Charles Communication Associates' Latest News
ANNUAL AUCTION WINEAPAWLOOZA 2021
15 April, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jameson Humane
1199 Cuttings Wharf Road
Napa, CA 94559
414.708.3935 | www.jamesonhumane.org
Media Queries: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.730.0064 | kcharles@charlescomm.com
JAMESON HUMANE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL AUCTION WINEAPAWLOOZA 2021: WHERE ANIMAL ADVOCATES AND WINE LOVERS MEET
JUNE 19, 2021 – VIRTUAL
Once Again Virtual Live Auction to be Produced by Jason and Christina Wise of SOMM Films and SOMM TV; Tickets on Sale Today
(Napa, Calif.) — April 15, 2021 — Jameson Humane (Jameson), an impact-driven nonprofit that educates to inspire change on behalf of companion and farmed animals in need, announces that it will hold its signature fundraising event, WineaPAWlooza 2021, VIRTUALLY on Saturday, June 19 at 5pm, PT, during the summer solstice. WineaPAWlooza has earned its place as one of the top 10 wine events in the country, cited by Wine Spectator magazine, with 2020’s WineaPAWlooza having been viewed by over 500 people from across the United States and around the world, including Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Australia, and even Norway. This year’s fast-paced, virtual event features rare, handcrafted wines from more than 50 famed vintners and winemakers; a special video message from Jameson Humane volunteers and staff; and a live, interactive auction of 12 incredible lots led by auctioneer Fritz Hatton, all of which have been developed by the event's powerhouse auction committee (listed below). A prominent early lot from the owners of Scarecrow (who are very generous animal lovers) and a large format of Screaming Eagle, from its Founder, Jean Phillips, another big-hearted animal advocate, have been secured as of this writing.
Produced by Jason and Christina Wise (SOMM Documentary Films and SOMM TV), the 75-minute live event and auction will be hosted by Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin, Head of Wine at Wine Access, world-renowned auctioneer Fritz Hatton, and Jameson Humane and 750 Wines Founders Monica and David Stevens; and will be broadcast on SOMM TV, merging the excitement of a live auction with pre-recorded auction lot content. Preceding the event, Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant, will be interviewing a collection of prestigious vintners to vividly illuminate where wine and animal welfare intersect by way of thought-provoking Q&A sessions.
Tickets go on sale today at https://jamesonhumane.ejoinme.org/wineapawlooza2021
Ticket pricing and levels span a range of packages, which include rare wines, broader access to the event, and special offers. To inquire about ticketing, please contact: Arwen Gallenkamp, Development Manager at arwen@jamesonhumane.org or 707.337.9409.
WineaPawlooza 2021 Steering Committee
HONORARY CHAIRS
Betty & Andy Beckstoffer
CHAIRS
Vanessa Conlin MW, Head of Wine, Wine Access
Monica Stevens, CoFounder Jameson Humane & 750 Wines
COMMITTEE
Jaime Araujo, Trois Noix and Stella & Graham
Victoria DeCrescenzo, Bevan Cellars
Matt Duncan, Silver Oak
Ian Fenwick, Hourglass Wines
Greg Gregory, Silicon Valley Bank
Dr Amy Herold, CMO, Queen of the Valley
Lawrence Fairchild, Fairchild Estate
Jordan Felling, One Hope Winery
Scott Gould, Opus One
Scott Lewis, V Wine Cellars
Amanda McCrossin, Somm Vivant
Juan Mercado, Founder, Realm Cellars
Christophe Smith, Global Wine Consultant
David Stevens, CoFounder Jameson Humane & 750 Wines
Brooke Winther, Relic Wines
Jason and Christina Wise, SOMM-TV
“In the hopes that this will be the last time we host WineaPAWlooza virtually, we’re going to make history under the summer solstice, the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and we raise our paddles just as high for the betterment of animals. The event is a symbol that marks the generosity and collaboration of our vintners and community, coupled with the spectacular support of our donors from around the country, auction committee, and the entire team at SOMM TV, reaffirming our belief that everyone understands how important our mission is. We bring awareness, educate, and respond to needs when a disaster strikes; the community supports us—together we save animals lives and make world a better place.” – Jameson Humane and WineaPAWlooza Cofounder Monica Stevens
ABOUT JAMESON HUMANE
In 2014, Monica and David Stevens founded Jameson Humane in Napa Valley to improve animal well-being through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. Guided by instincts, Jameson has not followed the traditional path of “animal rescue” but instead listened to the community and responded holistically to the needs of animals and human guardians. As an impact-driven nonprofit organization that collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare, not only in local communities, but around the world, Jameson’s program model includes a variety of novel solutions and approaches driven by education. Every day, Jameson’s work is guided by how animals, the environment, and the community are all inextricably connected.
ABOUT WINEAPAWLOOZA
WineaPAWlooza is Jameson’s annual fundraiser, an event that has earned its place as one of the top ten wine events in the country according to Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this spirited and anticipated event supply the critical funds necessary for Jameson programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save animal lives. Because of WineaPAWlooza, Jameson has been able to help thousands of animals and their humans in our community and beyond through vital programs that work across the inextricable web between animal welfare, our community, and the environment. This year’s event will help ensure these programs thrive as we continue to affect real change.
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Domaine Carneros to Debut New On-Site Winery Offerings April 1, 2021
30 March, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Charles Communications Associates
415.730.0064 | press@charlescomm.com
Domaine Carneros to Debut New On-Site Winery Offerings April 1, 2021
Celebrated Napa Winery Introduces New “Bubbles & Bites” Menu, and an Exclusive Outdoor Sabrage Experience
Carneros, CA – March 30, 2021 – As COVID-19 restrictions are gradually being lifted, Domaine Carneros, the highly lauded sparkling wine house in the Carneros AVA of California, is excited to introduce two new offerings, both available to visiting guests as of April 1st.
The second iteration of their “Bubbles & Bites” food & wine pairing, specially curated to highlight the flavors of cuisines around the globe, now transports guests to Mexico. This new menu, beginning April 1, 2021, highlights the depth and vibrancy of fine Mexican cuisine, finding inspiration in history, family, and the freshest local ingredients. The experience is led by one of their most seasoned wine educators, and includes a seasonal menu of four savory bites and one sweet bite, each of which has been specially designed to pair with four Domaine Carneros sparkling wines – the Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvee, Brut Rosé and Vermeil Demi-Sec. To book this experience ($90 per person excluding gratuity and tax), guests may call 707-257-0101 x 150, email reservations@domainecarneros.com or reserve online.
Additionally, beginning April 1st, Domaine Carneros will be offering a new unforgettable and elevated tasting experience: The Art of Sabrage. This experience, offered Monday through Thursday for parties of two to six people, shares the history, legend and technique of this dramatic ritual which dates back to the age of Napoleon. This experience includes four tastes of Domaine Carneros sparkling wines paired with a selection of local artisanal delights from Journeyman Meats, Cowgirl Creamery, and Tsar Nicoulai caviar and includes the sabering demonstration. To book this experience ($150 per person excluding gratuity and tax), guests may call 707-257-0101 x 150, email reservations@domainecarneros.com or reserve online.
ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS
Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 125 acres planted to Chardonnay, 225 acres planted to Pinot Noir, with the remaining acres currently in development. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production Pinot Noirs.
Domaine Carneros' château has become a landmark and symbol of the region. The architecture and interior design were inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie, the historic Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region. In March of this year, the San Francisco Chronicle named Domaine Carneros one of the top 25 Best Bay Area Wineries to Visit.
The winery also places a high value on preserving the environment and has been a leader with respect to a vast array of environmental undertakings. The roof of the pinot noir winery adjacent to the château hosts a solar array that was the largest on any winery in the world when it was installed and this year, a state of the art microgrid system will be installed which will help the winery with 85% of its energy needs. Two of the most recent awards, were the California Green Medal for Domaine Carneros’ demonstration of “Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices," and in 2020, the Napa Climate Now Climate Champion in the Business category.
For information, images and interviews please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
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Wente Family Estates Announces Promotions for Sales and Marketing Team
23 March, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415-701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Wente Family Estates Announces Promotions for Sales and Marketing Team
March 23, 2021 Livermore CA—Wente Family Estates, America’s longest, continuously family owned and operated winery, announces key promotions for executives across the Sales and Marketing Organization.
David Enderle has been appointed the role of Chief Sales Officer, where he will lead the Domestic, Export, and National Accounts sales teams, and serve as a member of the eight-person Senior Leadership Team. Enderle joined Wente Family Estates in May 2015 as Vice President National Accounts Off Premise and most recently has served as Senior Vice President National Accounts supporting the On and Off Premise businesses. During his time at Wente Family Estates, Enderle and the National Accounts team have worked in partnership with the sales divisions, wholesaler network, and internal functional leaders to support significant growth of Wente Family Estate brands with key national customers. The resulting impact of this growth has been critical in driving brand health as measured by Nielsen and IRI syndicated data, further reinforcing a foundation for future growth. Prior to joining Wente Family Estates, he held leadership roles at Constellation Brands in National Account sales management, building on his time spend at Johnson Brothers, Safeway, and Romano Brothers. Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Tyson Overton, says “Dave has demonstrated strong leadership skills and helped drive several key strategic initiatives during his time at Wente Family Estates. We look forward to him leading the team to expand our footprint in domestic and international businesses.”
Succeeding David as Senior Vice President of National Accounts, responsible for On and Off Premise national account business, is Chris McCallister. He has most recently been serving as Vice president National Accounts, focusing his time growing the Wente Family Estates portfolio of brands in the Off Premise channel with some of the largest clients in the United States. McCallister joined Wente Family Estates in 2017 following his time serving as the national representative for Schmitt Söhne. Chris’s prior industry experience includes working in sales and category management at Glazer’s Distributors and E. & J. Gallo Winery. David Enderle, Chief Sales Officer states, “Chris’s relationships within the industry at all tiers, and his ability to create and lead innovative, data driven solutions make him an exceptional leader and will serve Wente Family Estates well with him in a lead role.”
In the marketing organization, Aly Wente, has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience. In this expanded role, she will continue to oversee the total portfolio marketing strategy while bringing the hospitality business into her purview. The hospitality business includes the Wente Vineyards Tasting Lounge, Murrieta’s Well tasting room, The Grill at Wente Vineyards, events, and experiences. She will report directly into Tyson Overton, Chief Executive Officer, and serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. “Aly has played a significant role in supporting the growth and success of the wholesale, DTC, and customer experience businesses while leading the marketing organization. We believe that aligning marketing and hospitality will allow for a stronger connection to the consumer at all brand touchpoints,” says Overton. Aly joined Wente Family Estate as Senior Brand Manager in 2019 after serving in brand marketing management roles at Constellation Brands. She has most recently been operating as Director of Marketing since July of 2020.
About Wente Family Estates
Wente Family Estates was established by Carl H. Wente who came to California as an immigrant 138 years ago. The company portfolio includes Wente Vineyards, Murrieta's Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angels Ink, Unsullied, and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 5% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.
Wente Family Estates is among the top 30 wineries in the United States from the standpoint of production and distribution. The winery has a brisk domestic business and a significant share of the export wine market, where the wines have enjoyed international acclaim for decades. Wente Family Estates is also a leading export company, selling wines to 75 countries globally.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards' best practices, outstanding wines, and wine country experiences. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For press inquiries, interviews and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064
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2020: A Record Year for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
11 March, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415-701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
2020: A Record Year for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
92 million bottles of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG were certified in 2020, matching 2019’s record
Solighetto, Italy March 11, 2021- The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG recently released its annual report for the year 2020. In a year characterized by many challenges, the Consorzio was pleased to announce that 92 million bottles were certified- meeting the same level as 2019 which was record setting at the time. By focusing on product quality, the reputation of the denomination, and safeguarding the heritage of the territory, the region was able to thrive in a time of economic challenge globally.
“We concluded 2020 with excellent results, which is particularly significant considering the year that we had. It wasn't easy, but we have achieved truly an unprecedented feat. The companies of the denomination have proven their ability to adapt to adversity, while having to abide by the strict measures that are enforced, and the threatening situation of the marketplace, especially in spring” said Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio di Tutela. “The final result is attributed to a strong recovery in December, which saw an increase in certifications compared to previous years, and that offset the poorer results in the more difficult months of 2020."
This result underlines the close relationship between the producers and the marketplace. The companies as a whole, had to adapt to a dramatic change in sales channels globally with the on premise market suffering due to temporary and permanent closures. Both in Italy and abroad, on premise and catering account for one third of consumption in volume, and more than half in value for sales. The overall growth in volume was in fact due to the repositioning of the product in off premise channels as well as through e-commerce.
"The 2020 results confirm our ability as producers" - commented President Nardi - "to bottle an excellent wine produced with the masterful knowhow originating in the wonderful territory rich in heritage which we have cultivated in a sustainable way. This is a territory that has not only been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its interaction between man and nature, but which is also the largest glyphosate-free cultivated area in Europe."
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG was founded in 1962 as a private entity to guarantee and oversee compliance with the production regulations of Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The sparkling wine produced in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (TV) was certified Controlled Denomination of Origin in 1969 and Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin in 2009. The production area includes 15 municipalities: Conegliano, San Vendemiano, Colle Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, Tarzo, Cison di Valmarino, San Pietro di Feletto, Refrontolo, Susegana, Pieve di Soligo, Farra di Soligo, Follina, Miane, Vidor, and Valdobbiadene. The Consorzio, currently chaired by Innocente Nardi, is based in the town of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo, and brings together 192 sparkling wine cellars and 442 winemakers. The Denomination includes a total of 3400 families of the territory that are engaged in the production of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates in three main areas – the protection and promotion of the product in Italy and abroad-, by promoting knowledge through training, event organization, and public relations. Finally, it provides technical assistance to consortium members that covers all aspects, from the vineyard to the cellar.
For press inquiries , interviews and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064
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Wente Family Estates Announces Next Generation of Leaders
3 March, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415-701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Wente Family Estates Announces Next Generation of Leaders
Eric Wente, Chairman of the Board of Wente Family Estates, announces next generation leadership transition effective April 1, 2021.
March 3, 2021 Livermore, CA – Wente Family Estates announced today a new alignment for the company’s senior leadership at America’s longest continuously owned and operated family winery, celebrating 138 years of history in 2021. Eric Wente will be transitioning to Chairman Emeritus as the next step in his 43 years of service supporting the five-generation family business where he has held roles including winemaker and head of production, to leadership roles as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Wente Family Estates. “I have worked tirelessly for the success of our multi-generational family business, which included succession planning. Even with the global and local challenges we all are facing, it reaffirms the work we have done and our vision for the future by making a change from fourth generation leaders to fifth generation. I am confident in the capabilities of this new leadership team to realize our vision as we navigate and shape our business in the new paradigm that emerges from the impact of Covid.”
Succeeding Eric as Chair will be Carolyn Wente. Carolyn joined the company in 1980 working side by side with her two brothers, Eric and Philip (Vice Chairman). Carolyn started in sales and marketing where she developed and led Wente Vineyards’ lifestyle businesses as well as grew the Wente Family Estates portfolio of brands over the past 40 years. She became President in 1995 and the family’s first female CEO in 2008. In Carolyn’s 13 years as acting CEO, she provided a steady vision for the business, with a focus on wholesale success, customer experience, continuous improvement of systems and operational flow, and a culture of innovation. “I am excited to support and guide this management transition to the fifth generation of Wente Family Estate executives. They are a team of extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and committed leaders who will achieve our strategic vision and mission. Personally, I look forward to this new stage of stewardship in my career and providing continuity with our internal team and external partners to enable success.”
Tyson Overton will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. Tyson joined Wente Family Estates in 2014 to lead its sales organization and most recently has been serving as the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, leading the charge on scaling Wente Family Estates’ share of the market. Tyson has proven to be an accomplished leader. Following consecutive years of growth in revenue, volume and share in the company’s wholesale business, he supported the team through a challenging, unprecedented year in 2020 and led them to over-deliver on company profit targets, driving success for the total organization. As CEO, Tyson will be part of the Senior Leadership Team comprised of family and key executives in HR, Sales, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and I.T, He is the second, non -family member to help lead the company at an important junction in its growth and strategy.
Tyson’s wine industry background includes ten years at E. & J. Gallo Winery where he held various sales and marketing roles focused on both domestic and export markets. He has also worked outside the industry as Vice President of Marketing at UnitedHealthcare and more recently in his capacity as Vice President International at 5.11 Tactical where he led expansion of the International Division. He has worked closely with Carolyn Wente since joining the company and has been a key executive in the Senior Leadership Team. “Tyson embodies the company’s core values of respect, integrity, sustainability and excellence,” adds Carolyn. “He is a highly effective leader with a strong track record of achievement in the wine industry and is well respected. I look forward to seeing Tyson leading the team to take Wente Family Estates to new heights.”
“I’m excited about the momentum we are carrying forward across our brands and businesses at Wente Family Estates, and I’m equally enthusiastic about where we are heading as an organization. It is an honor for me to support our continued success as a team and carry on the family vision,” said Overton. Today eight members of the fourth and fifth generations manage and operate the company with diverse responsibilities, led by Carolyn Wente. Together, the family team is striving to position Wente Family Estates as the most respected family-owned winery in the world. Family leadership is comprised of 4th generation winegrowers; Chairman of the Board Carolyn Wente, Chairman of the Board Emeritus Eric Wente, Vice Chairman Phil Wente; Fifth Generation Winegrowers COO and Chief Winemaker Karl D. Wente, President of Wente Foundation for Arts Education Christine Wente, Director of Marketing Aly Wente, Viticulture Manager Niki Wente, and Project Manager for Winegrowing Operations Jordan Wente.
About Wente Family Estates
Wente Family Estates was established by Carl H. Wente who came to California as an immigrant 138 years ago. The company portfolio includes Wente Vineyards, Murrieta's Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angels Ink, Unsullied, and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 5% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.
Wente Family Estates is among the top 30 wineries in the United States from the standpoint of production and distribution. The winery has a brisk domestic business and a significant share of the export wine market, where the wines have enjoyed international acclaim for decades. Wente Family Estates is also a leading export company, selling wines to 75 countries globally.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards' best practices, outstanding wines, and wine country experiences. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For press inquiries , interviews and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064
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Cycles Gladiator Wines Renews Its Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
1 March, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Phone 415|730-0064
Email: press@charlescomm.com
Cycles Gladiator Wines Renews Its Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
Following their program honoring 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote in 2020, company commits to more initiatives in 2021
Santa Rosa, CA, March 1, 2021 – On this day which kicks off Women’s History Month, Cycles Gladiator, the well-established national wine brand, announces several company initiatives that support women’s empowerment. Coming on the heels of a successful 2020 campaign called Walls for Women, wherein Cycles Gladiator co-sponsored an all-female team of muralists who created original art commemorating 100 years of women’s right to vote in the United States, the company laid out its 2021 plan to further their support.
The focus for 2021 will be on education and professional development for aspiring women seeking to advance their careers. Partnering with internationally established non-profit, Dress for Success for the month of March, the parent company of Cycles Gladiator will conduct an intercompany fundraiser for the Your Hour, Her Power campaign. In March, one hour of the equivalent salary for each employee of parent company Wine Hooligans, will be given to Dress for Success to celebrate the import and impact of the female executive and entrepreneurial leadership both at large and at the company. As shared on their website, “Dress for Success is dedicated to supporting women’s financial independence, and this campaign promotes the importance of leadership and empowerment of women for all women.” As an add on to the fundraiser, Cycles Gladiator will be supporting two workshops serving the client base throughout the United States. The company is asking for additional support of this campaign through social reposts of their feeds on IG and FB, raising awareness, or considering a donation to Dress for Success during Women’s History month using this link.
In addition, Cycles Gladiator will be offering a Wine & Spirits Education Trust scholarship to a qualified female candidate who is furthering her studies towards professional certification. The WSET is considered among the leading providers of wine education certification worldwide. Of the continuation of the successful campaign in 2020, Director of Marketing for Cycles Gladiator’s parent company, Wine Hooligans, Anna Frizzell stated, “Our longstanding commitment is to empower women at all levels, at our company, in our communities and well beyond.” Interested candidates should keep an eye on further announcements by following Cycles Gladiator socially on Instagram @cyclesgladiatorwine and Facebook @cyclesgladiator.
About Cycles Gladiator:
Noted award-winning winemaker Adam LaZarre started Cycles Gladiator in 2005. His goal: to make really great wines that taste two to three times the price and to know that on any given night, someone somewhere is enjoying his wine. Based in Paso Robles, California, LaZarre guides the whole process from selecting the best vineyards from the Central and North Coasts, to working with growers, to complete control of the winemaking, producing five expressive and tasty wines – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Belle Époque-inspired, Cycles Gladiator’s wine packaging features a woman suspended in mid-air, liberated by the bicycle, a new invention in the 19th century. The brand was named after the Paris-based bicycle producer, Gladiator company, whose evocative posters inspired women to get out of the house and explore the larger world, a seismic shift after so many centuries of domesticity. In turn, bicycles became an integral part of the women’s suffrage movement, leading Susan B Anthony to declare that bicycling had “done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.”
For more information, interviews and images please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|730-0064.
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WENTE FAMILY ESTATES ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS OF WINEMAKING TEAM
11 February, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.730.0064 | press@charlescomm.com
WENTE FAMILY ESTATES ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS OF WINEMAKING TEAM
Elizabeth Kester Appointed Head of Winemaking and Andy Lynch promoted to Head of Quality
February 11, 2021, LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – Wente Vineyards Estate is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Elizabeth Kester to Head of Winemaking and Andy Lynch to Head of Quality. With a combined twenty-five years with Wente Family Estates, both Kester and Lynch are well-suited to take the organization to the next level in their new positions.
In the Head of Winemaking role, Kestler, currently overseeing all wine production activity, will extend her responsibilities to include more strategic alignment between viticulture, marketing and sales. In her new position she will bolster the already impressive Wente Family Estates collection of brands and guide the winemaking team into an exciting future.
Working with Wente Family Estates since 2010, Elizabeth’s many contributions have had a tremendous impact on the development of the core portfolio. Her efforts have resulted in over forty 90+ scores, the development of Wente’s phenolics program - which utilizes cutting edge technology and processes which promote innovation and excellence, and several new brands including Ravel & Stitch and Angels Ink. In speaking about her new promotion, Kester says, "I feel incredibly fortunate to work so closely with the Wente family and their remarkable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco AVAs. I look forward to taking on a new challenge and leadership role."
As Head of Quality, Lynch will ensure all systems and resources address all aspects of quality, from the supply chain to the winemaking process, to the end consumer. Lynch will lead and drive continuous improvement with structured problem solving, lean methodologies, and industry best practices. Lynch will continue as winemaker for some of Wente Family Estate's brands and wines.
Lynch joined Wente Family Estates in 2005 working in the lab and was promoted to Enologist and Winemaker in 2014. Since then, he has led the small-lot wine production for Wente Family Estates and collaborated with winemaking leadership on ideal strategies for fermentation, aging, and blending of the organization’s entire portfolio. "I am passionate about creating efficiencies and improving our craft year after year. I’m really excited about this new role because it will allow me to work with the team in a different capacity to achieve the long-term goals of the business while still allowing me to make wine," said Lynch.
Kester works closely with COO and fifth-generation winegrower Karl Wente. Karl Wente guides the strategic goals and stylistic direction across Wente Vineyards and remains the lead winemaker of his family’s namesake brand. Remarking on the promotions, Wente stated, "We have a culture of promoting within our company, and we wanted to recognize the vital contributions of Elizabeth and Andy. They are grounded, centered, and incredibly talented.” Wente Family Estates is currently filling new winemaking roles. More information can be found at Linkedin.com/WenteFamilyEstates.
About Wente Family Estates
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The company portfolio includes Wente Vineyards, Murrieta's Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angels Ink, Unsullied, and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 5% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.
Wente Family Estates is among the top 30 wineries in the United States from the standpoint of production and distribution. The winery has a brisk domestic business and a significant share of the export wine market, where the wines have enjoyed international acclaim for decades.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards' best practices, outstanding wines, and wine country experiences. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For press inquiries , interviews and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064
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Flavor First Intuitive Line of Wine Glassware Released in US Market
5 January, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noëlle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.730.0064 | press@charlescomm.com
Flavor First™ Intuitive Line of Wine Glassware Released in US Market
Designed by lauded wine expert and author Karen MacNeil in collaboration with
Anchor Hocking a division of The Oneida Group and Senior Vice President of Design, Paul Gebhardt
St. Helena, California, January 5, 2021 – For the first time ever, a line of glassware designed around the flavor of wine has been released to trade and consumers in the United States. The set of three glasses corresponds to three key flavor/styles found in wine: Crisp & Fresh™, Creamy & Silky™ and Bold & Powerful™, intuitively putting the power of glass selection in the hands of wine consumers and gatekeeper trade professionals.
Liberating and simple in premise, the Flavor First™ line of glassware was meticulously designed over three years by wine expert and lauded author Karen MacNeil in collaboration with Senior Vice President of Design & Creative Director , Paul Gebhardt of Anchor Hocking a division of The Oneida Group, the long-trusted producer of fine table and kitchenware to homes and restaurants worldwide since 1880.
Their idea was simple—design wine glasses around wine flavor, not around wine regions or wine varietals. Taking into consideration the architecture of the glass, the nature of the human palate, and the desire of consumers and food service professionals to simplify this complex subject, MacNeil and Gebhardt had an “aha” moment together at a wine training Karen conducted for The Oneida Group. Why, they asked, wasn’t there a stem that took the overthinking out of glassware? Why not focus on the fundamental pleasure and flavor of wine itself?
Trials, tastings, iterations over time and the testing of 40 different design options yielded a stunningly simple solution. MacNeil stated, “As a writer and wine teacher who’s taught thousands of people how to taste and evaluate wine, I listen carefully to how people talk about wine and the words they use. Most people are non-technical and use words such as bold reds’ or creamy Chardonnays’ to describe what they like. In other words, they use flavor words.”
Always academic and thoughtful in her approach to her endeavors, Karen looked at 35 major grape varieties and realized that the most important variable in wine flavor had to do with where the widest part of the glass was. As she states, “Oxygen has a profound effect on wine. For each of our three glasses, the widest part of the glass is at a different position.”
Gebhardt, said of the collaboration, “Karen and her team are amazing, and together we made the idea a reality. Along with flavor as a driver of form, I wanted to create a line that had as many back-of-the-house operational advantages as possible. The design needed to be easy to live with at home, as well as in a commercial operation, both of which are key audiences for our company.”
Importantly, the vessels were designed to withstand the daily use for operators and as such are dishwasher safe. While each glass is endowed with a precision bowl shape and a thin rim typically reserved for glassware three times the price, the sturdy construction and the carefully calibrated pulled stem ensure that the glasses will endure throughout service. All three stems are the same height, making a seamless presentation for a wine tasting or meal with different pairings, ease of storage and streamlined ware washing. The glasses are American designed and made in Germany from lead-free crystal.
The Flavor First™ collection has 3 distinct glasses to maximize bold & powerful, crisp & fresh and creamy & silky flavors, while reducing your glassware inventory:
Crisp & Fresh™ for Champagne, prosecco, sparkling wine, sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot grigio plus light rosés and all wines with a fresh, bright quality
Creamy & Silky™ for chardonnay, chenin blanc, pinot gris plus richer rosé wines and pinot noir, Chianti, shiraz and all wines with a round and/or silky texture
Bold & Powerful™ for very full-bodied oaky chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, merlot, Bordeaux, zinfandel, malbec, Barolo, syrah and all wines that feature a bold texture and firm structural backbone
Petite Stem: Designed for more casual settings, a next generation version of the stemless glass but importantly, with a foot to allow for swirling and easier handling of the glass. Also great for beer, iced tea, select cocktails such as a classic Gin & Tonic or even as a water goblet
Karen MacNeil Flavor First™ is available for Foodservice customers in case packs of 24 under Anchor Hocking’s new Premium Brand called SAPORUS. Anchor Hocking’s SAPORUS products are launching nationally through all major foodservice distributors.
About Karen MacNeil
Noted writer, author, and educator Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won every major wine award given in the English language. These include the James Beard award for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year, the Louis Roederer award for Best Consumer Wine Writing, and the International Wine and Spirits award as the Global Wine Communicator of the Year. In a full-page profile on her, TIME Magazine called Karen “America’s Missionary of the Vine.” In 2018, Karen was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Wine.” Karen’s firm, Karen MacNeil & Company, creates customized corporate events and wine tours around the world for companies and individual groups. Among Karen’s corporate clients are Lexus, Merrill Lynch, Disney, General Electric, UBS, and Singapore Airlines, as well as numerous law and biotech firms.
Karen is the co-creator and Chairman Emerita of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley, which has been called “the Harvard of wine education.” More information about Karen can be found at www.karenmacneil.com.
About The Oneida Group & Anchor Hocking Foodservice
Founded in 1905, Anchor Hocking is a leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of a comprehensive portfolio of quality drinkware, barware, jars, storage containers, serveware and more. With a focus on innovation and quality, the Anchor Hocking foodservice portfolio boasts products that are functional, yet beautiful. The glass is made tough to last in the foodservice industry, but also aesthetically pleasing to enhance the dining experience for guests. Anchor Hocking manufactures substantially all of its products at the company’s facilities in the United States.
Flavor First™ is the first in the line for the brand SAPORUS, The Oneida Group’s Anchor Hocking Foodservice new premium brand devoted to the appreciation of flavor. Partnering with Karen MacNeil, wine expert and author of The Wine Bible, the Flavor First™ collection is the first to be designed based on what matters most—a wine’s FLAVOR. With guests, sommeliers, and operators in mind: SAPORUS is redesigning the wine experience.
The Oneida Group is a leading global marketer of tabletop and food preparation products for the consumer and foodservice markets. With a comprehensive line of tabletop and food preparation products globally under a broad range of consumer brands. Karen MacNeil’s range of stemware falls under both the consumer facing Oneida and the trade focused Anchor Hocking SAPORUS division of foodservice. Customers range from Fortune 500 companies to medium and small-sized companies in the consumer, foodservice, business-to-business, and E-commerce channels. The company operates two glass manufacturing plants in the U.S. and sources a variety of proprietary designed tableware products. Visit http://www.anchorhockingfoodservice.com/flavor-first for more information.
For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064.
###
Flavor First™ Intuitive Line of Wine Glassware Released in U.S. Market
15 December, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noëlle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.730.0064 | press@charlescomm.com
Flavor First™ Intuitive Line of Wine Glassware Released in U.S. Market
Designed by lauded wine expert and author Karen MacNeil
in collaboration with The Oneida® Group Senior VP of Design, Paul Gebhardt
St. Helena, California, December 15, 2020 – For the first time ever, a line of glassware designed around the flavor of wine has been released to trade and consumers in the United States. The set of three glasses corresponds to three key flavor/styles found in wine: Crisp & Fresh™, Creamy & Silky™ and Bold & Powerful™, intuitively putting the power of glass selection in the hands of wine consumers and trade professionals.
Liberating and simple in premise, the Flavor First™ line of glassware was meticulously designed over three years by wine expert and lauded author Karen MacNeil in collaboration with Senior Vice President of Design and Creative Director, Paul Gebhardt of The Oneida® Group, producer since 1880 of fine table and kitchenware to homes and restaurants worldwide.
Their idea was simple—design wine glasses around wine flavor, not around wine regions or wine varietals. Taking into consideration the architecture of the glass, the nature of the human palate, and the desire of consumers and food service professionals to simplify this complex subject, MacNeil and Gebhardt had an “aha” moment together at a wine training Karen conducted for The Oneida® Group. Why, they asked, wasn’t there a stem that took the overthinking out of glassware? Why not focus on the fundamental pleasure and flavor of wine itself?
Trials, tastings, iterations over time, and testing of 40 different design options yielded a simple solution. MacNeil stated, “As a writer and wine teacher who’s taught thousands of people how to taste and evaluate wine, I listen carefully to how people talk about wine and the words they use. Most people are non-technical; they use ideas such as ‘bold reds’ or ‘creamy chardonnays’ to describe what they like. In other words, they use flavor words.”
Always academic and thoughtful in her approach, Karen looked at 35 major grape varieties and realized that the glass diameter at the widest part of the glass had the greatest impact on the expression of the wines. As she states, “Oxygen has a profound effect on wine. For each of our three glasses, the widest part of the glass is at a different position.”
Gebhardt, said of the collaboration, “Karen and her team are amazing, and together we made the idea a reality. Along with flavor as a driver of form, I wanted to create a line that had as many back-of-the-house operational advantages as possible. The design needed to be easy to live with at home, as well as in a commercial operation, both of which are key audiences for our company.”
Importantly, the vessels were designed for daily life at the table, and as such are dishwasher safe. While each glass is endowed with a precision bowl shape and a thin rim typically reserved for glassware three times the price, the carefully calibrated “pulled” stem and foot ensure that the glasses will endure through meals and explorations. All three stems are the same height, making a seamless presentation for a wine tasting or meal with different pairings and ease of storage. The glasses are American designed and made in Germany from lead-free crystal.
The core stems include (all sold at retail in sets of four and six):
Crisp & Fresh™ for champagne, prosecco, sparkling wine, sauvignon blanc, riesling, and pinot grigio plus light rosés and all wines with a fresh, bright quality
Creamy & Silky™ for chardonnay, chenin blanc, pinot gris plus richer rosé wines and pinot noir, chianti, shiraz and all wines with a round, silky texture
Bold & Powerful™ for very full bodied, oaky chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, Bordeaux, zinfandel, malbec, Barolo, syrah and all wines that feature a bold texture and firm structural backbone
Petite Stem: Designed for more casual gatherings, a next generation version of the stemless glass but, importantly, with a foot to allow for swirling and easier handling. It’s also great for beer, iced tea, and select cocktails such as a classic Gin & Tonic.
Available for sale in sets of four and six or as a variety set of six with two stems of each, the glasses are available at a number of retailers such as Amazon, wine.com, Macy’s, Dillard’s, TheBay.com (Canada) and are also available at Oneida.com and KarenMacNeil.com. Priced at $74.99 per set of six, the per stem price averages $12.50, extremely affordable when compared to other similar quality wine glasses on the market today.
About Karen MacNeil
Noted writer, author, and educator Karen MacNeil is the only American to have won every major wine award given in the English language. These include the James Beard award for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year, the Louis Roederer award for Best Consumer Wine Writing, and the International Wine and Spirits award as the Global Wine Communicator of the Year. In a full-page profile on her, TIME Magazine called Karen “America’s Missionary of the Vine.” In 2018, Karen was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Wine.” Karen’s firm, Karen MacNeil & Company, creates customized corporate events for companies and individual groups. Among Karen’s clients are Lexus, Merrill Lynch, Disney, General Electric, UBS, and Singapore Airlines, as well as numerous law, banking, and biotech firms.
Karen is the co-creator and Chair Emerita of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley, which has been called “the Harvard of wine education.” More information about Karen can be found at www.karenmacneil.com.
About The Oneida® Group
The Oneida® Group is a leading global marketer of tabletop and food preparation products for the consumer and foodservice markets. With a comprehensive line of tabletop and food preparation products, they market their products globally under a broad range of consumer brands. Karen MacNeil’s range of stemware falls under both the consumer facing Oneida and the trade focused SAPORUS brand of food service. Customers range from Fortune 500 companies to medium and small-sized companies in the consumer, foodservice, business-to-business, and E-commerce channels. The company operates two glass manufacturing plants in the U.S. and sources a variety of proprietary designed tableware products. Visit https://www.oneida.com/ for more information.
For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064.
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Wente Family Estates Announces Key Promotions for Aly Wente and Tyson Overton
28 October, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Wente Family Estates Announces Key Promotions for its Sales & Marketing team
Tyson Overton Named Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Aly Wente Appointed to Director of Marketing
LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – October 28, 2020 – Wente Family Estates is pleased to announce the recent promotions of Tyson Overton to Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and Aly Wente to Director of Marketing. As part of a new alignment and focus for the country’s longest, continuously family-owned and operated winery, Wente Family Estates President Amy Hoopes states, “One of the reasons the Wente family has been in business for five generations is our ability to respond to a changing marketplace, be it varietal focus, innovative packaging, best practices in sustainability or finding new markets and audiences for our wines. These appointments reflect a strategic direction for the company that is responsive to our ‘new normal’ and continues to spotlight the abilities and talents of our team.”
Overton has been with Wente Family Estates since 2014 in various sales roles, most recently as Executive Vice President & Chief Sales Officer. His new, expanded role as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer has him leading the global sales and marketing efforts for the company’s portfolio which includes 75 export markets, a large domestic footprint and ecommerce efforts. He will be charged with driving profitable growth through long term strategic planning, analyzing the competitive landscape, developing successful sales and marketing initiatives and leading the professional development of the team. Before joining Wente Family Estates he was Vice President-International at 5.11 Tactical, a privately held company specializing in tactical/military gear, where he led international expansion including oversight of sales, marketing, operations and finance teams for the division. His prior wine industry background includes ten years at E.. & J. Gallo Winery where he held various sales and marketing roles in both domestic and export markets. “For more than 135 years the Wente Family have been leaders in the wine industry with a focus on quality, sustainability and excellence. I’m excited about this next chapter and my role in supporting the ongoing success and legacy at Wente Family Estates.”
Fifth generation family member Aly Wente has been promoted to Director of Marketing after joining the winery in 2019 following a four-year stint with Constellation Brands where she managed a portfolio of luxury and super luxury wines. In her new role, she will lead marketing efforts for the Wente Family Estates portfolio working closely with senior leadership, sales and cross-functional teams to ensure growth, alignment and focus for the brands across the portfolio: Wente Vineyards, entwine, Murrieta’s Well, Double Decker, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, Angel’s Ink, Unsullied and the expanded portfolio of import wines including Bodega Cuarto Dominio and Blanchard & Lurton from Argentina. Aly is also tasked with enhancing the customer experience on property, in the wine clubs and online, ultimately responsible for growing and accelerating ecommerce across the portfolio. In the short time she has been at the family business, Aly has contributed towards the launch of innovative packaging across Wente Vineyards core wines, introducing the first voice-app wine tasting experience on Google Home and Amazon Alexa devices, launching Wente Vineyards first wine subscription service and developing key brand strategies to bring Wente Vineyards to a new demographic of consumers.
Reflecting on the impact of these promotions for the future, President Amy Hoopes stated, “As we continuously seek to refine our market strategy for today’s business climate and emulate best business practices in the wine industry, upholding a five generation tradition for the Wente family, we want the best talent on board to thrive and innovate. Tyson and Aly’s promotions are a confirmation of their hard work and commitment to excellence and an opportunity for them to sharpen their considerable skills in the arenas of sales and marketing. These promotions are part of a long-term vision to be one of the most respected family owned wineries in the world.”
About Wente Family Estates
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The company portfolio is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angel’s Ink, Unsullied and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines that are distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 5% of California wineries who meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.
Wente Family Estates is among the top 30 wineries in the United States from the standpoint of production and distribution. The winery has a brisk domestic business and a significant share of the export wine market, where the wines have enjoyed international acclaim for decades.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards’ best practices, outstanding wines and wine country experiences. For more information, visit wentevineyards.com.
For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.
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The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Reports on 2020 Harvest
26 October, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Harvest 2020: A Great Success in Both Quality and Value
Solighetto, October 26, 2020 – In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG appellation, the 2020 harvest has successfully completed. In a year characterized by the COVID-19 crisis and the various challenges related to it, this harvest helped restore a sense of optimism, particularly with respect to the impressive quality of the grapes brought to the cellar.
This growing season was characterized by mild and dry climatic conditions up to the beginning of summer, with alternating days of rainfall and moderately warm periods thereafter. In fact, thanks to the hills' morphology, which consist of very steep slopes and good sun exposure for the vineyards, potentially harmful excess moisture was avoided. Mild weather brought sunny days and cool breezy nights which are ideal for keeping the grapes in optimal condition before they are brought to the cellar. These meteorological conditions led to a gradual evolution and ripening of the fruit on the vine right up to harvest and helped ensure that the enticing and signature floral and fruity aromas of the Glera grape were captured in vinification. The harvest will most likely be defined by the distinctive flavors and aromas that differ between the two extremes - the northwest and southeast of the appellation - a phenomenon that typically occurs in cooler years.
"This year's harvest presented a considerable and completely new challenge." said Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, "We set about our work knowing that we still have many challenges ahead of us, and this is why the Consorzio has adopted policies that embody an approach of "healthy" focus, which will guarantee the Denomination's quality and value in the market.”
In a year such as this, the winemakers have made an even bigger effort than usual in order to guarantee that the vineyards and the resulting quality of the wines received the required care. Harvest started in the southeast area on the slopes with the largest sun exposure and gradually moved westwards before climbing the cooler embankments of the Valdobbiadene slopes, where the characteristics of the land necessitate what is called “heroic harvesting,” which requires a mastery cultivated over generations of local practice. The grapes harvested at the two extremes of the Denomination will result in equally diverse wines, demonstrating the exceptionality of the Glera vine. Glera is capable of revealing a wide range of characteristics, from the ripest fruits to white flowers, from less to more notable acidity, all the while maintaining flavors that reflect the diversity of the terrain.
On the steepest embankments of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene territory, between 600 and 700 hours of manual labor are required per hectare every year, compared to an average of 150-200 hours per hectare in flat areas that can be accessed by machine harvesting. It is for this reason that 'heroic' harvesting represents the ingenuity of the region's winemakers. ‘Heroic’ viticulture perseveres by promoting quality, not quantity.
From the northwest area we expect wines with pleasantly fresh green apple and herbal notes resulting from this area's exposure. While from the south-east we foresee wines that taste that exhibit more exotic fruit notes of apple and pear, which are typical aromas of Prosecco Superiore. Overall, the vintage promises a balance between floral and fruity aromas, with a note of acidity which gives the wines their characteristic freshness. It will therefore be a year characterized by the aromatic floral typicity of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, bringing out the characteristics that make it a sparkling wine loved by consumers all over the world.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.
The Consorzio is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of what are now the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their work is focused on three major areas: protection, promotion and sustainability. They improve sparkling production methods, provide assistance and training and supervise all stages of winemaking to guarantee the quality of this outstanding, Italian viticultural region. Prosecco Superiore exports to over 130 countries.
Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations to earn D.O.C recognition, obtaining the D.O.C.G. status in 2009. These sparkling wines come from the historic area of Prosecco production, a unique, hillside terroir that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated in the northeast of Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites (at the foothills of the Alps), offering a mild, temperate climate ideal for grape growing, producing serious food wines with pairing versatility, showcasing a range of different styles, aroma and flavor characteristics.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook.
For interviews, imagery, or more information, please contact:
Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.
# # #
Wente Family Estates President Amy Hoopes nominated by Wine Enthusiast for Wine Star Awards
16 October, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Wente Family Estates President Amy Hoopes nominated by Wine Enthusiast for Wine Star Awards
Wine Executive of the Year – to be announced November 11th on Winemag.com
and celebrated in the December “Best of Year” issue
LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – October 16, 2020 – Wente Family Estates is pleased to announce that President, Amy Hoopes has been nominated in the category of Wine Executive of the Year for the wine industry’s prestigious Wine Star Awards, produced and presented by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Now in its 21st year, the awards annually recognizes people and organizations within the wine and alcohol beverage industry who are making remarkable contributions to its advancement. Wente Family Estates is the country’s longest continuously family-owned and operated winery, focused on producing top quality, appellation-driven California wines with strong distribution in a competitive marketplace both domestically and internationally.
This nomination joins a long list of industry achievements for Hoopes who joined Wente Family Estates in 2007 as the Vice President of Marketing. For the last thirteen years she has brought innovation, adaptation and strategic planning to the family business, keeping them ranked among the top 30 wine companies in America according to Wine Business Monthly.[1] Previous roles included Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President before being appointed President in 2016. In that role, she focuses on portfolio strategy and guest experience, working with a team of marketing, sales and hospitality leaders at Wente. Throughout her time with the company she has guided the business through both challenging and prosperous times, always with an eye on the future, particularly as the wine industry has recently faced new and unprecedented challenges. She oversees all global marketing and sales operations for Wente Vineyards, entwine, Murrieta’s Well, Double Decker, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, Angel’s Ink and Unsullied wine brands as well as the family’s golf course, direct to consumer sales and tasting room experiences.
This is the second nomination for Hoopes with the Awards, the other being the Social Impact category in 2018. The family received American Winery of the Year in 2011 for its contributions to the American wine industry, spotlighting the historic Livermore Valley where the company was established by Carl Wente who came to California as an immigrant 137 years ago. Today eight members of the fourth and fifth generations manage and operate the company with diverse responsibilities, led by CEO Carolyn Wente. Together the family team along with Hoopes, are striving to position Wente Family Estates as the most respected family-owned winery in the world. Family leadership is comprised of 4th generation winegrowers; CEO Carolyn Wente, Chairman of the Board Eric Wente, Vice Chairman Phil Wente; Fifth Generation Winegrowers COO and Chief Winemaker Karl D. Wente, President of Wente Foundation for Arts Education Christine Wente, Director of Marketing Aly Wente, Viticulture Manager Niki Wente, and Project Manager for Winegrowing Operations Jordan Wente.
Hoopes was among Direct Marketing News distinguished list of “40 Under 40” marketers in 2014 and was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Femme in 2015. She is a member of the Communications Committee for Wine Institute, an executive board member and Past President for Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, a Member of Monterey County Vintners and Winegrowers Association, a Board Member for First Beverage Group and the Past President and active member of the San Francisco chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. She is also Co-President for the San Francisco Chapter of CISV, a global non-profit focused on education and inspiring action for a more just and peaceful world.
About the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards Process
This year, all full-time and contributing divisions (Sales, Events, Marketing, Editorial) of Wine Enthusiast Media were invited to submit nominees for our Wine Star Awards categories and submitted their nominations anonymously, with explanations of what made the nomination appropriate for consideration. That list of nominees was then sent to the group for anonymous voting to cull the larger nominee lists down. Final winners were chosen from the culled down list by the Executive Publishing team with selections based on many factors, including impact on consumers and trade in the wine, spirits, or beer space, commercial successes, company/brand vision, and trendsetting. The Wine Star Awards are an overall beverage industry awards program. While the editors are invited to participate, this is a collaborative program incorporating the input of all divisions of the Wine Enthusiast company and is not a specifically editorial franchise.
About Wente Family Estates
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The company portfolio is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine, Angel’s Ink, Unsullied and Double Decker brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines that are distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 5% of California wineries who meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards’ best practices, outstanding wines and wine country experiences. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.
[1] February 2020 issue Wine Business Monthly
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces Master Classes in Collaboration with Italian Wine Central
14 October, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14 2020
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
***MEDIA ALERT***
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces Master Classes in Collaboration with Italian Wine Central
3 Virtual Master Classes for Distributors Will Be Held This Fall
October 28th November 11th December 2nd
WHO: The Consorzio of vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Italy’s Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, was established to safeguard the standards of what eventually became the D.O.C.G. criteria in crafting wines of the highest quality and distinct provenance. Their mission is to increase the recognition of D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and its nuanced, complex, world-class sparkling wines. The United States is the 4th largest importer of Prosecco Superiore, and the Consorzio hopes to further engage its audiences while introducing new sparkling wine lovers to the D.O.C.G. category.
The aim of the U.S. campaign, as always, is to educate the trade and public about everything Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. has to offer - regionality, authenticity, and high standards in winegrowing and winemaking. Understanding the nuances of high elevation winegrowing, regional variation between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the typologies of the wines from the region on a dryness scale, the Martinotti method among many other production cues helps the gatekeepers in the trade share the tremendous selling points of the region, particularly with its great price to quality ratio.
WHAT: The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG invites you to a webinar showcasing the elegant sparkling wines from the historical heart and pinnacle of Italy’s Prosecco Superiore region.
This specially curated tasting is aimed at continuing to educate the trade about these nuanced, complex and extreme value sparkling wines. In 2020, Prosecco Superiore is up in value 16% and in volume 17% globally while the US claims the 4th largest importer spot. We’ll discuss strategies for participating in this trend as we approach the holiday period and plan for 2021.
In these interactive sessions, Geralyn Brostrom of Italian Wine Central will be joined by one of Prosecco Superiore DOCG’s expertly trained sommbassadors. They will delve into: the nuances of high elevation winegrowing and high standards in winemaking, regional variation between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the typologies of the wines on a dryness scale, selling points of the region, with a focus on its great price to quality ratio, and how to hand sell Prosecco Superiore to different customers.
The Consortium is able to provide samples to the first 25 people who sign up, but all are welcome to join! Samples cannot be received for more than one class. If you’re interested in attending let us know by emailing Kristen Rinck at kristen@charlescomm.com.
Master Class – For Wine Trade Only
Join Geralyn Brostrom and Jennifer Wagoner - Wine Director, Sepia and PROXI, Chicago, IL - for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom.
Wagoner’s love of sparkling wine fueled an interest in Prosecco Superiore that lead to her being named an ambassador for the Prosecco Superiore DOCG in 2019. “Prosecco Superiore DOCG is an appellation that warrants serious discussion and study,” she says. “The wines have a story to tell. Nothing makes me happier than introducing something new and exciting to guests and allowing them to create a narrative of their own. These wines have the ability to do that.”
WHEN: October 28th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: The class will be held via Zoom.
Join Geralyn Brostrom and Iris Rowlee - Wine Director, Octavia and Frances, San Francisco, CA - for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom.
Rowlee’s passion for Italian wine and deep knowledge of Italy’s plethora of diverse varieties and landscapes parlay into her work. She strives to bring consumers new explorations in Italian wine, something they might not expect or have discovered on their own. “It’s about broadening the human experience,” says Rowlee, “and the rich history, variety of terroir, compelling human stories of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. provide the perfect opportunity.”
WHEN: November 11, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: The class will be held via Zoom.
Join Geralyn Brostrom and Amy Thurmond - Beverage Manager at Carne Mare in New York, NY- for a one-hour Master Class on Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore presented on Zoom.
Last year, Thurmond was excited to be named the New York brand ambassador for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. “I love that the Prosecco Superiore DOCG has very high standards for quality—most of the region is hand-harvested and the grapes are treated with care and respect. I’m particularly fond of the Rive wines, with their ‘heroic’ vineyard sites and steep slopes, they bring a beautiful minerality and complexity to the wine,” says Amy.
WHEN: December 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: The class will be held via Zoom.
Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.
About Italian Wine Central
Geralyn Brostrom has been an educator in one form or another throughout her life. After 20 years in multiple wine industry channels, from wineries to retail to import, Geralyn’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and she started Italian Wine Central. The development of the Italian Wine Professional program represents the synergy between two of her passions: helping others learn and the allure of Italy.
Italian Wine Central (IWC) is the leading English-language source of accurate, up-to-date information about Italian wine, recognized as a leading voice for Italian wine in the United States. IWC’s resources include italianwinecentral.com, two educational programs, and several editions of the manual Into Italian Wine.
Connect with Italian Wine Central on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit their Website to learn more.
About Charles Communications Associates
Founded in 2003, Charles Communications Associates, LLC (CCA) is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm based in San Francisco, California, that helps local and global companies create, build, and launch brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing firms in the wine industry, CCA is also known for success in the gourmet, natural, and organic food and beverage categories, as well as for top shelf spirits and luxury products marketing. Please socialize with us @CharlesComm on Twitter, and @AlltheSwirl on Instagram and Facebook. Visit the website at www.charlescomm.com
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Domaine Carneros Announces Fall Offerings
9 September, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9 2020
Contact: Charles Communications Associates
415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com
***MEDIA ALERT***
Domaine Carneros Announces Fall Offerings
The much adored Bubbles and Bites experience is coming back!
WHO: Founded in 1987 in the Carneros appellation of Northern California by the Champagne Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros is a grower producer of ultra-premium sparkling wines and limited production pinot noirs. Domaine Carneros has become the benchmark for California sparkling wine, reflecting both the individuality of the Carneros’ terroir and the craftsmanship of its French legacy.
WHERE: Domaine Carneros Winery 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559
With their reopening this summer, important changes have been made to Domaine Carneros’ guest experience to protect both the visitor and the winery team. Masks and social distancing are required. Please review this document before arriving.
Pop your trunk! Contactless curbside pickup has been and is available. Call to place your order 1-800-716-2788 ext. 100. Available M-F 10-5
Prefer to have your bubbles dropped off at home? During the month of September, enjoy $10 standard shipping on any 6+ (750ml) bottles to a single address ($5 for club members)! 50% off standard shipping on 6+ to AK, HI, and NJ. For each purchase of one of their featured 6-bottle packs , Domaine Carneros will sponsor a “Stay Healthy” kit from Heart to Heart International. This organization works to improve health access and provide humanitarian development worldwide.
WHAT: Outdoor Tastings on the Terrace
From your table overlooking the rolling hills of Carneros, enjoy a flight of sparkling or still wine. All tastings are seated and led by an experienced wine professional. Take a look at the tasting menu here.
WHEN:
Reservations are required and are available daily beginning at 10am with the last reservation at 4:30pm. Please make reservations by clicking the reserve button on their visitors page. or by calling 1-800-716-2788 x 150.
WHAT: The Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing: Bubbles & Bites
Experience the versatility of Sparkling wine in this Food & Wine Pairing specially curated to highlight the flavors of Asia. This experience will include four savory and one sweet Asian-themed bites paired with four of their Sparkling wines—Ultra Brut, Estate Brut, Brut Rose, and Vermeil Demi-Sec. Led by their most seasoned wine educators, this experience will open your eyes to a new side of Sparkling wine.
WHEN:
Available by appointment beginning September 7
60-minute experience
$90 / Club Members $72 (cost does not include gratuity or sales tax)
Reserve: 707-257-0101 x 135 or reservations@domainecarneros.com
48-hour cancellation
WHAT: The Ultimate Chips & Dip
Caviar and sparkling wine are the food and wine pairing equivalent of Cracker Jacks and baseball – they simply go together. Add rich crème fraîche and the crunch of a potato chip and you have elevated the pairing to a new level. In this experience, you will sample three of the estates most highly treasured wines alongside three ½ ounce servings of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar’s finest artisanal caviars: Estate, Reserve and the rarest, Crown Jewel. Due to the seasonal nature of caviar, please note the specific caviar selections may vary.
This experience is designed for two guests and includes three tastes of Domaine Carneros sparkling wines paired with three ½ ounce portions of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, accompanied with gourmet potato chips, toast points, and crème fraîche.
WHEN:
Available by appointment
$350 per couple / Club Members $280 (cost does not include gratuity or sales tax)
To Reserve: 707-257-0101 x 161 or tours@domainecarneros.com
ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS
Intent on staking a future in California’s promising wine industry, the Taittinger family purchased a 138-acre vineyard in the heart of Carneros in 1986. The appellation that spans the southern tip of both Sonoma and Napa Valleys, Carneros’ cool climate is ideally suited for cultivating exceptional chardonnay and pinot noir, perfect for producing the elegant, balanced wines that Domaine Carneros is now known for. The six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 125 acres planted to Chardonnay, 225 acres planted to Pinot Noir, with the remaining acres currently in development.
The winery also places a high value on preserving the environment and has been a leader with respect to a vast array of environmental undertakings. The roof of the pinot noir winery adjacent to the château hosts a solar array that was the largest on any winery in the world when it was installed and continues to be expanded. The most recent award, one of many from Federal, State and local government; was the California Green Medal for Domaine Carneros’ demonstration of “Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices."
For information, images and interviews please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
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2020 Wine Country Fire Relief Fundraiser Kicks Off
24 August, 2020
For Immediate Release Contact: Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com
415-730-0064
2020 Wine Country Fire Relief Fundraiser Kicks Off
Wine Industry Marketing Professionals Regroup to Fundraise for Wine Regions Under Threat in California
San Francisco, CA August 24, 2020 – Today, five wine industry marketing professionals are launching a fundraising campaign for direct relief for those in California’s wine country affected by the statewide lightning fire complex. Many wine regions throughout the state have come under siege due to the fires that unleashed in the pre-dawn hours of August 15th. As of this writing 19 fire complexes comprising 949,697 acres total are affected. This includes the wine regions located in Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Monterey, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties, which have experienced loss or are under threat. One week in, containment numbers are less than 20% for most of the fires, which has been recorded as the largest in terms of acreage.
The California wine industry makes 81% of U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th largest producer. Representing 635,000 acres, its 3,900 wineries and 5,900 grape growers contribute approximately $114 billion annually to the U.S. economy providing 786,000 jobs and $35 billion in wages, according to the Wine Institute.
During the 2017 wine country fires, the team, comprised of Tia Butts, Katie Calhoun, Kimberly Charles, Rebecca Hopkins launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising close to $100,000 for direct relief focused on farmworkers who are a vital part of the wine industry's fabric. This campaign will have a similar objective, supporting various regions' most essential needs and is joined this year by southern California based Katherine Jarvis. A GoFundMe page has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/2020-wine-country-fire-relief-fund and the team has identified a number of causes included on the attached work in progress addendum that will be in receipt of funding. In 2017, One Hope’s CEO and Co-Founder Jake Kloberdanz provided a generous matching gift to the fund.
For more information, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064. Please consider donating and share this campaign with friends, colleagues and those who love and appreciate the great wines of California. Again, contributions can be made here.
Social Media:
Follow the Facebook Page for updates: 2020 Wine Country Fire Relief Fund
Stay updated via social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at: #winecountryfirerelief and #WCFR and #2020winecountryfirerelief
Other helpful topics to follow include: #calfire, #california, #californiawildfire, #2020californiafires, #2020winecountryfires, #californiafires, #LNULightningComplex, #SCULightningComplex #CZULightning, #RiverFire
Organizations targeted for 2020 Wine Country Fire Relief Funding
American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/donate/
World Central Kitchen
https://donate.wck.org/give
Firefighters Relief - California Fire Foundation
https://linktr.ee/cafirefound
Providing emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.
Napa County
Napa Valley Community Foundation
https://www.napavalleycf.org/
Sonoma County
Sonoma County Vintners Emergency Relief
https://sonomawine.com/foundation/
https://undocufund.org/
Sonoma Family Meal
https://www.sonomafamilymeal.org/
Monterey County
Monterey County Community Resilience Program
https://montereyco.recovers.org/
https://foodbankformontereycounty.org/
Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties
https://www.ksbw.com/article/how-to-help-the-central-coast-fire-victims/33674589
General Info
Regular Updates on the Fires and containment
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/
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