Graton, CA - Sonoma Wine Company, the North Coast’s largest, full-service crush-to-bottle contract winery services provider, earned Certified California Sustainable Winery status for its Graton and American Canyon winemaking facilities on October 9, 2012. These certifications were awarded through the third-party certification process from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. “This is a validation of the great works that the team at Sonoma Wine Company has been undertaking since we began operations in 2001, we’ve received many environmental awards at the regional and state level[1], but this is really gratifying for us given its comprehensive criteria,” stated Director of Business Development, Natasha Granoff.  The CSWA established certification programs for wineries and vineyards to recognize the advancements in sustainability of the California wine industry through the adoption of sustainable practices.  The program certifies both wineries and vineyards. The CCSW certification for the American Canyon and Graton facilities are representative of Sonoma Wine Company’s longstanding dedication to sustainable practices.  In 2010, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair flipped the switch on the Graton facility’s new solar cogeneration system, which was at the time the first commercial-scale installation of the thermal and photovoltaic technology. In March of 2011, Sonoma Wine Company’s American Canyon winery became the first American winery to achieve ISO 22000 certification, the international standard of food safety in the ISO quality management series. “Quality management systems streamline operations, reduce costs and stimulate innovation in operational practices,” said Dennis Carroll, President of Sonoma Wine Company.  “It is about continuous improvement and best business practices, hot button topics that dovetail nicely with our sustainable business goals,” added General Manager, Ed Silva. According to the policies of the CSWA, the CCSW logo can be used in marketing materials, websites and secondary packaging but not on a wine label. Logos or claim statements made on secondary packaging attached to the wine bottle (‘neckers’ for example) can be used if the wine was both made in a certified winery facility and with at least 85% of grapes from certified vineyards. These regulations will enable Sonoma Wine Company clients making wine from CSWA certified sustainable vineyards to enhance their communications materials to indicate the sustainability of their vineyard and winery status if they so desire. For media queries, interviews and imagery please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com  or 415-701-9463. About Sonoma Wine Company: Sonoma Wine Company is a full-service crush-to-bottle contract winery partnering with California wine producers to crush, ferment, barrel, bottle and warehouse wine programs of all sizes. With five modern facilities located in both Sonoma and Napa counties, the facility can accommodate any size program. With superior customer service and a wide array of equipment including state-of-the-art crush facilities, over two million gallons of stainless cooperage, and six modern bottling lines, the facility can tailor its services and highly experienced staff to match client’s programs so that clients can spend time connecting with distributors, building a customer base, and growing brands. Sonoma Wine Company has tailored its business to match the size of almost any wine program from private label to large contract producers. Whether companies are producing 500 cases or 500,000 cases, Sonoma Wine Company can scale a company’s growth accordingly. About California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA): The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) developed a third-party certification program related to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program (SWP) to increase the sustainability of the California wine industry by promoting the adoption of sustainable practices and ensuring continual improvement.  The goals of the certification program, Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW-Certified), are to enhance transparency, encourage statewide participation and advance the entire California wine industry toward best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices. The CSWA currently offers the following certification programs: • Certified California Sustainable Vineyard • Certified California Sustainable Winery • Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery • Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing #   #  #   [1] http://www.sonomawineco.com/sustainability.htm

  Livermore Valley, CA – Just as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass takes down its stages celebrating 11 years of bringing great Americana music to an appreciative crowd, Wente Vineyards, the oldest continuously family owned and operated winery debuts its Front Porch blog, dedicated to showcasing local and world renowned musical talent, particularly Americana. The name Front Porch is inspired by the actual front porch on Fifth Generation winegrower Karl Wente's 19th century Victorian family home where he, his friends and guest musicians often gather to make and listen to music. It was on this front porch where the notion of presenting up and coming musical talent was originally conceived by Karl six years ago. Since that debut, over 75 new artists have performed at the historic property including acts such as The Mountain Goats, The Dodos, Luce, the Ferocious Few, Jerry Hannan, the Stone Foxes, Loquat, and Karl Wente’s own band The Front Porch.  This year Wente’s band debuted their album Evermore at the annual Labor Day Front Porch Music Festival. For avid fans of Americana, Bluegrass and acoustic music, The Front Porch blog highlights emerging as well as established artists in these genres. It is a thoughtfully-curated selection of artists, many of whom have performed at Wente Vineyards and some of whom are simply favorites of Karl Wente and members of The Front Porch. Original content such as interviews and exclusive tracks as well as existing footage, videos, photos, music and blog posts portray the events and people that embody the spirit of The Front Porch. The blog also provides real time updates and coverage of the musical festivals at Wente Vineyards and the "One the Road" section follows Karl as he crosses the nationa as winemaker, musician and music fan, meeting new friends along the way. "Stuff We Dig" is a place of discovery in music, wine or food that Karl and The Front Porch want to spotlight: new releases, tour dates, live songs, interesting commentary and fun anecdotes. It is a propos that America’s oldest family owned and operated winery has dedicated itself for six years running to showcasing local independent and bugeoning musical talent, complementing a long running commitment by Wente Vineyards of sharing wine country hospitality with its world class concert series, Greg Norman designed golf course and fine dining Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. About Wente Vineyards  Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, 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 media inquiries, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463. ###

Mountain View, California — On Saturday, November 3, Wente Vineyards returns once again as the exclusive wine sponsor for ReSurge International’s fifth annual Transformations Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. Nearly 500 supporters, donors and medical volunteers will gather to celebrate ReSurge’s life-changing mission of providing free reconstructive surgery for the poor. Wente Vineyards wines will be featured throughout the evening, as ReSurge hopes to raise an estimated $650,000 for its programs throughout the world. For the past four years, Wente Vineyards has donated their exquisite wines to ReSurge International’s signature event. Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. “Wente is a model company with a strong commitment to giving back to worthy causes,” says Susan Hayes, ReSurge president and CEO.  “Wente’s wine donation is crucial to our fundraising efforts. Their integral sponsorship directly helps those who need it most – our patients around the world.” Since 2008, the event has raised more than $3 million for surgeries for the poor around the world. During the gala, ReSurge will present three awards to: Dr. William McClure of Napa, California; Dr. Jorge Palacios of Guayaquil, Ecuador; and Barco’s Nightingales Foundation for their leadership and contributions. All proceeds from the Transformations Gala directly support ReSurge’s programs. ReSurge International (formerly Interplast) provides free reconstructive surgery to children and adults with clefts, disabling burns and hand injuries in 15 countries around the world. For more information on Wente Vineyards’ contributions, special guests and awardees at ReSurge International’s Transformations Gala or to arrange for interviews, please contact Liliana Vazquez at liliana@resurge.org, 650.962.0123 or visit www.resurge.org. # # #

Livermore Valley, CA – This lineup of compelling upcoming events from Wente Family Estates offers many ways to enjoy one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, autumn. Art showings, special tastings, winemaker’s dinners and harvest and holiday celebrations create opportunities to delight the tastes of every wine and food enthusiast. Activities at Wente Family Estates from October through December, 2012 include: October Daycation at Wente Vineyards October 1st – 31st, 2012 Wente Vineyards | Murrieta’s Well Winery | Estate Winery Tasting Room | Tamas Estates Tasting Room Celebrate the good things in life in the Livermore Valley for a weekend, a day or only a few hours. As a Daycation guest at Wente Family Estates, you hold the pass to create your escape, whether that’s playing on a world championship golf course, sampling renowned vintages in any of the four tasting rooms or enjoying wine-country cuisine in the award winning restaurant- the time is yours! Simply pick up your “Daycation Pass” at any of the Wente Family Estate Properties, and let your Daycation begin. All offers are valid throughout the month of October, and you can take advantage of the same offers on multiple days throughout the month. La Luna at Murrieta’s Well Friday, October 5th, 2012, 6:00pm-9:00pm Murrieta’s Well Winery Come enjoy the last of our summer full moon series with an evening of French cuisine, live music by Silent Partner and delicious blends on the terrace of this historic winery. Reservations Required. Please call (925) 456-2395 or purchase online. Harvest Tour & Tasting Saturday, October 6th, 2012 Tour Sessions: 10:00am, 12:00pm & 2:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Experience harvest in action at the annual Harvest Tour & Tasting Event. Bring your camera and questions as tour guides walk you through the winery to view the winemaking process while sampling several vintages from Wente Vineyards’ Small Lot production. $20 per person and $15 for Club Wente Members (plus tax). Space is limited. Purchase online or call (925) 456-2305. Wines, Beats & Mobile Eats Saturday, October 6th, 2012, 12:00pm-4:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Treat yourself to an array of food choices from some of the top food trucks in the Bay Area while sampling wines from Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, and Double Decker at our second Wines, Beats & Mobile Eats. There will also be live music by Delta Brew. Event entry is complimentary; wine tasting is $20 per person or $15 for Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well and Tamás Estates Club Members. Blankets and chairs are welcome, no outside food or beverage. Chef’s Fall Garden Tour & Tasting Tuesday, October 9th, 2012, 10:30am-12:00 pm The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards Join Executive Chef Matt Greco and Master Gardener Diane Dovholuk for an exclusive tour of The Restaurant’s half-acre organic production garden. During the tour, Dovholuk will provide insight into the foundation of the garden, its soil, French intensive and organic practices applied and the many heirloom varieties grown. Chef Matt will take ingredients harvested that morning and prepare a delicious tasting, illustrating The Restaurant’s ingredient-driven wine country cuisine, paired with a sampling of Wente Vineyards wines. $20 per person or $15 for Club Wente Members. Space is limited and reservations are required. In addition, one can stay for lunch and enjoy a special two course meal sourced from the garden for $19. Call 925.456.2450 or purchase tickets online. Dog Day Afternoon Saturday, October 13th, 2012, 12:00pm-4:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Come enjoy Dog Day Afternoon with your four-legged, furry friends! Win prizes for Best Wag, Best Hair, and Best Costume! Find out what your pet is thinking from animal communicator, Charles Peden and view a dog-training demo by the dog school, Murphy’s Paw. The Valley Humane Society will also be onsite. Wines will be available by the glass and bottle. For more information call 925-456-2305. Artist Reception: Encaustic Paintings by Marge Huffman Sunday, October 14th, 2012, 1:00pm-3:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Join Wente Vineyards for a reception showcasing encaustic paintings by local artist, Marge Huffman. Artwork will be on display in the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery Tasting Room throughout October. For more information call 925-456-2305. Dessert and Wine Tasting Sunday, October 14th, 2012, 2:00pm-3:30pm Vineyard Tasting Room Sample a delectable combination of Wente Vineyards’ wines paired with sinfully delicious dessert creations from their Pastry Team. Enjoy five unique dessert wines paired with seasonally-focused sweet bites in this dessert-focused tasting event. $20 per person or $15 Club Wente Members. Limited space is available, reservations required. For information call 925-456-2405 or purchase online. Winery of the Year Celebration Saturday, October 20th, 2012, 11:00am-4:30pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Wente Family Estates is continuing the celebration of being named Wine Enthusiast’s 2011 American Winery of the Year! Join us at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery and taste wines from, Murrieta’s Well, Wente Vineyards, Tamás Estates and entwine, and enjoy live music by Ruckatan. Wine tastings are $10 per person and $5 for all wine club members. Muestra de Arte Saturday, October 27th, 2012, 11:00am-4:30pm Murrieta’s Well Winery Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Enjoy works of fine art by local artists and sample artisan cheese & wine tastings in the historic barrel room at Murrieta’s Well. Admission is free. Wine tastings are $10 per person and complimentary for Silver Spur members. November Winemaker’s Dinner with Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente Thursday, November 1st, 2012, 6:30pm-9:00pm Vineyard Tasting Room Come enjoy fine wine and stellar cuisine at Wente Vineyards with Karl Wente, Fifth Generation Winemaker. Relish in this unique opportunity to attend a gourmet four-course meal with accompanying wine pairings that present a unique and delicious chance to experience the finest expression in food and wine pairing by Wente Vineyards. Vegetarian options will be available. For more information call 925-456-2405. Artist Reception: Oil Paintings by Norma Webb Sunday, November 4th, 2012, 1:00pm-3:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Join Wente Vineyards for a reception showcasing oil paintings by regional artist, Norma Webb. Artwork will be on display in the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery Tasting Room through November. For more information call 925-456-2305. Friend’s Night Out Thursday, November 15th, 2012, 6:00pm-9:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Grab your friends and head out to the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery for Friend’s Night Out! The night will include wine tasting, beauty services, shopping and more. $10 per person and complimentary for Club Wente Members; includes wine flight and a glass of Brut. For more information call 925-456-2305. Winemaker’s Dinner with Murrieta’s Well Co-Founders Philip Wente and Sergio Traverso Friday, November 16th, 2012, 6:30pm-9:00pm Murrieta’s Well Winery Celebrate the fall season at one of the winery’s seasonal Winemaker Dinners. You’re invited to have a gourmet four-course dining experience featuring unforgettable estate blends from Murrieta's Well. Meet co-founders Philip Wente and Sergio Traverso as you enjoy unique food and wine pairings in the historic barrel room. $95 for Silver Spur Members and $105 for guests. Reservations are required. To purchase, please call please call (925) 456-2395 or visit www.murrietaswell.com. Celebrate 100 Years of Chardonnay Sunday, November 18th, 2012, 4:00pm-5:00pm Vineyard Tasting Room Join Wente Vineyards, the “birthplace of Chardonnay", for a historic tasting of five Wente Vineyards’ Chardonnays with Fourth Generation Winegrower, Philip Wente. Enjoy a private wine and cheese reception after the tasting. $25 per person and $20 for Club Wente Members. Call 925 456-2405 or purchase online at wentevineyards.com. Thanksgiving Take Home Dinner Pick up Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 The Event Center at Wente Vineyards Wente Vineyards’ take home Thanksgiving dinner makes holiday entertaining incredibly easy! Feeding six generously, the Thanksgiving menu showcases a traditional holiday dinner, including succulently prepared dishes with simple finishing instructions to follow at home. Including all your favorite sides, dessert and of course the bird, this feast has been prepared with love from the Wente family to yours! Order online or call 925-456-2444 and pick up onsite the day before Thanksgiving for $249. Spend the day around the table, instead of in the kitchen. Holiday Preview at Wente Vineyards Friday - Sunday, November 23rd – 25th, 2012 Estate Winery Tasting Room & Vineyard Tasting Room Start your holiday festivities off right and get a jump on your holiday shopping and entertaining ideas! Enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend, browse new holiday merchandise, stock up on holiday favorites, and pick up gifts for friends and family, all while you sample your favorite Wente Vineyards wines. Holiday Preview Weekend Friday – Sunday, November 23rd – 25th, 2012, 11:00am-4:30pm Murrieta’s Well Winery Come to Murrieta’s Well Holiday Preview weekend with family and friends to kick off the holiday season! Shop special Murrieta’s Well gift baskets, enjoy seasonal cheer, and indulge in the unforgettable blends of Murrieta's Well. December Holidays in the Vineyards Saturday and Sunday, December 1st & 2nd, 2012, 12:00pm-5:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Wente Vineyards’ annual wine country tradition is back! Guests are invited to an open house at Wente Vineyards to celebrate the season by sharing the joy of special wines, crafts and holiday cheer. Enjoy shopping from the works of local artisans while sipping award winning wines and barrel tasting in our winter wonderland barrel room. Bring the kids on Sunday, December 2nd, for an opportunity to take a picture with Santa! (1-3 pm Sunday for a nominal fee.) For more information call 925-456-2305. Holidays in the Vineyards at Murrieta’s Well Saturday and Sunday, December 1st & 2nd, 2012, 12:00pm-5:00pm Murrieta’s Well Winery Visit Murrieta’s Well with family and friends during Livermore Valley's joyous holiday open house. This annual wine country tradition showcases the historic barrel room as a winter wonderland, with wine tasting, arts & crafts vendors, holiday music, special wine offerings and more! Guests are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys to Murrieta’s Well for the organization, Toys for Tots, benefitting children in need throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Event is complimentary and there is a nominal fee for winetasting. For more information call 925.456.239 or email tastingroom@murrietaswell.com. Dessert and Wine Tasting Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 2:00pm-5:00pm Vineyard Tasting Room This tasting caters to both the wine lover and the sweet tooth! Dessert wines work perfectly as an after-dinner treat or as an accompaniment to your dessert course.  Join Wente Vineyards in their century old sandstone caves to sample your favorite dessert wines. For more information call 925-456-2405. Artist Reception: Oil Paintings by James Rebello Sunday, December 9, 2012, 1:00pm-3:00pm Estate Winery Tasting Room Join Wente Vineyards for a reception showcasing oil paintings by James Rebello. Artwork will be on display in the Wente Vineyards Estate Winery Tasting Room through December. For more information call 925-456-2305. Holiday Take Home Dinner Pick up Sunday, December 23rd, 2012 Event Center at Wente Vineyards Want to take the hassle out of the holidays? Wente Vineyards’ chefs will also be preparing a Holiday Take Home Dinner, which feeds six generously and includes simple finishing instructions to follow at home. Includes 7 dishes with a choice of Certified Angus Prime Rib ($279) or Pan Seared Salmon ($239). Orders must be done online or call 925-456-2444. Helpful addresses: Estate Winery Tasting Room | 5565 Tesla Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2305 Tamas Estates Tasting Room | 5565 Tesla Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2380 Vineyard Tasting Room | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2405 Event Center at Wente Vineyards | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925.456.2405 The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards | 5050 Arroyo Road | Livermore, CA | 925-456-2450 Murrieta’s Well Winery | 3005 Mines Road | Livermore, CA | 925-456-2395  # # #

***MEDIA ALERT*** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** MEDIA ALERT *** WHO: America’s premium saké company, SakéOne, will hold its annual kura blessing, Saturday, September 29th. WHAT: This symbolic, community ceremony with ancient Shinto roots is designed to cleanse the brewery for the year to come. Admission to the kura blessing is free and will be open to the public. The event has always served to raise awareness of Japanese culture and tradition in the local community. The Shinto ceremony will be presided over by the Reverend Koichi Barrish of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of Granite Falls, Washington. Afterwards, guests can enjoy sake, traditional Japanese cuisine provided by Syun Restaurant of Hillsboro and an exhilarating taiko performance by Monmouth Taiko of Monmouth, OR, a Japanese drumming and dance group. Following the blessing, there will be a unique tasting at the kura in honor of International Saké Day. A flight of six special imported Japanese saké will be available for purchase ($15 per person, $10 for club members). WHEN: The ceremony will be held from 10am-12pm, and the saké tasting  will begin at 12pm and end at 4pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012. For more information please contact 1-503-357-7056 x235 or email tastingroom@sakeone.com or visit http://www.sakeone.com/Events/at-the-kura.html. WHERE: The events will be held at SakéOne’s brewery at 820 Elm Street in Forest Grove, Oregon. VISUALS: To view a video of the previous kura blessing, where Reverend Koichi Barrish drizzles saké and tosses flower petals to cleanse the brewery, please click here. MORE: SakéOne is an importer of Japan’s finest sakés and is America's premium saké company. Founded in 1992, SakéOne has been crafting strictly junmai ginjo quality saké at its state-of-the-art kura (brewery) in the heart of the Willamette Valley: Oregon’s craft beer-brewing, spirits and winemaking mecca. In 2010, SakéOne’s Momokawa “Ruby” Junmai Ginjo earned a silver medal at the prestigious all-Japanese U.S. National Saké Appraisal, no small feat for an American saké producer. Though SakéOne undoubtedly honors tradition, their Oregonian pioneering spirit is constantly evolving and has truly defined Oregon craft saké.  For more information, visit SakéOne’s website at http://sakeone.com/. CONTACT: For additional information and interviews, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. #   #   #

Forest Grove, Oregon- America’s premium saké company, SakéOne, will hold its annual kura blessing, Saturday, September 29th, to coincide with the traditional commencement of the Japanese sake brewing season. The symbolic community ceremony with ancient Shinto roots is designed to cleanse the brewery for the year to come. Admission to the kura blessing is free and will be open to the public. The event has always served to raise awareness of Japanese culture in the local community. The Shinto ceremony will be presided over by the Reverend Koichi Barrish of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of Granite Falls, Washington. Barrish will perform the traditional ceremony in both Japanese and English, tossing rice and splashing saké in the brewery’s corners to cleanse it of lingering evil spirits, in hopes that the offering of saké will allow them to leave happily. Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy sake, traditional Japanese cuisine provided by Syun Restaurant of Hillsboro and an exhilarating taiko performance by Monmouth Taiko of Monmouth, OR, a Japanese drumming and dance group. Following the blessing, there will be a tasting at the kura in honor of international sake day, which is October 1st. A flight of six special imported Japanese sake will be available for purchase ($15 per person, $10 for club members). Saké from the Murai Family and Yoshinogawa kuras will be poured, including two Daiginjo saké. The kura blessing will be held at SakéOne’s brewery at 820 Elm Street in Forest Grove, Oregon, from 10am-12pm. The international saké celebration tasting will begin right after the blessing, starting at 12pm and ending at 4pm. For more information please contact 1-503-357-7056 x235 or email tastingroom@sakeone.com and visit http://www.sakeone.com/Events/at-the-kura.html. About SakeOne SakéOne is an importer of Japan’s finest sakés and is America's premium saké company. Founded in 1992, SakéOne has been crafting strictly junmai ginjo quality saké at its state-of-the-art kura (brewery) in the heart of the Willamette Valley: Oregon’s craft beer-brewing, spirits and winemaking mecca. In 2010, SakéOne’s Momokawa “Ruby” Junmai Ginjo earned a silver medal at the prestigious all-Japanese U.S. National Saké Appraisal, no small feat for an American saké producer. Though SakéOne undoubtedly honors tradition, their Oregonian pioneering spirit is constantly evolving and has truly defined Oregon craft saké.  For more information, visit SakéOne’s website at http://sakeone.com/. For media information and interviews, please contact Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415|701-9463. -###-

Lodi, CA—September— On Saturday, October 6th, California’s Lodi Wine Country will bring its newly christened LoCA Uncorked: The Best of Lodi California Wines festival to Treasure Island for an afternoon of world-class wine tasting, coupled with delicious food and great entertainment. Previously known as Lodi’s Treasure Island WineFest, this year’s event will feature 35 wineries pouring over 200,  award-winning wines from the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA), which produces over 60 varietals. The event will also feature an array of artisan cheeses, locally produced olive oils and wine country cuisine provided by Pasta Pomodoro restaurant, which specializes in fresh, authentic Italian fare and has locations throughout San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. Additional top vendors, including Lodi Olive Oil Company, Cowgirl Nuts, and Bridgebrand Chocolates, will be on hand at the event. Media are invited to a special VIP hour from 12-1 pm before the public tasting gets underway from 1 to 5 pm. Situated at one of the Bay Area’s best kept geographic secrets, Treasure Island represents an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life only minutes away from San Francisco and Oakland in the middle of the bay. Guests who come to LoCA Uncorked will enjoy a great array of wines and tasty bites while taking in the America’s Cup races in San Francisco Bay, as well as fly overs by the Blue Angels during Fleet Week. Treasure Island is the perfect place to be to enjoy all the offerings that weekend. Attendees will also enjoy live music from the John Brothers Piano Company, a duo well known in the Bay Area for their lively jazz and ragtime shows. LoCA Uncorked will be housed in Treasure Island’s Pavilion by the Bay and its surrounding property. Tickets are currently on sale at http://www.locauncorked.com and are available for $55 in advance and $65 at the door. Designated driver tickets are $25. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the passionate vintners and growers behind the wines that make up California’s best kept secret – Lodi Wine Country. LoCA Uncorked is presented by the California Wine Education Foundation, the Lodi Winegrape Commission and LoCA – The Wines of Lodi California. To learn more about Lodi Wine Country, please visit lodiwine.com or follow Lodi Wine on Facebook and Twitter. For press information about LoCA Uncorked, please contact media relations representative Katie Hunter at Charles Communications Associates press@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463, or Camron King, Executive Director of LoCA, at 209-367-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com.  About Lodi Wine Country Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi wine region features 100,000 vineyard acres that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. With more than 60 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long known as a superior producer of Zinfandel, including many old vine offerings, the area has also been producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. More recently, Lodi has begun producing varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Viognier and Syrah, among many others. Lodi has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s, and today is farmed by over 750 growers. The region also serves as home to more than 70 boutique wineries specializing in small lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions. For more information about the LoCA campaign or the Lodi wine region, visit: www.lodiwine.com. ###

Livermore, CA – In honor of California Wine Month this September, America’s rail line, AMTRAK, will highlight two wines from America’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards, on the Coast Starlight train.   Featured will be Wente Vineyards’ crisp “Morning Fog” Chardonnay as well as their rich, yet balanced, “Southern Hills” Cabernet Sauvignon. AMTRAK is proud to have been selected as a national partner for California Wine Month and looks forward to sharing the flavors of California and Wente Vineyards with their passengers during this month-long celebration. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Wente Vineyards bringing Chardonnay cuttings from France to California, which has become the most widely planted Chardonnay clone in the state. Many other significant firsts from the Wente family, including varietal labeling and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, have established the family as a beachhead in California winemaking history. Wente Vineyards continues to be the premier wine choice for travelers around the world. Early to export their wines and make them available to travelers both domestically and internationally, their wines are served aboard top international airlines and cruise lines, including American Airlines, Delta, Virgin, United, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruise Lines among others. About Wente Vineyards Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, 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 media inquiries and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

Graton, CA - Purple Wine Company, known for creating, marketing and selling top quality wines is launching Cryptic, a new upscale blended red wine.  Cryptic fills a unique niche in the marketplace. It taps into two of the most dynamic growth trends in in the table wine category, red blends and wines in the $15-20 price point sector.  The red blend segment is up +25% in the last 52 weeks, while wines in the $15-$20 price segment are up +16% in the last 52 weeks.1 Purple Wine Company learned through consumer research that red blend wine-loving consumers are sophisticated and high frequency purchasers, looking for a range of red blends, from everyday drinking to special occasions. These wines satisfy their desire for experimentation, versatility and fun.  It’s been shown that red blend drinkers like rich, smooth red wines with ripe fruit flavors.  Cryptic is a wine that fits the bill for them on a number of levels. Sourced from over 30 different vineyards located in the Sierra Foothills, Paso Robles and Lodi, areas known for the best in bold red varietals, the Cryptic blend includes Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The experienced winemaking team, led by Wine Director Alex Cose is known for blending expertise. With 12-18 months of oak aging in French, American & Hungarian oak, Cryptic has a rich, toasty and complex profile. The elegant package, designed by Onyx Design in San Francisco, is inspired by a 16th century French cipher machine. The silk-screened bottle is accented with gold ink and 24-carat gold accents.   The name Cryptic refers to the mysterious alchemy that comes from combining individual lots of wine together to create an intriguing blend. The mystery of the varietals in the blend can be unscrambled on the back label, while details on the blend can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the back label or at crypticwine.com. “Cryptic fits within the Purple Wine Company’s streamlined portfolio, where each brand is known for a single key wine.  It dovetails well because each of our wines represents superior price/value,” commented company owner and CEO Derek Benham.  “The launch reflects our evolution as a company to wines in the $10-$20 price segment fueled by a desire to offer something exciting to the consumer.” Cryptic wines will be available nationwide at fine dining establishments as well as leading retailers at a suggested retail price of $18. About Purple Wine Company Recently named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5,000 companies in 2012, Purple Wine Company was founded in 2001 by Derek Benham and is based in Graton, California.  Its mission is to create wines of outstanding value, high quality and consistent style from vintage to vintage.  The wines are bottled by its sister production company, Sonoma Wine Company using thoughtful water and energy conservation practices while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Current brands include: Avalon, BEX, Four Vines and Cryptic.  Both Avalon and Four Vines were recently named Hot Prospect Brands by M. Shanken’s Impact Newsletter for 2012, tracking the most promising wine and spirits growth brands in the marketplace.  For more information, please visit www.purplewine.com.  For press inquiries, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. #   #   #   1. According to IRI, $ Revenue, US Food/Drug 52 weeks ending 07/08/12

Graton, CA – In celebration of the rich culinary diversity and bounty of America, Avalon Winery launched the first annual America’s Great Foods Recipe Challenge on September 5, 2012. Participants are invited to enter the competition by submitting a recipe involving a “Great food” element specific to their personal heritage or geographic region that would pair well with Avalon wines. The participant who submits the winning recipe entry, to be selected at the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival® by Festival guests on Saturday, March 2, 2013, will receive a grand prize of $10,000 in cash. The deadline for recipe entries is Friday, January 4, 2013 at 9 AM PST. Three Finalists will be selected from among all eligible entrants to America’s Great Foods Recipe Challenge by a judging panel. Submitted recipes will be evaluated based on taste, creativity, great food choice, and ease of preparation. Recipes must be prepared within thirty-five minutes including cooking time and include a grilling component. Once selected, these finalists and a guest of their choice will receive round trip airfare and tickets to the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival® held February 28th – March 3rd, 2013. Finalists will prepare their recipe on a TEC® grill at the Avalon Outdoor Living + Grilling Area in the Festival’s Culinary Village. Chef Kelly Liken has partnered with Avalon Winery to pair fresh and innovative recipes featuring Avalon wines. She will be hosting contest finalists for the cooking demo. Liken is owner and executive chef at Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail, Colorado, and has been a contestant on Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Season 7 of Bravo’s Top Chef. Avalon Winery produces top quality California Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc and Napa Valley designated Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, The winery is excited to be the sole sponsor of the Challenge and invites all eligible participants to submit recipes atwww.avalonwinery.com/recipecontest. Follow the Challenge on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter at @AvalonWinery. The Avalon 2012 America’s Great Foods Recipe Challenge is open to U.S. residents, who are legal residents of the United States, aged twenty-one or older. All submitted recipes cannot have been published, exhibited before or won any kind of award. After submission, all entries become property of Purple Wine Company and will not be returned. For more details about America’s Great Foods Recipe Challenge, please email the winery at info@avalonwinery.com or phone at 707.938.9229.  For media inquiries please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates at 415.701.9463 or press@charlescomm.com. About Avalon Winery  Avalon Winery, located in the town of Graton in Sonoma County, California, produces top selling wines recognized for outstanding quality and food friendly style. The Avalon portfolio includes two wines sourced from the Napa Valley, including the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley Merlot, as well as a California Sauvignon Blanc and the winery’s flagship California Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from premier vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lake County and Monterey. A leader in sustainable production, the winery employs cutting-edge energy and water efficient practices. World-class winemaking techniques combined with a culture of responsible resource conservation results in quality both inside and outside the bottle. # # #

Napa Valley, CA – After over a decade of a successful launch and establishment of a brand guided by its founding partners, Parallel Napa Valley has announced the appointment of their first employee, Lindsay Faith Weinhold. Lindsay Faith has joined the Parallel team as the Manager of Business Development, representing the luxury wine portfolio in all capacities, from sales & marketing to new business development efforts.  She is responsible for the creation and execution of all hospitality experiences for Parallel’s visitors in Napa Valley, as well as the establishment and servicing of direct to trade accounts nationally. Formerly the Director of Hospitality and Marketing for von Strasser Winery, Lindsay Faith acquired several years of experience in both direct to consumer marketing as well as national sales representation. She also boasts several years of experience in hospitality with the Hillstone Restaurant Group, as well as business management with Monitor Group. The blend of her background of organization and business administration made her an ideal fit for the artisan brand of Parallel Napa Valley, which has maintained a continuity of successful accolades and awards since its inception.  2012 has been a particularly remarkable year given that the winery took home “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” from the San Francisco International Wine Competition as well as “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” at the first annual Mainly Meritage wine competition. Of her appointment, Partner Mike Doilney states, “As Parallel interviewed potential candidates for a Direct Sales position, we looked for an experienced, confident and creative self starter. When we interviewed Lindsay Faith, we found that the job could incorporate much more and ultimately, we discovered a professional who not only fills the needs we initially identified, but who also owns the management skills to reach loftier goals.” 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, praised as one of the world’s most influential wine consultants by Robert Parker in 2008. The winery was established formally as a partnership in 1999 by six close friends who felt the concept of their dream represented their parallel lives in Deer Valley, where they are originally from, and Napa Valley their second home. In addition to making 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. For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

St. Helena, CA- On September 15th, 2012, Hourglass Vineyards will host its eighth annual “Backstage Pass” fundraiser supporting the St. Helena Public School District. The party, to be hosted at the Hourglass Estate, will feature an oyster bar by The Oyster Girls and a delicious Mexican feast by Villa Corona Cocina Mexicana. Collectible and delectable wines from sponsors including Blackbird Vineyards, Cliffe Lede, Melka Wines, 750 Wines, Spottswoode Estate and others will also be on hand at the event. Ping Pong and horseshoes will be followed by an after-party concert in the vineyards featuring the vintner-musicians of the band “Wristrocket”. “Wristrocket,” which was recently featured in the New York Times, is comprised of Hourglass proprietor, Jeff Smith, as well as several other local vintners, including Mike Campbell of Pride Mountain Vineyards, Mike Hirby of Relic Wine Cellars, Paul Hoffman of Lail Vineyards, David Stevens of 750 Wines and Scott Turnidge of Silenus Vintners. Smith has long been involved in the music scene, having been a founding member of the San Francisco indie band “Noonday Underground” in 1982. The Backstage Pass fundraiser gives him the perfect platform to combine his two passions at what has been deemed “the best party of the year in Napa Valley” by Realm Cellars’ Juan Mercado. The Smith family has long supported public education. Jeff Smith states, “Both of our children have benefited greatly from the St. Helena Public School system, and we are very proud to support their continued efforts to provide the best education available to students.” Backstage Pass VIII will be held from 5pm to Midnight at 4208 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA. Tickets are priced at $200 and are available at www.sthelena.k12.ca.us under the “Backstage Pass” tab or by phone at (707) 968-9335. All ticket proceeds will benefit the St. Helena Public School District. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. About Hourglass Hourglass modernizes the practice of winemaking in true, innovative style. Nestled between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges, at the narrowest part of the "pinch" of the Napa Valley, Hourglass boasts a storied and unique terroir. Proprietors Jeff and Carolyn Smith seek to integrate the delicate relationship between Mother Nature and the art and science of winemaking in all that they do, pursuing the elusive balance of power and elegance in their wines and business practices. The creative design and contemporary architecture of the winery created by Bay Area architect Olle Lundberg are testaments to the restraint and finesse that permeates all aspects of the Hourglass brand. Consistently recognized as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignons in America, the Hourglass wines reflect a true sense of place and time. For more information, go to www.hourglasswines.com. For media inquiries, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463. # # #

San Francisco, CA – Parallel Wines of Napa Valley has had a bountiful harvest of accolades just as veraison sets in this year.  Parallel’s 2008 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was named “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” at the San Francisco International Wine Competition in June 2012. The Parallel Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon won a Double Gold medal in the same competition. The event, which was held from June 15th to June 17th, boasted a field of over 4,500 wines, the largest in the 32-year history of the competition. Only 202 Double Gold awards were given. Shortly afterwards in July 2012, the 2009 Parallel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was voted “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” by the Mainly Meritage International Wine Competition. Launched by renowned wine writer and competition director, Robert Whitley, this was the inaugural year for the competition, featuring wines made exclusively from traditional Bordeaux varietals. The 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded three stars by the Decanter Tasting Panel as well. Also the Melka wines auction lot, which included a magnum of the 2009 Parallel “Black Diamond” Cabernet Sauvignon and six other 2008 Parallel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 750 ml bottles, received the second highest bid at the Auction Napa Valley E-Auction, with a bid of $7,751. In early August, the Beverage Testing Institute and it’s World Wine Championship competition awarded Gold Medals to Parallel 2008 Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon (rating 94 points) and to the Parallel 2009 Cabernet, Napa Valley (rating 92 points). Finally in recent days, Parallel’s 2009 Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon received 93 points and a “Best of the Best” commendation from the Quarterly Review of Wines, who has been rating wines for 28 years. Additionally, the 2009 Parallel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon received 91 points. 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 Food & Wine’s 2005 winemaker of the year, Philippe Melka and viticulturalist Jim Barbour of Barbour Vineyards. The winery was established formally as a partnership in 1999 by six close friends who felt the concept of their dream represented their parallel lives in Deer Valley, where they are originally from, and Napa Valley their second home. In addition to making 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. For media inquiries, images and interviews, please contact Skye Morgan of Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463 or skye@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

Calistoga, CA—Bennett Lane Winery launched its branded hot air balloon on its inaugural flight at 6:30 AM PST today. For its maiden voyage of one hour, the balloon carried six passengers on a journey over the Napa Valley, providing views of the lush pre-harvest vineyards and rolling hills below from approximately 3,000 feet in the air. The first winery branded hot air balloon in California, the Bennett Lane Winery balloon was built by Kubicek Balloons in the Czech Republic. The balloon stands 67 feet high when inflated and has a diameter of 65 feet. It took over a month of sewing to create the balloon’s envelope, which measures 142,4000 cubic feet, from 16,000 square feet of special ripstop polyester fabric. It also took twenty-five days of dying of the fabric for the special grape color shade for the Bennett Lane logo of grape clusters. Following the balloon landing, winery co-owner Lisa Lynch announced the winning entry of the "Name the Bennett Lane Balloon contest." The chosen name, Calistoga AVA-tion, will be included on the Bennett Lane Winery website at www.bennettlanewinery.com and announced on Twitter via the winery’s handle @BennettLane. “Who doesn’t love a hot air balloon? We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests a unique way to experience Napa Valley, with our signature Bennett Lane Winery brand of hospitality,” said Bennett Lane Winery owner Randy Lynch. Randy and his wife Lisa were joined by special guest, World Series Champion Manager Tony La Russa, for a celebratory brunch and press conference following today’s flight. Bennett Lane Winery, in partnership with Calistoga Balloons, will now offer standard and private flight packages for guests who would like to experience the thrill of riding in their hot air balloon. Private flights in the balloon are available in either two, four, or six person options and include a limousine pickup from an up-valley hotel prior to launch, a Bennett Lane flight jacket, and brunch at The Grill at Meadowood. Also included in this package is a private reserve tasting at Bennett Lane Winery following the flight. The prices for this package are $1999, $2399 and $2899 for two, four, and six people respectively. A standard flight with a group in the hot air balloon includes a Bennett Lane flight hat, brunch at The Grill at Meadowood and a tour and tasting at Bennett Lane that includes a picnic lunch. Transportation to and from the launch site is provided; guests must provide their own transportation to the winery. This package is priced per individual and costs $339 per guest. About Bennett Lane Winery
: Founded by Randy and Lisa Lynch in 2003, Bennett Lane’s off-the-beaten track location and friendly tasting room offer visitors to Napa a “secret gem” and a great way to learn about—and try—some of Napa’s best wines in a more intimate setting. Bennett Lane’s wines include: a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($55); a limited production Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, ($95); Maximus ($35)—a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot—“a red feasting wine”; Los Carneros Reserve Chardonnay ($45); White Maximus, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat ($28) and a limited production Port-style Dessert Wine ($60). Located at 3340 Highway 128, approximately two miles north of Calistoga, Bennett Lane’s tasting room is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 p.m. by appointment. Tours may be made in advance by calling 707.942.6684, or toll free at 1.877.629.6272. For more information please contact Katie Hunter for media inquiries at Charles Communications Associates at press@charlescomm.com, 415-701-9463; or Stefanie Longton, General Manager of Bennett Lane Winery at 877-629-6272.  #   #   #