FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles  Charles Communications Associates 415.701-9463 | kcharles@charlescomm.com Domaine Carneros CEO Eileen Crane to Retire After 33-year tenure, steps down as CEO   Carneros, CA – April 2020 – After an incredibly successful career spanning 42 years, noted sparkling wine industry pioneer Eileen Crane, CEO and head winemaker at Domaine Carneros, will be stepping down from her role as CEO at the end of summer 2020.  In 1987 she was selected by Claude Taittinger, President of Champagne Taittinger, to develop the winery.  From the beginning, Crane has been an innovator in winemaking, hospitality, direct-to-client services, open book management and environmentally sound practices. Crane has always been ahead of the curve with respect to leadership practices and winemaking excellence.   Prior to joining Domaine Carneros, Crane was hired in 1984 to construct Gloria Ferrer and make their early cuvées. Her first job in the wine industry was as a tour guide at Domaine Chandon. Crane’s desire to become a winemaker was born out of her early experiences in New Jersey where she learned about wine via her father’s extensive wine cellar. She fell in love with champagne with her first sip as a child.  After having earned a Master’s degree in nutrition as well as professional training at the Culinary Institute of America, Crane drove across country to California in 1978 to enroll in oenology and viticulture courses at the University of California, Davis. Told there by a male professor that she would never get a job in the wine industry as a woman could not do barrel work, with determination and the support of Professor Ann Noble at Davis, Crane forged ahead, eventually becoming  known as the “Doyenne of Sparkling Wine” by noted writer and author Karen MacNeil.  Over her career, Crane has received wide international praise for her refined wines as well as her effective management of the highly reputed winery.   Of Crane’s contributions, Champagne Taittinger President Director General Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger stated, “From the time my uncle Claude interviewed Eileen till today, for the past 33 years, she has been a guiding, steady and creative hand at the helm of Domaine Carneros.  It is an internationally renowned brand due to her commitment to excellence and ability to create memorable and elegant wines.” Crane shared, “My dream from the age of eight was to make delicious sparkling wine. From a little girl in New Jersey through a path of many adventures with twists and turns, eventually I found the career that has been more than a dream come true. And it has been a great pleasure to work with the Taittinger family for 33 years.” Crane’s other career contributions include being active in community non-profits as Chair Emerita of Collabria Care (Hospice), board member of Music in the Vineyard and previously a long-term board member of Clinic Ole (now OLE Health). She has chaired two wine organizations, Carneros Wine Alliance and the Sparkling Wine Society. Eileen will continue as lead sparkling winemaker through 2020 harvest and cuvée blending.  Stepping into the role of sparkling winemaker will be Zak Miller, who has worked for over a decade with Eileen as a member of the winemaking team. He will be at the forefront of daily sparkling operations ranging from harvesting, cuvée blending, and tirage, seeing it all through the final sparkling wine process of disgorging. Working with Pinot Noir Winemaker TJ Evans, Zak plays an integral part in producing all the luxury sparkling wines produced at Domaine Carneros. 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 taken on a vast array of environmental efforts. 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 Kimberly Noelle Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.   ###

An invitation from the Producers’ Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. to #SparkleAtHome Liven up your Happy Hour or Meal with bubbly   San Francisco, CA March 19, 2020 – The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G.  launched a national campaign in Italy recently  to offer some vinous respite during this particularly challenging time. This week on March 19th at 6 PM PST, on their behalf , we are inviting bubbly lovers in the U.S, to start their evening with a glass of wine to lift the mood and remember what is truly important: friendship, love and kindness. In support of Italy, and its great culture and products, we are inviting fans of this specially designated sparkling wine from a UNESCO World Heritage site to #SparkleAtHome. Given the closure of non-essential businesses across several U.S. cities, and to mitigate the adjustment of many to working from home, we invite wine lovers to take a page from the Italian playbook of ending the day with an aperitif, enjoying a glass of Prosecco Superiore DOCG (our personal choice!) or showing your favorite aperitivo.   To support restaurants across the country, many of whom are shifting to a takeout model to stay viable and serve their public,  we are  recommending supporting those restaurants, pairing with your favorite beverage. On March 19th,  the campaign will be kicked off on social media, inviting everyone to stay at home and enjoy an aperitivo, take a photo of  your libation or a pairing of your favorite takeout food enjoyed in the comfort of home, and share it with the hashtag #SparkleAtHome.   Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G., the flagship wine of the Veneto region in Italy, and the one that is most representative of the high elevation winegrowing area, has always been synonymous with aperitif drinks and a convivial atmosphere. We know full well how fundamentally important the ritual of the aperitivo is in Italy, and especially in the regions that have been hardest hit by the epidemic. Let’s stay at home. Let’s create little rituals in our everyday lives: let’s open a bottle as we sit on the couch, alone or with our families. And let’s share this beverage from a storied place – a beverage which is both personal and collective – with our communities on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts: #SparkleAtHome For more information on the region, its wines and history,or jpegs of images please contact Charles Communications at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463 www.charlescomm.com. 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 Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata 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 480 vinifying companies. For the Denomination, this means that there are 3,400 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 IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles Charles Communications Associates 415|701-9463 press@charlescomm.com   Parallel Napa Valley Launches Private Online Tasting Experience Brings Napa Valley to your home with a live video wine tasting    Napa Valley, CA, March 2020 - Parallel Napa Valley, a beloved iconic Napa Valley wine produced by top consulting winemaker Philippe Melka, has launched a private online tasting experience offering this week to foster friendship, education and community at a time when many are voluntarily or mandated to be home during #COVID19.   The winery which marked its 20th anniversary in 2019, produces highly rated Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from the Russian River.    General Manager Adrienne Capps, adds her indefatigable style and passion for food and wine to this experience. She brings the beautiful Napa Valley tasting room into your home, where a group of 8 guests or less can enjoy a guided wine tasting including 3 wines: Russian River Chardonnay, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and “Black Diamond” Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.   Included in the packet will be sample wines, food pairing suggestions for advanced planning, wine order forms and background materials.   Appointments are available by contacting info@parallelwines.com or 707-486-1100.   In order to keep the experience intimate and dynamic, there is a maximum of 8 guests per tasting.   Groups will need to have internet access, a tablet, laptop or smart TV (no cell phones), familiarity with FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.   Tastings will be 90 minutes pending Q & A.  Cost is $95 per person and is complimentary for up to 4 people with Wine Club Membership. For more information please visit: https://www.parallelwines.com/Tastings 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 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 press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #  

CEO of Wente Family Estates Carolyn Wente named CEO of the Year at Seventh Annual North Bay Business Journal Wine, Beer & Spirits Industry Awards Ceremony Photo Credit: Jeff Quackenbush NBBJ Livermore, CA – On Tuesday December 3, 2019 Carolyn Wente was awarded CEO of the Year at the 7th annual North Bay Business Journal Wine & Spirits Awards ceremony held at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Rosa. Recognized for her innovation, visionary leadership, and stewardship of a five-generation family enterprise that is the longest continuously owned and operated family winery in America, Wente stated at the event, “My leadership strategy is to listen and lead with acuity and compassion.  I have an immensely talented team of family and staff running our company and after four decades of being immersed in the business, it is so gratifying to see generation five up and coming, all with strong and diverse areas of focus.”  Recognizing individuals and suppliers who are leaders and innovators in their field, the North Bay Business Journal, is a premium business magazine founded in 1987 that provides the latest coverage on business in Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Mendocino and Lake Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.  A full length interview with Wente on the state of the wine industry can be found here. The awards roster included winners for 9 categories including Distiller, Sonoma Winemaker, Napa Winemaker, Winery COO, Winery CEO (Wente), Startup, Philanthropy, American Dream and Special Award.   Details on all winners can be found here.  This award caps a year of achievement for the winery including a renewed and amplified commitment to sustainability, the successful launch of Niki’s Rosé named for Viticulture Manager and 5th generation family member Niki Wente, an upgraded package change for the core wine portfolio, the addition of the fifth member of the fifth generation to the team with Aly Wente joining as Senior Brand Manager, the re-opening and re-imagining of the Tasting Lounge guest experience on property, and the launch of the Make Time pledge, a movement that shares tips on how to be present and make meaningful connections. About Wente Family Estates  Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is coming off its 135th anniversary, when it was resoundingly 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 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 4% 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 a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 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.  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.  ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 Conegliano Valdobbiadene announces its first “UNESCO vintage” and promises high quality.  The 2019 vintage for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene has lived up to the expectations of the pre-harvest analyses. The region also announces new production regulations for the wines.   Solighetto, November, 2019 – An exceptional qualitative harvest for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. concluded in mid-October. The 2019 harvest, the first after receiving recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site this summer, began about ten days later than in recent years, thus reverting to a more traditional time for picking. The grapes were of excellent quality, which was already evident from the pre-harvest forecasts carried out by the analysts of the Producers’ Consortium.   Harvest took place in ideal climatic conditions. The weather in the spring and summer was similarly perfect, ensuring that the grapes attained optimum ripeness and organoleptic development. Measurements indicate an average pH of 3.30 (3.26 in 2018) and acidity of 6.55 (5.92 in 2018), values that are particularly favorable for the production of sparkling wines such as Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.       “This month we have just spent on the Rive vineyards has been one of intense work; for us vine-growers this is the most important time of the year. The outstanding quality of the 2019 harvest rewards us for the efforts of the entire year, which was enhanced with the accolades from UNESCO, but also the fiftieth anniversary of the Denomination and our region wide ban on glyphosate, which has made us the largest wine zone in Europe to forbid the use of this well-known herbicide,” stated Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco. Concerning the quantity of grapes that were harvested this year, there was a reduction of 3- 5% compared to 2018 due to hailstorms, which brought yields back to the average of the years preceding.  After a rather cold winter, the zone endured a spring that was cooler and rainier than usual, causing a delay in bud break, which in turn affected the phenological evolution of the vines. This was followed by a summer with typically hot temperatures, which partly allowed the vines to catch up on the phenological development that had been lost back in May. Moreover, the weather remained stable during the period of the harvest, allowing growers to deliver particularly healthy grapes to the wineries. Given the characteristics of the region, whose salient features include very steep slopes and a hilly terrain that is difficult to access with machinery in Conegliano Valdobbiadene. 600-700 hours of manual work are necessary per hectare each year, compared to an average of 150-200 hours on the plain, where mechanization is much more common. As a result, the region's "heroic" harvest represents the period when the growers in the region must demonstrate the most ingenuity. The harvest – as is customary– involved first of all the most easterly zone and slopes with the most exposure to sunlight, such as those at San Pietro di Feletto. This was followed by the more central zone of the Denomination (Refrontolo, Pieve di Soligo, Col San Martino and also the premium-quality Cartizze area) and finally that of Valdobbiadene. Production Regulation Changes Additionally, prior to harvest this year, the region announced new regulations that apply to the wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. These new Production Regulations for the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita “Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco” have come into force with their publication on 8th August 2019, and were completely operative as of the 2019 vintage. They allow for: “Sui Lieviti” (“On the Lees/Yeasts”), sparkling wines that have been refermented in bottle. This style pays tribute to a traditional type of product for the zone and to the long history of making sparkling wines in the area. “Extra Brut”, (residual sugar between 0 and 6 gr/lt.). This style is becoming more popular as it highlights the mineral elegance of our top wines, and also appeals to those looking for a more gastronomic style of Prosecco Superiore DOCG. For more information please visit: www.prosecco.it For imagery, interviews and more information, please contact Charles Communications Associates, the marketing agency for the Consorzio in the United States. Kimberly Noelle Charles kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.   About the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G The Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. 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 Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata 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 185 sparkling wine producers and includes all the categories in the production chain (vine-growers as well as vinifying and bottling companies). It operates principally in three areas: protection of the product, its promotion, and sustainability of production. It carries out these tasks both in Italy and abroad, promoting knowledge of the product through educational activities, the organization of events and relations with the press.    #  #  #

Laura Chenel and Domaine Carneros by Taittinger  Collaborate with Humphry Slocombe on November’s Exclusive Flavor of the Month  Find Wine & Cheese Ice Cream in Humphry Slocombe shops starting Nov. 4 – Nov. 30 Sonoma County, CA (Oct. 15, 2019) — Celebrate two of NorCal’s favorite flavors when California’s original goat cheese creamery teams up with another California creamery known for its outrageous ice cream flavors and creative collaborations. Sonoma goat cheese producer Laura Chenel and celebrated sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros join Humphry Slocombe to launch an exclusive new flavor for the San Francisco ice creamery’s November edition of the 2019 Classic Cocktail Series.   Humphry Slocombe Co-Founder Jake Godby brings his unorthodox ice cream alchemy to Wine & Cheese Ice Cream. The flavor is a part of a year-long boozy series showcasing special flavors inspired by classic cocktails.  This creation features Laura Chenel Original Chef’s Chevre® ice cream with swirls of Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir sorbet mixed in — a combination that will transport you to wine country.  This is the first flavor collaboration with Laura Chenel and the third flavor collaboration with Domaine Carneros, the others being Cherry Fizz in 2018 and Rosé all Day Sorbet in 2017.  Laura Chenel Original Chef’s Chevre is the smooth, creamy go-to goat cheese for chefs nationwide. Handcrafted with fresh goat milk from family-owned farms in the American West and boasting better digestibility than cow’s milk cheese, Laura Chenel Chef’s Chevre has the classic tangy flavor of fresh goat cheese with a spreadable texture perfect for melting into sauces and whipping into cheesecake or — in this case — ice cream.  Iconic, irreverent and fearless when it comes to flavor development, Humphry Slocombe is famous for churning out unusual and creative flavor collaborations with high-profile brands such as Emmy-winning show Queer Eye (Cookies + Graham); Virgin Atlantic (Butter by Moonlight with brown butter and blueberry glaze); San Francisco Brewing Co. (Dynasty Stout); and Chef Melissa King and Whole Foods Market (Mango Mojito). Its signature (and enduringly popular) flavor, Secret Breakfast, features bourbon ice cream with cornflakes.  Laura Chenel CEO Eric Barthome says his company is excited to collaborate with two complementary top-quality Northern California brands doing something fun and unusual with products that symbolize the exceptional character of the Bay Area.  “Wine & Cheese Ice Cream celebrates the Bay Area’s terroir and craft with iconic Laura Chenel goat cheese from Sonoma County and the Carneros based Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir which are sure to be an outstanding combination with Humphry Slocombe’s expertise,” says Barthome. “With all respect to peanut butter and chocolate, I think wine and cheese is the original ‘two great tastes that taste great together’ and that in the form of ice cream is unique and delicious,” says Jake Godby, co-founder and chef at Humphry Slocombe. “I am a huge fan of dessert, and working with Humphry Slocombe over the years has been a great excuse to indulge my weakness and share it with our loyal fans,” states Eileen Crane, CEO of Domaine Carneros.   “I’m particularly excited about the daring quality of this new flavor.  We grow multiple clones of Pinot Noir on all our single vineyards and this promises to be a sheer delight.”  Starting Nov. 4, Wine & Cheese Ice Cream is available by the scoop and hand-packed pints at all Humphry Slocombe scoop shops including the Ferry Building and Mission District shops in San Francisco, The Hive in Oakland and the College Avenue shop in Berkeley. Look for it by the pint at the Domaine Carneros chateau. Available online at GoldBelly.   About Laura Chenel Laura Chenel introduced a new chapter in American cheese in 1979 when she started making farmstead goat cheese with milk from her own goats using techniques she learned in France.  Today, Laura Chenel still embodies its founding namesake’s pioneering spirit as a leading producer of fresh and aged goat cheeses and goat yogurts crafted with fresh goat’s milk from family-owned farms in California, Oregon, Nevada and Idaho. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Laura Chenel is the first creamery in the U.S. to be awarded the prestigious LEED Gold certification and its commitment to sustainable practices, including solar energy and recycling, is helping preserve the terroir for generations to come.  For more information, visit us at LauraChenel.com or follow along on Instagram or Facebook @LauraChenel About Humphry Slocombe  Rebellious and unapologetic, Humphry Slocombe’s ice cream has its own personality and flavors that appeal to adult tastes but is loved by all. Humphry Slocombe has almost 300K followers on social media and was recently named one of “San Francisco’s Most Delicious Instagram Accounts” by 7X7 Magazine. It has also attracted attention from the national press including feature articles in The New York Times Magazine and Bon Appétit and several television appearances, such as the “Top 5 Ice Creams in America” spot by Food Network. Welcome to the bizarre, delicious, frozen universe of Humphry Slocombe. For more ice cream updates and news, visit us at www.humphryslocombe.com or follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @humphryslocombe.  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 while preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production.  Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma Valleys, 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 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 Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region.  The winery also places a high value on preserving the environment and has farmed sustainably since the late 1980s. 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. Eileen Crane, CEO & Founding Winemaker, has overseen 31 harvests at the château and in 2018 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of the winery’s luxury cuvée, Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs.   For more information, visit: www.domainecarneros.com Instagram: @domainecarneros Facebook: @domainecarneroswinery Twitter: @domainecarneros MEDIA CONTACTS: For Laura Chenel: Deborah Kwan deborah@dkprfood.com or 415.948.4370 For Domaine Carneros: Kimberly Charles kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463 For Humphry Slocombe: Emel Shaikh eshaikh@js2pr.com or 323.866.0880 x110  

  Domaine Carneros Promotes Zak Miller to Sparkling Winemaker   Carneros, CA – August 26, 2019 – Domaine Carneros is pleased to announce the promotion of Zak Miller to Sparkling Winemaker. The Carneros-based, family-owned winery is celebrated for handcrafting ultra-premium sparkling and pinot noir wines from hand-harvested, estate grown grapes.   “For over the past 11 years, Zak and I have worked side by side. I have watched him grow over time, admiring his evolved sparkling wine palate and commitment to producing quality wine. I am excited to grow our winemaking team and have great expectations for our future collaborations,” explains Eileen Crane, Founding Winemaker and CEO. In his new role, Zak Miller will be at the forefront of daily sparkling winemaking operations.  He joins Founding Winemaker / CEO Eileen Crane, and Pinot Noir Winemaker TJ Evans to produce the exceptional wines of the Domaine Carneros portfolio, including fine sparkling wines and pinot noirs. Zak joined the Domaine Carneros team in 2008 as a seasonal intern. During his 11 years with the winery, his tremendous skill-set and intuition has led to numerous promotions and increased responsibilities in regards to upholding the winery’s standards of excellence. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Zak’s wine industry career began in 2006 with internships at Saintsbury Winery (Carneros), Drylands Estate (Marlborough, New Zealand), and Beaulieu Vineyards (Rutherford), followed by a Harvest Winemaker position at Viña Errázuriz (Chile). 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 while 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 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 Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region.  The winery also places a high value on preserving the environment and has farmed sustainably since the late 1980s. 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. In 2019 the winery received a California Green Medal for its efforts and also won the 2019 California Green Medal Business Award for demonstrating “Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.” Eileen Crane, CEO & Founding Winemaker, has overseen 32 harvests at the château and in 2018 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of the winery’s luxury cuvée, Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs.  For media inquiries, images and interviews please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.   ###

  Wente Family Estates Appoints Aly Wente as Senior Brand Manager   LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – July 22, 2019 – Wente Family Estates is pleased to announce that Aly Wente will be returning to the family-owned company in the role of Senior Brand Manager of Wente Vineyards.  In so doing, she joins Christine and Karl Wente, as well as her sisters Jordan and Niki Wente, as another member of the fifth generation bringing energy and fresh perspectives to the oldest continuously operated family-owned winery in the US.   As Senior Brand Manager, Aly will play an important leadership role in developing and executing strategic marketing plans and activities to support both long-term and short-term goals for the Wente Vineyards brand. Aly brings with her four years of marketing experience at Constellation Brands, where she most recently managed a portfolio of luxury & super-luxury wines. Prior to this, Aly honed her marketing skills as a Project Coordinator at SunCal, a private land development company.   Of the appointment, CEO Carolyn Wente states, “We are very excited to have Aly join the family business officially.  We require that outside experience and development take place before joining Wente Family Estates, and Aly brings a wealth of skills to this important position for our flagship brand.  She will be the fifth 5th generation member to join our ranks.”   Having grown up in the family business, her father, Phil Wente, encouraged her to explore all of its facets from a young age. She discovered a love of marketing early on and spent the summers of her college years working as an intern for the Wente Sales and Marketing team. Aly serves on the Board of the Wente Foundation for Arts Education and will also be serving on the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation Board.   As a part of fifth generation to work at the company, Aly has wine in her DNA.  She is passionate about the wine business and her commitment is further demonstrated in that she attained her Level 3 Advanced Certification in Wine from the prestigious Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in 2017.   She is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, from which she received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 2013.   About Wente Family Estates  Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is coming off its 135th anniversary, when it was resoundingly 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 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 2% 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 a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 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.  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.    ###

   The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site The region, internationally celebrated for its exceptional wines, to be protected and preserved to ensure its longevity for future generations. SOLIGHETTO, July 8, 2019 – The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Assembly has officially declared the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene the 55th Italian "World Heritage Site”. The declaration was made at the 43rd session of World Heritage Committee in Baku, Azerbaijan.   Innocente Nardi, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, expressed “our profound satisfaction and immense joy at the declaration of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene as a World Heritage Site. In Baku, the Unesco World Assembly bestowed upon our hills this coveted recognition, thereby making them the 55th Italian site to be protected and safeguarded due to the uniqueness of its cultural landscape. It is thanks to the work carried out by an exceptional team led by the governor of the Veneto Region Luca Zaia, with the contribution of the competent Ministries and impeccable work of the scientific committee (chaired by Mauro Agnoletti) and not least, the support of the Italian UNESCO Delegation, that we have achieved this goal. Speaking of goals, this recognition should not be seen as a destination, but merely as an important step on a journey towards enhancing the cultural, artistic, and agricultural heritage of this small area, known for its principal product, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore.”   The nomination process lasted ten years (in line with the average wait-times experienced by other registered sites). The process saw the emergence of a solid cohesion amongst the interested parties within the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, from the various municipal administrations and trade associations, to the local entrepreneurs, right down to the area's residents. Nardi said, “It is this enthusiasm and dedication that has enabled us to achieve our objective.”   Nardi credited the producers that make up the Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG as the driving force and soul of the nomination every step of the way. “Right from the beginning, and throughout the entire nomination process, they never wavered in their belief in the uniqueness of our landscape, with its vineyard-embroidered hills and inaccessible slopes that require such hard and entirely manual labour. It is the commitment of generations of wine producers working in the vineyards, forging the ‘patchworks’ that we see today, as well as the characteristic ‘ciglioni’ [small plots of vines on narrow grassy terraces] which distinguish our viticulture, and therefore our territory, that has led to UNESCO recognition.”   Nardi added, “As of today, it is the responsibility of us all, but first and foremost that of the Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, in harmony with the newly established site management association, to focus on the conservation and maintenance of the registered landscape assets, while paying particular attention to the UNESCO guidelines for their protection and enhancement for future generations, in accordance with the objectives aimed at achieving balanced and harmonious economic and social development.”   The objective of the UNESCO honor involves the sustainable development of the registered area, which will be made possible thanks to a management plan drawn up in agreement between all relevant private and public institutions within the region. For years, the theme of sustainability has been visible in territorial government plans - thanks to the collaboration of entrepreneurs, wine producers and public administration along with the coordination of the Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG - for the protection of the local environment and its inhabitants.    Top of the list for the Protection Consortium and the parties involved is the controlled development of tourism in the territory. In fact, particular attention will be paid to tourism because of its positive economic impact, while also focusing on how to sustainably manage the impact of increased travellers to the region.   The Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene is the 10th site in the world to be registered under the category of "cultural landscape," and is characterized by three unique attributes, based on different geomorphological and cultural characteristics, compared to the other eight territories (Alto Douro,Portugal; Tokaj,Hungary; Pico Island,Portugal; Lavaux,Switzerland; Langhe Roero and Monferrato, Italy; Champagne, France; Burgundy, France; Saint-Emilion, France; Wachau, Austria). All ten of these sites are “evolutionary cultural landscapes, visible results of the interaction - a vital, constantly evolving interaction-, between man and the environment.”   "I am extremely proud because UNESCO recognition is confirmation of the unique value of the Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene landscape, fruit of man's work in harmony with nature," concluded Nardi.   About the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 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 Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata 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 185 sparkling wine producers and includes all the categories in the production chain (vine-growers as well as vinifying and bottling companies). It operates principally in three areas: protection of the product, its promotion, and sustainability of production. It carries out these tasks both in Italy and abroad, promoting knowledge of the product through educational activities, the organization of events and relations with the press.   Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.  For interviews, imagery, more information, please contact:   Kimberly Noelle Charles at press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463. Photo credit for above photos: Arcangelo Piai.   ###

                      Mendocino Coast’s 35th Annual Winesong! Announces Jackson Family Wines  as Vintner of the Year  Mendocino’s premiere annual charity auction and wine/food tasting will be held September 6-7, 2019    Mendocino Coast, CA, 2 July, 2019 – It was announced today that Jackson Family Wines will be honored as 2019 Vintner of the Year at Mendocino Coast’s annual Winesong. The region’s Vintner of the Year designation is always a highly-anticipated award, and is especially significant this year as Winesong celebrates its 35th anniversary as Mendocino Coast’s capstone event. Set along the picturesque Mendocino coastline, the beloved two-day festival will take place September 6th and 7th 2019, and is both a showcase of the region’s exquisite wines as well as special wines from Napa, Sonoma, Oregon and beyond. The weekend event offers a full entertainment experience, characterized by local wineries, breweries and cideries, as well as regional culinary vendors, fine art, music, and charitable giving. Jackson Family Wines Chairman & Proprietor Barbara R. Banke said, “I am honored to be named Winesong’s Vintner of the Year. My family has grown grapes in Mendocino County for more than 25 years and we’ve long believed the wines stand among the best in the world. We’re proud to support the region’s premier event that also gives back to vital health services in the community.”    The Jackson family has long been committed to Mendocino County. They acquired the Edmeades Estate in 1988 after falling in love with the Anderson Valley’s rugged beauty and distinctive wines. In addition to making Edmeades wines, the family also owns and farms the Skycrest, Sable Mountain, Edmeades and Maggy Hawk estate vineyards in the Anderson Valley. Their Maggy Hawk wines are dedicated to showcasing the region’s nuanced and elegant Pinot Noir. Today, several wineries within the family’s portfolio of wines, including Hartford Family Winery, Copain, Windracer, La Crema and Kendall-Jackson, continue to craft world class wines from estate vineyards and other exceptional sites in the Anderson Valley.   Winesong is hosted by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, and has raised more than $8 million to date for improvements in local healthcare, including equipment, facilities and services at the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The centerpiece of Winesong weekend is always the Charity Auction, which will take place Saturday, September 7th, featuring both a silent and live auction (Silent Auction: 11am–3pm; Live Auction: 2pm–5pm.  Celebrated author, writer and former Winesong Auction Director, Norm Roby, will serve as Honorary Auction Chair. Roby founded the Charity Auction and has been its beating heart for 30 years, “I am happy to be back for the 35th anniversary to reunite with those who attend and contribute to my favorite event. I like to think I still keep the exclamation mark in Winesong!” In addition to honoring Norm Roby and Jackson Family Wines, Winesong will also honor longtime donor Karen Bowers as its 2019 Artist of the Year. Nationally and locally recognized for her evocative watercolor paintings, Bowers’ artwork will be featured on the official Winesong poster - always a treasured commemorative keepsake for event attendees. A Pinot Noir Celebration will kick off the weekend on Friday, September 6th (from 1-4pm) when guests will enjoy 35 outstanding wineries (in celebration of 35 years!) in an intimate setting at the Little River Inn (two miles south of Mendocino Village) accompanied by a taste of the Inn’s famous culinary delights. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased here. The Winesong Wine & Food Tasting will take place Saturday, September 7th, from 11am–2 pm in Fort Bragg’s lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, featuring world-class wineries from Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and beyond, as well as live music and regional bites from local gourmet food purveyors (see list of past wineries and epicurean participants here).   Radio and television wine personality Ziggy Eschliman (aka Ziggy the Wine Gal from The Krush 95.9 FM)) will build excitement as the newly appointed Auction Chair with lively bidding in the auction tents for nearly 200 live and silent lots, featuring spectacular wines from the world’s most prestigious wine producers, rare vintages, large format bottles plus special vertical and horizontal collections. Other auction highlights include original art from acclaimed California artists and photographers (including work by the renowned local photo-artists George Rose and Andy Katz), as well as highly coveted international wine getaway packages to South Africa, the Caribbean, and a six-night castle stay for up to six people in Mazzo di Valtellina, Italy, including a personal concierge to arrange comped private wine tastings, VIP historical tours, and a wine-paired dinner on Lake Como. General Admission tickets are $150.00, and include a commemorative glass and plate, full access to the tasting & Silent Auction, and festival seating around the Live Auction tent.  Auction Reserve tickets are $250.00 and include all of the above plus reserve seating, reserved parking and a commemorative tote bag, with wine and lunch in the Live Auction Tent. The Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation thanks ticket holders for their support of its hospital!   A full list of events along with ticket purchase information (including pre-sale) can be found at winesong.org/events/purchase-tickets/.  Directions to all events can be found here, along with a generous Winesong shuttle schedule from a wide array of pickup/drop-off locations. For more ticket and logistical information, email ellen@mchfoundation.org. About Winesong! Winesong is an annual charity auction and wine + food tasting produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation. Proceeds are used to enhance equipment, facilities and services at the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The Diagnostic Imaging Center, Medical Evacuation Helipad, Out-Patient Surgical services and Emergency Department Equipment are just a few of the vital areas that Winesong funds have enhanced. Since 1985 Winesong has raised over $8 million for improvements in local healthcare.   Head to mchfoundation.org/about-us/what-we-support/ for a comprehensive list outlining previous years’ capital improvements funded by Winesong proceeds and donations from the Mendocino community.   About the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation Since 1984 the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation has engaged in fundraising and community activities to provide support for vital equipment and services at Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The hospital’s unique rural locale presents an environment in which the provision of comprehensive hospital services and up-to-date equipment is a tremendous challenge. The Hospital Foundation exists to help the Hospital and our community to meet these challenges.   About Jackson Family Wines Jackson Family Wines is a family-owned wine company with a penchant for exploration. Founder Jess Jackson placed his faith in farming and a meticulous expression of wine with his first landscape-changing vintage in 1982, an ethos that chairman and proprietor Barbara Banke, the Jackson family and the company’s employees continue to uphold to this day. The family’s collection of 40 wineries span significant winegrowing regions across the globe, from California, Oregon, France and Italy in the northern hemisphere, to Australia, Chile and South Africa in the southern half of the globe. Artisan winemaking underscores a steadfast commitment to making exceptional wines in the most responsible manner. The Jackson family’s focus on vineyard ownership remains key to consistent high quality and environmental stewardship for future generations. To learn more, please visit: www.jacksonfamilywines.com   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###

   Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces Total Ban on the Use of Glyphosate Conegliano Valdobbiadene is the largest zone in Europe to ban the controversial chemical weed killer ingredient   SOLIGHETTO, June 5, 2019 – The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. announced a complete ban on the use of glyphosate in the ninth edition of its Viticultural Protocol document, which was presented in Treviso. The Viticultural Protocol is a document that proposes and promotes a virtuous system of integrated pest and disease control for vines.  In 2019, it reached its most significant goal: a total ban on the use of glyphosate, regardless of whether Italian and European regulations still define it as a legal substance. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is the largest zone in Europe to forbid the use of glyphosate, the most controversial chemical substance of the last few years, which continues to be utilized in a very large number of agricultural areas in Italy and around Europe. This ban is the result of a long and detailed process of synergy and cooperation, between the local councils of the 15 Municipalities within the Denomination and the Producers’ Consortium.   2019 also marks the year that the Consortium celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, and the Denomination of Conegliano Valdobbiadene is thrilled to mark the occasion by finally attaining this, its most important objective, and is making plans for environmental certification.   As usual, the presentation of the Protocol is also an opportunity for the Consortium to take stock of the results that have been achieved, but also to look towards the future and decide on what the next steps will be.   “This edition of the Viticultural Protocol is very important for us,” affirms Innocente Nardi, President of the Producers’ Consortium. “First of all because the ban on the use of glyphosate makes the indications we give to the growers with regard to alternative vineyard management methods, such as mechanical mowing, increasingly necessary. But we particularly consider this ban on glyphosate, imposed by the local governments within the Denomination, to be an objective reached thanks to the constant dialogue there has been between the Consortium and these bodies. Our area is a unique laboratory for environmental sustainability in Italy, due to its ability to include all of the actors involved. Further proof of this synergy is the gradual adoption - by all of the communes in the Denomination - of the advice contained in the Consortium’s Viticultural Protocol when drawing up their individual municipal regulations regarding the countryside.”   The Viticultural Protocol has, since its launch in 2011, gradually become an increasingly significant point of reference for the Consortium’s members, and is the cornerstone of the sustainability-related activity of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Consortium. The results obtained are due to its wide acceptance are leading growers to take further steps forward on the path towards sustainability.   The Various Stages of the Viticultural Protocol The goal of the Viticultural Protocol is to progressively eliminate practices and substances that are considered to have too great an environmental impact – even if they are still permitted under the Italian and European regulations – and, on the other hand, promote forms of agriculture that are as non-invasive as possible, thus pre-empting by several years the virtuous process that leads towards sustainability. The publication of the Protocol and its gradual adoption by the 185 companies belonging to the Producers’ Consortium have contributed to making the subject of agricultural sustainability a deeply-rooted one among the growers in the zone.   The exclusion of all formulations containing products based on Folpet, Mancozeb, Dithianon and various other substances (whose use current laws would have allowed) dates back to 2013, and similar measures were put through in 2016. In 2018, the decision of the local administrations to ban glyphosate was approved. With this new edition, the Consortium is putting its “no” to glyphosate into practice, as well as reiterating the need for integrated pest and disease control and providing certain measures for activating it.   One of the functions of the Viticultural Protocol is to put the grower in a position of being able to use the various methods of vineyard management - whether they be chemical or organic – based on the real needs of the vines and of the terrain at any given time. In order to do this, technical and technological instruments for gathering data have been activated for some time. These instruments constantly “photograph” the current situation in the vineyard. This snapshot is then conveyed by the Consortium to the growers so that they can choose the action to take in the field that will have the least impact on the environment.   S.Q.N.P.I. Certification The next step towards an even more sustainable Denomination will be S.Q.N.P.I (Sistema Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata) Certification of the various estates in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Denomination, for which all the necessary documentation is already being prepared. This is a system that takes into account all the methods of production and defense of crops against adversities, so as to reduce to a minimum the use in the vineyard of synthetic chemical substances and also rationalize the practice of fertilization.   In order to obtain and maintain certification, control activities will be organized, such as the implementation of a significant number of analyses on the grapes produced, aimed at ascertaining what the actual use of chemical substances in the vineyard has been.   This certification represents a great opportunity for the region, in particular because it translates into an increase in the perceived value of the Denomination. Specifically, two objectives are being targeted: certifying 25% of those taking part by 2021 and increasing certifications by 10% in each subsequent year.   All the vinifying and bottling companies will be able to participate in the project, and will therefore have the possibility of using the “bee” logo on their products. The Consortium has involved Valoritalia s.r.l. as the certifying body.   About the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 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 Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1969 and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata 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 185 sparkling wine producers and includes all the categories in the production chain (vine-growers as well as vinifying and bottling companies). It operates principally in three areas: protection of the product, its promotion, and sustainability of production. It carries out these tasks both in Italy and abroad, promoting knowledge of the product through educational activities, the organization of events and relations with the press.   Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.  For interviews, imagery, more information, please contact:   Kimberly Noelle Charles at press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463. ###

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles  Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com                       Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces 2019 Communications Campaign for US Audience   SAN FRANCISCO, May 6, 2019 – The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. is pleased to announce its 2019 communications program for the United States. The Consorzio of vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Italy’s Conegliano Valdobbiadene, which 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, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the appellation. Their mission is to increase appellational 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.   The aim is to educate the trade and public about everything D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore has to offer - regionality, authenticity, and high standards in winegrowing and winemaking. For example, many consumers don’t realize that only D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore includes the Cartizze (aka the “Grand Cru” of Conegliano Valdobbiadene) and the Rive, category which can come from the steep hillsides and embody impressively perceptible terroir differences.   The Consorzio also hopes to attract new consumers with a greater emphasis on its unparalleled quality-to-price ratios. Though 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 consumers.  The wines are relatively low in alcohol as well, and offer a range of styles, dosage and terroir, all of which boost D.O.C.G. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore’s appeal to an increasingly health-conscious society as well as its enhancing ability to pair with a host of cuisines.    The trade campaign will include working with three well-respected sommelier ambassadors including Amy Elizabeth Thurmond of Leuca in Brooklyn, New York, Jennifer Wagoner of Sepia and Proxi in Chicago and Iris Rowlee of Perbacco and Barbacco in San Francisco.  Their work will include spokesperson roles, an in-depth restaurant educational program and participation in targeted trade events. The press campaign includes a series of events, a sampling program, social media engagement and ongoing press outreach. The advertising campaign is focused on online partnerships with key wine and food influencers.     “We are excited to launch such a strategic and comprehensive communications campaign effectively targeting both trade and press," says Innocente Nardi, President of the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. “The US is an extremely important market for our top quality, world class sparkling wines.”    The list of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. wineries that will participate in the US communications campaign include Adami, Andreola, Astoria, Bacio Della Luna, Bellenda, Biancavigna,  Bortolin Angelo, Bortolomiol, Bortolotti, Canevel, Cantine Vedova, Col Sandago, Col Vetoraz, Conte Collalto, Drusian, Il Colle, La Farra, La Marca, La Vigna di Sarah, Le Colture, Malibràn, Masottina, Mionetto, Montelvini, Perlage, Sanfeletto, Santa Margherita, Sommariva, Tenuta 2 Castelli, Tenuta Degli Ultimi, Toffoli, and Valdo.   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 140 countries of which the United States ranks 4th with 3 million bottles (out of a total 33 million bottles) with a value of over $14 million.   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 is now in line to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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, more information, please contact:   Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates: press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463.   ###  

  Wente Vineyards Releases 2017 Grenache Syrah Mourvedre (GSM)  in Partnership with Local Bay Area Artist, Lisa Elley    LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – May 1, 2019 – Just in time for Spring, Wente Vineyards is proud to launch the first of their 2017 Artist Series red blends featuring original art by local Bay Area Artist, Lisa Elley. 2010 marked the first vintage of the Wente Vineyards Artist Series, connecting winemaking to art, a natural collaboration. Today, the family continues the Artist Series program, partnering with one local artist each year, developing a series of four pieces to showcase across the estates’ unique red wine blends: GSM, Serenity, Sonata and Duetto. The 2017 vintage spotlights local award-winning Bay Area artist, Lisa Elley, who brings her colorful and vibrant palette knife paintings to life on each label. Lisa’s mindful nature is apparent in her paintings: "My intention with the Wente Vineyards GSM label was to evoke an emotion that would combine the notes of the wine to create a memorable and beautiful experience. I wanted the label to be super colorful and joyous, while capturing essence of our shared and profound love of the landscape here in California." Lisa’s first piece for Wente Vineyards 2017 GSM tells a story of the family’s deep appreciation of the land and more specifically, Livermore Valley. Inspiring hope and perseverance, Lisa weaves vibrant colors interpreting rolling hills, a glorious sky, spectacular vines, all while complimented by notes of dark fruit and California wildflowers. In addition to the annual Artist Series partnership, the Wente family continues to support the arts through Wente Foundation for Arts Education, a non-profit organization established in 2012, which is a natural extension of the family’s commitment to the arts and community. To learn more about the Artist Series program visit www.wentevineyards.com/artistseries.   About Wente Vineyards  Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is 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 winery draws from certified sustainable Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, it joined the top 2% 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 a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. 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. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles or Rachel Chittick at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.

  Wente Vineyards Announces 2019 Sustainability Report Card Ahead of Earth Day  Fifth generation family winegrowers lead the way in innovative ethical practices and sustainability programming   LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – April 19, 2019 – In honor of Earth Day on April 22, 2019 Wente Vineyards is proud to share an updated series of green initiatives and programming, all of which reflect the winery's longstanding (136 years and counting!) and ongoing commitment to sustainable winegrowing. As of 2019, Wente Vineyards, America’s oldest, continuously operated family winery, is among only 2% of California wineries to have achieved the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (“CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE”) designation for both its vineyard and winery. Any winegrowing operation hoping to attain the CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE designation must meet a stringent set of criteria in order to preserve and protect their land, water, and air, but also demonstrate ethical leadership with how they treat their employees and local communities.  Wente Vineyards was one of 18 pilot wineries to achieve CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE status in 2010, and beginning with the 2017 vintage, the winery will include the official CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE logo (pictured right) on all packaging, in order to better communicate its practices to consumers and help create more demand for true sustainable wines.   The Wente family’s philosophy on sustainable practices dates back to 1883, when Carl H. Wente arrived in Livermore Valley and realized the only way to guarantee the next harvest (and the next ten after that) was to treat the land and the people who tend to it as responsibly as possible. Today, fifth generation winegrowers Karl & Niki Wente have wholeheartedly taken the baton, and recently upgraded the winery, vineyard and tasting rooms to meet (and exceed) their family’s CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE-inspired goals. Recent additions to the sustainability ‘menu’ at Wente Vineyards include:   WATER USE EFFICIENCY BlueMorph UV light system replaces a typically chemical/water-heavy rinse cycle during winery sanitation with a hot water wash followed by UV sanitation, saving roughly 150,000 gallons of water per year. All water used in the production facility is re-used to drip irrigate the vineyards (and only when truly needed). More than 10 million gallons of water used in the production facility are recycled/re-used to irrigate the vineyards or used for dust control, and an on-property water treatment pond contributes to the reclamation of all production water used in the winery’s facilities.   SOIL & NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Roughly one third of the grape tonnage that is processed is spread back into the vineyards as part of soil management process. The grape pomace is repurposed for beneficial uses such as composting, which is incorporated in the vineyards to increase the level of organic matter, improving soil health and water retention. Cover   crops   prevent   soil   erosion   during winter rains and provide a nourishing habitat for beneficial insects. Wente Vineyards’ cover crops are recycled into an organic fertilizer and soil enhancer used to create living soils, which renew themselves. Creative farming practices encourage bio-diversity in the vineyards, greatly minimizing the need for pest intervention.    ENERGY EFFICIENCY STARS Filtration Unit (Selective Tartrate Removal System), reduces energy load during the winery’s cold stabilization process which saves both energy and money (and vastly improves conditions for workers who no longer have to work in frigid temperatures!). Incandescent and halogen light fixtures have been replaced with natural skylights and supplemental LED lights to improve energy efficiency.   SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT In 2018, 77% of Wente Vineyards’ consumables waste was diverted from landfill and instead recycled by local partners.   BENEFICIAL PESTS & BIODIVERSITY Wente Family Estates cultivates native grasses and other beneficial flowering species that help maintain an ecological balance where pests are therefore naturally controlled. The Wente family also manages 1,600 acres of sustainable open range land not planted to vineyard, with 100 head of cattle providing grass management and soil fertilization. Aero falconry is employed in partnership with a Master Falconer, making the vineyards a natural no-fly zone for starlings. Electronic squawk boxes are used as backup. Owl boxes and raptor perches naturally control the vineyards' destructive starlings, gophers and ground squirrels. On-site weather stations use UC Davis-developed mildew pressure models to pinpoint exactly where to spray, if at all. Environmentally friendly stylet oil (a combination of natural oils such as clove, black pepper and cinnamon) is used to smother mildew and control pests.   COMMUNITY The award-winning Make Time™ initiative strengthens Wente Vineyards' long-standing pledge of creating a culture of balance for its employees. Updates inside the organization include: Embodying Make Time Off (MTO): An additional paid time off offering to all of its nearly 700 employees to use on activities they enjoy with the people they care about. Developing a Make Time Committee: A team of employees dedicated to ongoing nourishment of the Make Time culture, achieved through exploration and implementation of tools and skills offered to all employees and development of company events. Instituting Make Time Mixers: Company-held social events, during business hours, to encourage coworker camaraderie and to refresh and recharge The Wente Foundation for Arts Education’s mission is to provide support for arts education programs in the Livermore Valley and throughout Northern California. Under the leadership of its 5th generation President, Christine Wente, The Wente Foundation for Arts Education extends the Wente family’s legacy of leadership in the wine industry to the world of philanthropy by meeting a financial need and creating opportunities for talented students. The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation and The Wente Foundation for Arts Education work together to present the Livermore Valley Wine Auction, which has raised over $5 million for local organizations to raise funds to improve the quality of life for underserved local children. Karl Wente created a small lot, limited edition wine, The Art of Giving, in support of the mission. With every bottle sold, 50% of the purchase price is donated directly to The Wente Foundation.   OTHER SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES To communicate the importance of responsible farming to the consumer, the CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE logo will be featured on all Wente Vineyards back labels from the 2017 vintage forward. All Wente Vineyard tasting rooms are designated drop-off spots for Cork ReHarvest, a program focused on collecting and recycling use and surplus corks from wineries. Wente Vineyards uses Century Olive Oil trees to produce Certified Sustainable oil, which come from an extensive tree-planting program, a testament to the Wente family’s tradition of commitment to sustainable agriculture.   Today, with the help of the forward-looking fifth generation, and the foundations of the generations before them. The Wente family remains a leader in ethical practices, producing high quality grapes and wine, protecting the environment and enhancing the communities in which they live and work by implementing sustainable winegrowing practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. In short, Wente Vineyards continues to push the envelope in redefining how sustainability is measured. About Wente Vineyards Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is 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 winery draws from certified sustainable Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, it joined the top 2% 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 a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California.   Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations. 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. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles or Rachel Chittick at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###

  Domaine Carneros’ Enduring Commitment to Sustainability Recognized with 2019 California Green Medal Business Award    Carneros, CA - April 18, 2019 – As we get ready to commemorate Earth Day, Domaine Carneros, a family-owned winery committed to handcrafting ultra-premium sparkling and pinot noir wines from hand-harvested, estate grown grapes, is honored to be among the California Green Medal recipients for the fifth annual Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. As the recipient of the 2019 California Green Medal Business Award, Domaine Carneros was recognized for demonstrating “Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.”   Since 1987, sustainability has been a main business practice employed by Domaine Carneros, instituted by CEO Eileen Crane, who has been with the winery since inception. Crane recognized that for philosophical as well as economic reasons, sustainability made sense as a tenet of doing business.  Her open book management plan sets measurable goals every three years and reevaluates on an annual basis, ensuring employee involvement in managing the sustainability category as part of the winery’s culture.   “Domaine Carneros’ smart business sense and commitment to sustainability has been apparent in every facet of their operation, with both vineyards and the winery comprehensively certified to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE) and the Napa Green Land and Winery programs,” noted the award announcement.   Domaine Carneros has placed a high priority on living as lightly on the land as possible. One practice credited for earning the Green Medal Business recognition was the packaging reuse program, whereby cases and inserts are re-used for in-house purposes, which amounts to about a 20-25% reuse rate each year. This alone has saved the company an average of $75,000 per year since the program began in 2011.   In addition to the packaging reuse program, the company installed the largest solar collection system of any winery in the world at the time in 2003 (the system captured enough electricity to power 230 homes for a year in 2017 when the data was last measured). Utilizing skylights to reduce the need for electricity, building into the earth and using night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperatures, have all contributed to further energy conservation.   Other green practices at Domaine Carneros include composting, and the recycling of bottles, corks, foils, cardboard, paper, plastic wrap and more throughout the winery, which has helped to divert 90% of its solid waste from landfills. Since 2013, Domaine Carneros has been CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE. An annually renewed certification, CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE vineyards and wineries produce high quality grapes and wine, protect and preserve the environment, and enhance the community economically and culturally.   The company culture of sustainability extends beyond the walls of the winery as well. Since the late 1980’s Domaine Carneros has farmed sustainably, from using owl boxes as a natural solution for rodent management to using grape pomace from the harvest to feed local cattle. An enduring focus on water conservation has led the winery to incorporate low flow toilets and employ reclamation systems through their properties. These are also some of the practices that led Domaine Carneros to be Fish Friendly Farming certified in 2015. Fish Friendly Farming is a certification program for agricultural properties managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality.  The certification is renewed yearly.   In addition to these viticultural practices, Domaine Carneros follows vegan practices, using no animal-derived products at any point in the process, from growing the grapes to the winemaking.   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 while 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 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 Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region.  The winery also places a high value on preserving the environment and has farmed sustainably since the late 1980s. 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. Eileen Crane, CEO & Founding Winemaker, has overseen 31 harvests at the château and in 2018 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of the winery’s luxury cuvée, Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs. ###