosystem restoration projects and public education efforts. Since 1990, American Forests has planted nearly 40 million trees in forests throughout the U.S. and beyond, resulting in cleaner air and drinking water, restored habitat for wildlife and fish, and the removal of millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Learn more at www.americanforests.org.
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New Additions to CCA
14 February, 2012
San Francisco, CA - Charles Communications
Associates (CCA) is pleased to announce two new hires to its creative
marketing communications firm. Katie Hunter is joining CCA as an
account executive and as social media director. CCA is also excited
to announce that Skye Morgan, has been promoted to account
coordinator.
Katie Hunter got her start in the wine industry in Washington D.C. as
a media specialist for Heritage Link Brands, a South African wine
importer. Hunter also brings with her an abundance of philanthropic
experience from working at Arabella Advisors, a company whose client
list includes the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the NFL Player
Care Foundation. Working with small companies to develop social media
strategies and campaigns, Hunter has created successful social media
based campaigns that have gained recognition in publications such as
Inc. Magazine. Her knowledge of wine and experience in social
responsibility makes her an excellent addition to the agency given
CCA's focus on companies with a minimally sustainable approach to
their business.
Skye Morgan originally joined CCA as an intern. Her passion and
knowledge for the wine and food industry contribute to her growing
talent in this field. Growing up in Napa Valley with her parents,
wine makers and cookbook authors, Morgan was educated in the world of
food and wine at an early age. She spent a year abroad in Bordeaux,
France for a year, which cultivated her love and understanding of
wine. Her organizational skills and contagious enthusiasm are a great
asset to the CCA team and its clients.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC is an
independent creative marketing communications 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. CCA also
specializes in marketing for top shelf spirits and luxury products.
CCA is a nimble, energetic and focused team that infuses our work
with enthusiasm, originality, and strategy to help our clients thrive
and grow. The company has helped brands such as Boisset Family
Estates, Wente Family Estates, Square One Organic Vodka, Cameron
Hughes, Parallel Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros and many others
establish a strong identity and point of differentiation that has
captured market share, helped them move to the next business level or
cemented them in the minds of their audiences.
Momokawa Supper Club Will Alter Your Perceptions of Saké & Food
24 January, 2012
February 24 - March 19 - April 23
Portland, OR - Hand top chefs bottles of Oregon craft saké and ask them to prepare a multi-course meal paired with each. The catch? They must avoid the stereotypical Japanese/Asian fare and challenge themselves to step outside the usual and expected. It’s called Momokawa Supper Club and a series of dinners in 2011 created mind-altering experiences in New York, Los Angeles, Sonoma and Chicago. Now it’s time to bring it home, to Portland chefs.
Join Momokawa (brewed and bottled by SakéOne, Forest Grove, OR) and partner restaurants Wildwood, Andina and Saucebox for this uninhibited culinary adventure. Experience what Chefs Clark, Costello and Diestra create without restriction as they apply their talents in Northwest regional, Peruvian and fusion cuisines. Guests will get a saké education throughout each dinner as they learn about saké and what inspired the chefs to create their menus.
Reservations can be made with each restaurant independently. Seating is limited.
Cost: $55 per person/per restaurant + gratuity.
Time: 7:00 pm
Dates & Locations
February 24 - Wildwood Restaurant & Bar
1221 NW 21st Ave Portland, OR 97209
(503) 248-9663
March 19 - Andina Restaurant
1314 NW Glisan St Portland, OR 97209
(503) 228-9535
April 23 - Saucebox
214 Southwest Broadway Portland, OR 97205
(503) 241-3393
About SakéOne
SakéOne is America’s premium saké company and importer of some of Japan’s finest saké. Founded in 1992 as an importer, SakéOne has been crafting strictly junmai ginjo quality saké at its state-of-the-art kura (brewery) in Forest Grove, the heart of the Willamette Valley: Oregon’s craft beer-brewing and winemaking mecca, since 1998. In 2010, SakéOne’s Momokawa “Ruby” Junmai Ginjo earned a silver medal at the prestigious U.S. National Saké Appraisal 2010, no small feat for an American producer in a crowd of more than 300 Japanese entrants and a judging panel held to precise Japanese standards. Though SakéOne clearly honors tradition, their Oregonian pioneering spirit is constantly evolving and has truly come to define Oregon craft saké. For more information, please visit www.sakeone.com. For media inquiries, please contact Kristin Namimoto at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.
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2012 Winter Calendar of Events: January – March
19 January, 2012
Livermore Valley, CA – This lineup of enticing upcoming events from Wente Family Estates offers many ways to celebrate the end of the winter season. Art showings, special tastings and family activities create opportunities to delight the tastes of every wine enthusiast.
Activities at Wente Family Estates from January through March, 2012 include:
January
Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend
January 21st & 22nd, 11am-4:30pm
Wente Vineyards Estate Winery Tasting Room
Wente Vineyards Vineyard Tasting Room
TAMÁS Estates Tasting Room
Murrieta’s Well Tasting Room
This winter, warm up with some of your favorite wines at our Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend. Sample wines directly from the barrel along with current vintages. Wine Club Members receive complimentary barrel tasting and reciprocal club benefits at Wente Family Estates tasting room properties.
Tastings are complimentary for Wine Club Members; $5 for all other guests
Artist Reception: Printmaking by Edmee Keele
January 2nd-26th
Estate Winery Tasting Room
Local artist Edmee Keele will be displaying her monoprints at the Estate Tasting Room. Come meet the artist and sip on some fabulous Wente Vineyards wines. Exhibit on display through Thursday, January 26.
February
Brittle Demonstration Class
February 4th, 10:30am-11:30am
The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards
Join us for a demonstration class taught by Pastry Chef Melissa Duesler at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. The class will be held in the Rotunda dining room. Space is limited. Entertainment Club Members get first priority until three weeks from class date. Call 925-456-2450 for reservations and pricing information.
Romance Wine & Chocolate
February 12th, 1pm and 4pm
Vineyard Tasting Room
Celebrate the month of romance and love with that special someone. Sit down and enjoy five decadent chocolate dessert and wine pairings carefully prepared and selected by Wente Vineyards at our annual Romance Wine & Chocolate Event. Learn how chocolate and wine can combine to create a romantic and sensual experience and listen to fun facts and trivia about the Valentine's Day holiday, love and romance! This event continues to sell out so make your reservation early for this delicious and laughter filled event! Reservations required. To purchase tickets, call 925-456-2405.
Wine Club and Nth Degree Club Members $30; $35 for all other guests
Artist Reception: Oil Paintings by Alfredo Mordss
February 5th-29th
Estate Winery Tasting Room
Local artist Alfredo Mordss will be displaying his unique oil paintings at the Estate Tasting Room. Come meet the artist and enjoy the incredible wines by Wente Vineyards.
February Port & Chocolate Weekend Tastings
Every Saturday & Sunday in February, 11am-4:30pn
TAMÁS Estates Tasting Room
Come enjoy a new and special treat by TAMÁS Estates: a Port and chocolate pairing! TAMÁS Estates is now offering the tastings every Saturday and Sunday.
March
Curing 101 Demonstration Cooking Class
March 3rd, 10:30-11:30am
The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards
Join us for a demonstration class taught by The Restaurant Executive Chef Matt Greco. The class will be held in The Restaurant Rotunda dining room. Space is limited. Entertainment Club Members get first priority until three weeks from class date. Call 925-456-2450 for reservations and pricing information.
Artist Reception: Mixed Media by Sally Haig
March 4th
Estate Winery Tasting Room
Local artist Sally Haig will be displaying her mixed media art at the Estate Tasting Room. Come meet the artist and sip on some fabulous Wente Vineyards wines.
TAMÁS Estates Wine Club Release Party
March 10th, 12-2pm, 3-5pm and 6-8pm
TAMÁS Estates Tasting Room
Join the TAMÁS Estates Wine Club! New varietals by TAMÁS Estates will be available only to wine club members. Tastings of the new wines will be available throughout the day.
Livermore Valley Winegrower's Barrel Tasting Weekend
March 31st and April 1st
Estate Winery Tasting Room
Taste wines right out of the barrel and discover what makes the Livermore Valley so unique. Each winery will host a unique experience during barrel tasting weekend including at least one barrel sample for every ticket holder. Ticket includes: a take home glass with the Livermore Valley Wine Country logo, two days of barrel tasting at participating wineries on Saturday & Sunday, special activities and wine discounts, and a Barrel Tasting Weekend map which includes all wineries that are participating. $30 in advance, $35 day of event. Call 925-447-9463 or click here to purchase tickets.
About Wente Family Estates
Wente Family Estates is comprised of Wente Vineyards, TAMÁS Estates, Murrieta’s Well, entwine and Hayes Ranch wineries; 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, Wente Family Estates was awarded American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. All of the wines within the Wente Family Estates portfolio are handcrafted by Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For any interviews or media assistance, please contact Kristin Namimoto at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
Helpful addresses:
Estate Winery Tasting Room | 5565 Tesla Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2305
Vineyard Tasting Room | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2405
Event Center at Wente Vineyards | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2405
The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925-456-2450
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Time For Restaurants To Step Up To Premium Saké By The Glass
17 January, 2012
Forest Grove, Oregon – The steady growth of premium saké continues, yet across the U.S. thousands of restaurants continue to pour generic saké both hot and cold. After years of working to perfect the art of brewing saké, America’s premium craft saké SakéOne announced today that they have designed a new by-the-glass pour program with intent to begin shifting restaurants to premium pours and profits. The restaurant-focused program features their core Oregon craft saké portfolio of Momokawa, as a recommended premium glass pour.
Based on average wholesale pricing, a four-ounce glass pour of Momokawa Diamond costs restaurants approximately $1.44. The standard cost for a glass of saké on a menu is $6.00 per glass, which accounts for $4.56 profit per glass- while accounting for spillage, restaurants can potentially make an almost $30 profit per bottle. This profit per bottle on a premium glass pour highlights a cost utilization that is both effective and efficient. The Momokawa Glass Pour Program allows accessibility to the true expression of premium sake without the high cost of imports or lower quality of the least expensive imports. Over the next three months, the Momokawa Glass Pour Program will be available to restaurants in NY and California to test the response and begin building awareness of this cost effective premium offering.
After years of being misunderstood in the West, saké has been experiencing a rebirth in the U.S. It has become increasingly common for premium saké to be featured regularly on wine lists and food pairing menus on the lists of the world’s most renowned sommeliers and beverage enthusiasts. At the SakéOne brewery in Forest Grove, OR, pioneering Sakémaster Greg Lorenz is constantly striving to improve and fine-tune the charm and nuances of his saké. Lorenz’s foundation for brewing saké is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and technique, down to the equipment, process and ingredients. He is always mindful to manage the brewing process in a manner that gives Momokawa saké flavor profiles that are more in tune with the American palate while still retaining the rigorous standards of his teachers.
Japanese, Asian and Asian fusion restaurants are not the only restaurants recently embracing premium saké. Saké’s emerging frontier has included food pairings that highlight a more expansive array of universal flavors and cuisines. In 2011 Momokawa hosted a series of dinners around the country pairing the diverse portfolio with various cuisines (modern Mexican, molecular gastronomy and California coastal cuisine to name a few) to great critical acclaim by the media. Largely due to the diverse levels of acidity, alcohol, body and flavor, saké can truly work with spices, savory and sweet offerings. For the fullest appreciation of aroma and taste, premium saké is best served chilled about 55 degrees Fahrenheit- similar to white wine- to showcase its subtle and nuanced taste.
About SakéOne
SakéOne is America's premium saké company and importer of some of Japan’s finest saké. Founded in 1992 as an importer, SakéOne has been crafting strictly junmai ginjo quality saké at its state-of-the-art kura (brewery) in Forest Grove, the heart of the Willamette Valley: Oregon’s craft beer-brewing and winemaking mecca, since 1998. In 2010, SakéOne’s Momokawa “Ruby” Junmai Ginjo earned a silver medal at the prestigious U.S. National Sake Appraisal 2010, no small feat for an American producer in a crowd of more than 300 Japanese entrants and a judging panel held to precise Japanese standards. In 2011, Momokawa took center stage at the San Francisco Wine Competition, winning awards across the board including the Double Gold Menu for Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo. Though SakéOne clearly honors tradition, their Oregonian pioneering spirit is constantly evolving and has truly come to define Oregon craft saké. For more information, please visit www.sakeone.com.
For media information and interviews, please contact Kristin Namimoto of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.
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Wente Vineyards Introduces entwine Wine Tours
11 January, 2012
Livermore, CA – This past summer two American food and wine pioneers, top lifestyle television brand, Food Network, and world-class, family owned winery Wente Vineyards, collaborated to create entwine wines, a California portfolio of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Beginning in January, Wente Vineyards will offer visitors a special behind-the-scenes tour of its historic winery -- located in California’s beautiful Livermore Valley -- where entwine wines are produced, along with an exclusive tableside food and wine pairing experience.
The hour-and-a-half tour will be held on the third week of each month beginning Thursday, January 19, 2012. Weekday tours occur twice daily at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with one tour on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Pricing is $25 per person and includes a tour of the winery and winemaking facilities, specialized entwine and food pairings, and a 20% discount on all entwine and Wente Family Estates wines purchased the week of the tour. Advance reservations are required, with tour groups limited to 25 people. For more information, including how to book a tour, please visit www.entwine-wines.com/visit-us or call (925) 456-2306.
The initial inspiration for entwine came from viewers’ requesting their trusted food source, Food Network, to introduce them to the world of wine. Food Network partnered with Wente Vineyards because Wente not only makes great wine, they also have a deep connection to food, embodied in their vegetable garden and on-site restaurant. Wente Vineyards understood and valued what Food Network heard from viewers and wanted to collaborate to create a line of wines that would match viewers’ expectations.
Both Wente Vineyards and Food Network believe that wine can elevate the everyday to extraordinary, whether paired with a home-cooked meal, a favorite snack, or simply sipped on its own. “The entire Wente family is excited to partner with the culinary trailblazers at Food Network to create wines designed to enhance your favorite foods, from casual to festive occasions,” says Carolyn Wente, CEO of Wente Vineyards. “Our goal with these tours is to introduce Food Network fans and consumers across America to entwine, the winemaking process and the delicious marriage of food and wine.”
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, featuring wine tasting, world class concerts, fine dining at the award-winning Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, and championship golf at the Greg Norman designed Course at Wente Vineyards. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
About Food Network
FOOD NETWORK (http://www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring and empowering through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and averages more than 9.9 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine has tripled its rate base and delivers a circulation of 1.4 million. Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24 hour networks in Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates HGTV (http://www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (http://www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (http://www.gactv.com) Cooking Channel (http://www.cookingchanneltv.com) and Travel Channel (http://www.travelchannel.com), is the manager and general partner.
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La Rei of Il Boscareto Resort & Spa Honored with First Michelin Star
6 December, 2011
Milan, Italy, - La Rei, the flagship restaurant at Il Boscareto Resort & Spa, the five-star luxury resort in Serralunga d’Alba-Cuneo, Italy, has been awarded its first Michelin Star in the 2012 Michelin Guide to Italy. La Rei joins a list of only 33 new restaurants in Italy that are honored with a star this year.
Executive Chef Shiqin Chen leads La Rei with an expert pedigree in Italian and Piemontese cuisine. Chen was groomed in the kitchens of likewise Michelin starred dal Pescatore under the guidance of Nadia and Giovanni Santini, and cultivated ten years of experience alongside Gian Piero Vivalda of Antica Corona Reale da Renzo in Cevere, Italy, who now consults for La Rei. Chen’s cuisine respectfully nods to traditional Piemontese fare while embracing innovation and creativity in its execution. His dishes focus on the beauty, quality, and authenticity of the ingredients available to him –beautiful white and black truffles, hazelnuts, rice baraggia bielo– and are inspired by the seasonality of the region. He oversees a kitchen of 15 young chefs, including up-and-comers Marlene Puddu, Giovanni Spegis, and Antonio Coffaro, each of exemplary culinary accomplishment.
This honor enriches La Rei’s legacy of awards in the culinary realm, which include: the 2010 Golosaria Award as Best Hospitality in the category of Italian Charme; the 2011 News of the Year Award from Guida L’ESPRESSO; 2011 Best Restaurant from Bibenda Guida; 2011 Corona Radiosa Best Restaurant in Cuneo from Guida Critica Golosa, and 2012 Best Sommelier in Italy honoring Cellarmaster Matteo Toso from Guida L’ESPRESSO.
About Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Il Boscareto Resort & Spa is considered the jewel of one of the most precious areas of Piedmont, Italy: the Langhe. The resort is marked by its fine standard for well-being, celebrating peace and tradition without sacrificing the elegance and comfort of a luxury property. The hotel seeks to harmonize the modernity of its interior with the natural beauty of its landscape. La Rei, the flagship, Michelin starred restaurant of the resort, reflects this harmony via cuisine, and the Aveda certified spa, La Sovrana, seeks to help guests achieve this within the temple of their form. Il Boscareto Resort & Spa is part of Batasiolo SPA, which in addition operates Beni di Batasiolo winery and is led by proprietor Fiorenzo Dogliani. For more information please visit the website at: http://www.ilboscaretoresort.it.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact Emily Aschbrenner at Charles Communications Associates: emily@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.
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Purple Wine Company Appoints Mike Mestas National Sales Manager
5 December, 2011
Purple Wine Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Mestas as National Sales Manager. The position is a promotion from Michael’s previous role with Purple Wine Company as Division Sales Manager for the Gulf, the Southeast and the Atlantic regions, where he was responsible for managing the sales team and all channels of business. Initially upon joining Purple Wine Company in 2008, he spearheaded the hiring and development of the company’s retail National Chain Account team and held direct responsibility for calling on several key national retail accounts. His contributions have played a key role in Purple Wine Company’s impressive distribution and volume growth.
[caption id="attachment_1172" align="alignright" width="223" caption="Michael Mestas, National Sales Manager"][/caption]
An eighteen-year veteran of the wine industry, Michael’s professional experience is split evenly between wholesaler sales/sales management positions and winery representative positions. Prior to Purple Wine Company, Michael was responsible for North Texas sales for Republic National Distributing Company
In his new role, Michael will manage all day-to-day sales and distribution efforts for Purple Wine Company wine brands from his home base in the Dallas area, reporting directly to Ron Janowczyk, Senior Vice President, based at the company’s headquarters in Graton, California. With this appointment, Ron will now focus on strategic and financial planning, brand development and building the sales organization. “We are thrilled to have a person with Michael’s experience, business skills and integrity in this new role as our company continues to grow at a very fast pace,” commented Ron. “This move will allow us to build on our work of the past nine years, and assist us in moving our business to the next level as we reach the major milestone of one million case sales this year.”
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 green House Gas emissions. Current brands include: Mark West Pinot Noir, Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon, Bex Riesling, Rock Rabbi Sauvignon Blanc and Four Vines. For more information, please visit www.purplewine.com or contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.
Wente Family Estates Named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine
7 November, 2011
Livermore, CA - Carolyn Wente, CEO and Fourth Generation Winegrower of America’s oldest continuously owned and operated winery, is pleased to announce that her family business has received the 2011 American Winery of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast magazine. Wente Family Estates is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well and Tamás Estates as well as entwine, a partnership between The Food Network and Wente Vineyards. Known as the Wine Star Awards for the last 11 years, the magazine honors international wine personalities who have had great influence on the world of wine.
Wente Family Estates joins an esteemed group of winners this year including Restaurateur of the Year Michael Mina, Winemaker of the Year Bob Cabral of Williams Selyem, and Georg & Maximillian Riedel as Generations of Innovation, among others. Upon learning of the news, CEO Carolyn Wente stated, “This is really such a wonderful acknowledgement and recognition for the five generations of my family who have remained committed to the wine business. We all love what we do and my two brothers Eric and Phil and my niece and nephew Christine and Karl are individually helping to build our company into a strong, relevant and quality driven winery in the 21st century. We have built on the foundation laid by my great grandfather, Carl Wente, who came to this country as an immigrant in the late 19th century, to the Livermore Valley in 1883.”
This award comes at an auspicious time for the winery as 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of Chardonnay coming to America. In 1912, Ernest Wente, son of founder Carl Wente, brought Chardonnay cuttings from Montpelier, France to California. His plantings and experimentation with the Chardonnay clone began a chapter in California wine history that continues today. Post Prohibition, Chardonnay plantings encompassed roughly 100 acres in California, and today nearly 100,000 acres are planted to Chardonnay and it is the top selling varietal in the country. Over 75% of the Chardonnay planted in California is derived from the Wente clone, making the Wente family integral in the development of wine culture for Americans.
As one of the top 30 wine companies in America several years running, Wente Family Estates has established itself as a unique company given that it is family-owned, and all of its fruit is estate grown and sustainably farmed. Due to the vision of CEO Carolyn Wente, the winery was also among the first to develop a wine country destination program when 25 years ago, Carolyn launched both an onsite fine dining restaurant, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, as well as the renowned Concerts at Wente Vineyards. In 1998, the winery opened the Course at Wente Vineyards on property, an 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman. Blazing a trail that many would follow, Wente Vineyards made wine country more than just a casual stop by a tasting room to an entire wine country experience.
In 2008, on the occasion of their 125th anniversary, the Culinary Institute of America inducted Wente Vineyards’ founder Carl Heinrich Wente into the “Vintners Hall of Fame” as a “Pioneer.” In 2010, the winery was named both Winery of the Year by the California Travel Industry Association and received the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2010 California State Fair. Several generations of sustainability efforts were also recognized when Wente Family Estates became among the first wineries to attain Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing status for its business and winemaking practices in 2010. Also in 2010, the Course at Wente Vineyards became a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon International Program, recognized for its commitment to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property as part of its holistic sustainability mandate.
With the Winery of the Year Award, Wente Family Estates is recognized in good company in the Winery of the Year category with previous recipients J. Lohr, Trinchero Family Estates and Concannon. The winners will be announced in the December 15th issue of Wine Enthusiast and a private ceremony honoring the awardees will be held at the New York Public Library on January 30, 2012.
About Wente Vineyards
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, Wente Vineyards is led by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. More than 128 years of committed stewardship to the land led to the development in the 1990s of Wente Vineyards’ Farming for the Future program, a system of sustainable viticultural practices designed to produce the best quality wines with the least environmental impact. This philosophy extends to all aspects of winery operations, where energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and social responsibility are all integral to the culture.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
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. The telephone number for reservations and information is (925) 456-2450 or online at 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 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 The Course at Wente Vineyards
The Course at Wente Vineyards opened in July 1998. Designed by golfing great Greg Norman, the 18-hole championship course is a picturesque 7,181-yard, par-72, upscale, daily-fee golf course tucked away in the scenic, rural Livermore Valley, 50 minutes east of San Francisco. With three distinct topographies - native woodlands, mature vineyard and rolling hills of natural grasslands - 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 online at www.wentegolf.com. The Course is located at 5040 Arroyo Road in Livermore, CA.
About Murrieta’s Well
Murrieta’s Well is a Livermore Valley wine estate defined by its distinctive blended wines, stunning location, and a rich heritage that began in California’s Gold Rush era. In 1990, Fourth Generation Winemaker Philip Wente and Winemaker Sergio Traverso merged old and new winemaking styles, reviving the historic winery originally established by Livermore Pioneer Louis Mel. Set in the heart of the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), Murrieta’s Well is located 40 miles east of San Francisco. The site is located on a natural water source at the base of the Arroyo Mocho where the legendary gold rush era bandito Joaquin Murrieta is known to have frequented the artesian well in front the winery. It is for him that the winery is named.
About Tamás Estates
Founded in 1984, Tamás Estates is part of the Wente Family Estates portfolio, sharing in the family's 128-year commitment to fine winemaking and land stewardship. Sourced from the Wente family’s estate vineyards in the Central Coast appellation, the wines of Tamás Estates are food friendly, delicious and offered at price points that allow for everyday enjoyment. The core portfolio includes Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel and Double Decker Red with wine club only offerings as well.
For more information, interviews and imagery please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or Kimberly Charles at press@charlescomm.com.
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2011 Fall Calendar of Events: November - December
31 October, 2011
Livermore Valley, CA – 2011: This lineup of enticing upcoming events from Wente Vineyards offers many ways to celebrate the fall and winter season. Art showings, special tastings and family activities create opportunities to delight the tastes of every wine enthusiast.
Activities for November through December include:
November
Winemaker’s Dinner
November 3rd from 6 – 9 p.m.
Vineyard Tasting Room
Enjoy fine food and wine with Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente. The gourmet four-course meal with accompanying wine pairings present a memorable and delectable opportunity to experience the finest expressions in food and wine pairings by Wente Vineyards. Vegetarian option also available. Call 925-456-2405 to reserve a space, reservations required.
Artist Reception: Watercolors by Charlotte Severin
November 6th from 1 – 3 p.m.
Estate Winery Tasting Room
Local artist Charlotte Severin will be displaying her watercolor paintings at the Estate tasting room. Come meet the artist and sip on some fabulous Wente Vineyards Wines. Exhibit on display through November 30th.
Holiday Preview
November 25th, 26th, & 27th from 11 – 4:30 p.m.
Estate Winery Tasting Room & Vineyard Tasting Room
Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and entertaining ideas! Enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend at Wente Vineyards and get a chance to browse new holiday merchandise, stock up on holiday favorites, and pick up gifts for friends and family, all while you sample your favorite Wente Vineyards wines. You can also “build your own basket” and we’ll have it ready for you to take home for the perfect holiday gift. The majority of proceeds will go to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
Thanksgiving Take Home Dinner
Pick up November 23rd
Feeding six generously, the Thanksgiving menu showcases a traditional holiday dinner including succulently prepared dishes with simple finishing instructions to follow at home. Pick up your meal onsite the day before Thanksgiving for $249, and spend the day around the table – instead of the kitchen. Limited availability. Order online or call 925-456-2444.
December
Holiday in the Vineyards
December 3rd & 4th from 12 – 5p.m.
Estate Winery Tasting Room
An open house at our Livermore wineries celebrates the season by sharing the joy of special wines, crafts, music and more! Award-winning wines are offered along with gourmet foods, barrel tasting, and special holiday treats. Photo with Santa, Sunday only from 1-3 pm.
Gingerbread House Building Workshop
December 3rd & 4th from 11 – 12:30p.m.
Event Center at Wente Vineyards
Join us for the Gingerbread House Building Workshop where everything is provided for you to decorate and create a delicious holiday centerpiece. Kids of all ages are welcome (must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets are for sale to Club Wente entertainment members on 10/15/11 and to the general public beginning on 11/15/11. Prices: Minimum $99, for a pair of tickets with one gingerbread house
$59 for additional single ticket(s) with gingerbread house
$19 for additional observer ticket(s), limit two per group.
Artist Reception: Printmaking by Edmee Keele
December 11th from 1 – 3p.m.
Estate Winery Tasting Room
Local artist Edmee Keele will be displaying her printmaking at the Estate Tasting Room. Come meet the artist and sip on some fabulous Wente Vineyards Wines. Exhibit on display through January 26th.
Holiday Take Home Dinner
Pick up December 23rd
Take home a Holiday Dinner prepared by our chefs from our kitchen to yours, making holiday entertaining incredibly easy! This holiday take-home dinner includes seven dishes with a choice of dry-aged certified Angus Prime Rib ($279) or Pan Seared Salmon ($239). Pick it up onsite December 23rd. Limited availability. Order online or call 925-456-2444.
About Wente Vineyards
Named a Top 30 wine company by the 2011 Wine Business Monthly, Wente Vineyards is the country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, Wente Vineyards is led by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. More than 125 years of committed stewardship to the land has led to the development of Wente Vineyards’ Farming for the Future program, a system of sustainable viticultural practices designed to produce the best quality wines with the least environmental impact. This philosophy extends to all aspects of winery operations, where energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and social responsibility are all integral to the culture.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf. For more information, please visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For any interviews or media assistance, please contact Kristin Namimoto at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
Helpful addresses:
Estate Winery Tasting Room | 5565 Tesla Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2305
Vineyard Tasting Room | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2405
Event Center at Wente Vineyards | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2405
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Bar Bambino Offers Diverse Catering This Holiday Season
18 October, 2011
Bar Bambino Offers Diverse Catering and
Event Offerings This Holiday Season
This holiday season, Bar Bambino is highlighting its catering features to help lighten up the demanding holiday work load. To make the holidays less stressful, they’ve enhanced their already established offerings that suit any holiday gathering, simple or detailed. They include:
Holiday Party Package
For a leave-it-all-to-us holiday fête, Bar Bambino offers their Holiday Party Package that includes luxury transportation from the office and back, a sparkling wine reception upon arrival, and a sumptuous multi-course wine-paired European-style lunch or dinner. Pricing for this all-inclusive package starts at $170 per person and is sure to be a memorable holiday treat highlighting the refined rustic cuisine, style and service for which Bar Bambino is famed.
Private Dining
Give the gift of rustic elegance this year with a night of award-winning cuisine and extraordinary wine in a stunning location. Book a lovely and semi-private table for a multi-course wine paired dinner, or rent out the newly renovated patio for a holiday happy hour or dinner for up to 20 of your friends or colleagues. For larger events, such as a corporate holiday party, the entire restaurant is available for a private celebration.
Bar Bambino Catering
Bar Bambino offers a catering service that is perfect for office or home gatherings. Whether your preference is serving simply delicious platters of salumi and formaggi or a range of Bar Bambino’s inspired hors d’oeuvres paired with sophisticated wine selections, Bar Bambino's event planning professionals can assist with event design, budgeting, planning and execution.
Box Lunches
Bar Bambino’s popular take away gourmet lunches are a perennial favorite. These great value, all-in-one gourmet lunches can be delivered anywhere in San Francisco. A great way to treat hard-working office staff, deserving clients, or just people with whom you want to enjoy great food and company. Bar Bambino’s box lunches are beautifully packaged in environmentally sensitive materials and include a seasonally inspired sandwich, salad, and dessert.
For more information and reservations please call Bar Bambino at 415.701.VINO (8466) or email events@barbambino.com or visit their website www.barbambino.com.
For media inquiries, interviews or images, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415 701 9463.