FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2018 Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles or Erin Hunt Moore press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463     Contest Alert! Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces Two  Sommelier-Targeted Contests  Winners to Visit the Historic Heart of Italy’s Prosecco Superiore Region during the  50th Anniversary of its Appellation Designation    SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2018 – Charles Communications Associates announces on behalf of its client, The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G., the launch of two national contests for active U.S. sommeliers, wine buyers or beverage directors – offering winners the opportunity to win a trip to Conegliano Valdobbiadene, the historic heart and pinnacle of Italy’s Prosecco region, located 45 minutes west of Venice in the foothills of the Italian Alps. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the region’s D.O.C.G. appellation designation.   The two contests: an essay and Instagram competition, respectively, are a key part of the region’s trade-focused campaign designed to educate and inform beverage professionals about the legacy of leadership, tradition and dedication to quality of the Prosecco Superiore region.   CONTEST DETAILS:    Instagram Contest:  Active sommeliers, wine buyers or directors in the U.S can enter the competition by posting a photo of Prosecco Superiore alone or with a dish including a pairing note or caption, tagging @proseccocv and including #proseccosuperiore #proseccosuperioredocg #proseccoelevated #Somminstapic and that person will be entered to win an all-expenses paid, three-day trip to Conegliano Valdobbiadene in 2019, including airfare, accommodation and producer visits as a guest of the Consorzio. Candidates need to be working actively in their place of business as an employee or consultant.     Sommelier Essay Contest:   The Consorzio is also pleased to offer an opportunity to submit an essay of 1000 words on the subject of how Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. can be better integrated into beverage programs, wine lists and fine retail stores. The essay would be targeted to the buying audience, in essence, a business to business story. The winning essay writer will receive a 3-day trip to the region in 2019 including airfare, accommodation and producer visits as a guest of the Consorzio.  In addition, the winning essay will be published in the February/March 2019 issue of the Sommelier Journal.  As with the Instagram contest, candidates need to be working actively in their place of business as an employee or consultant.     Timing for Winner Selection: The contests will run from August 1, through November 30, 2018. The winner(s) will be selected and contacted by January 15, 2019.   Connect with the Consorzio on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit prosecco.it to learn more about the region and its sparkling wines.   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 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 of which the United States ranks 5th with over 2.76 million bottles (out of a total 35.8 million bottles) with a value of $17.12 million.   Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations, 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 a strong candidate 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, aromas and flavor characteristics.   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 on  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Discover more at charlescomm.com.   For more information, please contact:  Kimberly Noelle Charles or Erin Hunt Moore press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463 ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles or Erin Hunt Moore Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com   ***MEDIA ALERT***   Livermore Legacy Property Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard Adds Expanded Music, Hiking and Epicurean Experiences to its Summer Events Schedule  July 9, 2018    WHO:   Murrieta's Well, celebrating its 135th year of grape growing in 2019, is one of California’s original wine estates. The estate was established in 1884 with plantings from famed French vineyards Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux. Today, the winery offers a range of limited-production estate wines including the refreshing White Wine Blend, “The Whip”, and intriguing Red Wine Blend, “The Spur.”   WHAT:   Well-timed for summer, Murrieta’s Well offers guests an expanded array of events and experiences on their Livermore Valley estate; pairing their acclaimed wines with live music, seasonally-driven cuisine, guided hikes and more.   Happier Hours (Complimentary Entry) Elevate your Happy Hour tradition with live music, Murrieta's Well wine and delicious bites crafted by the in-house culinary team while enjoying a view of the rolling hills and setting sun over the picturesque Livermore Valley.   Wines are available for purchase by both bottle and glass.   Happier Hours begin at 5:00 pm on most Thursdays this summer.  Reservations are required. Seated Tastings ($25 Tasting Fee) Expand your wine tasting skills and knowledge with an estate ambassador in a seated, small group tasting.  You and your guests will be guided through a tasting of limited-production, Bordeaux-influenced estate wines while learning about the rich history of the property.  For a broader experience, guests can enjoy food offerings prepared by the in-house culinary team. Reservations are required.   Wine & Food Experience ($65 Per Person) Find your perfect pairing with a specially designed food and wine experience offered by the property’s chef and culinary team.  Begin with a tour of the estate, glass in hand, followed by a relaxing seated tasting in the historic barrel room featuring seasonal bites paired with four of the estate wines. The experience runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00am and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Reservations are required 72 hours in advance and are available for 2-12 guests. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance.   Hiking in the Vineyards ($65 Per Person) Enjoy panoramic views of the Livermore Valley, picturesque wildlife, and the expansive estate vineyards on an educational and panoramic hike above and around the property.  Guests will see firsthand the acre-by-acre, small lot approach to grape growing and winemaking for which Murrieta’s Well is well known.  After the hike, guests can relax and taste through award-winning wines, while enjoying small bites from the culinary team. Hikes are scheduled on select Sundays through the summer and require closed-toe shoes. Reservations are required.   WHEN:   Please visit www.murrietaswell.com for specific timing and reservation information.   WHERE:   All events and experiences will be held at Murrieta’s Well located at: 3005 Mines Road Livermore, California 94550 Tel: (925) 456-2395   For more information visit www.murrietaswell.com   MORE:    Murrieta’s Well, located in the Livermore Valley, is one of California’s original wine estates.  Celebrating 135 years of grape growing in 2019, the estate began in 1884 with cuttings from famed French vineyards Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux.  Acclaimed winemaker, Robbie Meyer, creates all Murrieta’s Well wines with a small lot approach; farming 100 acres of vineyards block by block and crafting wines barrel by barrel. This creates an opportunity to blend exceptional wines that truly showcase the unique characteristics of the estate’s terroir.   CONTACT:  For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Charles Communications Associates at (415) 701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com   # # #

For Immediate Release    June 25, 2018                 Contact:  Keiko Niccolini 929-920-1403 or keiko@govino.com     Longtime Napa Valley Vintners Erik Nickel and KR Rombauer III GO BIG with govino®   Napa, CA - Napa Valley vintners KR Rombauer III, of Rombauer Vineyards, and Erik Nickel, of Far Niente, Dolce, Nickel & Nickel, En Route and Bella Union, have acquired a majority interest in govino®, the original ‘go anywhere’ wine glass, and will join its original creator and founder Joseph Perrulli in partnership. With the new partnership, govino®’s ties to the wine industry, and Napa Valley in particular, are reaffirmed. First launched in St. Helena in 2008, the polymer wine glasses with their trademark thumb-notch soon became standard at trade events, tasting rooms, festivals, and homes around the world. Today, govino®’s portfolio includes virtually shatterproof ergonomic glasses for red, white, and sparkling wines as well as decanters, beer, and whiskey glasses. Nickel and Rombauer were among the first to adopt govino®, and this venture offers up another opportunity to work closely with  Perrulli. “Erik and KR were two of my earliest supporters,” stated Perrulli, “In many respects, govino® is the brand it is today due to their influence. They both understand that govino®’s past is integral to its future. I look forward to growing the brand with them.”  “I have been a huge fan of govino® and Joseph from day one,” said Erik Nickel, “govino® is a brilliantly conceived go-anywhere vessel that blends innovative design and practicality with elegance. I am honored to join Joseph and KR as we celebrate govino®’s 10th anniversary. The future is bright!” “govino® has been my favorite ‘on the go’ wine glass since its inception,” stated KR Rombauer III. “If I can’t have fine crystal stemware the only other alternative is govino®. To be a part of this company now is an honor and a privilege.” govino®’s distinctive design has also garnered design awards from The International Design Society of America and Good Design from the Chicago Anthenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.  That said, creator Joseph Perrulli has always prioritized function over form. “I originally created govino® as a trade tool for professionals to use when selling wine. We not only created the category, we helped solve a global need for high-functioning shatterproof glassware,” said Perrulli, “Ten years later, vintners and consumers alike still rely on govino® to showcase their wines and elevate their experience whenever and wherever fragile stemware is prohibited or simply impractical. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate our ten-year anniversary than to announce this dynamic partnership with Erik and KR.”   About govino® govino® is the original and only shatterproof wineglass of its kind to be validated and accepted by the wine industry. Made in the USA and distributed globally, all govino® products are comprised of a flexible yet highly durable, BPA-free high-strength polymer, which projects the aromatics and flavor profiles of all wines, beers and spirits. It’s been the glassware of choice at noted epicurean events including Aspen Food & Wine, the Nantucket Wine Festival, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Outside Lands, and BottleRock, as well as featured glassware at Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack, Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island estate and the 20th anniversary of Thomas Keller’s 3-Star Michelin French Laundry. govino®s were also adopted early on by some the world’s most renowned wineries, including Dominus, Continuum, Shafer, Frog’s Leap, Chateau Montelena, and Robert Mondavi. For more info visit www.govino.com. For images and interviews, contact Keiko Niccolini at keiko@govino.com or 929- 920-1403. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Charles CharlesCommunications Associates  415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com     WENTE VINEYARDS INTRODUCES NEW TASTING & TOUR EXPERIENCES AT HISTORIC LIVERMORE VALLEY WINERY June 18, 2018   WHO:   Wente Vineyards, the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, announced a new lineup of tasting and touring experiences at the family’s historic Livermore Valley estate in honor of their 135th Anniversary this year.   WHAT:   A series of seven new tasting experiences that range from introductory to immersive, enabling Wente Vineyards' guests and members to choose from an array of bespoke options:   Journey Flight Tasting ($20 ~ 45-60 mins.) This tasting, centered around the story of the Wente Family’s passion-filled journey, is customizable by guests, who can now choose which five red and white wines they include in their flight (depending on availability & releases).  Available in The Vineyard Tasting Room, The Estate Tasting Room and Winemakers Studio (reservations not required).  Seated tasting experiences at The Estate Tasting Room (Starting at $25) available with reservations through CellarPass beginning June 25th.    Sunday in The Caves ($45 ~ 60-90 mins.) This unique offering in the Wente Vineyards estate caves features cheeses by local cheesemakers Nicolau Farms. Like the Wentes, the Nicolau family is also a multi-generational family-run company, with similarly sustainable farming practices. The cow and goat cheeses will be thoughtfully paired with Wente Vineyards selections (and will also be available for take-home purchasing). Tours begin in the Vineyard Tasting Room. Offered Sundays only or to private groups by request. Guests can call or reserve on CellarPass beginning June 25th.   The Vineyard Property Tour ($35 ~ 60-90 mins.) The Property Tour spans some of the most iconic markers of the Wente Vineyards property, taking guests from the Cork Tree through the Cabernet Franc Vineyard the Tirage, the historic sandstone caves (subject to availability), the ½ acre garden and ending in the Vineyard Tasting Room while tasting Wente Vineyards wines.  Guests will leave the tour with a comprehensive understanding of the rich history, winemaking, and sustainability measures of Wente Vineyards. Perfect for anyone who is new to the Wente Vineyards story or fans looking for a deeper dive. Offered daily at 11AM and 1PM. Guests can call or reserve on CellarPass beginning June 25th.   The Estate Winery Property Tour ($35 ~ 45-60 mins.) The Estate Winery Property Tour is for guests hoping to learn more about the technical winemaking behind their favorite Wente Vineyards wines. The tour will commence at the Estate Tasting Room with an overview at the Winemakers Studio and continue on to a behind-the-scenes tour of the crush pad, Small Lot Room, Barrel Room and end in the Nth Degree Lounge while tasting Wente Vineyards wines. Available Monday - Friday 11:30AM & 2:30PM; Saturday - Sunday 11:30AM.  Guests can call or reserve on CellarPass now.   Harvest Tour ($45 ~ 45-60 mins.) A must during harvest season! The Harvest Tour will serve as an expanded Estate Winery Property Tour from August through late October, since guests will be able to actually witness ‘crush’ live and in-person as grapes are brought in. The focus will be on the season’s harvest, the estate’s signature winemaking practices and how the wines achieve their high quality. Guests can call or reserve on Cellar Pass beginning June 25th   Vineyard Tour & Dinner ($135 ~ 2.5-3 hrs.) An educational tour where guests can take The Livermore Wine Trolley deep into the estate’s most premium Nth Degree vineyard vines, with tastings along the way and a full catered dinner at the end. Guests will start at the Winemakers Studio before the trolley transports them behind the Estate Property and into the vineyards and olive grove. Dinner is at the Winemakers Studio (which is magically transformed into a dinner venue during the vineyard tour). Vineyard Tour & Dinner Dates: July 14, August 11, and September 15. Guests will be able to reserve on Cellar Pass or call The Winemakers Studio now.   The Vineyard Table at The Restaurant ($55 Club Members/$65 guests ~ 90 mins.) Lunch at The Vineyard Table, a new wine & food experience at The Restaurant. Enjoy a three-course wine and food journey, showcasing Wente Vineyards’ small lot wines chosen by Jorge Tinoco, Wine Director, and ingredient-driven dishes from the culinary team led by Executive Chef Mike Ward and Executive Pastry Chef Kayleigh Guyon. Available Friday - Sunday, 11:30AM - 2PM. For reservations, call (925) 456-2450 or reserve on OpenTable now.    WHEN:   Journey Flight Tasting and The Estate Winery Tour are available now.  The Vineyard Property Tour, Sundays in The Caves, and Vineyard Tour & Dinner experiences will be offered starting in July.  Harvest Tours will be given throughout harvest, approximately August through late October.   WHERE:   Various locations at Wente Vineyards depending on experience (see above). The Estate Winery & Tasting Room:  5565 Tesla Road Livermore, CA 94550 The Winemakers Studio:  5565 Tesla Road Livermore, CA 94550 Vineyard Tasting Room:  5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550 The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards:  5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550     MORE:    Acknowledged for their industry-wide contributions to innovation, sustainability and hospitality, and known widely as California’s First Family of Chardonnay, Wente Vineyards is respected by both critics and consumers alike as a leader in crafting appealing, top quality, appellation-driven California wines. A wide array of initiatives and consumer events are planned for 2018 in celebration of the 135th anniversary, including an impressive lineup of artists for their Summer Concert Series.   Check www.wentevineyards.com for more information and tickets.     CONTACT:  For information, www.wentevineyards.com   For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Charles Communications Associates at (415) 701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com               ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Louise Jordan  Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com                                  Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. Announces  New US Communications Campaign Charles Communications Associates Named Agency of Record   SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2018 -- The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. announces that Charles Communications Associates (CCA) is now their agency of record for the United States. The Consortium is a private body created to represent vine-growers, winemaking companies and bottlers from Conegliano Valdobbiadene and to safeguard the standards of 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 of which the United States ranks 5th with over 2.76 million bottles (out of a total 35.8 million bottles) with a value of $17.12 million.   Created in 1969, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore was one of the first Italian appellations, 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.   The trade campaign will include working with two well-respected sommelier ambassadors in New York City and San Francisco, an in-depth restaurant educational program and participation in targeted trade events. The press campaign has 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 Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. “The US is an extremely important market for our top quality, world class sparkling wines.”   Connect with the Consortium 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 on  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Discover more at charlescomm.com.   For more information, please contact:  Kimberly Charles DipWSET or Louise Jordan DipWSET press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701.9463 www.charlescomm.com ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Kimberly Noelle Charles or  Alexandra Fondren Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com                                  Wente Vineyards Celebrates 135th Anniversary in 2018   LIVERMORE VALLEY, CA – March 2, 2018 – Wente Vineyards, the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery has achieved another benchmark, as 2018 marks the celebrated company’s 135th year. Acknowledged for their industry-wide contributions to innovation, sustainability and hospitality, and known widely as California’s First Family of Chardonnay, Wente Vineyards is respected by both critics and consumers alike as a leader in crafting appealing, top quality, appellation-driven California wines.    The 135th year kicked off in January with an open letter to wine club members and fans from Carolyn Wente, Fourth Generation Winegrower & CEO, wherein she commemorated her family’s “love of the journey;” honoring the rich history of the 100% estate-grown vineyards while celebrating the Fifth Generation family vintners who are leading Wente Vineyards into the future.   Carolyn stated, “I am so very proud of the Fifth Generation of our family—Christine, Karl, Jordan and Niki—for choosing to join the business and driving to create some of the best quality wines that we’ve ever grown.  The innovations they have spearheaded have been invaluable, and include our renewed focus on the small lot farming program, not to mention countless technological upgrades in both vineyard and cellar, resulting in some of the best wines we’ve ever made at Wente Vineyards.  We also would not be here today without the hard work and commitment of our entire family of team members that, over the many years, continues to pour passion into every aspect of their work. We have loved every step of the journey that has led us to this 135th anniversary, and we look forward to the next 135 years continuing our restless pursuit of excellence, and bringing people together over our shared love of wine and the Livermore Valley lifestyle.”   In 1883, Carolyn’s great grandfather, C.H. Wente, purchased 47 acres in the Livermore Valley. He and the ensuing generations of his family are credited with establishing the Wente Clone of Chardonnay (over 80% of today’s California Chardonnays are derived from this Wente clone), releasing California’s first varietally labeled wines in 1933, pioneering the Arroyo Seco winegrowing region in Monterey in 1963, and being the first to offer the range of wine country experiences that have now come to define the estate’s special brand of hospitality, which include award-winning dining at The Restaurant, an Audubon Certified, Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, historic tasting rooms and tours, Winemakers Studio educational tasting seminars, Orbitz’s 2018 #1 “Best Place to Get Married” in California, and concerts that have featured headliners like Ray Charles and Colbie Caillat.   A wide array of initiatives and consumer events are planned for 2018 in celebration of the 135th anniversary:   135th Anniversary Dinner and Dancing Under the Stars A memorable evening celebration, toasting to 135 years over dinner, topped with a wonderful night of dancing under the autumn stars.   Spring and Fall Winemaker Dinners Intimate dinner celebrations hosted by Fifth Generation Winegrower Karl D. Wente and Executive Chef Jeff Farlow.   Dedicated Online Promotions Online wine specials and limited-time shipping discounts throughout the year, such as $1.35 shipping.   135th Celebratory Chardonnay Special Release A limited release of a special “Celebratory Chardonnay” will be released to commemorate the 135th anniversary, available DTC and in limited market distribution. The Chardonnay will feature a vintage label design, and 500 bottles will be signed by the Wente family.   Win the Ultimate Wine Country Experience with Wente Vineyards  Running from March 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018, this text-to-win national sweepstakes will award one lucky winner a trip for two to enjoy the full Wente Vineyards experience. The package includes round-trip airfare (Wente Vineyards is a quick 50 minutes from San Francisco), a stay in the cottage, breakfast at The Grill, a round of golf at The Course at Wente Vineyards, concert tickets, educational classes at Winemakers Studio and more. Text “WENTE” to 24587 and enter to win or visitwww.wvwinesweeps.com. Must be 21+ to enter.   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, 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. 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 Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###

For Immediate Release                                                              Contacts:                  Kimberly Noelle Charles,                                                                                                                                         Louise Jordan, or Alexandra Fondren                                                                                                               press@charlescomm.com                                                                                            415|701-9463                                                                                                                                               Charles Communications Associates Announces its 2018 Quarterly Client Update Signs Key Clients at Start of the Year    San Francisco, CA, February 20, 2017 – Charles Communications Associates (CCA) is pleased to announce the addition of five new clients to its roster as of the beginning of 2018. The roster includes three former clients who have reengaged with CCA for the firm’s original and fresh marketing approach in addition to its public relations suite of services. Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well of the Livermore Valley AVA and Domaine Carneros of the Carneros AVA worked with CCA previously and the Consorzio for Prosecco DOCG and Smith Story Wine Cellars are new clients as of late 2017/early 2018.   The list of CCA’s current clients is as follows:    New as of 2018  Domaine Carneros, Carneros, CA from 1987-1998, 2007-2011 & 2018 Consorzio Tutela del Vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco, Italy 2018 Murrieta’s Well, Livermore Valley 2009-2013 & 2018  Smith Story Wine Cellars, Sonoma County & Anderson Valley, 2018 Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley 2009-2013 & 2018   Existing clients  Broadside Wines, Paso Robles, CA since 2013 Cycles Gladiator, California since 2013 Crocker & Starr, St. Helena, CA since 2016 Fess Parker Addendum, Napa, CA 2000-2007, and since 2017 Gonzalez Byass Chilean portfolio, since 2016 (Veramonte, Ritual, Neyen & Primus)  Onward Wines & Farmstrong, California since 2017 Wine Hooligans, Novato, CA since 2013   Please feel free to reach out to either Kimberly Noelle Charles, Louise Jordan or Alexandra Fondren via email at press@charlescomm.com or by phone at (415) 701-9463.  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. Discover more at www.charlescomm.com.     ###

For Immediate Release                                                                                           Contact:                   Charles Communications Associates                                                                                                                                       press@charlescomm.com                                                                                                                                                                     415|701-9463       Charles Communications Associates Announces  Distribution of Funds for Fire Relief for Napa and Sonoma Counties One Hope Foundation Matching Campaign   February 14, 2018 – San Francisco, CA – On this Valentine’s Day, our hearts are particularly full at Charles Communications Associates as we announce the distribution of funds for Napa and Sonoma County fire relief from our successful GoFundMe campaign which raised close to $60,000 in the weeks following the devastating fires of October 2017. Motivated to spring into action and help communities who have helped so many others over the years, Charles Communications Associates Founder & President Kimberly Noelle Charles felt compelled to activate a network of journalists, colleagues, clients and friends to raise money for both immediate and midterm needs for fire relief.     The week of the fires, which broke out Sunday October 9, 2017, the Charles Communications Associates team, along with a network of peers including Beck Hopkins of Folio Wine Company, Katie Calhoun of Calhoun & Company and Tia Butts of Tia Butts PR, mobilized a supply run to 7 different shelters and organizations in Sonoma and Napa Counties with funds from the campaign, as well as the generous in kind support of Target and Costco. Recipients included the MentorMe organization based at the Cavanaugh Recreational Center in Petaluma which created four shelters for those displaced by the fires. In Napa, supplies were distributed to Puertas Abiertas, the Salvation Army, Mentis and the Cope Family Center.     Generous donors from around the country contributed to a fund that exceeded initial expectations, prompting Kimberly Charles to implement both immediate and longer term needs for communities that were affected given the scale of devastation, which included 44 lives lost, 162,344 acres burned (Atlas, Nunns, Tubbs and Pocket fires) and 7,799 structures lost, including two dozen wineries in the two counties which were either fully or partially destroyed. The fires were part of a statewide firestorm which has been recorded as the deadliest and costliest in California history.The latest numbers indicate losses of upwards of $8 billion alone.    Wanting to specifically address communities that support and provide the wine industry with labor and services, Charles Communications Associates (CCA) and its peer team identified Undocufund.org, Ole Health Clinic and Support707.org to receive a total of $37,000. The ONEHOPE Foundation, led by Jake Kloberdanz, generously offered to match the funds for both Ole Health and Undocufund in addition to its very successfully separate campaign for fire relief.   The GoFundMe campaign is still active and accepting donations for ongoing needs by contributing here:  https://www.gofundme.com/fire-relief-napa-sonoma-counties. Ever resilient, the communities and towns are in the midst of rebuilding much of which will take years to recover given the scale of loss.   About Charles Communications Associates  Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2018, 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 more information, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.   # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Kimberly Noelle Charles or  Alexandra Fondren Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com       Smith Story Wine Cellars Appoints Springboard Wine Company as Exclusive California Broker America’s first successfully crowd-funded winery plans to expand California footprint   Windsor, CA, February 14, 2018 – Smith Story Wine Cellars has been winning over hearts and minds as ‘the little winery that did’ from the beginning, when it was established in 2013. Four harvests later (and a few thousand thousand cases sold) the husband/wife founders Eric Story and Alison (Ali) Smith Story, credit their growing success to the partner relationships they have formed over the years: with each other, their growers, their ardent consumer fans, and with the trade. Today, they are excited to announce a new partner in Springboard Wine Company – their exclusive California Broker. Smith Story Wine Cellars is based the Russian River Valley AVA, with a second tasting room in the Anderson Valley AVA. Bay Area born Eric and Fort Worth, Texas native Ali met while both working for K&L Wine Merchants in Northern California. Pursuing their dream to make their own wine (but on a wine-industry budget), the newlyweds launched a Kickstarter campaign and Smith Story Wine Cellars became the very first US winery to be successfully crowd-funded. 2017 was the fourth harvest for Smith Story, and they are about to celebrate their five-year anniversary (both the winery and the couple) in May. Their aim with Smith Story is to represent the kind of wine that the “curious wine drinker” enjoys – true wines with purpose, wines of vibrancy and place, and wines with heart.   Due to the momentous consumer requests, largely in part due to the Kickstarter launch and significant social media community of Smith Story fans, the wines are in strong demand in neighborhoods all over the state of California. Says Ali, “never in my life of building brands and helping wineries have I witnessed such loyalty from wine consumers. It was time to take Smith Story to the next level and allow fans to order our wines at their favorite local restaurants, find them in their neighborhood retail stores and create access for Smith Story fans who travel to California and search for our wines.”    When Ali and Eric decided to take Smith Story’s representation statewide in California, the leading domestic wine sales market, Springboard was the natural choice. Sister-owned and operated, Springboard is also a family business that works with select, family-owned wineries.  Effective immediately, Springboard will be responsible for the California sales of all Smith Story wines, which include grower-focused wines from the Anderson Valley, Sonoma County, and Rheingau Germany (via Eric Story Selections), with a variety of character profiles and price points that range from $20 to $80.   Says Eric of the partnership, “Ali & I are both really really excited to be part of the Springboard Board team. When I was at K&L, I always enjoyed and looked forward to working with Springboard. Not only because of the quality and cast of characters but the level of professionalism that came along as well. I think a simple way of saying it is, it's like putting cheese on a burger...it just feels right.”   Says Springboard Owner and Sales Manager Elizabeth Corsini, “We never really go out looking to add anything to the portfolio, because that is typically the equivalent of grocery shopping when you’re hungry. You come home with crap. However, when the right thing (ie. no brainer/hell yes) comes along, you do yourself the favor and say ‘yes please.’ Eric, Ali and Smith Story are that Hell Yes for us, and the kind of project that makes Springboard thrive as a company. A burgeoning brand with intelligence, grace and flexibility built into their program, plus two people I would love to sit down and have a beer with. Like, duh.”   About Springboard Wine Company  Springboard Wine Company is a family-owned business with a mission to launch into prominence small, select, family owned wineries. Now celebrating their 12th year in business, the brokerage remains committed to the unique wineries they represent. Springboard aims to preserve winery diversity by promoting wineries that distinguish themselves as not only producers of exceptional quality wines, but are progressives in their field. The three sisters who founded Springboard Wine Company believe that good people make better wine, and the best way to support those you admire is by drinking the fruits of their labor. In short, they sell and promote on behalf of people they like. In the face of winery consolidation, Springboard assists burgeoning small, premium wineries to attain the attention they need to survive and prosper. Ranging from classic to extravagant, each wine in their portfolio tells a story of superior craftsmanship that Springboard is proud to display. For the full portfolio, visit springboardwine.com.     About Smith Story Wine Cellars  Founded by husband and wife team Eric Story and Alison Smith Story on May 14, 2013, Sonoma County based Smith Story Wine Cellars produces wines from family-owned vineyard sites among Anderson Valley, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Sonoma Mountain AVAs of California and from the Rheingau region of Germany.    In 2014 along with their (Instagram star) Goldendoodle, Lord Sandwich, Ali founded a non-profit Socks For Sandwich, which inspires others to give and also donates new socks to the needy. The Smith Story Lord Sandwich Red Table Wine has been the number one selling red wine in the portfolio by volume over the last 12 months. Proceeds of the Lord Sandwich Red Table Wine go to SocksforSandwich.org. Over 25,000 pairs of new socks have been donated and distributed so far to victims of domestic abuse, homeless communities, teenage-foster care programs, immigrant farm workers and to US neighborhoods that suffered damage from natural catastrophes.    Smith Story wines are allocated to Storyteller Wine Club members, sold online to mailing list supporters, sold in their tasting room and through national wholesalers. To learn more please visit www.smithstorywinecellars.com and follow daily on Instagram at@smithstorywines. For future appointments to visit the Smith Story Wine Cellars tasting salon in Windsor, CA or the tasting room in Philo, CA, please email tastings@smithstorywines.com or call (707) 494.5575.    For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.   ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles or Alexandra Fondren Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com                        Wine Hooligans Welcomes Portlandia Vintners to its Portfolio of Artisan Wine Brands Novato, CA (February 5, 2018)  — Wine Hooligans is pleased to announce the addition of Portlandia Vintners to its growing portfolio of artisan wine brands. The Dundee, Oregon-based winery is rooted in the heart of the Willamette Valley, crafting award winning pinot noir and pinot gris from a region that the New York Times calls one of the world’s best pinot producing regions outside Burgundy.   Launched in 2013 by vintner Damian Davis, Portlandia is an ode to the spirit of Oregon’s great wines while also reflecting a sense of the people that make Portland and the Willamette Valley so special. Davis, previously best known for founding Rainier Wine and its famously irreverent Mad Housewife label, aims to make Oregon wine accessible to everyday wine lovers nationwide.  Portlandia’s partnership with Wine Hooligans facilitates the opportunity to expand distribution across the county and develop everyday, affordable pinot noir and pinot gris from Oregon.   “Adding an exceptional set of Oregon pinots fits perfectly with our focus of bringing unique wines from valuable appellations to both consumers and our partners”, said Dennis Carroll, head hooligan of Wine Hooligans. “With Portlandia, we add a dynamic brand in an important category that’s amassed a wonderful set of accolades.  It’s an exciting addition to the Hooligans portfolio of wines.”    Portlandia includes Oregon-appellated wines with eye-catching labels, which range from $18-20, as well as a $40 single vineyard Pinot Noir from the organic and biodynamic Momtazi Vineyard located in Willamette Valley’s McMinnville AVA.   The climate of the valley encompassing the Willamette River in between Oregon’s Cascades and the Coast Range produces some of the world’s best pinot noir and pinot gris wines. However, Davis notes that “It took relentless optimists to bring pinot noir and pinot gris to Oregon, exactly the kind of ‘Hooligan’ mindset that inspired us to create Portlandia Vintners and ultimately enter into this seamless partnership with Wine Hooligans.”   Portlandia’s reception has been very positive so far, with double 92-point scores from Wine Enthusiast’s February 2018 issue, for both the 2016 Pinot Gris (which also received an Editor’s Choice designation) as well as the 2015 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, not to mention double 90-point scores for the 2015 Pinot Noir and 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir.     About Portlandia Wines   Portlandia’s aim is to introduce value into the world of boutique, hand-made Oregon wine. Founder Damian Davis is committed to bringing terroir-driven Willamette Valley pinot noir and pinot gris to the everyday table, rejecting the notion that great Oregon wines can only be enjoyed at a premium. When Portlandia’s initial success enabled the ability to scale, it allowed Davis to bring on a new collaborator in Dennis Carroll and his Wine Hooligans.   The Wine Hooligans infrastructure and financial backing has allowed Portlandia to make an even bolder statement in quality/price ratio. “Wine lovers across the country already know that Oregon wine means world-class pinot. The partnership with Hooligans will enable me to get out there consistently to reinforce that message and share just a touch of what makes life here in the Pacific Northwest so special.” Davis’s 13 years of building relationships and seeking avenues to deliver high-quality, inexpensive wines to consumers throughout the Pacific Northwest has helped him to find the many interesting and overlooked vineyards that now define the Portlandia portfolio.   Carroll added, “At Wine Hooligans, we believe artisan brands are made by talented artists.  Damian has used his deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and his talent to create a wonderful set of pinot noir, pinot gris and rosé bottlings that can be enjoyed every day.  We are happy to play a role in helping expand distribution of this unique brand.”   About Wine Hooligans Wine Hooligans, LLC was created by wine industry veteran Dennis Carroll together with an expert team of artisan winemakers.  Positioned as a passionate disruptor of conventional wine marketing and sales, Wine Hooligans is a brand acquisition and development company, which brings people, places and products together to make exceptional wines in a wide variety of categories.  The portfolio consists of Portlandia, Broadside Wines, Cycles Gladiator, Sea Monster, Goyette and Stephen Vincent.  More information can be found at www.winehooligans.com.    Media Contact For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles at Charles Communications Associates atpress@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.    ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimberly Noelle Charles or Alexandra Fondren Charles Communications Associates 415.701.9463 | press@charlescomm.com Fess Parker Winery Announces Addendum Wines Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Barbara County's intrepid family winery looks to Napa Valley as its next frontier Santa Barbara, Calif. — November 14,  2017 — Fess Parker Winery is pleased to announce the premiere release of Addendum Wines, an exciting portfolio of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from some of the region’s most heralded vineyards. A small, hands-on winemaking endeavor from the seasoned Fess Parker family winemaking team, Addendum is a standalone label. The project represents a unique opportunity for this well-established Santa Barbara County winery to make Bordeaux varietal wines, work side-by-side with committed Napa growers, and carry on the tradition of exploration and pioneering adventure embodied by founder, Fess Parker himself.   Addendum, which literally means an “add-on,” was created to build on to the success of the early Rhone wine program started by Parker. After spending 30 years honing their expertise in Santa Barbara's Burgundian and Rhone varieties at their flagship winery in Los Olivos, the second generation Fess Parkerfamily, Eli Parker, Ashley Parker Snider, and Winery President Tim Snider, sought to build and expand upon Fess’s vision, leveraging their long-term relationships in order to tap into some of the most prestigious, established, and diverse vineyard holdings in Napa Valley – a flip on the traditional model (whereby Napa producers often outsource their Burgundian or Rhone varietal programs).  The 2014 vintage marks the very first for the Addendum project, with site-specific grape sources that range from the unmistakably high-elevation Stagecoach Vineyard to a historic prestige Rutherford AVA valley floor vineyard with its classic ‘Rutherford Dust’ profile. Single vineyard bottlings are accompanied by a Napa Valley-designate blend of the two, as well as a Stagecoach Cabernet/Syrah blend. Winemaker Blair Fox, who also oversees winemaking for the entire Fess Parker portfolio, continues the stylistic direction set by the Parker team when capturing the signature characters of the vineyards. Current Addendum releases:  • 2014 Addendum 'Skellenger Lane' Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) - $95 • 2014 Addendum 'Stagecoach Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon (Atlas Peak) - $95 • 2014 Addendum Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $90 • 2014 Addendum 'Stagecoach Vineyard' Cabernet/Syrah (Atlas Peak) - $80  Fess Parker’s name remains synonymous with pioneering adventure and love of the land.  Fess established his place at the forefront of the nascent Santa Barbara wine industry, starting one of the region’s most prominent wineries in 1989 and establishing world-class hotels that attracted new interest in the entire region.  Though Fess Parker passed away in 2010, his second and third generation family has forged ahead in Fess’s spirit, developing new programs under his original namesake label, expanding the Rhone varietal program under the Epiphany program, exploring traditional Champenoise method sparkling wine with the Fesstivity line (and dedicated Bubble Shack tasting gallery), and the May 2017 opening of the Bear & Star restaurant. Housed in the family’s recently renovated Los Olivos Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, the Bear & Star’s ‘refined ranch cuisine’ is headed by chef John Cox, who earned accolades at Big Sur's famous Sierra Mar restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn. Visitors can also take family-led horseback tours of the Fess Parker family ranch (usually led by Fess’s granddaughter Katie Parker-McDonald), where they can view sprawling vistas of Santa Barbara County and taste from the gardens where the Bear & Star produce is sourced. A by-appointment-only tasting lounge for Addendum was recently unveiled at the Fess Parker Winery in the fall of 2017. Adding Bordeaux varietal wines from Napa to the portfolio under the Addendum label is the next step in the family’s evolution, and represents the intrepid spirit of Fess Parker.  Looming large (in more ways than one) at 6 feet 6 inches, Fess always took the long view. His dream to establish a family winery that would be passed down for generations is well on its way.  With his children now at the helm, the family wishes to carry on their father’s legacy by introducing Cabernet Sauvignon to the portfolio – an adventure in its own right.  Just as Fess Parker himself immortalized the romance of exploration and discovery, the Addendum project captures his spirit, by bottling the thrill of borderless winemaking. Early critical acclaim for Addendum has been impressive, with recent high marks fromJeb Dunnuck, Wine & Spirits, as well as double 95+ scores from the latest Wine Advocate issue. As of September 2017, Addendum Wines are available for purchase ataddendumwines.com as well as at the brand new Addendum tasting room at Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos (pictured), now open to the public by appointment (800-841-1104).  Note: As of November 2017, the vineyards from which Addendum Wines are sourced have not sustained any fire-related damage, nor have the growers with whom the Addendum team works closely. In solidarity with their Napa friends who did suffer loss, Fess Parker Winery has raised over $10K towards wildfire relief using proceeds from arelief-designated three-pack of 2014 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. The Fess Parker family and team is grateful to all who contributed.  About Fess Parker Winery Since their first vineyard planting in 1989, the Fess Parker family has enjoyed a long, successful history in Santa Barbara County, helping to pioneer the region’s reputation as an international destination for wine, hospitality and discovery, as well as developing many of the county’s prestige vineyards. The Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard now owns and farms over 125 acres and works with over 700 acres in Santa Barbara County, not to mention the three acres in Napa Valley for Addendum. For future appointments to visit the Addendum Wines tasting room in Los Olivos, please email info@addendumwines.com or call (800) 841-1104. Follow Addendum on Twitter at @AddendumByFess and on Instagram at @addendumwinebyfess. For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. # # #  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Emeritus Vineyards mari@emeritusvineyards.com | 707.823.9463 Emeritus Vineyards Wins USA TODAY’s Best Winery Tour 2017 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards Emeritus #1 for Best Winery Tour   Sebastopol, California, August 18, 2017 - Emeritus Vineyards is pleased to announce they have been voted #1 out of 20 nominees in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for best U.S. winery tour. Nominees were chosen by a panel of wine experts, writers, journalists and sommeliers and voting spanned for a period of four weeks. Emeritus’s new tasting room opened in 2015 and is located in the heart of Sonoma’s famed Russian River Valley, overlooking the Hallberg Ranch vineyard, one of California’s most distinguished dry farmed vineyards and the site from which the winery crafts the #2 most requested Pinot Noir in America’s Zagat rated restaurants. Proprietor Brice Cutrer Jones credits the widespread acclaim for the Emeritus wines to the dry farming regime, noting that these techniques produce “the only honest reflection of a vineyard’s terroir.” A tour of Emeritus will go from dirt to glass through the Hallberg Ranch Estate vineyard and winery. Guests start with a closeup look of the vineyard, learning about dry farming and other sustainable farming techniques and see firsthand the growth cycle of vines, how the famed Goldridge soil impacts the wine and see (maybe even taste) the difference in Pinot Noir clones. Inside, the winery guests experience the activity of the season, from bottling to harvest, with a front row seat to the action. After taking in the barrel cellar visitors settle into the rustic-contemporary tasting room for a flight of the estate grown and single vineyard Pinot Noirs, while taking in the sweeping vineyard views through floor to ceiling windows and peering into the cellar while sipping Pinot on the cozy couches. Hosts guide the tour and tasting to match guests’ experience levels, providing the perfect experience for both novice wine lovers and seasoned collectors. Tours are offered Thursday-Monday and are available by advance appointment only.  Tours usually last around 90 minutes at $30/person. Additionally, Emeritus offers tastings of their dry-farmed and estate grown Pinot Noirs seven days a week from 10am-4pm. Appointments for tastings are suggested, though not required, for groups of 6 or less. For larger groups, advance appointments are required. Tastings are $20/person and usually take about 40 minutes. Emeritus Vineyards’ tasting room is located on the Hallberg Ranch Estate at 2500 Gravenstein Highway North in Sebastopol. Make an appointment online or call Emeritus at 707-823-9463 for reservations. About Emeritus Vineyards and Brice Cutrer Jones Emeritus Vineyards, is located in Sebastopol, California, the heart of the Russian River Valley. Established in 1999, the winery is defined by a commitment to producing noble Pinot Noir of the most distinctive quality. Wines are crafted around founder & proprietor Brice Cutrer Jones’s philosophy that soil gives wine its character, climate gives wine its personality, and man gives the wine its spirit (or style). The result is estate grown and bottled Pinot Noirs from two vineyards Hallberg Ranch, the home ranch in the heart of the Russian River Valley and Pinot Hill, from the Sebastopol Hills area of the Sonoma Coast. About USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award The 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest allows the public to vote on a list of 20 nominees for specific categories such as best restaurants, hotels, resorts and vacation locations. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, categorical expert contributors and other media sources. Readers are able to vote for one nominee once a day over a period of four weeks. For press inquiries and images, please contact Mari Jones or Alexis Nicolai at Emeritus Vineyards at mari@emeritusvineyards.com or alexis@emeritusvineyards.com | 707.823.9463   ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Charles Communications Associates press@charlescomm.com | 415.701.9463   Emeritus Vineyards Announces New Winemaker David Lattin takes on winemaker role at  Sonoma dry-farming pioneer winery   Sebastopol, California, June 5, 2017 – Emeritus Vineyards is proud to announce the appointment of David Lattin to winemaker. Lattin joins a 20+ year strong team at Emeritus, which includes vineyard manager, Kirk Lokka, and proprietor, Brice Jones.   Lattin brings 32 vintages of winemaking experience to his role at Emeritus, which includes a 15-year tenure as winemaker for Kuleto Estate where he oversaw the winery’s transition from a small, family-owned business to a relevant brand, while also leading the winemaking program for Merus Wines since 2013.   After receiving a B.A. in Microbiology (with a minor in German Language) from Oregon State University, Lattin went on to receive a M.S. in Enology from the University of California at Davis. From Davis, Lattin went on to gain experience abroad at Chateau Troplong-Mondot in St. Emilion, France, Storybook Mountain Vineyards in Calistoga, and Acacia Winery in Carneros, where he quickly transitioned from enologist to winemaker and General Manager.  Lattin also founded and managed CL Wines from 1998 to 2011, a passion project that led him to discover and fall in love with small Pinot Noir vineyards throughout the Sonoma Coast appellation, foreshadowing his eventual arrival at Emeritus Vineyards.   Proprietor Brice Jones said, “David imparts to his wines the spirit that [original – and deceased – Emerituswinemaker] Don Blackburn began with our wine over ten years ago. That spirit is most exemplified by the Burgundian style and the predominance of terroir, a sentiment that David shares whole-heartedly, as exemplified in his wines. We couldn’t be happier to have him join our team.”   Lattin adds, “I am beyond excited about my new position at Emeritus Vineyards and look forward to many great vintages with the team. I support everything Emeritus believes in from their sustainable dry-farming practices, to the quest for the highest quality level of the wines, an alchemy of nuance and complexity.”   Lattin resides in St. Helena with his wife and children. When not producing world-class wines, Lattin enjoys cooking (which he believes makes him a better winemaker), traveling, and cycling.  Located in Sebastopol in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Emeritus Vineyards is home to Hallberg Ranch, one of California’s most distinguished dry-farmed vineyards, and the site from which the winery crafts the second most requested Pinot Noir in America’s Zagat rated restaurants1. About Emeritus Vineyards and Brice Cutrer Jones Emeritus Vineyards, is located in Sebastopol, California, the heart of the Russian River Valley. Established in 1999, the winery is defined by a commitment to producing noble Pinot Noir of the most distinctive quality. Wines are crafted around founder & proprietor Brice Cutrer Jones’s philosophy that soil gives wine its character, climate gives wine its personality, and man gives the wine its spirit (or style). The result is estate grown and bottled Pinot Noirs from two vineyards Hallberg Ranch, the home ranch in the heart of the Russian River Valley and Pinot Hill, from the Sebastopol Hills area of the Sonoma Coast.   For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.    ¹ According to the 2015 Wine & Spirits Magazine restaurant poll.   ##

Greenbar Distillery Solidifies Footing in Crowded Craft Distillery Space World’s largest portfolio of handcrafted, organic spirits unifies disparate brands under love brand Los Angeles, Calif. — May 9, 2017 — Greenbar Distillery, one of California’s original craft distilleries and home of the world’s largest portfolio of handcrafted, organic spirits, today announced that it has unified its seven core spirits lines under a new heart brand that evokes the company’s origins as a love story between the two founders, Litty Mathew and Melkon Khosrovian. In sharp contrast to how most distilleries design their packages to stand out within categories, such as vodka or whiskey, Greenbar Distillery’s new look echoes the maker-focused branding of craft brewers. "We’re at a turning point in craft distilling where we need to create emotional connections with customers from the moment they see our bottles and make it easy for them to choose anywhere in a store,” notes Melkon Khosrovian co-founder and spirits maker at Greenbar Distillery. “Compared with when we started, the shelves are increasingly crowded and we felt that we needed to simplify our message to continue to grow.”​ The distillery, based in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles, designed its new labels in house to reflect the founders love for each other, their fans, their city and its immigrant food culture, as well as the California’s rich agricultural bounty. With its high-design heart imagery, hand-drawn font and distressed look, the new branding reinforces the distillery’s emphasis on relaxed sophistication. Further connecting Greenbar Distillery to its home city’s cultural terroir, the logo harkens the Mexican Sagrado Corazón (sacred heart) iconography found throughout downtown Los Angeles, while capturing the gritty appeal of the graffiti art that defines DTLA’s cityscape. The rays symbolize Southern California’s ubiquitous sunshine, critical to the state’s inimitable flora that’s captured within each bottle. The individual labels play on the heart theme while serving as symbolic guides to what’s inside, playfully alluding to the ‘spirit’ of each spirit. IXÁ tequila’s label recalls the mountains of Jalisco, CITY Gin’s layout resembles skyscrapers, TRU Vodka reflects diamond purity and so on. Greenbar Distillery’s move to consolidate its labels under one clearly defined house aesthetic marks a departure from the traditional distillery trajectory of dissociating certain sub-brands. The company’s use of only real, organic ingredients, commitment to sustainability, and the resulting quality-to-value prices resonate with the public. Melkon and Litty are thrilled to launch the new packaging to help make Greenbar Distillery products that much easier for the home mixologist to identify and enjoy. About Greenbar Distillery Greenbar Distillery, Los Angeles' first since Prohibition, makes the world's largest portfolio of craft organic spirits, including TRU vodkas, CITY gin, CRUSOE rums, FRUITLAB liqueurs, IXÁ tequila, SLOW HAND whiskey, GRAND POPPY amaro and BAR KEEP aromatic bitters. Founded in 2004 by the husband-and-wife team Melkon Khosrovian and Litty Mathew, the company seeks to make better spirits for a better planet. For press inquiries and images, please contact Kimberly Charles or Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463.

Memorial Event for Bruce Cass Thursday May 25, 2017  Bruce Cass 1948-2016 WHO: A celebration of the life of writer, educator, author and bon vivant Bruce Cass who passed away September 20, 2016.   WHAT: A Smackdown party in the tradition of Bruce Cass’ infamous annual gatherings at Ft. Miley on Ocean Beach in San Francisco after the Bay to Breakers run.  It will be an evening of conviviality, hedonism and friendship. WHEN:  The Smackdown celebration of Bruce Cass’ life will be held Thursday May 25th from 6:30-9:30 PM at the University Club of San Francisco.   Wine & appetizers will be served and guests are invited to bring a bottle of wine to share (please note Bruce’s wishes as it relates to the definition of “wine”[1] appropriate to bring to such an affair.) WHERE: The University Club of San Francisco 800 Powell Street.  We will have both the Black Cat Bar and adjoining room for the party.   Guests should RSVP to Kimberly Noelle Charles, DWS at kcharles@charlescomm.com.  Additionally, we will have a PA system. Those interested in speaking about Bruce should contact Michael Denny at  mike@dennyconnect.com to coordinate.  We expect many contributions regarding this extraordinary man.     MORE: For more information about Bruce and his life and work, we invite you to read more here and visit his website.   In addition, please see this lovely tribute from Jancis Robinson, MW his co-author for the Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America.    #   #   # [1] “WINE - Do not skimp on this half of the equation! In the NBA one does NOT go meekly into the paint! And neither should you come to the Smackdown with some weak, refinery product from the grocery store. Save bottles with cute animal names for Poker Night. The ironclad rule is each adult in your group must bring a bottle of wine costing at least $20. This crowd tends to be very wine savvy. Ribald, and a bit licentious, but very interested in rare and unusual wine tasting opportunities. Prominent wine personalities fly in from New York, Chicago, and Australia to talk trash at this event. Every bottle gets passed around to 15 or 20 strangers, so you don't want your name associated with any weak offerings. If you've been wondering when you are going to meet people worthy of that 15-year-old magnum bottle of South African Cabernet in your closet, this event IS the answer.”