Livermore Valley, CA  - This lineup of enticing upcoming events from Wente Family Estates offers many ways to celebrate the beginning of Spring. Art showings, special tastings and events and family activities create opportunities to delight the tastes of every wine enthusiast. Activities at Wente Family Estates from April through June, 2012 include: April Pasta 101 Demonstration Class April 7th, 10:30am-11:30am The Restaurant Rotunda Dining Room Join us for a Demonstration class taught by the Catering Executive Chef, Jeff Farlow. There is no charge for the class, but space is limited. Call 925-456-2450 for reservations. Artist Reception: Watercolor by Carol Maddox April 7th, 1pm-3pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Local artist Carol Maddox will be displaing her unique watercolors at the Estate Winery Tasting Room through April. Come meet the artist and enjoy the incredible wines by Wente Vineyards. For more information call 925-456-2305. Yoga & Wine Class April 11th, 5:00pm-7pm Vineyard Lawn – 5050 Arroyo Road Come heighten your senses with Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, at the first class of Wente Vineyards’ Yoga & Wine series on the Vineyard Lawn, followed by a special wine and cheese tasting. Reservations required.  For more information call the Vineyard Tasting Room 925-456-2405. Celebrate Earth Day at Wente Vineyards April 22nd, 11am-4pm Wente Vineyards Event Center Join Wente Vineyards as we celebrate Earth Day! Enjoy great food, wine, information and activity booths, and live music at the Wente Vineyards. It’s green fun for the whole family. Learn more about Wente Vineyards’ ongoing sustainability efforts and green initiatives by participating in complimentary walking tours of our sustainable garden and Audubon certified golf course. No admission fee, Wine tasting $15 per person, $10 for Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, & TAMÁS Estates Club Members.For more information call 925.456.2300. Festivities include: Activity and information booths from local green and sustainable businesses Presentations detailing Wente Vineyards sustainability program at 1pm and 3pm Garden tours at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, led by Master Gardener Diane Dovholuk Tours of the recently re-certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary at The Course at Wente Vineyards at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm Designated activities for children including a place for kids to craft jewelry from recycled products and a worm composting station Golf contest, croquet, Wente washer games Dining at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards to enjoy a special three-course menu featuring garden ingredients (for menu please visit www.wentevineyards.com) Concessions by Catering at Wente Vineyards Wine tasting from Wente Vineyards, Tamás Estates, Murrieta’s Well, and Entwine May Artist Reception: Acrylics by Pat Cranor May 6th, 1pm-3pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Join Wente Vineyards for a reception showcasing acrylic art by local artist, Pat Cranor. Artwork will be on display in the Estate Winery Tasting Room through May. For more information call 925-456-2305. Spring Garden Tour May 8th, 10:30am-12pm The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards Explore the vineyard’s beautiful 1,000-square food herb and vegetable garden and learn about the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards extensive sustainability practices from our Master-Gardener, Diane Dovholuk. Our Executive Chef, Matt Greco, will also provide a cooking demo using ingredients that we picked in the garden that morning. Admission is free, however space is limited and reservations are required. Call 925.456.2450.  Winemaker’s Dinner to the Nth Degree May 11th, 6:30pm-9pm Wente Vineyards Event Center Join us for the ultimate celebration of food and wine at Wente Vineyards. Sample the finest pairing of the winemaking, gardening and culinary arts. Join Winemaker Karl Wente as he shares his wines with culinary creations from Master Gardener, Diane Dovholuk and Chef Jeff Farlow. This team joins together to combine wine country cuisine with fresh local ingredients from our own garden, paired with the finest expression of winemaking. Reservations are required and space is limited. $109 per guest including wine, $89 for Club Wente Members. Call 925-456-2450 for reservations or purchase online. The Concerts at Wente Vineyards: Opening Day May 19th, 2012 On May 19th, Concert Tickets become available to the public through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster Call Centers at 1.800.745.3000. The Box Office at Wente Vineyards is available Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm. Become a Club Wente Entertainment Member and receive Exclusive Savings on tickets and bottles of wine purchased at outdoor concert wine bars. For the 2012 Concerts at the Vineyards news visit  wentevineyards.com. Yoga & Wine Class April 11th, 5:00pm-7pm Vineyard Lawn – 5050 Arroyo Road Join us for the second installment of the Yoga & Wine series with Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, followed by a special wine and cheese tasting. Reservations required.  For more information call the Vineyard Tasting Room 925-456-2405. 40th Annual Art in the Vineyard May 27th, 11am-5pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Enjoy wine, art, food and music? Come soak up the beautiful setting of the Estate Winery while enjoying inspired art demonstrations and the works of Livermore Valley's most talented artists. Join us for the 40th annual Art in the Vineyard festival! Event is complimentary. $15 for wine tasting, which includes a commemorative glass, $10 for Club Wente members.For information call 925-456-2305. June Artist Reception: Watercolors by Michael Robles June 3rd, 1pm-3pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Local artist, Michael Robles, will be showcasing his watercolors at the Estate Tasting Room throughout the month of June. Come meet the artist and enjoy wines by Wente Vineyards! For information call 925-456-2305. Summer Garden Tour June 12th, 10:30am-12pm The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards Explore the vineyard’s beautiful 1,000-square food herb and vegetable garden and learn about the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards extensive sustainability practices from our Master-Gardener, Diane Dovholuk. Our Executive Chef, Matt Greco, will also provide a cooking demo using ingredients that we picked in the garden that morning. Admission is free, however space is limited and reservations are required. Call 925.456.2450.  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 byWine 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. For any interviews or media assistance, please contact Skye Morgan 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 # # #

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** Yoga and Wine at Wente Vineyards  Invigorating Yoga and Meditation Class with Wine and Cheese Tasting by Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente “American Winery of the Year*” WHO: Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente of Wente Vineyards and Suzanna Spring of Cosmic Dog yoga studio in Livermore, CA invite the public to the second annual Yoga and Wine series, an invigorating evening of utkatasanas and hand-crafted wines in a picturesque vineyard setting at Wente Vineyards. WHAT: The yoga class will be followed by a special wine and cheese tasting lead by Karl Wente, featuring Wente Vineyards’ 2010 Riva Ranch Chardonnay and 2009 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon. The class will be $35 per person and $40 at the door. For Wente Vineyards Club Members, the class is only $30. Guests are required to bring their own mats and towels to the property along with cash or check only. Space is limited. WHEN: - Wednesday, April 11th, 2012                      Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012                      Check in begins at 5:00 p.m.                      Yoga class from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.                      Wine and cheese tasting from 6:30 pm-7:00p.m. WHERE: 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550                     Yoga and tasting will take place on the Vineyard Lawn MORE: Dedicated yogi and Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente has continuously expressed how yoga has encouraged balance and focus in his life, allowing him to become acutely in-tune with the wines he creates. Those who have experienced the many benefits of yoga have likely also encountered heightened senses following a yoga practice. For wine lovers, this translates to finely tuned senses to the aromas and flavor profiles in wine and can elevate a tasting experience that may well be unattainable to the average non-yoga practicing wine consumer. This unique event at Wente Vineyards promises to enchant the senses.   CONTACT: For more information or to RSVP, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates: 415-701-9463 | skye@charlescomm.com *Presented by Wine Enthusiast

Graton, CA - Sonoma Wine Company, the North Coast’s largest, full-service crush-to-bottle contract winery services provider, has partnered with Winesecrets, a leading provider of wine production technologies, to offer cross-platform services to its third-party clients. This unique partnership will support clients throughout the winemaking process; from custom crushing and blending, bottling, labeling, barrel storage, bulk wine storage, and case goods storage services to a full spectrum of additional specialty vinification services. Exciting new services featured through this partnership include environmentally friendly tartaric stabilization through Winesecrets’ Selective Tartrate Removal System (STARS) filtration technology. STARS utilizes electrodialysis to rapidly remove tartrate crystals formed during fermentation, creating a clean, pure wine with just a fraction of the energy required by bulk refrigeration. As a result, the system accomplishes in hours what typically takes days and weeks using conventional cold stabilization techniques. Winesecrets has housed its newest STARS units at Sonoma Wine Company, offering clients immediate access to this cutting-edge technology. Through the partnership, Sonoma Wine Company will also offer other services such as Crossflow filtration, which is rapidly becoming the method of choice for wine clarification. Another offering made available through the partnership is alcohol removal services. “This alliance will allow us to provide in-house filtration and wine finishing services at extremely competitive prices by eliminating the need for our clients to transport their wines to an outside location,” says Mark Castaldi, General Manager of Sonoma Wine Company. “This newly created alliance with Winesecrets has allowed Sonoma Wine Company the opportunity to provide its clients with the broadest and widest possible portfolio of services,” he adds. “Sonoma Wine Company is a clear leader in cost effective production services,” says Eric Dahlberg, President of Winesecrets. “Our alliance with Sonoma Wine Company offers their clients preferred access to cutting edge winemaking technologies while providing Winesecrets with an operating hub within the Napa appellation to service our new and existing customers.” This newest partnership is a continuation of Sonoma Wine Company’s ongoing strategy to develop strategic alliances with key supply chain service providers. By taking this approach, Sonoma Wine Company will continue to assist client wineries with opportunities for improved efficiencies and reduced costs by providing a “one stop shopping” alternative. 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. About Winesecrets Winesecrets, headquartered in Sebastopol, CA, was founded in 2003 to bring STARS, an environmentally friendly solution for tartaric stabilization to the North American wine industry. Winesecrets other filtration services include Volatile Acidity Reduction, Brettanomyces (4EP/4EG) mitigation, and other taint removal. Winesecrets also provides mobile and fixed Alcohol Adjustment (at its Sebastopol, CA hub), Ultra Filtration, Cross-Flow Micro-Filtration and mobile centrifugal clarification. Winesecrets is known for creating useful services from promising wine production technologies. 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. ###

Livermore Valley, CA – On the heels of supporting Noise Pop, San Francisco’s city-wide music and arts festival, for the third year, Wente Vineyards continues its successful emerging artist program, ‘Discover the Wine, Discover the Music’ (DWDM) through participation in South by Southwest (SXSW) from Tuesday, March 13th to Sunday, March 18th this year. DWDM launched five years ago when Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente decided to blend his love for fine wines with independent original music. Every year Karl pairs six up-and-coming artists’ singles with six of his Estate grown wines to create a new “vintage”. Karl Wente strongly believes that great wine and good food should be paired with music, and has a knack for finding unique parallels between music and wine. This year Wente Vineyards is tapping into SXSW in a unique way. Wente Vineyards and Noise Pop have teamed up to host several music and wine pairing events. The first was held on Wednesday, March 14, where 16 bands performed at Red Eyed Fly including Three Oh Sees, Pillowfight and Y La Bamba. The second event is this Friday, March 16 from 12pm-6pm and will feature14 bands performing at the Iota/ Noisepop/Wente SXSW Day Party. Both events are free. Noise Pop and Wente Vineyards also held sold out “The Cover Dinners” on Tuesday, March 13 and Wednesday March 14. The exclusive events, held at secret locations in Austin, were hosted by Karl Wente and featured the pairing of great wine with new music. In addition, Karl Wente will be hosting acoustic performances and a Wente Vineyards wine tasting at Cork and Co., 308 Congress Company located at 308 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701, from 12pm-3pm March 15th, 16th and 17th. Some of the bands performing include: The Front Porch, Loquat, The Pierces, the Soft White Sixties, The Kin and more.  This event is free to the public. Tickets to SXSW can be purchased online at Ticketfly.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, 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 Noise Pop Noise Pop sprang to life in 1993. It was originally a single night in a small club showcasing the best of the burgeoning underground San Francisco music scene. It has since developed into one of the country’s leading independent music festivals. The event has achieved grassroots and critical success, as well as international recognition. Many of the most important artists of our time—including The White Stripes, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World, The Flaming Lips, The Shins, Bright Eyes, and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco have played on Noise Pop stages. Over the course of five days, Noise Pop presents dozens of unique and important music shows in the city’s best-loved venues. It has grown to include a film festival, an educational series, art openings and dining experiences. It is a music-lover’s celebration and a celebration of San Francisco—the shows sell out, people have fun, and every year the event grows in size and scope. # # #

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.   # # #

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. #   #   #

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. # # #

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.   ###

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. -###-

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.

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. # # #

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 # # #

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. ###

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. # # #

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. #   #   #