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Alder Springs Vineyard “A Case for a Cause” Program Extended Indefinitely to Help More Beneficiaries
22 June, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com
415|701-9463
Alder Springs Vineyard “A Case for a Cause” Program Extended Indefinitely to Help More Beneficiaries
Each $395 Case Comes with a $200 Donation to a Beneficiary of the Customer’s Choosing
Laytonville, CA – June 22, 2020 – In response to the unprecedented hardships caused by world events, Alder Springs Vineyard is re-committing to and re-naming its philanthropic program to offer support to more beneficiaries, over an indefinite period of time. For every 12-bottle case of wine purchased from Alder Springs Vineyard, owner Stuart Bewley will forward your $200 donation to any beneficiary that the customer chooses.
“The world’s never seen anything like these times,” said Bewley. “I wanted to do something to help as so many people have lost jobs and loved ones and suffered loss of personal property. Non-profit organizations of every kind are hurting for funds. So, I’m letting my customers choose where the donation from each case goes.”
The Case for a Cause program launched on April 29 as the Shelter-in-Place Support initiative, but after stay-at-home orders were lifted, Bewley decided to keep the program in place indefinitely – which called for a new name: A Case for a Cause.
The Alder Springs Vineyard team is actively reaching out to non-profit organizations across the country inviting them to promote the program to their own supporters to help generate needed funds.
A longtime grower supplying grapes to over 30 winery clients of top repute across California, Bewley began making his own wines 14 years ago and offers an enticing array of red and white wines from his high-altitude vineyard in Mendocino County. His signature Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays are highly regarded for their balance and freshness, rooted in meticulously farmed vineyards.
Do Good and Drink Well
When customers log on to the Alder Springs Vineyards website, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
Click on Select a Beneficiary. Choose “Beneficiary of Your Choice” and write in the name and address of the organization to which a check can be sent – or select a cause from the list.
Select your case of 12 wines. Customers can select from all red or all white wines, or a case containing both. Please note: order placed during summer months may be held for shipping if temperatures are too high to keep the wine in top condition. The donation will still be sent.
Check out with a credit card. The amount billed will be $395 plus local tax (shipping is included!) Alder Springs Vineyard will then send a check to your chosen beneficiary with a note that says it is from you.
In the event a customer needs a recommendation for a charitable cause, Alder Springs Vineyard offers a selection of non-profit organizations on its site that customers can choose to receive the $200 donation. Organizations listed support a number of causes, ranging from struggling restaurant and hospitality workers, to hunger relief, to health, the environment, animal welfare, domestic violence, reproductive health and human rights and equality.
One $200 donation can be made per order. The Alder Springs Vineyard “A Case for a Cause” initiative represents a generous savings off its regular 12-bottle case price of $540. Because $200 of each $395 case order is a donation, the case of wine costs the customer $195 (shipping is included in the price, but sales tax is not).
Alder Springs Vineyard has been producing world-class grapes since owner Stuart Bewley broke ground on the vineyard in 1993. The property spans 6,000 acres, with 140 acres planted to multiple white and red varietals including Chardonnay, Grenache, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne , Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, Counoise, Malbec and Tannat. The Alder Springs team practices a unique “bonsai” style of pruning, shedding up to 75 percent of the fruit on each vine to attain maximum concentration of flavor. Its grapes are in demand by esteemed wineries up and down California. Bewley launched his own Alder Springs Vineyard label in 2006, selling wines online to customers in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York and Washington, D.C. Visit www.alderspringsvineyard.com for more information.
For interviews, images and more information, contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces 2020 U.S. Communications Campaign
18 June, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com | (415) 701-9463
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces 2020 Communications Campaign for U.S. Audience
SAN FRANCISCO, June 18th 2020 The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. is pleased to announce its 2020 communications program for the United States. 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 loyal audience while introducing new sparkling wine lovers to the D.O.C.G. category.
Coming on the heels of the recent economic report wherein it was reported that close to 44% of the volume of the region is exported, with the U.S. accounting for close to 250,000 cases and a growth in value of 5% from 2018 to 2019 totaling close to $14 million, the future looks bright for the American market. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a 27% increase in volume in the off-premise in the U.S. with consumers enjoying more wine at home.
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.
While Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. wines tend to be priced slightly higher than traditional Prosecco, the wines are still immensely affordable given the quality, making them desirable for a range of trade and consumers. Their versatility and lower alcohol by volume are also in keeping with today’s trends towards lighter alcohol and more diverse cuisines being enjoyed at the American table.
The trade campaign includes a series of three master classes with noted sommeliers and wine experts Jon McDaniel (June 29), Anthony Giglio (July 20) and Alpana Singh (Aug. 10) along with consumer-focused edutainment Happy Hours with noted author and TV personality and author Leslie Sbrocco on July 15 and July 29 and author and wine educator Karen MacNeil.
Other educational outreach includes a WEVO Tastings seminar (June 18) on the wines of the region conducted by educator Liz Barrett and master classes for WSET Diploma level students. A focused ad campaign highlighting the theme #SparkleAtHome encouraging the support of restaurant takeout to pair with Prosecco Superiore at home, along with a general campaign focused on the region is part of the 2020 plan.
For the third consecutive year, the Consorzio will be working with select ambassadors in key markets to activate online education for the trade, as well as act as social and traditional media spokespeople. The press campaign includes a sampling program, social media engagement centered around the #sparkleathome hashtag and ongoing press outreach. The press campaign includes a sampling program, social media engagement centered around the #sparkleathome hashtag and ongoing press outreach.
“After a very challenging start to the year in Italy, we are pleased to support one of our stronger export markets with ongoing education and programming," says Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. “We are pleased to see America continues its strong desire for top quality sparkling wine, now perhaps more than ever.”
The list of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. wineries that will participate in the U.S. communications campaign include Adami, Andreola, Anna Spinato, Bellenda, Biancavigna, Bortolomiol, Ca’ Di Rajo, Canevel, Ciodet, Col Sandago, Col Vetoraz, Colesel, Conte Collalto, Drusian, La Farra, La Gioiosa, La Marca, La Tordera, L’Antica Quercia, Le Colture, Le Vigne di Alice, Marsuret, Masottina, Mongarda, Perlage, Prapian, Riva Dei Frati, Ruggeri, Sommariva, Tenuta Degli Ultimi, Trevisiol, Val D’Oca, Valdo, Villa Sandi and Vinicollina Tesini.
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.
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Viñedos Veramonte Partners with WEVO Tastings for a Virtual Wine Vacation to Chile
17 June, 2020
Contact: Kimberly Charles
Charles Communications Associates
kcharles@charlescomm.com
415|701-9463
Viñedos Veramonte Partners with WEVO Tastings for a Virtual Wine Vacation to Chile on July 2
Chicago – June 17, 2020 – With vacation planning looking a little different this summer, Viñedos Veramonte is offering a fun and delicious online wine vacation to Chile on Thursday, July 2nd with WEVOTastings.com. For $59.99, guests will receive three bottles of Chilean wine from the González Byass portfolio and a link to an entertaining and educational one-hour interactive tasting with Certified Specialist of Wine Liz Barrett.
Guests will receive Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, Ritual Pinot Noir and Primus The Blend, and can sign up here. These are three great gate-way wines for a tour of the Casablanca and Colchagua and Apalta Valleys. Host Liz Barrett will introduce guests to these beautiful regions, and tell the stories of the people who craft these wines, the unique geography of Chile as well as offer delicious food pairing ideas – with a focus on grilling for the upcoming holiday weekend.
“With the 4th of July holiday weekend approaching and summer plans getting more creative, we wanted to find a way to share these versatile, approachable wines with more people and inspire delicious pairings for weekend grilling and other summer celebrations,” said, Ted Emerson, Director of Marketing for González Byass USA. “Chilean wines represent an amazing value, offering excellent quality at really accessible price points, and the WEVO Tastings platform makes it easy.”
WEVO Tastings fulfills wine orders through Wine.com and asks that guests sign up for the July 2 tasting by June 24, to allow time for shipping. Each sign-up can involve multiple people and the Zoom link will be sent following sign-up. Sign up here!
About González Byass
González Byass USA is a Chicago based importer for a strategically selected portfolio of fine wine and spirit brands from around the world including Spain, Chile, Italy, Austria and the US. González Byass USA is the US subsidiary of González Byass headquartered in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain and is a family-owned, collection of wineries founded in 1835. The four Chilean brands in the Portfolio include Veramonte Wines, Ritual, Primus and Neyen. In 2012, the winemaking and vineyard teams at Viñedos Veramonte in Chile’s Casablanca Valley undertook an ambitious project to convert their substantial biodiverse land holdings to organic winegrowing practices. In four years, they managed to transform the totality of their vineyards, now 1235 acres. With the 2018 vintage, they released their first ECOCERT® certified wine on the U.S market, the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc. Learn more at https://www.González byassusa.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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Exclusive Philippe Melka Portfolio Limited Time Offering Includes Parallel Napa Valley June 17-23, 2020
17 June, 2020
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415|701-9463
press@charlescomm.com
Exclusive Philippe Melka Portfolio Limited Time Offering Includes Parallel Napa Valley
June 17-23, 2020
June 17, 2020 – Parallel Napa Valley is pleased to announce an exclusive wine offering created with five additional vintners held in high esteem. All six wineries in the collection are brought together by a common thread - small production wines made by noted, top-rated consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka. On offer June 17-23, participating wineries include the following top tier, collectible portfolio: Parallel Napa Valley, Davis Estates Phase V., Seavey, Skipstone, Moone-Tsai and Alejandro Bulgheroni. Collections include:
The Discover Collection $630
2017 Parallel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Skipstone Preface Proprietary Red
2016 Davis Estates Phase V Petite Sirah
2017 Moone-Tsai Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Seavey Caravina Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate Lithology Napa Valley
The Enthusiast Collection $1,225
2016 Parallel Black Diamond Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon “Limelight”
2016 Skipstone Oliver’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Davis Estates Phase V Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillsides Blend
2014 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon
The Connoisseur Collection $1,850
All 12 wines from The Discover and Enthusiast Collections
* Pricing are inclusive of tax and temperature-controlled shipping where legal.
A rare and special presentation of these wines, they make a great Father’s Day, Birthday, Anniversary, or Quarantine Survival gift from a winemaker whose wines continually earn top-notch ratings and awards from many notable wine publications and the highest bids at the Napa Valley Wine Auction. To purchase one of the Exclusive Melka Vintner Collections visit Parallel Wines.
About Philippe Melka
A native of Bordeaux, Melka grew up intrigued by the intricacies of the lands around him. When it came time for college, he acted on his childhood interests, earning a degree in Geology at the University of Bordeaux. A class in winemaking in his final year was a turning point, propelling him to earn a Master’s Degree in Agronomy and Enology. His first job out of school was at Chateau Haut-Brion. From there he took a position with the Moueix Company and was sent to Dominus estate in Yountville to study soils in 1991. Napa Valley proved to be a revelation for him. He set out traveling, dividing time between soil study and winemaking at world renown wineries Badio a Coltibuono in Chianti and Chittering Estate in Australia. He returned to France in 1993 to deepen his expertise at Chateau Petrus. A year later, Napa Valley was lucky to have him return where he has been since. He has served as consulting winemaker for some of Napa’s most highly regarded properties under the company name Atelier Melka.
About Parallel Napa Valley
Parallel Napa Valley is an artisan winery that produces top quality Napa Valley designated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, created by Philippe Melka, well regarded by leading critics as one of the pre-eminent wine consultants in the U.S. and beyond. The winery was established originally as a partnership in 1999 by close friends who felt the concept of their dream represented their parallel lives in Deer Valley (in Park City, Utah) where they are originally from, and Napa Valley, their second home. The Parallel Napa Valley label captures the essence of the lines carved by skis on the first run of the day, and the wines are named for famous black diamond ski runs. In addition to making a great wine, the partners of Parallel Napa Valley are dedicated philanthropists and have made it a priority to extend their wine and its success to support their communities and various charities.
Parallel Napa Valley’s hospitality and winemaking home is located in the stylish, appointment-only tasting room in Brasswood, just a few miles north of the town of St. Helena which is currently complying with the Shelter in Place regulations, but is offering a number of tasting options including on-site and virtual private tastings, including a complimentary tasting for frontline medical workers in the month of June and most recently, a private wine pairing lunch experience at Brasswood Restaurant.
For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415.701.9463 or kcharles@charlescomm.com.
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Domaine Carneros is Reopening with New Safety Protocols in Place
10 June, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Charles Communications Associates
June 10th, 2020 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com
***MEDIA ALERT***
The Chateau Gates at Domaine Carneros are Reopening
Bubbles are chilled and the views await visitors.
New safety protocols in place
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.
WHAT: Domaine Carneros has worked to provide moments of comfort, joy, and virtual connection these last few months. At long last, the Château gates are opening and the Domaine Carneros team will welcome back visitors starting June 11th!
WHEN: Starting on June 11th, reservations are available for all 21+ visitors. (Parties of six or fewer) The chateau is open for tastings Monday through Friday from 10:00-5:30 with the last reservation at 4:30. The weekends of June 13-14 and June 20-21 are reserved exclusively for existing club members.
WHERE: Domaine Carneros Winery 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Reservations can be booked online or by phone (1-800-716-2788 x 150). With their reopening, important changes have been made to their guest experience to protect both the visitor and the winery team. Protocols have been set up that should be studied before making a reservation to make the most of the visit. (see below)
Domaine Carneros will still be offering curbside pickup services from 10 am - 5 pm. Please call (1-800-716-2788 x100) 9 am - 5 pm, to schedule a pickup.
Prefer to have their bubbles dropped off at home? Enjoy $5 Ground Shipping or half-off Overnight Shipping with a purchase of 12+ bottles.
Help Us Help You – A Note from Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros is committed to a safe tasting experience for its visitors and appreciates everyone’s commitment to keeping the winery team safe as well! A visit to Domaine Carneros may look slightly different these days, but what hasn’t changed are the high standards of hospitality.
How We Are Protecting You
Giving you space: Our open-air tasting space has been reconfigured to allow 6’ between tables. Additionally, to allow space for social distancing, only those with an existing reservation or a scheduled curbside pickup are able to be on the Chateau grounds.
Keeping it clean: Tables and chairs are disinfected with commercial strength disinfectant before and after each reservation. All non-disposable items are sanitized with high heat or chemical cleaning. Our staff washes and sanitizes their hands before handling clean items.
Masking up: Our staff undergoes pre-shift health screenings and wears masks. They will remove their masks only if 6’ distance can be maintained.
How We Ask You to Protect Us
Respect our space: Please observe our current reservations policy. We have limited the number of visitors to the property to ensure plenty of space to practice social distancing. Parties are limited to six or fewer guests. We will meet you at the front gate to confirm your visit. While here, please diligently maintain 6’ social distancing from anyone not in your immediate party.
Help us keep it clean: Reservations are limited to 90 minutes to give us time to disinfect between each seating. We appreciate your cooperation. You will find hand sanitizer stations have been added throughout the property to supplement frequent handwashing.
Wear a mask: If you arrive without a mask, one will be provided for you. You’re required to wear it anytime you aren’t seated at your table enjoying your wine. Any guest failing to maintain social distancing or refusing to wear a mask will asked to leave.
Be mindful: This is new to all of us. Please treat our staff and fellow guests with patience and kindness. We promise to do the same and will do everything we can to make your visit truly enjoyable.
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.
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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Parallel Napa Valley Relaunches Private Wine Pairing Lunch Experience at St. Helena’s Brasswood Restaurant
3 June, 2020
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
kcharles@charlescomm.com
Tel 415-730-0064
Parallel Napa Valley Relaunches Private Wine Pairing Lunch Experience
at St. Helena’s Brasswood Restaurant
General Manager Adrienne Capps Will Host Small Groups Starting June 1
Napa Valley, CA – June 3, 2020 – Parallel Napa Valley is pleased to announce it has resumed its popular private wine pairing lunches at Brasswood in St. Helena, starting on Monday, June 1. The Parallel Wine Pairing Lunch will feature a set menu of four seasonal courses paired with four Parallel Wines, which are crafted by renowned winemaker Philippe Melka, including Napa Valley Chardonnay, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Black Diamond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and a special pour from Parallel’s Library Selection.
“We are very excited to welcome guests once again for an unforgettable wine pairing lunch experience at Brasswood,” said Parallel General Manager Adrienne Capps. “We’ve offered this experience for more than two years, and it is one of our most popular. Our wines really shine with the delicious seasonal dishes prepared by Brasswood Chef David Nuno, and the whole experience makes for a delightful and memorable day in the beautiful Napa Valley.”
Capps also notes that the team at Brasswood is working to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all, with strict protocols in place for hygiene and social distancing. Tables will be spaced six feet apart, masks will be required for guests when not seated, as well as for all restaurant staff, and there will be a maximum of six guests per table, including a Parallel Wines host. In addition, tables, bathrooms, and the entire property will be thoroughly sanitized with great frequency.
Reservations for the Parallel Private Wine Pairing Lunch will be available seven days a week, starting Monday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m. Reservation requests for parties of up to five people can be made online or by contacting Adrienne Capps directly at adrienne@parallelwines.com or by phone at (707) 486-1100. Guests will be able to purchase Parallel Wines on-site or place orders to be shipped to their homes in states where permitted.
Online Tasting Experiences to Continue
Since the Covid-19 pandemic forced so many shut-downs, Parallel Napa Valley has seen great success with its online tasting experiences. In March, Parallel launched a private online tasting series hosted by Adrienne Capps which offers guests three bottles of current-release Parallel Wines, including Napa Valley Chardonnay, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Black Diamond Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as food pairing suggestions and tasting notes, for $95 per person.
Most recently, Parallel added an optional selection of food pairings from St. Helena’s Panevino that can be added to any wine tasting experience for $35, including Rosemary Mixed Nuts, Saucisson Provencal and Oil-Cured French Olive and Provencal Herb Grissini. “Each specialty item was chosen to pair with one of the three Parallel Wines featured in the online tasting,” added Capps. “All the guests need to do is provide the glasses and wine opener for a complete Parallel Napa Valley tasting experience in their own home.”
In addition, Parallel continues its “Glass of Gratitude” program, offering complimentary tastings – including two bottles of Parallel Wines – to front-line medical workers. “Participants have been so grateful for a night off from fighting the coronavirus,” added Val Chin, Partner at Parallel Napa Valley. “We’re happy to provide a bit of a break for these heroes during this difficult time.”
About Parallel Napa Valley
Parallel Napa Valley is an artisan winery that produces top quality Napa Valley designated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, created by Philippe Melka, well-regarded by leading critics as one of the pre-eminent wine consultants in the U.S. and beyond. The winery was established originally as a partnership in 1999 by close friends who felt the concept of their dream represented their parallel lives in Deer Valley (in Park City, Utah) where they are originally from, and Napa Valley, their second home. The Parallel Napa Valley label captures the essence of the lines carved by skis on the first run of the day, and the wines are named for famous black diamond ski runs. In addition to making great wines, the partners of Parallel Napa Valley are dedicated philanthropists and have made it a priority to extend their wine and its success to support their communities and various charities.
Parallel Napa Valley’s hospitality and winemaking home is located in the stylish, appointment-only tasting room in Brasswood, just a few miles north of the town of St. Helena. It offers a sophisticated food pairing tasting menu, which can be booked for daytime tastings, lunches, and receptions. The beautiful facility also can be available to host private dinners - even weddings - in the Brasswood Restaurant or a private room.
About Charles Communications Associates
Charles Communications Associates, a leading marketer of fine wine brands and regions, is proud to have represented Parallel Napa Valley since the founding of the brand. For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415.701.9463 or kcharles@charlescomm.com.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Announces 2020 Viticultural Protocol
27 May, 2020
Contact: Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463
The 2020 Viticultural Protocol: New Steps Forward for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.’s path toward sustainability
Presentation of the 2020 Edition of the Viticultural Protocol of the Producers’ Consortium for the Denomination
Solighetto, Italy May 2020 – In spite of the current crisis that has immobilized much of Italy’s economic fabric, nature has not come to a standstill, nor has the Consortium’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. It is in this spirit that the denomination recently presented the 10th edition of the Viticultural Protocol, the document that each year, proposes and promotes an increasingly scrupulous system for managing the vineyards which enhances the protection of the vines.
“This year we have produced the tenth edition of the Viticultural Protocol which, after the numerous goals we have set and attained – most recently the innovative and bold banning of glyphosate – is proceeding in an even more deliberate manner along the path of integrated pest management,” states Innocente Nardi, President of the Consortium. “In the last 10 years, the Consortium has been able to analyse various vineyard conditions with advanced technical instrumentation that is designed for our unique growing area. Moreover, thanks to the professionals who make up our technical staff, we can offer increasingly efficient support to our members in the management of their vineyards.”
Following its widespread appellation-wide ban on the use of glyphosate, effective as of 2019, and thanks to the cooperation with the municipal governments within the Denomination, Conegliano Valdobbiadene is the largest zone in Europe to manage vineyards without this herbicide. Today the Consortium continues its activities of scientific observation of the zone, analysis of the gathered data, and development of strategies to assist its growers, in order to develop an ever-greater commitment toward environmental sustainability. One of the key functions of the Viticultural Protocol is to put the farmers in a position to choose what methods to use for managing their vineyards – whether organic or not – based on the real needs of their vines and soils at any given moment. To do this, the Consortium has made available technological instruments for gathering data that constantly photograph and document the activity in the vineyards (using small weather stations, publishing agronomic bulletins for the members, etc.) The real-time condition of the vineyards is transmitted by the Consortium to the growers so that they can choose the most appropriate action (notably with the least environmental impact) to take onsite.
The Various Stages of the Viticultural Protocol
The first edition of the Viticultural Protocol was published in 2011, and since then it has gradually become a point of reference for the denomination’s members, as well as for grape growers elsewhere in Italy. It is the cornerstone of the sustainability activities of the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.
The Viticultural Protocol is a document aimed at the Consortium’s members to promote in the community of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene the importance of sustainability in the management of the vineyards. The Protocol is optional and the Consortium cannot intervene if its guidelines are not followed. Nevertheless, it is a policy that has also been positively received by local administrators.
The objective of the Viticultural Protocol is to gradually eliminate practices and chemical substances that are considered to have too great an impact on the environment – even if they are still permitted under Italian and European regulations – and, conversely promote potential, less invasive forms of agriculture, setting the stage for swifter progress toward sustainability.
The exclusion of amendments that contain the substances of Folpet, Mancozeb and Dithianon dates back to 2013, and the same was true in 2016 for various other substances that the current laws would have allowed.
S.Q.N.P.I. Certification
2019 was the year in which the S.Q.N.P.I. (Sistema Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata) Certification project was launched for the growers in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Denomination. This certification system takes into consideration all of the methods used in the production and defense of crops against adversities, works on reducing the use of synthetic chemical substances to a minimum in the vineyards, as well as regulating fertilization practices.
In order to obtain and maintain this certification, control activities have been put in place, such as numerous analyses of the grapes being grown, in order to ascertain the actual amount of use of chemical substances in the vineyard.
Certification has been seen as a great opportunity for the zone and for the individual growers. Many growers now understand the greater potential value of the product when it is certified. Forty of the member companies immediately joined the Consortium’s certification project, encompassing an area of 575 hectares. In addition, there are several viticultural estates and cooperatives that applied independently for certification.
All of the wine-producing and bottling companies may participate in the project, and thus have the possibility to use the bee logo on their products. Vine-growers may also take part and will be able to put up signs with the bee logo in their certified vineyards. All of the above, moreover, will be able to use the identifying logo of SQNPI certification on their websites, social media and publicity material. The Consortium is assisted by Valoritalia s.r.l. as its certifying body. Valoritalia is the leading company in Italy authorized by MiPAAF (Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies), for the control and certification of wines with Denomination of Origin. Since its establishment in 2009, Valoritalia has set itself the ambitious goal of contributing to the growth of the wine system, to guarantee to the consumer the quality and origin of the wine through the control of every stage of production, from the vineyard to the bottle.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denomination di Origin Controlled status in 1969 and the Denomination di Origin Controlled e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: 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 Consortium, whose current President is Innocente Nardi, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 182 sparkling wine producers and 427 vinifying companies. For the Denomination, this means that there are almost 3,500 local families involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad, encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities, and the organization of events, as well as relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
For more information, interviews, images and inquiries for the U.S. market, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Experiences the Best Year in its History
22 May, 2020
US PR Agency: Charles Communications Associates
415.701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Experiences the Best Year in its History
2019 a record year - 92 million bottles sold and revenue up close to 2 percent
First quarter of 2020: the retail sector prevails during COVID-19 crisis
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. up 16.8 percent in value and 18.6 percent in volume
Future prospects: the strength of the brand, the added value of UNESCO status and the post-COVID-19 measures will draw numerous visitors to the Denomination
Solighetto, May 21 2020 – The 2019 economic data for the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Denomination were released in recent weeks in a video conference. Participating were: Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.; Vasco Boatto, Professor of Economics and Farming Policy at the University of Padua and in charge of the District’s Research Center; Eugenio Pomarici, Professor of Economics and Farming Policy at the University of Padua and Scientific Director of the Economic Report; Simonetta Melis, Client Service Senior Manager at IRI Infoscan; and Enzo Risso, Scientific Director of SWG, an Italian market survey specialist.
Their findings outlined the overall picture in 2019 - and the positive results that were achieved – as well as insights on the first few months of 2020 and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis as it related to the region. Apart from having had an immediate effect on consumption patterns, there is a general consensus that consumers are reaching for these wines, eager for a great quality and price ratio during a challenging economic time. “We are experiencing an unprecedented moment in history, which is threatening the entire world and all of its production sectors,” stated Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. “But in this difficult scenario we are proud to have reinforced the strength and unity of our Denomination, which can now face this crisis with the expertise and experience that culminated during our 50th anniversary in 2019 in record economic results: 92 million bottles sold and further growth in value terms of 1.2 percent.”
The Economic Results for 2019
Thanks to a particularly generous vintage in 2018, the bottles produced and sold in 2019 totalled 92 million, the largest number since the creation of the Denomination in 1969 and the overall revenue increased by 1.2 percent for the 2018 harvest. This goes to show a progressive recognition in the marketplace of the quality of the wines, resulting from the focused activities and messages to promote the product and the Denomination carried out by the Consortium. The total number of bottles sold of sparkling Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. corresponds to just under 50 million, with a value of around 296 million Euro, destined for the Italian market (56.3 percent), and almost 39 million bottles, with a value of about 202 million Euro, destined for international markets (43.7 percent). Exports are growing due to the producers’ desire and ability to reach new markets where demand is increasing, whereas domestic consumption in Italy is contracting slightly as a result of their commercial strategy of targeting the more quality-led on-premise channel to a greater degree, rather than the discount retail channel.
The added value of the Denomination: wine tourism and sustainability
The strong image that the Denomination projects beyond its boundaries is evidenced by the growing economic value garnered by Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The promotion of the Denomination and of sustainable programs on the part of the wineries and growers has contributed to increasing this value proposition, found in both the terroir and the bottle. A more progressive, welcoming hospitality at the wineries is now ubiquitous, and the individual wineries are developing and investing in tourism, both in terms of onsite offerings and a dedicated and educated staff.
In 2019, 460,000 visitors came to the Denomination, registering an increase of 13 percent compared to 2018 and 45 percent compared to 2010. The wineries in the Denomination are reaping the rewards of their hard work and are seeing a return on the investments they have made in the area of hospitality. The economic results reveal a total spend by wine tourists that has grown by 25 percent compared to 2018. Also, the amount spent by each individual visitor has increased, to just under 90 Euro per person.
Alongside wine tourism, which now appears to be well consolidated, an incentive for further growth for the region and its wines is the prestigious recognition that has been granted by UNESCO, which bore witness to the unique character of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The beauty and distinctive nature of this area are preserved with even greater pride and dedication by the growers and wine producers, the vast majority of whom now adhere to the Viticultural Protocol drawn up by the Consortium. In terms of adoption of the protocol by the producers within the consortium, 72.6 percent are increasing the well-being of employees in their workplace, 60.3 percent have attended best practices training to further improve the quality of the grapes, and 55 percent are embracing renewable resources.
Analysis of the international market
After a 2018 that had seen a contraction in exports, 2019 saw significant growth in sales abroad, both in volume (+ 17.2 percent) and in value (+15.8 percent), with rates well above the global market average.
Of absolute importance is the growth in UK imports, which grew by 80 percent in value and substantially doubled in volume, reaching a record 12.7 million bottles sold. Also important was the dynamic in Germany where, despite an overall decrease in the imports of international sparkling wines, the volumes and in particular values (+ 7.5 percent) are growing, showing an orientation towards higher quality products. This phenomenon is also found in the USA, with greater accentuation since in this market only values grew (+ 4.9 percent) out of a total of more than 2.8 million bottles sold.
Among the new importers, the performance of Central Eastern European countries is particularly positive, with growth rates reaching 46 percent in value and 49 percent in volume for Central European and Baltic countries (Poland, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia).
Exports to Latin America also increased (+ 24.5 percent in value and + 23.5 percent in volume), repeating the double-digit growth already recorded in 2018. As regards Asia, there was significant growth (+ 60.6 percent in value and + 76.6 percent in volume) in South East Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, East Timor, Brunei, Burma), consolidating the trend already observed in previous years.
Prospects for the future
A summary of the 2019 statistics underscores that the Denomination, thanks to its production structures, expertise, commercial relationships and the overall solidity of its business, will be able to overcome the crisis in the marketplace that the COVID-19 epidemic has caused worldwide. The synergy between the activities linked to the production of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and the social fabric of the Denomination will be an invaluable support in the months to come.
From the experience of past crises – even though not comparable to the current one in terms of global impact – one can deduce that quality will once again prevail, because demand will be more selective and those consumers who choose Conegliano Valdobbiadene will continue to do so, as long as the product delivers on all fronts. It is anticipated that there will be trade ups on the part of consumers, turning towards the categories of Rive and Cartizze, and the sustainable tenets and UNESCO heritage status of the Denomination, bodes well for the commitment to quality for the long term.
About the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G
The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the private body, founded in 1962, that guarantees and controls adherence to the production regulations for D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. The sparkling wines produced on the hillsides between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the Province of Treviso, obtained Denomination di Origin Controlled status in 1969 and the Denomination di Origin Controlled e Garantita in 2009. The production zone includes 15 municipal areas: 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 Consortium, whose current President is Innocente Nardi, has its headquarters in the village of Solighetto in Pieve di Soligo. It groups together 182 sparkling wine producers and 427 vinifying companies. For the Denomination, this means that there are almost 3,500 local families involved in producing Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It operates principally in three areas: protection and promotion of the product, both in Italy and abroad, encouraging knowledge of the product through educational activities, and the organization of events, as well as relations with the press. It also offers technical assistance to its members, from the vineyard to the winery.
For more information, interviews, images and inquiries for the U.S. market, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.
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Cycles Gladiator Murals Honoring 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote
12 May, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Phone 415|701-9463
Email: press@charlescomm.com
Walls for Women
Cycles Gladiator Murals Honoring 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote
Tennessee’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment Adds Local
Color to Towns Across State this Summer
NASHVILLE, TN, May 12, 2020—With 2020 marking the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution giving women the right to vote, California-based winery Cycles Gladiator announced it is joining in funding the creation this summer of 10 original murals by female artists in multiple communities across Tennessee, the last of the necessary 36 states to secure ratification on August 18, 1920.
“This was an epochal event in American history,” said Cycles Gladiator Founding Winemaker Adam LaZarre. “And it was the state of Tennessee with its ratification of the amendment that gave American women the right to vote. One hundred years later we want to say ‘thank you’ to all Tennesseans for their forebears’ commitment to moving women forward by commissioning exciting new art.”
The murals project, inspired by the fight for women’s suffrage, will be completed in time for the August 18 anniversary. The muralists, a collection of female artists selected by DMA-events, Inc., a Tennessee-based nonprofit that is dedicated to curating artistic expression in public places, will include such notable talents as Sarah Painter, Tara Aversa, Kim Radford, Nicole Salgar, Cymone Wilder, and Paris Woodhull. Volunteer State communities planning to host the murals include the cities of Nashville and Knoxville and smaller towns such as Maryville, Tullahoma and McMinnville. The work will be painted on walls in high-visibility locations with the subject matter reflecting the individual artists’ professional talents. “The murals themselves will not necessarily be about the suffrage movement directly,” says Walls for Women Organizer Kristin Luna. “They will be whimsical, thoughtful and drive forward the state’s century-old commitment to female equality.”
“We’re thrilled by Cycles Gladiator’s commitment to this statewide art project that celebrates women, their individual rights and the uniquely democratic process of voting,” Luna added. “Their commitment to art starts with the theme of the label wrapping around their bottles. Inspired by an explosive era of creativity that still influences artistic expression, the wine branding features a woman suspended in mid-air, liberated by the bicycle, which was a new invention in the 19th century that transformed civilization. This Paris-based bicycle company, whose posters inspired women to get out of the house and explore the larger world, has a natural synergy with our Walls for Women project and ties into the larger theme of keeping a woman’s voice front and center of our society.” The Belle Epoque period in history spanned from 1871 to 1914 and was a period of social, cultural and technological innovations, with much of the inspiration coming from France.
About Walls for Women: Kristin Luna and Scott Van Velsor started 501(c) (3) DMA-events in May 2018 as a way to harness and inspire the imaginative spirit found in all of humanity by removing some of the barriers to entry of the creative process. Walls for Women focuses exclusively on capturing female creative energy for artistic placemaking in communities in need of joy, hope and color during Tennessee’s Centennial of the 19th Amendment.
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 – Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The brand name is inspired by the renowned French bicycle company, Cycles Gladiator which rose to prominence during the Belle Epoque era in France. Known for their vibrant advertisements, displayed throughout Paris, bicycle sales flourished throughout this time prompted by the momentum of the women’s suffrage movement.
For more information, interviews and images please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463.
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Domaine Carneros creates more interactive offerings for Shelter in Place and Beyond
7 May, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charles Communications Associates
415.701-9463 | press@charlescomm.com
Domaine Carneros New Virtual Offerings
In response to Shelter In Place, Domaine Carneros creates more interactive offerings for wine lovers
Carneros, CA – May 7, 2020 –While we shelter in place as a nation it is important to try to keep a healthy positive attitude, and many of us know the adage about needing top sparkling wine in good times and bad. To that end, Domaine Carneros, the highly lauded sparkling wine house in Carneros, California, has made its mission to continue to bring the easy elegance of its chateau into your home.
Every Friday at 2pm PST, members of the Domaine Carneros team are hosting live interactive sessions on Facebook and Instagram. Designed as a creative and fun connection to the winery, topics range from making sparkling wine based cocktails to the discussion of late disgorging. The Domaine Carneros Facebook page lists the upcoming sessions. On May 15th Eileen Crane, CEO and Founding Winemaker at Domaine Carneros, will be hosting a storytelling discussion about the Carneros region, the history of the chateau, and its flagship wines.
The newly refreshed Domaine Carneros website showcases numerous virtual opportunities the winery is offering. The S.I.P. Accessories page highlights feel-good products that help bring a touch of Carneros with a French accent to quarantine life. Such products include Eileen Crane’s favorite Cherry Griottines or the Ladies Who Drink book written by Anne Keenan Higgins. The Virtual Tastings page of the shop gives visitors easy access to purchase the wines that will be featured in upcoming live tasting sessions or recorded educational wine videos. All of the wine videos can easily be found on Domaine Carneros’ YouTube channel. In addition to recorded educational sessions, the winery is offering private one-on-one Virtual Tastings via Zoom with its wine educators. Designed to provide the chateau experience at home, one can learn more about these experiences on the Virtual Tastings page of the website. If making delicious sparkling cocktails is more appealing or learning about ideal food pairing suggestions, head over to the revamped Sparkle More With Us Blog. Here one can find which Domaine Carneros wine best fits with the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s or how to make the classic French 75 cocktail.
In addition, Domaine Carneros is furthering its relationship with Sonoma-based Journeyman Meat Company and is offering three collaborative packs for purchase. These salumis were specially developed for Domaine Carneros and up until now have been available for guests to enjoy only in their tasting room. The pairing packages include either a bottle of the Estate Brut and the Sec Salumi, a bottle of the Estate Pinot and the Finnochio Salumi, or a bottle of each the Estate Brut and the Estate Pinot along with both Salumis. Journeyman Meat Company offers handmade salumi, sausages and other local meats at their butcher counter and tasting bar. Journeyman was founded by acclaimed winemaker Pete Seghesio, whose family migrated from Italy to Sonoma in the late 1800s. As one of Sonoma County’s most established wine growing families, Pete Seghesio and the Journeyman team understand the magic of sublime food and wine pairings
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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.
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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Wente Vineyards offers First Ever Voice App Wine Tasting Experience
4 May, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charles Communications Associates
press@charlescomm.com 415|701-9463
Wente Vineyards offers First Ever Voice App Wine Tasting Experience
Launches on Amazon Alexa and Google Home Today
May 4, 2020 - Wente Vineyards, the longest continuously owned and operated family winery, and a company of many firsts throughout its 137-year history, nationally launches today an interactive home wine tasting feature with both Alexa and Google home devices. A wine industry first, this ability to experience a guided wine tasting with one’s smart device will bring the wine country experience straight to the home. Wente Vineyards has always thought in terms of bringing the family together through cookbooks, concerts, restaurants, tasting rooms and this opportunity is next level. Wente Vineyards has a portfolio of “go to” wines accessible for many wine lovers, which offers a unique ability to bring the pleasure of learning about wine to many households. Particularly at a time when education and e-learning are at an all-time high with online offerings of workouts, cooking, academia…a guided home wine tasting is an opportunity to make time for wine, connection, and learning.
Interested wine lovers can order wines by visiting www.wentevineyards.com or the experience landing page and receive a trio or six pack of current releases of Morning Fog Chardonnay, Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay and Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon delivered to their home. Later in May, orders through Instacart and Drizly! can be activated using the smart home devices so that buying wine becomes a 1-step process. The experience includes a brief history of this storied winery along with tasting notes and a pacing that can be dictated by listeners.
The Wente family is known for an exceptional hospitality experience at their home vineyard in the historic Livermore Valley, and through experiencing this virtual tasting, one can taste and learn from the comfort and safety of one’s own kitchen, dining room or living room. Since the onset of the COVID crisis, 73 percent of consumers have turned more to their streaming devices, social channels and television to manage their boredom during social distancing[1], and since many are home cooks for the first time, learning about wine is complementary. To learn more about the ease of the interface, simply click here for more details.
Pricing is $60 plus tax for a trio of wines and a discounted $100 for six bottles, two of each designation representing a 20 percent discount along with a flat $10 rate for shipping. A great way to get the adults in the home learning and interacting, this experience can be dialed at one’s leisure. Wente Vineyards Vice President of Marketing and Head Storyteller Lisa Kalfus states, “The winery has had a historic set of firsts, first to varietally label wines in the 1930s, first to cultivate and distribute Chardonnay around the state at the turn of the century, first to bring enriching hospitality experiences to the winery visit, among the first to pilot a statewide sustainability certification, so offering a tasting via a technology that is in so many homes, makes complete sense as a next level evolution for us.”
Brand Manager and 5th generation family member, Aly Wente jumped at the chance to reach out more to her demographic as well as those of all generations who enjoy the smart devices in their homes. She states, “We are also finding ways to engage with wine lovers – most recently with our weekly Wine Wednesday experiences – and now we’re excited to bring the Wente wine tasting experiences to life in homes across the country through the app on Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. This is also a natural extension of our #MakeTime movement that stands for what we care about in life and share the core belief of my family with wine lovers.” More about #MakeTime here.
Participants can tag @wente in their posts about their wine tasting experience on their social channels.
About Wente Family Estates
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards has been resoundingly celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the longest 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 and Angel’s Ink 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 4 percent 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 and is among the top 30 wineries in the United States according to Wine Business Monthly, (February 2020). 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. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. Wente Vineyards is also proud to have 100% estate grown wines and have the Certified Sustainable designations across their vineyards and winery through California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.
For media inquiries, interviews, images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com.
[1] State of the Consumer, Part Three, Research study by Suzy April 2020
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Parallel Napa Valley to Launch a Tasting Experience for Medical Workers
1 May, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.701-9463 | kcharles@charlescomm.com
Parallel Napa Valley to Launch Complimentary Online Tasting Experience for America’s Front Line Medical Workers
Glass of Gratitude Program Includes Two Bottles of Wine and Personal Tasting with
Parallel’s General Manager Adrienne Capps
Napa Valley, CA – May 1, 2020 – In recognition of the heroic, life-saving efforts in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, Parallel Napa Valley is launching a series of complimentary online wine tastings for the very people who everyone should raise a glass to: America’s front line medical workers.
Each Thursday in May, from 5-6 p.m. PST starting on the 7th, Parallel will welcome 10 guests total in up to five locations for a complimentary tasting of two highly-rated Parallel wines (crafted by renowned winemaker Philippe Melka) with Parallel General Manager Adrienne Capps. The complimentary experience is valued at $225 per location and includes two bottles of Parallel wines shipped to the participants in advance.
“As we thought about what we could do to thank our first responders, we realized that these individuals might appreciate a night off, with some excellent wine,” said Adrienne Capps. “It’s our privilege to offer this experience as a way to help medical workers take a breath and relax and recharge after days spent fighting this virus that is wreaking so much havoc.”
To participate in the Glass of Gratitude Program, interested parties can contact Adrienne Capps directly by email (adrienne@parallelwines.com) or phone (707-486-1100) to sign up for upcoming tastings. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals in up to five locations. Each participant will receive one bottle of 2018 Parallel Chardonnay (SRP $75) and one bottle of 2017 Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $110). Shipping is included in the experience.
It is hoped that participants will enjoy the wines and the tasting experience as much as they enjoy meeting one another online. In early “pilot” tastings with doctors and nurses from New York City, one of the hardest hit places for COVID in the U.S., one cardiac anesthesiologist from Mount Sinai Hospital said of the experience, “I personally can’t think of a better way to ‘turn off’ the stress of our day-to-day lives right now and relax. Food, friends, amazing wine and an incredible host to give us a night off – it was great.”
“Wine is a catalyst for bringing people together, and in these difficult times, coming together and sharing a glass of wine – even if it’s online - means a lot,” added Val Chin, Partner at Parallel Napa Valley. She states, “Parallel’s ownership has a long history of giving back, be it educational exchange, donating parkland to urban areas, or supporting the arts and healthcare. This is a natural extension of the way we’ve lived our lives long before the wines came to be 21 years ago. We are grateful for these professionals’ personal sacrifices.”
In addition, Parallel Wines is now bringing its tasting room experience directly to guests, with private online tastings via Zoom. For $95 per person, guests receive three bottles of current-release Parallel wines, including Napa Valley Chardonnay, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Black Diamond Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as food pairing suggestions and tasting notes. Visit https://www.parallelwines.com/Tastings for full details and to schedule.
About Parallel Napa Valley
Parallel Napa Valley is an artisan winery that produces top quality Napa Valley designated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, created by Philippe Melka, well regarded by leading critics as one of the pre-eminent wine consultants in the U.S. and beyond. The winery was established originally as a partnership in 1999 by close friends who felt the concept of their dream represented their parallel lives in Deer Valley (in Park City, Utah) where they are originally from, and Napa Valley, their second home. The Parallel Napa Valley label captures the essence of the lines carved by skis on the first run of the day, and the wines are named for famous black diamond ski runs. In addition to making a great wine, the partners of Parallel Napa Valley are dedicated philanthropists and have made it a priority to extend their wine and its success to support their communities and various charities.
Parallel Napa Valley’s hospitality and winemaking home is currently complying with Shelter in Place laws in California and is temporarily closed. It is located in the stylish, appointment-only tasting room in Brasswood, just a few miles north of the town of St. Helena. It offers a sophisticated food pairing tasting menu, which can be booked for daytime tastings, lunches, and receptions. The beautiful facility also can be available to host private dinners - even weddings - in the Brasswood Restaurant or a private room.
About Charles Communications Associates
Charles Communications Associates, a leading marketer of fine wine brands and regions, is proud to have represented Parallel Napa Valley since the founding of the brand. For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415.701.9463 or kcharles@charlescomm.com
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Alder Springs Vineyard Launches its SIPS - Shelter-in-Place Support - Initiative
29 April, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Liz Barrett
Charles Communications Associates
liz@charlescomm.com
312|446-6945
Alder Springs Vineyard Gives the Power of Giving to the People with its
SIPS - Shelter-in-Place Support - Initiative
$200 from Each $395 Case Purchased Will Be Given to a Cause Chosen by the Customer
Laytonville, CA – April 29, 2020 – In response to the unprecedented hardships caused by the COVID-19 crisis, Alder Springs Vineyard is turning the tables on traditional charitable giving by letting its customers choose their own beneficiary for a special donation linked for each case purchased. Starting today, for every 12-bottle case of wine purchased from Alder Springs Vineyard, owner Stuart Bewley will help facilitate a $200 contribution in the customer’s name to a philanthropic organization or an individual of the customer’s choosing.
“The world’s never seen anything like this crisis,” said Bewley. “I wanted to do something to help during this confusing and chaotic time. So many people have lost jobs and loved ones, and I just wanted to give people at least a measure of control in such uncertain times. So, I’m letting my customers choose where the contribution from each case goes.”
A longtime grower supplying grapes to over 30 winery clients of top repute across California, Bewley began making his own wines 14 years ago and offers a lovely array of red and white wines from his high-altitude vineyard in Mendocino County. His signature Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays are highly regarded for their balance and freshness, rooted in meticulously farmed vineyards.
Do Good and Enjoy Great Wine
When customers log on to the Alder Springs Vineyards website, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
Select your preferred beneficiary
Select your case of 12 wines. Customers can choose from all red or all white wines, or a case containing both.
Check out using a credit card, and feel great about doing something good, while you look forward to enjoying a nice glass of Alder Springs Vineyard wine.
There are 14 non-profit organizations that customers can choose from for their $200 donation. Selected organizations support a number of causes, ranging from struggling restaurant and hospitality workers, to hunger relief, to health, the environment, animal welfare, domestic violence, human rights and reproductive health.
Alternately, customers can request that the $200-per-case donation be made to a local organization or even an individual of their own choosing. “If someone wants to give to an out-of-work friend or family member or a local group, that’s okay, too,” says Bewley. “This is all about giving the power to the people who order Alder Springs Vineyards wines, to do some good during this crisis.”
Only one donation can be designated per order (but customers are welcome to place multiple orders if they like.) In addition to empowering customers to help organizations and/or people in need right now, the Alder Springs Vineyard “Shelter in Place Support” initiative offers a generous savings off its regular 12-bottle case price of $540. Because $200 of each $395 case order is a donation, the case of wine is costing the customer $195. (shipping is included in the price, but sales tax is not.) Alder Springs Vineyard currently ships to customers in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, D.C.
Alder Springs Vineyard has been producing world-class grapes since owner Stuart Bewley broke ground on the vineyard in 1993. The property spans 6,000 acres, with 140 acres planted to multiple white and red varietals including Chardonnay, Grenache, Picpoul Blanc, Roussane, Marsanne , Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, Counoise, Malbec and Tannat. The Alder Springs team practices a unique “bonsai” style of pruning, shedding up to 75 percent of the fruit on each vine to attain maximum concentration of flavor. Its grapes are in demand by esteemed wineries up and down California. Bewley launched his own Alder Springs Vineyard label in 2006, selling wines online and to wine club members in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, D.C. Please visit https://www.alderspringsvineyard.com/ for more information.
For images, interviews and further media needs please contact Charles Communications Associates, Liz Barrett liz@charlescomm.com or 312|446-6945.
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Leaving a Legacy of Growth and Sustainability at Domaine Carneros - Earth Day 2020
21 April, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles
Charles Communications Associates
415.701-9463 | kcharles@charlescomm.com
Domaine Carneros’ Retiring CEO Eileen Crane Leaves a Legacy of Growth and Sustainability
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day
Carneros, CA – April 21, 2020 –. CEO of Domaine Carneros and sparkling winemaker Eileen Crane is retiring this June after 33 years spent crafting wine with attention to detail in the cellar and vineyards with a dedication to sustainability. Her introduction of innovations such as the winery’s new electrical micro-grid, renewable energy systems, and packaging reuse programs garnered the winery and its team a host of accolades, most notably in 2019 when Domaine Carneros was honored with the California Green Medal Business Award. Crane will continue as lead sparkling winemaker through the 2020 harvest and cuvee blending, and leaves the company well-positioned to prosper in the coming years.
“Eileen has broken new ground with her approach to environmental and regenerative land use,” says Zak Miller, who will step into the role of sparkling winemaker at Domaine Carneros after a decade spent working side-by-side with Crane on the production of the winery’s luxury sparkling wines and alongside Pinot Noir winemaker TJ Evans. “She pioneered smart and sustainable initiatives at the winery—I can think of no better legacy to leave, especially now that climate change is challenging all wineries to become more self-reliant.”
Under Crane, Domaine Carneros emerged as one of the industry’s most forward-thinking brands. When Crane introduced solar power to the winery in 2003, it positioned Domaine Carneros as a pioneer in renewable energy production in the wine industry at large. Today, the new micro-grid allows the winery to continue production should California’s notorious seasonal fires force the statewide electrical grid to go dark. With fires often occurring during the harvest months, the system helps ensure smooth operations at a critical time. Miller stated, “Domaine Carneros will keep disruptions to a minimum thanks to Eileen’s foresight and anticipation of our energy needs.”
Such environmental planning and sustainable efforts paid off under Crane. Her packaging reuse plan saw employees reclaiming both inserts and cases for in-house purposes. And like many green initiatives, it ultimately helped add more “green” to the winery’s bottom line. With an annual reuse rate of 20-25%, Domaine Carneros employees helped save the company an average of $75,000 per year since the program’s inception in 2011.
Such employee involvement in sustainability programs is vital. Once again Crane was ahead of the curve by instituting an open-book management plan that all workers could see. The plan set measurable goals every three years, reevaluated annually that encouraged employee involvement in managing the winery’s sustainability efforts. These include installing skylights to reduce electricity use, recycling bottles, corks, and foil, and introducing owl boxes in the vineyards.
“To tend to the vine is to do the right thing. I have a responsibility to my winery, my employees and the planet,” Crane says, summarizing her dedication and passion for winemaking. “It was an honor and a privilege to work with the Taittinger family for these past 33 years. I know Domaine Carneros will continue to be a leader in winemaking and regenerative practices.”
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. For information, images and interviews please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
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DOMAINE RÜTZ supports America's food banks during the COVID-19 crisis
20 April, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charles Communications Associates
415|701-9463
press@charlescomm.com
DOMAINE RÜTZ supports America's food banks during the COVID-19 crisis
Donating 10% of purchases of RVTZ Cellars Proprietor’s Reserve wines
Marin County, CA, April 20, 2020 - Domaine Rütz, a noted Russian River winery with strong ancestral roots in the winemaking business, has launched a partnership across America to give a percent of sales of RVTZ Cellars to food banks which are among the neediest entities in this critical time. When Keith Rutz, the owner and winemaker of RVTZ Cellars, was in San Antonio in the beginning of March, he witnessed thousands of people standing in line at their local food banks and decided it was time to make a change. This led to a partnership with the Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and the local food banks in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and other local Texas communities.
The online Stay at Home with RVTZ campaign allows customers to receive 50% off six bottles or more when purchasing RVTZ Cellars Proprietor’s Reserve. The winery then donates 10% of that purchase to the customer’s local food bank. These wines include the 2018 RVTZ Cellars Proprietor’s Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay and 2018 RVTZ Cellars Proprietor’s Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, both sell for $15. Domaine Rütz is also currently offering free shipping on all orders.
This partnership began at Marin County Food Bank where Keith Rutz resides and the message quickly spreading around the country. To date, since the launch two weeks ago, $5000 has been raised which will go to The Redwood Empire food bank in Santa Rosa, CA and the Highland, IL food bank in Highland, IL where Rutz was raised as a 5th generation American. Several of Rutz’s longtime friends from his days as a fashion branding executive, as well as high school friends from his hometown of Highland, IL have been assisting in carrying out this initiative all over the country. The small town of Highland has a population of 5,000, but has already accrued over 50 orders. The program has met with accelerated success, and his mission is to carry it out to wine shops and restaurants around the country. Although businesses may be struggling during these times, many are supporting RVTZ Cellars as Keith’s message resonates with everyone. As Rutz says, this is “a win win for everyone.”
About Domaine Rütz
Keith Rutz’ ancestral roots hearken back six generations from his great great grandfather Fernand Lebegue who grew up in Aigne, in France’s Languedoc region, where he worked as a cooper fashioning barrels from the Vosges, Nevers, Allier, and Troncais forests which have become the standard bearers of oak in the fine wine business today.
After graduating from UC Berkeley, Keith Rutz developed a deep interest in wine and started a label in the Russian River Valley. Known as RUTZ in the early 90’s, Keith focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones given his deep connection to and interest in the great wines of Burgundy. His family’s tradition had come full circle.
Celebrating 28 harvests in 2019, RUTZ has expanded to the sought after cooler Chalk Hill appellation for Cabernet Sauvignon production, as well as a counterpoint in Napa Valley in the Rutherford AVA working with the Morisoli Vineyard. A creative businessperson, Rutz decided to be a hands-on winemaker after working with consultants over a period of time. He has a suite of wines that deliver artistry, architecture and allure.
For more information on setting up a program in your market, please contact Keith Rutz directly at krutz@rutzcellars.com or 415-652-1907.
For information, images and interviews please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.
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