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California Winegrape Vineyards Are Eco-Friendly

15 October, 2009

New Study Reveals High Use Of Environmentally-Friendly Practices In California Winegrape Vineyards SAN FRANCISCO, CA -The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has released a report funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) revealing that 101 winegrowers surveyed throughout California have a remarkably high level of adoption of sustainable vineyard management practices.  Complete survey results are detailed in the report titled, "Understanding Adoption and Impacts of Sustainable Practices: Sustainable Winegrowing Program Participants' Survey," and is available online. About 60 percent of the 101 surveyed winegrowers reported using 10 or more of the 16 environmentally friendly farming practices included in the study.  The six most-used practices, adopted by 80 percent or more of the growers, include regular monitoring of pest insects and/or diseases; use of reduced risk pesticides; reduced tillage or no-till approaches; conservation of natural vegetation on vineyard property; leaf pulling; and planting cover crops in the vineyard. Winegrowers offered a variety of reasons for adopting these vineyard practices, with the most common being concern about the environmental impacts of their farming operations, including conservation of natural resources, such as soil.  The economic benefits of the practices are important to growers.  Monitoring for pests and diseases; monitoring water use; planting cover crops; and reducing tillage are all associated with significant cost savings.  Several practices, such as leaf pulling, also improve the quality of winegrapes. Almost half of the growers expressed an interest in adopting alternative energy sources such as solar or wind powered systems, but high capital costs and potentially long payback periods are mentioned as deterrents.  Many are interested in releasing beneficial insects or planting more habitat such as hedgerows, but feel constrained by lack of knowledge and experience.  Finding viable alternatives to chemical weed control and improving water conservation are also high on the priority list of those surveyed. Many of the grower participants praised the Sustainable Winegrowing Program for helping them learn about more sustainable farming practices.  Constructive suggestions offered for the future direction of the program include an emphasis on increasing public awareness about issues of sustainability in farming and encouraging the purchase of winegrapes and wine produced with sustainable winegrowing practices. The NFWF requested the 2008 study to learn the motivations for why California winegrowers use environmentally sustainable farming practices, the extent to which they use these practices and the impacts of these practices on their vineyard operations.  NFWF believes the survey information can be useful to growers who have not yet tried these sustainable practices, those who have already adopted the practices, program planners and educators in this field, and policy-makers interested in agriculture.  The survey was conducted by University of California Davis researchers in collaboration with CSWA.  Survey participants were winegrowers who participated in the CSWA program. In early 2010, CSWA also plans to publish a comprehensive 2009-10 Progress Report on the California wine community's adoption and target goals of the best practices related to the 500-page Code of Sustainable Winegrowing workbook.  More than 1,500 vintners and growers - representing approximately 60% of the state's wine case production and vineyard acreage - have self-assessed their operations at 125 introductory workshops. More than 5,500 vintners and growers have attended 135 targeted education workshops. About the CSWA's Sustainable Winegrowing Program The Sustainable Winegrowing Program is a ground-breaking statewide initiative that encourages and enables growers and vintners to adopt the highest standards of sustainable winegrowing practices.  The program was established in 2002 as a partnership between Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.  For more information, visit www.sustainablewinegrowing.org. # # #
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Boisset, Wine.com & EarthEra Debut Eco Wine Trio

7 October, 2009

WINE.COM DEBUTS ECO WINE TRIO; FINE WINES BUILDING A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE Partnership with Boisset Family Estates and EarthEra directs 10 percent of proceeds to build new renewable energy projects in the United States SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 7, 2009 – Wine.com, the leading online wine retailer, today debuts its Eco Wine Trio. The exclusive product offers three premium red wines from Boisset Family Estates, the first fine wines available in revolutionary PET1 bottles in the U.S. These custom-designed PET bottles feature a unique oxygen-barrier that ensures wine quality and taste. The bottles also weigh 90 percent less and have a 50 percent lower carbon footprint than traditional wine bottles. The retail price of the Wine.com Eco Wine Trio is $29.99. As part of Wine.com’s and Boisset Family Estate’s commitment to a clean energy future they have partnered with EarthEra. Through the unique EarthEra program, Wine.com will direct 10 percent of the retail price of the Eco Wine Trio to the EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust. All funds accumulated in the Trust will be used solely to build new, renewable energy projects in the United States. In addition, EarthEra will carbon balance the shipments of the Eco Wine Trio from the winery to the customer. The Wine.com Eco Wine Trio is presented in a gift box produced of 100 percent recycled packaging. The premium red wines included in the trio are: Fog Mountain 2006 California Merlot: 100 percent Merlot sourced from prime growing areas throughout California result in black cherry, dusty chocolate and blackberry flavors finishing soft with ripe plum notes. This wine is packaged in the first 1 liter PET bottle for wine in the US.  One liter offers 33 percent more wine than a standard 750ml bottle. Louis Bernard 2007 Bonus Passus Côtes du Rhône AOC: a spicy, Grenache-based red from the Rhône Valley that is well-balanced with red-berry fruit flavors and a long finish. Yellow Jersey 2007 Pinot Noir: a fruity red from the South of France with blackcurrant aromas, soft tannins and a silky finish. “Wine.com is excited to be partnering with two forward thinking leaders – Boisset Family Estates and EarthEra – to create an eco-friendly premium product,” said Michael Osborn, Wine.com Founder and Vice President of Merchandising. “We have been hard at work, lowering our environmental impact by placing warehouses close to our customers and by using 100 percent recycled and recyclable packaging, made from 85 percent post-consumer waste. The Eco Wine Trio is yet another way to make enjoying wine better for the planet.” The Eco Wine Trio features wines from Boisset Family Estates, a leader in sustainable practices from vineyard to bottle. To continue the tradition begun in the organically and biodynamically-farmed estate vineyards, Boisset introduced alternative packaging that further reduces the wine’s carbon footprint through its life cycle. “We believe that it is vital to consider the environmental impact of wine through the entire supply chain, and to find solutions that reduce our carbon footprint while offering high-quality and value to our customers,” says Boisset Family Estates President, Jean-Charles Boisset. Through its partnership with EarthEra, Wine.com is balancing the carbon impact of all shipments of the Eco Wine Trio and provides consumers a way to contribute to a clean energy future. “EarthEra is excited to be part of this initiative with Wine.com and Boisset Family Estates,” said Nathan Hanson, Vice President, EarthEra. “By participating in the EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust, Wine.com is making a meaningful commitment to the environment by providing its customers the opportunity to purchase a high quality product in an environmentally responsible manner, all at no extra cost. Wine.com’s commitment of 10 percent of the revenues of the Eco Wine Trio to EarthEra will help build new renewable energy projects, benefiting the environment on behalf of the entire Wine.com community.” About Boisset Family Estates Boisset Family Estates is a family-owned producer and importer of fine wines based in Sausalito, California with roots in Burgundy, France. Founded by Jean-Claude Boisset in 1961, the company has a presence on six continents and in more than eighty countries, and is one of the world’s leading producers of Pinot Noir. Each house in its family of wineries has a unique history, identity, and style, yet all are united in the pursuit of superior quality. Simultaneously, Boisset is an innovative leader in the wine world, seeking to reduce the environmental impact of wine packaging and production and protect the long-term sustainability of wine growing. For more information on the company and its wineries, please visit http://www.boissetfamilyestates.com. About EarthEra EarthEra is a unique program that provides businesses, institutions and consumers the opportunity to build new renewable energy facilities in the United States. EarthEra sells environmental products, such as renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets, to help customers balance their carbon footprint and then directs 100 percent of sales to the building of new renewable energy projects. The EarthEra program utilizes the EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust to accumulate and distribute all funds to new renewable energy projects. The Trust is administered by an independent trustee, US Bank. For more information visit: www.EarthEra.com. About Wine.com Wine.com is the nation's #1 online wine retailer, according to Internet Retailer magazine’s annual ranking of websites by revenue, offering thousands of wines, wine gifts, gift baskets and monthly wine clubs. Wine.com’s mission is to be the ultimate resource for wine enthusiasts, whether shopping for themselves or sending a gift, by offering a great selection, low prices, convenient delivery and helpful information. Wine.com is the world’s most visited wine web site, according to research conducted by comScore Media Metrix. For more information, visit www.wine.com. ### ¹PET stands for “polyethylene terephthalate” and it is a thermoplastic polymer resin used in packaging applications. It is widely recognized by its recycling symbol identification - #1 PET. Lightweight and safe (BPA-free – now and always), PET weighs 90% less than traditional bottles, and conserves fuel, energy and greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle, from production to transit to recycling. It is estimated to have a 50-60% smaller carbon footprint than a traditional bottle and is 100% recyclable into valuable end products from fleece to carpet fiber to polyester insulation.
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ENCORE! Wine Country Weekend With Domaine Carneros

27 September, 2009

ENCORE! WINE COUNTRY B.F.F. WEEKEND MARCH GET-AWAY PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE Girls “Bubbly” Get-Away II Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Based upon the almost immediate sell-out of the November, 2009 Bubbly Get-Away, an encore offering is now available March 26-28, 2010.  Indulge in the ultimate girls’ get-away! Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Kerstin Florian, Jo Malone and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa along with other girlfriend favorites present “Bubbly Weekend II” March 26-28. Sparkling wines, spa treatments, a special winery visit, make-up tips and tricks, perfume aromatic explorations, refreshing cocktails and locally inspired cuisine promise to deliver what today’s trend-setting and stylish girls really, really want. March 26-28, 2010 Check in Friday, March 26th Check out Sunday, March 28th Bubbly Weekend Package Includes •    Two night’s classic accommodation at the unparalleled Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa •    Breakfast Daily •    Ground transportation to/from all scheduled events •    Friday evening Welcome Bubbly Reception and Winemaker Dinner hosted by Eileen Crane, CEO and Founding Winemaker of Domaine Carneros •    Saturday Morning Private Yoga Session •    VIP Journey to Domaine Carneros:  Bubbly Blending Session and Food & Wine Pairings •    Cooking Demonstration and Lunch with Celebrity Chef Lulu Powers •    (1) 60- minute Spa Experience per person •     “Saturday Night Sonoma Style” •     Sparkling Cocktails and Jo Malone Scent Explorations featured guest and Mixologist Maria Hunt Bubbly Blending: Learn Winemaker Eileen Crane's secrets to crafting Domaine Carneros' award winning and sought after Sparkling Rosé from organic vineyards at this hands-on component tasting and blending session. Radically Different, Unexpected & Out of the Box food & wine pairing tour: You’ve heard of high-low ensembles; now it’s time to experience it directly.  Eileen will teach you the secrets of bubbly entertaining with a minute or month to spare and whether your budget is generous or not and discover some untraditional food pairings enjoyed with bubbly. She will guide you through the Sparkling Wine and Pinot Noir cellars giving you an insider’s peek at the inner workings of a winery. Cooking Demonstration & Lunch: Celebrity Chef Lulu Powers will create a simple and sophisticated entrée featuring local organic ingredients followed by Lunch with Eileen Crane in the winery’s Carriage House featuring the latest releases from the Domaine Carneros portfolio. “Saturday Night Sonoma Style” – Eileen Crane hosts Sparkling Cocktails & Jo Malone Scent Explorations featuring Sparkling Cocktail expert and Mixologist, Maria Hunt aka The Bubbly Girl, author of  The Bubbly Bar:  Champagne & Sparkling Wine Cocktails for Every Occasion, each guest will receive an autographed copy of Maria’s book.  The evening also includes a Jo Malone scent exploration – fragrance flavor bar set up in the suite where participants can sample and combine fragrances as well as indulge in a bounty of Sonoma County artisanal favorites including succulent Hog Island oysters, Fatted Calf charcuterie, tangy cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery and local chocolates. Availability This (limited participation) package is available only the weekend of March 26-28, 2010 Rates start at $800.00 per person USD based on double occupancy; single, triple and quad rates also available. Suite upgrades available from $50 per night.  Package may be booked online. Reserve your space now *Itinerary subject to change *Transportation to/from the resort is not included in package price.  Assistance in securing ground transportation from Bay Area Airport’s may be made through the Hotel Concierge, please phone 707 938 9000 for additional information. Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled charm and gracious service, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located 40 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in the famed Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California’s wine country.  A recipient of both the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Award, the resort consistently provides the country’s finest European spa experience.  For reservations please call 1-800-441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma. Domaine Carneros is located in the picturesque Carneros AVA region known as its own appellation that shares a portion of both Sonoma and Napa Counties. The winery produces a super premium vintage Brut, a luxury Blanc de Blancs called Le Rêve, a Brut Rosé called Cuvée de la Pompadour and three Estate Pinot Noirs: Avant-Garde, Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir and The Famous Gate. Domaine Carneros was founded in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger Chairman Claude Taittinger, along with importer Kobrand Corporation, with a mission to produce some of the finest sparkling and still wines that reflect the Carneros terroir and the spirit of their French ownership. The winery is committed to environmentally friendly growing practices, and all of its estate vineyards are certified organic.  In addition, the winery was one of the first to install a photovoltaic solar collection system for its energy needs. Domaine Carneros is open daily from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and is located at 1240 Duhig Road (off Highway 121), six miles southwest of Napa. Visit www.domainecarneros.com for more information. For media inquiries, please contact Kimberly Charles or Kendall Johnson at press@charlescomm.com. For reservations please call (800) 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit www.fairmont.com/sonoma.
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DeLoach Vineyards Receives Double Honors

17 September, 2009

DeLoach Vineyards Receives Double Honors from Wine & Spirits Magazine Winery recognized for overall performance, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir named a “100 Best Buy of the Year” Santa Rosa, CA, September 17, 2009 – DeLoach Vineyards will be named by Wine & Spirits Magazine a “Top 100 Winery of the Year” in its upcoming winter issue. In the same issue, DeLoach’s 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir will be recognized as one of the “100 Best Buys of the Year.” DeLoach Vineyards has been making terroir-driven wines from the Russian River Valley and premium vineyard sites across Northern California since 1975. Its founders were among the first group of vintners to plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley in 1973, and they also helped to draft the initial application that created the Russian River Valley AVA in 1983. Boisset Family Estates purchased DeLoach in 2003 and immediately began a seven-year mission to convert the estate vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming methods, and anchor the winery in its high quality, historic winemaking roots. Today’s announcement is an exciting acknowledgement that Boisset’s patient commitment to sustainable winemaking processes results in superior world-class wines. This is the tenth year that DeLoach has been named a “Winery of the Year,” one of very few wineries to achieve this distinction. Boisset’s commitment to preserving the environment extends into the packaging of DeLoach wines; in July, DeLoach developed an innovation for the on-premise wine market and launched it in partnership with The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco. DeLoach Vineyards California Pinot Noir is now available to restaurants for by-the-glass service in a 10-Liter eco-bag housed in a wood barrel. After depleting the first barrel, restaurants need only reorder the 68-Gram recyclable eco-bag filled with 10 Liters of wine at the same cost as a typical 12 bottle, 9Liter case. Wine & Spirits Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Buy” wines are selected from over 9,000 wines that are blind tasted by the editors each year. To have the DeLoach Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir included in this exclusive list in the same year that the winery is named a “Top 100 Winery of the Year” is a great honor, especially from a publication whose primary audience is the wine trade. DeLoach Vineyards will participate in the sixth annual celebratory tasting event to honor the “Top 100 Wineries of the Year” on October 14, 2009 at the San Francisco Design Center. The complete list of Wineries of the Year and Top 100 Best Buy Wines will be announced and profiled in the November issue of Wine & Spirits, available on newsstands nationwide on October 13, 2009. About DeLoach Vineyards As a pioneering force in Pinot Noir winegrowing in Sonoma County, DeLoach Vineyards has been experimenting with and perfecting the various combinations of soil, rootstock and clones for over three decades. In 2004, the Boisset family brought its eco-friendly and biodynamic approach to sustainable winemaking at DeLoach Vineyards: showing its dedication to the environment, Boisset Family Estates tore up award-winning vineyards after the 2004 vintage and replanted them with cover crops designed to revitalize the soil. New vines were planted in 2006, and 2010 will be the first eagerly awaited vintage grown with biodynamic farming techniques. In the meantime, DeLoach Vineyards continues to partner with winegrowers who are equally dedicated to eco-friendly farming practices and the production of world-class wines. For more information about DeLoach Vineyards, please visit www.deloachvineyards.com. ###
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Practices at Domaine Carneros are Vegan-Friendly

14 September, 2009

Sustainable Practices at Domaine Carneros are Vegan-Friendly From winemaking to energy generation, Domaine Carneros is a leader in sustainable practices Carneros, CA, September 14, 2009 – Domaine Carneros, the first and only sparkling winery in the United States with all estate vineyards certified organic (California Certified Organic Farmers, CCOF), recently researched that its longtime environmentally-friendly winemaking practices are vegan-friendly as well. Domaine Carneros’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond the winemaking process and to the company's overall operations. The winery at Domaine Carneros is home to what was, upon installation in 2003, the largest photovoltaic solar collection system on any winery in the world. “Our first commitment is to produce the best wines. We've always taken an active role to preserve the health of the land, and today we are excited that people who are as committed to preserving environmental health as we are can share in our bounty," explains Domaine Carneros CEO and Founding Winemaker, Eileen Crane. Crane led the winery to eco-friendly standards almost twenty years ago although formal organic certification did not occur until 2008. Today’s announcement is yet another example of Domaine Carneros’ sensitivity to environmental and ecological issues. Rémuage is the step in the sparkling winemaking process that prepares the wine to be clarified after it has undergone the second fermentation that gives sparkling wine its characteristic bubbles. Byproducts of the second fermentation include spent yeasts and sediment; typically, a fining agent such as egg white or isinglass (an extract of sturgeon bladders) is added to the wine to precipitate movement of these particles down the neck of the inverted bottles so they can be easily released during the next step, dégorgement. Although the fining agent is later removed, trace quantities may remain. At Domaine Carneros, the fining agent used in the rémuage process is Clarifiant S, sodium bentonite, a clay-based product with no animal additives. Clarifiant S is a gentle, vegan-friendly product that produces clear wines that meet the exacting winemaking standards of Domaine Carneros. As the winemaking process demands precise climate control, most wineries in sunny California rely on expensive air conditioning that consumes large volumes of electricity. In 2003, Domaine Carneros took a different approach. The winery partially buried its buildings in the earth, insulated them heavily, and designed them with passive night-time cooling systems. This combination allows the winery to maintain lower temperatures – naturally. From natural cooling to generating an average of 48,000 kilowatts of renewable electricity on-site with one of the largest solar installations in the wine business, Domaine Carneros’ commitment to the environment is clear. As the first major winery to go solar, Domaine Carneros became the de facto representative of the solar power movement and began to run seminars for its winery neighbors about the conversion process. About Domaine Carneros Domaine Carneros is a boutique, family-owned winery founded by Champagne Taittinger in 1987. The winery handcrafts sparkling and still wines of extraordinary quality: a super-premium vintage Brut, a luxury Blanc de Blancs called Le Rêve, a Brut Rosé called Cuvée de la Pompadour and the Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir. Domaine Carneros is located in the picturesque Carneros AVA, the first American appellation to be defined according to microclimate rather than along political lines. Carneros shares a portion of both Sonoma and Napa Counties at their southern ends. The Carneros region is best known for its cool climate and maritime influences, making it the perfect terroir to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, two of the essential varietals in the award-winning sparkling wines from Domaine Carneros. Domaine Carneros is the first and only American sparkling wine producer with 100% certified organic estate vineyards. Domaine Carneros is open daily from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and is located at 1240 Duhig Road (off Highway 121), four miles southwest of Napa and six miles southeast of Sonoma. Visit www.domainecarneros.com for more information. ###
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Diam Reduces Carbon Footprint of Technical Cork

31 August, 2009

Diam Reduces Carbon Footprint of Technical Wine Closure Successful environmental policy implementation produces on-target results Napa Valley CA, August 31, 2009 - Just two years after commissioning the world's first carbon footprint study into the impact of wine closure production on the environment, leading wine closure producer Diam reduced its carbon footprint by 12 percent, bringing it more in line with the carbon footprint of natural cork production. DIAM is a technological wine bottle closure that addresses two major threats to the wine industry: closure consistency and cork taint. Cork taint is detected by its characteristic odor, often described as "wet cardboard or wet dog," and renders affected bottles spoiled and unfit for drinking. Most cork taint is caused by 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), the product of a reaction between naturally-occuring fungi with environmental pollutants (chlorine).TCA is estimated to impact approximately 4-6 percent of wine bottles closed with natural cork. DIAM is a technical cork, produced by the patented and ISO 9001-certified DIAMANT process, which uses super-critical CO2 to eradicate 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) and 150 other compounds found in natural cork to deliver a consistently neutral, TCA-free cork closure. Over 1800 wineries and distributors use DIAM, including premium producers Louis Jadot, Hugel, Stonestreet, Freemark Abbey, Kunde, Bouchard, Moët & Chandon, Langtry and Kendall Jackson. In addition, UK retail giant Tesco has named DIAM as one of only three- permitted closure types for its vast private-label wines. Globally, DIAM is the leading technical cork closure; in 2008, DIAM experienced an 8.5 percent increase in US market share. In 2006, Diam commissioned the French agency Cairn Environment to study the impact of three wine closure types on the environment: natural cork, the DIAM closure and Oeneo's S-Cap screwcap. The natural cork and DIAM technical cork were both dressed with a PVC capsule, the foil covering normally found at the top of a wine bottle. Using the patented Carbon Appraisal® method, research revealed that natural cork with PVC emits 5,490 lbs of equivalent CO2 per ton while the DIAM closure with PVC emits 9,376 lbs of equivalent CO2 per ton. Oeneo's S-Cap screwcap, manufactured with 35 percent recycled aluminium, was found to emit 23,442 lbs of equivalent CO2 per ton, a carbon footprint 250 percent greater than DIAM. Results were ratified by the French Environmental Agency. Immediately after these results were announced, Diam sales director Dean Banister declared, "this represents the initial phase of our efforts to reduce our carbon usage. We will investigate additional means of reducing our carbon footprint, including a detailed evaluation of our energy sources, packaging and transport. We firmly believe that we can improve the impact of DIAM production by reducing emissions from energy consumption, with a potential reduction in impact of around 40 percent." Today's announcement reflects Diam's commitment to Banister's 2006 pledge to reduce carbon emissions and Diam's overall pledge to preserve the environment. Between 2006 and 2008, DIAM production increased four-fold, with a net carbon footprint increase of just 3 percent. "In real terms, this represents a 60 percent reduction in our total carbon footprint by volume output," Banister explained. To achieve these results, Diam focused its efforts on reducing emissions from its two largest sources: energy consumption and incoming materials. Also, in 2007, the company terminated the sale of screwcaps due to their high carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The news comes as DIAM announces the implementation of a restructured environmental policy designed to meet current and future environmental challenges. The policy encourages a proactive internal approach to control over energy consumption and carbon footprint, recycling of cork sub-products and waste, control over industrial risks and the design of more environmentally friendly products through investment in research and development. Diam will continue to update its carbon footprint assessment in conjunction with Bilan Carbone® every two years to assess the progress achieved from the implementation of their complete environmental approach. About Diam Globally, DIAM is the leading technical cork closure with value sales of $82M in 2008, and enjoyed an 8.5 percent increase in US market share in 2008. Diam is committed to engaging with winemakers, retailers and distributors to drive awareness of current issues and to ensure all key stakeholders start to ‘think' about the benefits of the closure options available. ###
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Domaine Carneros Featured at “Bubbly” Get-Away

20 August, 2009

Domaine Carneros Featured at “Bubbly” Get-away at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Indulge in the ultimate girls get-away! Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Kerstin Florian, Jo Malone and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa along with other girlfriend favorites present “Bubbly Weekend” November 20-22, 2009. Sparkling wines, spa, a cool winery visit, make-up tips and tricks, scent explorations, refreshing cocktails and locally inspired cuisine promise to deliver what today’s trend-setting and stylish girls really, really want. Bubbly Weekend Package Includes • Two night’s classic accommodation at the unparalleled Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa • Breakfast Daily • Ground transportation to/from all scheduled events • Friday evening Bubbly Reception and Winemaker Dinner hosted by Eileen Crane, CEO and Founding Winemaker of Domaine Carneros • Saturday Morning Private Yoga Session • VIP Journey to Domaine Carneros: Bubbly Blending Session and Food & Wine Pairings • Cooking Demonstration and Lunch with Celebrity Chef Lulu Powers • (1) 60- minute Spa Experience per person • “Saturday Night Sonoma Style” • Sparkling Cocktails and Jo Malone Scent Explorations featured guest and rockstar Master Mixologist Scott Beattie Bubbly Blending: Learn Winemaker Eileen Crane's secrets to crafting Domaine Carneros' award winning and sought after Sparkling Rose from organic vineyards at this hands-on component tasting and blending session. Radically Different, Unexpected & Out of the Box food & wine pairing tour: You’ve heard of high-low ensembles; now it’s time to experience it directly. Eileen will teach you the secrets of bubbly entertaining with a minute or month to spare and whether your budget is generous or not and discover some untraditional food pairings enjoyed with bubbly. She will guide you through the Sparkling Wine and Pinot Noir cellars giving you an insider’s peek at the inner workings of a winery. Cooking Demonstration & Lunch: Celebrity Chef Lulu Powers will create a simple and sophisticated entrée featuring local organic ingredients followed by Lunch with Eileen Crane in the winery’s Carriage House featuring the latest releases from the Domaine Carneros portfolio. “Saturday Night Sonoma Style” – Eileen Crane hosts Sparkling Cocktails & Jo Malone Scent Explorations featuring Artisanal Cocktail expert and Master Mixologist Scott Beattie, author of Artisanal Cocktails, each guest will receive an autographed copy of Scott’s book. The evening also includes a Jo Malone scent exploration – fragrance flavor bar set up in the suite where participants can sample and combine fragrances as well as indulge in a bounty of Sonoma County Artisanal favorites including succulent Hog Island oysters, Fatted Calf Charcuterie, tangy cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery and local chocolates. Availability: This (limited participation) package is available only the weekend of Nov 20-22, 2009 Rates start at $1280.00 USD, based on double occupancy, $780.00 single occupancy Suite upgrades available from $50 per night Reserve your space now *Itinerary subject to change *Transportation to/from the resort is not included in package price. Assistance in securing ground transportation from Bay Area Airport’s may be made through the Hotel Concierge, please phone (707) 938-9000 for additional information. Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled charm and gracious service, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located 40 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in the famed Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. A recipient of both the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Award, the resort consistently provides the country’s finest European spa experience. For media inquiries, please contact Kimberly Charles or Kendall Johnson at press@charlescomm.com. For reservations please call (800) 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website. ###
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Boisset Family Estates Purchases Raymond Vineyard & Cellar

10 August, 2009

Boisset Family Estates Purchases Raymond Vineyard & Cellar Napa winery joins prestigious family-owned collection of wineries from diverse terroirs August 10, 2009 - ST. HELENA, CA - Boisset Family Estates, a leading family-owned producer and importer of fine wines based in Sausalito, CA, today announced its purchase of Raymond Vineyard & Cellar from Kirin Holdings Company, LTD. of Japan. It is Boisset's first winery acquisition in the Napa Valley, one of the premier wine regions of the world, and includes all the estate vineyards as well as the winery, hospitality and production facilities. Raymond Vineyard & Cellar expands Boisset's collection of historical and unique wineries, joining a diverse and balanced portfolio that began in Burgundy, France in 1961 and now includes more than twenty wineries in Burgundy, Beaujolais, the Rhône Valley, the South of France, Canada, and California. "We are thrilled to build upon the rich legacy and deep family roots of the Raymond family in Napa Valley, and we look forward to continuing their tradition of family values" says Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates. "They have been pioneers in Napa with a great history and fabulous commitment to the region. The family's passion, continuity through five generations, and continued involvement truly excited us, along with their solid reputation for wines with marvelous balance and excellent value. They were an integral part of crafting the phenomenal reputation of the Napa Valley. The Raymond family has a great sense of pride and commitment to maintaining the tradition that has been handed down for over 130 years and five generations. They view the partnership with Boisset as an opportunity to cement their heritage while building for the next generation's future. According to Krisi Raymond, newly-promoted Vice President of Raymond Vineyard & Cellar, "The wine business is in my blood and is really a labor of love for me. I am excited about the future of Raymond and look forward to sharing this passion with my children!" Walter Raymond, President and Winemaker of Raymond Vineyard & Cellar, sees great potential in the partnership with Jean-Charles Boisset and the entire Boisset Family Estates team: "Jean-Charles is a very energetic and innovative force in the wine industry today - we are both pleased to have this opportunity to work together!" Raymond Vineyard is an ideal complement to Boisset's diverse, terroir-oriented fine wine portfolio: each house in Boisset's family of wineries has a unique history, identity, style, and appellation focus, yet all are united in the pursuit of superior quality. Many of Boisset's wineries, like Raymond, were built on the strength of long family histories, including Bouchard Aîné & Fils, Mommessin, J. Moreau & Fils, Ropiteau Frères, Lyeth Estate, and DeLoach Vineyards. Important to the Raymond family, in addition to Boisset's family ownership, terroir-oriented philosophy, and pursuit of quality, was Boisset's philosophy of stewardship for its vineyards. Boisset's estate vineyards are all farmed organically or biodynamically: "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature," says Boisset. "The key is to listen, respect and live within Her." Reflecting on the importance of vineyard practices, Craig Raymond, Vineyard Manager, believes that "without high quality fruit our winemakers cannot produce great wines. I appreciate the commitment that the Boisset family has made to sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming practices in the family's vineyards and look forward to collaborating with them in the future." In harmony with its long-term outlook, Boisset Family Estates has a grand vision for the future of its first Napa winery: "We believe that we will help build on Raymond's strong reputation and great history to create one of the signature landmarks of the Napa Valley," says Boisset. "We will seek to always enhance the terroir approach, continually striving to improve the vineyards and winemaking techniques while respecting its unique style and know-how." Strengthened by the addition of Raymond, Boisset's California portfolio now combines a unique offering of two of the most prestigious fine wine regions in California, with Raymond in the Napa Valley complementing DeLoach Vineyards, a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel specialist in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, as well as Lyeth Estates in Sonoma County. ABOUT RAYMOND VINEYARD Raymond Vineyard & Cellar is a family-operated winery with a rich heritage. The Raymond family's roots in the Napa Valley date back to 1870, when Jacob and Frederick Beringer arrived from Germany to found Beringer Brothers Winery. Five generations later, Craig and Krisi Raymond continue the family's grape-growing and winemaking legacy. Raymond Vineyard began in 1971 when Roy Sr., Roy Jr. and Walter Raymond decided it was time to put their own name on the label. The family purchased 90 acres in the Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley, planted grapes, and celebrated their first harvest in 1974. Today Raymond owns and operates over 200 acres of estate vineyards in the Napa Valley. www.raymondvineyards.com ABOUT BOISSET FAMILY ESTATES Boisset Family Estates is a family-owned producer and importer of fine wines based in Sausalito, California with roots in Burgundy, France. Founded by Jean-Claude Boisset in 1961, the company has a presence on six continents and in more than eighty countries, and is one of the world's leading producers of Pinot Noir. Each house in its family of wineries has a unique history, identity, and style, yet all are united in the pursuit of superior quality. Simultaneously, Boisset is an innovative leader in the wine world, seeking to reduce the environmental impact of wine packaging and production and protect the long-term sustainability of winegrowing. This approach has helped Boisset to build a diverse and balanced portfolio that provides wines for every moment, mode of consumption, and occasion. # # #
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DeLoach Vineyards Rolls out Barrel-To-Barrel Wine Service

16 July, 2009

DeLoach Vineyards Rolls out Barrel-To-Barrel Wine Service at The Fairmont San Francisco Pioneering Russian River winery creates elegant 10-liter barrel to provide an authentic and eco-conscious wine tasting experience [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="280" caption="Video Release"][/caption] Russian River, CA, July 16, 2009 – DeLoach Vineyards, a pioneering Russian River Valley producer of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, is revolutionizing wine-by-the-glass service at premier hotels and restaurants with the introduction of its “Barrel-to-Barrel” wine program. A leader in sustainable winery practices and organic and biodynamic farming, DeLoach now offers a convenient and elegant 10-liter barrel that ensures ease-of service, improved quality of every by-the-glass pour, and reduced waste and carbon footprint ­­- creating a truly new “Cellar to Glass” experience. “We are honored to be able to create a revolutionary and unique offering for our hotel and restaurant partners that is sophisticated, refined, historical, luxurious and intriguing for their customers while also providing the lowest by-the-glass carbon footprint,” shares Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates and DeLoach Vineyards. “The barrel-to-barrel offers a one-of-a-kind experience to all consumers representing the closest to an actual barrel tasting in a cellar. Lightly-fined and filtered, the barrel-to-barrel Pinot Noir is intense, rich, delicate and continues our philosophy of sustainability all the way to the glass.” DeLoach Vineyards, with its heritage as one of the original producers of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley since first planting it in 1973 and now with its innovative Barrel-to-Barrel Pinot Noir offerings, is well-positioned to be a leading partner to the on-premise as Pinot Noir continues its growth. As Wine & Spirits Magazine noted in its 2009 restaurant issue, Pinot Noir surpassed Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time as the most popular variety in America’s restaurants. DELOACH & FAIRMONT SHARE COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPECTFUL BUSINESS PRACTICES DeLoach is proud to have partnered with The Fairmont San Francisco, under the guidance of Director of Food and Beverage Todd Nagle, to develop the Barrel-to-Barrel program in order to provide an authentic winery experience at the hotel while also reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional wine packaging. “I first approached the Fairmont San Francisco because I knew the hotel creates exceptional experiences for its guests while being fully committed to the environment. They are a natural partner due to our shared beliefs,” notes Boisset. Through the decades, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has cultivated a tradition of environmental stewardship. Several of Fairmont’s Canadian resorts,are actually located in national parks. They were built to enable visitors to experience the natural wonders of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and their success is founded on a harmonious and nurturing partnership with the surrounding environment. Quite naturally, these resorts developed standard operating procedures designed to protect the national parks in which they reside and, today, these practices are recognized as the gold standard in environmental conservation. In 1990, Fairmont’s Canadian hotels pioneered The Fairmont Green Partnership, literally writing the book on sustainable best practices in the lodging industry. “Our mission at The Fairmont San Francisco is to bring the Wine Country experience to our guests. Together with DeLoach, we feel we’ve found an authentic means of presenting wines in a way that connects our guests directly to the winery,” said Nagle. “The barrel provides a visual icon that sets the expectation of the wine cellar experience for our guests, while for us, the benefits are clear: the convenient 10L eco-bag guarantees that every glass we pour is as fresh as if we’d just opened the bottle with no concern of possible tainted corks, and it offers added convenience in the ease of handling of the 10L eco-bags and the reduced storage space required.” BARREL TO BARREL DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS FOR ITS RESTAURANT AND HOTEL PARTNERS The Barrel-to-Barrel program delivers DeLoach’s award-winning California Pinot Noir in an attractive wooden barrel for a “Cellar to Glass” tasting experience. Each barrel holds 10 Liters of Pinot Noir, lightly fined and lightly filtered, for a direct from-the-winery connection. DeLoach plans to offer a range of Pinot Noirs, from its California appellation to Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley offerings to a highly-allocated selection of single vineyard wines that encourage exploration and discovery of California’s best terroir. Every glass is easily poured from an elegant spout located at the front of the barrel, ensuring graceful service of remarkably fresh wine. The wine arrives in 10L eco-bags for the price of a typical 9L case, offering the value of an extra liter of wine – up to seven more glasses – for the same cost. The bags protect the wine from oxidation for a minimum of six-eight weeks from the moment they are opened, take up minimal space in the restaurant, are easy to store, and recyclable. Made from a 100% recyclable material and housed in an equally recyclable outer box, the eco-bag fits inside the barrel and holds the equivalent of 67 glasses at a five-ounce pour, or more than 13 standard bottles of wine. Every time a restaurant re-orders the wine, they receive just the eco-bag containing wine, dramatically reducing the amount and weight of packaging being shipped to each location. In this way, DeLoach and its partners significantly reduce their carbon footprint by effectively eliminating the vast majority of the packaging, which is shipped from production to consumption and ultimately to the waste stream. While typical 3L bag-in-box wines are estimated to reduce the carbon footprint 55 percent compared to traditional 750ml bottles, the DeLoach eco-bag improves that even further as it transports 10 liters with an equivalent amount of packaging. Further, DeLoach offers the 10L of wine for the same cost as 9L cases of its comparable Pinot Noirs, enhancing the profitability of by-the-glass wine programs for every account as they receive one extra liter of wine, equivalent to an additional 1 1/3 bottles, for free. For by-the-glass accounts, this equals approximately 7 additional glasses of profit above the profit available on a 9L case. “In addition to its convenience, appearance and ecological benefits,the DeLoach Barrel to Barrel delivers exceptional profitability advantages to our partners,” says Boisset. DeLoach Vineyards is part of the family-owned Boisset Family Estates, recognized internationally for its green innovations in the wine world, including its French rabbit wines in Tetra Pak cartons, the first wines launched in North America in lightweight, recyclable PET plastic bottles (Fog Mountain - the first California wine in a 1L PET bottle, Yellow Jersey, Louis Bernard Bonus Passus, and its Mommessin and Bouchard Aine Beaujolais Nouveau in PET bottles), and finally, its Mommessin Beaujolais Grande Reserve in an aluminum bottle with a thermo-sensitive “chill me” dot. Jean-Charles Boisset was awarded the Innovator of the Year in 2009 by the Wine Enthusiast for his company’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of wine packaging, and . The DeLoach Barrel-to-Barrel program is Boisset’s first innovation tailored specifically for the on-premise market. ABOUT DELOACH VINEYARDS DeLoach Vineyards has been making terroir-driven wines in the Russian River Valley since 1975 and is a pioneer in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. In late 2003, Boisset Family Estates, the U.S. importer for family-owned Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins, purchased DeLoach Vineyards, citing the Russian River Valley as California’s most expressive terroir for cultivating Burgundian varietals. With roots in the heart of Burgundy, Boisset is one of France’s leading producers of Pinot Noir. Since its purchase, DeLoach has focused on dramatically improving quality, expanding its single-vineyards program for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, and has converted its estate vineyards to a rigorous organic and biodynamic regiment, receiving CCOF Organic Certification in 2008. DeLoach has adopted green practices throughout the winery, using an innovative membrane bio-reactor to purify all water from wine-making to be re-used in vineyards, and purchases 100% of its energy from renewable sources (eliminating 314 metric tons of CO2 -the equivalent of 57 passenger vehicles for 1 year). Located at 1791 Olivet Road in Santa Rosa, the DeLoach Vineyards tasting room and organic garden are open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.deloachvineyards.com. MEDIA CONTACT: For interviews and photo requests, please contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates, 415-701-9463, kendall@charlescomm.com DeLoach Barrel-to-Barrel Program Quick Facts The Wines * 100% Pinot Noir * Lightly fined and lightly filtered for a true cellar experience * Available exclusively on-premise * Served from a 10L eco-bag inside the barrel that eliminates oxidation * Presented on-premise in an elegant natural wood barrel Barrel-to-Barrel Benefits * Unique “cellar to glass” service for the customer * Authentic wine country experience on-premise * Reduced packaging: 1 68 gram bag versus 13 bottles weighing in excess of 550 grams each. * 10 L versus a typical 9 L case for an extra liter of wine free * Less on-premise storage space required * Less packaging means less weight to transport, less energy to produce and transport, and a dramatically smaller carbon footprint * No waste from breakage or unfinished bottles * No risk of cork taint ###
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DIAM Announces US Market Advance

1 July, 2009

DIAM Announces US Market Advance Napa, CA - July, 2009. The technical cork closure DIAM has invested in a strategic program of activities in the US in order to grow volume sales in the closure market for wines. The objective of the ambitious program is to increase the profile of DIAM within the US trade and consumer wine media, build relationships with key industry influencers and drive closure debate. Moreover, DIAM is committed to engaging with winemakers, retailers and distributors to drive awareness of current issues and ensure all key stakeholders start to ‘think’ about the benefits of the closure options available. The programme will feature a series of integrated activities including market visits by key DIAM representatives, media and trade interviews, closure seminars and presentations with leading AVA’s, roundtable debates at key wine conferences, fairs and competitions in addition to further US-based research studies with a leading US University. DIAM is a technical cork, produced by the patented DIAMANT super-critical CO2 process, delivering a consistently neutral, TCA-free cork closure. Validated by several world-wide independent laboratories, the DIAMANT process uses super-critical CO2 to eradicate 2,4,6 – trichloroanisole (TCA) and 150 other compounds. Globally, DIAM is the leading technical cork closure with value sales of €57M in 2008, and enjoyed an 8.5 per cent increase in US market share in 2008. Commenting on the U.S. market advance, DIAM commercial director Dean Banister said: “DIAM, with its track record of success and acceptance in the influential UK and European markets, has an opportunity to increase its US market share by delivering a driven closure that is TCA-free, doesn’t scalp flavors, is consistent and offers winemakers varying levels of Oxygen Transmission Rates (OTR). The global trend within the closure market is to move away from poor quality and under performing natural and synthetic closures - we are firmly focused on driving the debate and delivering a real solution to the somewhat neglected US market,” states Banister. Globally, there are over 1800 wineries and distributors using DIAM, including premium producers such as Louis Jadot, Hugel, Stonestreet, Freemark Abbey, Kunde, Bouchard, Moët & Chandon, Langtry and Kendall Jackson. In addition, UK retail giant Tesco has recently nominated DIAM as one of only three- permitted closure types for its vast own-label wine range. For more information on Diam technical corks, please visit http://www.diam-cork.com/. For images, background or interviews, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415 701 9463 or kcharles@charlescomm.com. # # #
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Lander-Jenkins "Spirit Hawk" Wines Meet Market Demand

23 June, 2009

Lander-Jenkins "Spirit Hawk" Wines Meet Market Demand for Sustainably Grown, Family-Owned Wines RUTHERFORD, CA, June 23, 2009 - Rutherford Wine Company, the multi-generation family owned and operated winery announces the launch of its Lander-Jenkins "Spirit Hawk" sustainably grown wines. Crafted by winemaker Steve Rued and his talented team, the 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, both California appellation wines, are sourced from family and long-term grower vineyards in several prime growing regions in the state. The Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily sourced from Paso Robles and the Chardonnay from the cooler growing climate of Monterey as well as the Lodi AVA. Priced right at the sweet spot in wine retailing, these wines sell for $14 and are currently available in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, Illinois, Washington, Arizona and Louisiana with plans to roll out nationally over the next year. 3,000 cases of each wine are available. The Lander-Jenkins' name is an homage to the winery owners' family heritage. The winery is located in the heart of the world class Rutherford district in Napa and both the estate and winery have been certified organic by the CCOF. The third generation, led by General Manager Morgan Zaninovich, is ushering the family wine business into a new and exciting period in its history. As a family that has always embraced an old world, low impact sustainable farming philosophy, there was no learning curve in the establishment of these wines. "It's interesting to see the sustainability movement take hold as if it were a new approach. It's been our approach for many generations," says General Manager Morgan Zaninovich. "We're really excited to deliver the Lander-Jenkins Spirit Hawk wines to the market, allowing a broad base of wine lovers to learn about and appreciate sustainably grown wines." Winemaker Steve Rued, who grew up in a winemaking family, has been with the winery since 2005. The wines in the Zaninovich family portfolio, Rutherford Ranch, Round Hill and Scott Family Estate, have received critical acclaim in the Wine Advocate, Restaurant Wine, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and many top wine competitions. Most recently in the "Best of the Best" issue of the Quarterly Review of Wines, Rutherford Wine Company's wines garnered a significant percentage of the best value wines rated. In addition to broad market distribution, the Rutherford Wine Company wines can also be purchased online at www.rutherfordwine.com. For more press information and samples of Lander-Jenkins wines, please contact Kendall Johnson at Charles Communications Associates at 415 701 9463 or press@charlescomm.com. # # #
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CCA Signs Oeneo Closures USA and Crimson Wine Group

5 June, 2009

Charles Communications Signs Oeneo Closures USA and Crimson Wine Group San Francisco, CA June 2009… Charles Communications Associates, LLC., a leading national agency specializing in the wine, spirits, food & beverage categories, announces the addition of two new clients to its diverse portfolio of clients for 2009. Crimson Wine Group, which owns and operates a portfolio of top wineries including Pine Ridge Winery of Napa, CA, Archery Summit of Willamette Valley, OR and Chamisal Vineyards of Edna Valley, CA, and Oeneo Closures USA, producers of DIAM™ technical corks, have tapped Charles Communications Associates for their U.S. public relations efforts for its strategic insight, excellent contacts in media and trade with the ability to steer brands to the right media and consumer groups both online and off. “Oeneo Closures, USA with their superior corks that guarantee 100% satisfaction as a closure for wines of any level of ageability, has enjoyed great success in the U.K. with the marketplace in which retailers put the pressure back on wineries to guarantee no cork taint, is truly what both consumers and wineries have been looking for as a closure solution. Seventy percent of consumers still prefer a cork closure for their wines, and Oeneo satisfies that desire and saves wineries losses due to spoilage and offers consumers taint free wines,” says Charles Communications Associates President, Kimberly Charles. “Crimson Wine Group brings an amazing and diverse addition to the CCA portfolio with its wineries in Napa, Edna Valley and Oregon, all superior AVAs and established wineries that have enjoyed great acclaim and favor among trade and consumers. The portfolio excites us greatly and the winemaking teams at the three wineries are world class,” states Charles. About Crimson Wine Group The Crimson Wine Group owns and operates a portfolio of luxury wineries positioned in top tiers within the industry. Under the Crimson Wine Group umbrella are three distinct estate-based wineries, Pine Ridge Winery in Napa, California, Archery Summit in Willamette Valley, Oregon, and Chamisal Vineyards in Edna Valley, California, that reflect the unique characteristics of their appellations and are dedicated to handcrafted quality representing the best the region has to offer. About Oeneo Closures USA Oeneo Closures USA provides a secure closure with huge performance benefits, allowing clients to close their wines with confidence. By concentrating their efforts on two real threats to the wine industry, closure consistency and TCA, Oeneo Closures USA has been able to provide wineries with an award winning solution: The DIAM™ closure, a technological cork free of TCA taint. DIAM™ closures offer flexibility, consistency and security to the winemaker, providing the only complete range to suit all winemaking styles and market requirements. For more information about DIAM™ technical closures and the patented Diamant process for TCA extraction, please visit DIAM USA. About Charles Communications Associates, LLC. Charles Communications Associates, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, CA is an independent creative marketing communications and public relations firm that helps local and global companies, organizations and non-profits create, build and launch a brand. Recognized as one of the most effective PR firms in the consumer products and 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. The CCA team infuses its work with enthusiasm, originality, and strategy to help clients thrive and grow. Current CCA client roster includes Boisset Family Estates, The Bubble Lounge, Brix Chocolate, Domaine Carneros, Mark West, Parallel Wines, and Volta Wines. For more information, please visit Charles Communications Associates, LLC. For press inquiries contact Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications Associates, LLC at Press@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463 ###
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Boisset Launches “Fight Against Hunger” Campaign

5 June, 2009

Boisset Family Estates Launches “Fight Against Hunger” Campaign to Help Combat Hunger in the U.S. Unprecedented Need Highlighted as Inspiration for Family-Owned Winery to Provide a Minimum of 1.2 Million Meals through Sales of its Wines June 2009, San Francisco, CA … Boisset Family Estates and several of its portfolio of top quality wineries, including DeLoach Vineyards, Lyeth Estate, Oceana Estates Riesling, and French rabbit have once again decided to partner with the charity Feed The Children in Boisset’s “Fight Against Hunger” to help combat the sadly increasing problem of hunger in American families. From July through December 2009, every bottle of wine from these four wineries will supplement three meals for a family in need in the U.S. when purchased through a participating retailer, restaurateur, or hotelier. In 2007, 1 in 8 Americans struggled with hunger, including 1 in 6 children, according to the latest government statistics. As of March 2009, participation in the U.S. Government Food Stamp program has reached its highest levels ever . As Tony Sellars, Director of Communications at Feed The Children, says: “We have been around since 1979, and this is unprecedented in terms of need.” Given the current global economic situation, the issue of hunger is more keenly felt than ever and Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates, believes strongly that with the integral connection between wine and food, it is essential for his family’s company to contribute to a solution. “The wine world is deeply connected to the harvest, agriculture and food – great wines are complemented by great meals, and thus, as part of the world of food and wine, we find it genuinely troubling to tolerate the existence of hunger among our friends and neighbors,” says Boisset. “We know that now, more than ever, even families that have never thought to seek help before need assistance. That’s why Boisset Family Estates has committed to providing a minimum of 1.2 million meals to U.S. families in need through our partnership with Feed The Children.” Helping address issues of hunger in America has been an integral part of Boisset’s company mission since its previous partnership with Feed The Children, which resulted in more than 2.4 million meals provided to families in the US. “Feed the Children was an excellent partner in our initial campaign; they offered exceptional implementation and were one of the most action-oriented, dynamic organizations I have ever worked with,” says Boisset. Boissset chose to partner with Feed The Children for its excellent reputation, strong commitment to helping U.S. families in need, and its efficiency in delivering aid in communities in every corner of the U.S. The organization owns 55 trucks to deliver food directly to people in communities that need it the most. Feed The Children consistently ranks as one of the ten largest international charities in the United States, and 89% of its efforts are focused on helping U.S. families. Boisset’s retail, restaurant and hotel partners will feature special displays and promotions to publicize the winery’s initiative, culminating in the delivery of at least eight truckloads of food to selected communities-in-need in the fall of 2009. More about Boisset’s partners and the Fight Against Hunger can be found by visiting www.boissetfamilyestates.com/fightagainsthunger. About Boisset Family Estates Boisset Family Estates is an innovative, eco-minded, family-owned producer and importer of fine wines. Its goal is to express the qualities of its wines with an “art de vivre” and style that consistently honors provenance and enhances terroir, history, heritage and quality. The philosophy of uniting each wine with innovative packaging is a vision of sustainability and desire to provide wines for every moment, mode of consumption and occasion. With its roots in Burgundy, France, wineries on two continents and a U.S. office in California, Boisset is a leading producer of Pinot Noir and one of France’s top exporters of premium wines. For more information on the company and its wineries, please visit www.boissetfamilyestates.com. About Feed the Children Founded in 1979 by Larry and Frances Jones, Feed The Children is consistently ranked as one of the ten largest international charities in the U.S., based on private, non-government support. Feed The Children is a Christian, international, nonprofit relief organization with headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. In FY 2007, Feed The Children distributed more than 135 million pounds of food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally, supplementing almost 800,000 meals each day. Since its founding, the organization has reached out to help those in need in 118 countries around the globe. For more information, please visit www.feedthechildren.org. For more information about Boisset Family Estates’ Fight Against Hunger campaign, or for images or interviews with Jean Charles Boisset, please contact Kimberly Charles at Charles Communications Associates kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. 1. USDA. Mark Nord, M. Andrews, S. Carlson. Household Food Security in the United States, 2007. www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodSecurity/; and feedingamerica.org/faces-of-hunger/hunger-101/hunger-and-poverty-statistics.aspx. 2. Food Research and Action Center News Digest, Issue #11, March 20, 2009 www.frac.org/digest/03.20.09.htm # # #
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Boisset Family Estates Debuts Fog Mountain

27 May, 2009

Boisset Family Estates Debuts Fog Mountain The First California Wine Launched in the US in a 1-Liter PET¹ Plastic Bottle SAUSALITO, CA, May 27th, 2009 – Boisset Family Estates announces the debut of Fog Mountain, the first California wine in a 1 liter PET bottle launched in the U.S. Fog Mountain builds upon Boisset’s global environmental commitment, which spans organic and biodynamic farming on its estates, to winery initiatives to use renewable energy and reduce water consumption, to an innovative portfolio of wines in alternative packaging that reduce the carbon footprint through a wine’s entire life cycle. Boisset has been the leader in introducing PET wine bottles to the US wine market, from its Louis Bernard Bonus Passus Côtes du Rhône – the first AOC wine in PET bottles – to the bold move to lead the wine world into shipping all of its 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau in PET bottles, reducing the weight, energy consumed in transit and production, and the carbon footprint of every case shipped. Boisset encouraged its wine world partners to follow its lead. In the June 24th, 2008 issue of The Economist, Boisset’s innovative, alternative packaging was covered, followed by Forbes coverage of Boisset’s first release in PET: “debunking the notion that good wines come only in glass bottles sealed with corks, French winemaker Boisset Family Estates is introducing into the U.S. a 750-milliliter polyethylene terephthalate [PET] bottle of wine called Yellow Jersey.” Fog Mountain is Boisset’s first California wine in innovative alternative packaging, and its first 1 liter PET bottle offering two more glasses than a traditional 750ml bottle. “We are excited to add Fog Mountain, and a California wine, to our leading portfolio of wines in innovative packaging,” says Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates. “In today’s time, we genuinely believe that it is vital for all of us to consider the environmental impact of our wines, and our entire supply chain, and to find solutions to reduce our carbon footprint while delivering the highest-quality, best value and most consumer benefits that we can. We believe Fog Mountain can be a part of that solution, and we’re thrilled at the leadership shown by Dan Hoffman and his team at Marriott International to embrace a bold initiative for the wine world.” #1 PET bottles are high quality, safe, and recyclable plastic bottles with zero impact on the wine quality. PET offers lightweight, 100% recyclable plastic bottles that have an estimated 60% lower carbon footprint than traditional wine bottles. PET has a meaningful life once recycled, becoming new PET bottles, fleece fabric, and more. In fact, 7 recycled Fog Mountain 1L wine bottles produce enough material to create 1 extra-large t-shirt. PET is, and always has been, BPA-free. Boisset’s bottle, produced in partnership with EnVino Bottles and bottled in conjunction with Bravo Bottling, features a unique oxygen barrier called MonOxbar™ that ensures the wine has a long shelf-life. The shatterproof bottle finished with a screwcap provides ease-of-use, safety, and convenience. Consumers also benefit from the added value of a 1L bottle, offering 33% more wine than a typical 750ml bottle. Boisset Family Estates is well-known as a dynamic pioneer for innovation and sustainability in the wine world with French rabbit wines in Tetra Pak cartons, Yellow Jersey and Louis Bernard’s Bonus Passus Côtes du Rhône AOC in 750ml PET bottles, and Mommessin Beaujolais Grande Reserve in 750ml aluminum bottles featuring the Cooldot™. Jean-Charles Boisset was recently named 2008’s “Innovator of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. In June 2007 he was named to Decanter Magazine’s list of the Top 50 Power Brokers in the global wine industry, and in March 2008 he received the Meininger International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the publishers of Meininger’s Wine Business International. The Boisset Family Estates' Beaujolais Nouveau in PET won an AmeriStar Beverage Package Award – the only wine package recognized in the 2008 competition. Fog Mountain is 100% Merlot sourced from prime growing areas throughout California. The wine features a dark ruby color with aromas of raspberry jam. Mouth-filling black cherry, dusty chocolate, and blackberry flavors finish soft with ripe plum notes. Fog Mountain will be available nationwide at JW Marriott hotels and at fine wine retailers beginning in June 2009. About Boisset Family Estates Boisset Family Estates is a family-owned producer and importer of fine wine, with its origins in the world’s pre-eminent terroir for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Nuits-St.-Georges, France. Its goal is to express the qualities of its wines with an “art de vivre” and style that consistently honors provenance and enhances terroir, history, heritage, and quality. With its roots in Burgundy, France, Boisset is one of the world’s leading producers of Pinot Noir, from DeLoach Vineyards in California’s Russian River Valley to Domaine de la Vougeraie in Burgundy, and one of France’s top exporters of premium wines. For more information on the company and its wineries, please visit www.boissetfamilyestates.com. Samples and images are available upon request. For more press information, wine samples or additional images, please contact: Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates at kendall@charlescomm.com or (415) 701-9463; or Patrick Egan, Boisset Family Estates at patrick.egan@boisset.com or (415) 289-4520. ¹PET stands for “polyethylene terephthalate” and it is a thermoplastic polymer resin used in packaging applications. Lightweight and safe (BPA-free – now and always), PET weighs 90% less than traditional bottles, and conserves fuel, energy and greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle, from production to transit to recycling. It is estimated to have a 50-60% smaller carbon footprint than a traditional bottle and is 100% recyclable. ###
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Mark West Launches "Pinot for the People" Design Contest

4 May, 2009

Mark West Pinot Noir Launches National "Pinot for the People" Design Contest Graton, CA, May 4, 2009… In honor of May Day 2009, Mark West Pinot Noir celebrates everyday hard working people with the launch of “Pinot for the People - T-shirt for the People” – a national design contest open to wine enthusiasts, designers and creative minds alike. Participants are invited to submit their original (and witty!) designs for a special edition t-shirt to debut at the 2009 Pinot Days Wine Tasting Event in San Francisco, which attracts over 2500 wine enthusiasts each year. Mark West’s value driven, high quality Pinot Noir strives to offer the everyday wine drinker a quality wine without the price tag and pretentiousness that often accompanies this “high maintenance” grape. Mark West, known as the “Pinot for the People" - once again asks the consumer to be involved in their wine. The winning artist will receive a $500 reward and their design will be made into t-shirts worn by and distributed to wine enthusiasts throughout San Francisco and Wine Country. In addition to the award money, the design will be featured on Mark West’s website and shared with the design community at CrowdSpring.com, an online marketplace for creative services. Entrants are welcome to submit as many designs as they would like. The “Pinot for the People – T-shirt for the People” contest starts Monday, May 4th and ends on May 17th, 2009 at midnight. There is no purchase necessary to participate in this event.  All necessary information - including rules, where to enter, and background information is available online. Visit the Contest or for more information visit our website: www.markwestwines.com. The winning design will be chosen after May 18th by the Mark West judging panel and announced via our Facebook Fan Page on June 1st, 2009. We will send a follow up email announcing the winner the following week. About Mark West Pinot Noir Mark West specializes in producing great value California Pinot Noir with varietal integrity and quality.  Mark West’s Pinot Noir appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers who enjoy an affordable everyday Pinot Noir at home or by the glass in restaurants. Mark West is one of the top five best selling Pinot Noirs in the country and was selected as one of the "Most Popular Pinot Noirs" in the 20th Annual Restaurant Poll in Wine & Spirits Magazine in April 2009. The eco-friendly winery in Graton has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, granted an Energy Star Award and became an accredited Sonoma County Green Business in 2008. For more information on Mark West wines and the people behind them, contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates, kendall@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. # # #
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