Pine Ridge Vineyards Appoints Michael Beaulac as Winemaker and General Manager Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley, CA - Michael Beaulac has been appointed Winemaker and General Manager at Pine Ridge Vineyards after a long and thorough search to find the successor to a winemaking history dating back to 1978 when the winery was founded.   Inheriting the role shaped by Stacy Clark for over 25 years, Beaulac will bring his expertise in winemaking with an emphasis on Bordeaux varietals from his eight years as winemaker at St. Supery Vineyards and Markham Vineyards prior to that. "Pine Ridge has a tremendous portfolio of outstanding wines that capture the essence of our exceptional estate vineyards, thanks to Stacy and her dedication over the last few decades," says President and CEO of the Crimson Wine Group, Erle Martin. "Stacy was instrumental in bringing the winery to where it is today, and we are excited to now have Michael on board to build off of our legacy and usher Pine Ridge into a new and exciting era." Since its founding, Pine Ridge Vineyards has been recognized and singled out for its excellent, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon from its 225 acres in five AVAs within the  Napa Valley http://www.pineridgewinery.com/Winery-Appelations-and-Vineyards. As a complement to the Cabernet Sauvignon and a testimony to the strength of its vineyards, the winery has also excelled in Chardonnay and other red Bordeaux varietal offerings, as well as the charming Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend. In his new role, Beaulac will be overseeing all grape growing and winemaking operations as well as facilities management at the winery, located on the famous Silverado Trail in the heart of the Stag's Leap district. "With the winery's exceptional reputation and collection of estate vineyards, this position is a winemaker's dream. I look forward to working with the seasoned team here to continue to produce classically proportioned wines that are the hallmark of Pine Ridge," says Beaulac. Pine Ridge Vineyards is one of the gems in the collection of the Crimson Wine Group, a leading high end wine portfolio representing diverse varietals and AVAs in some of the most renowned winegrowing regions in California and Oregon. The portfolio also includes Archery Summit, a pioneer winery in the Dundee Hills appellation of Oregon, whose first vintage was 1993 and is known as a premier producer of Pinot Noir from its 120 acres of vineyards, along with Chamisal Vineyards, 80 acres that were the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1973. For media inquiries and sample requests, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates, press@charlescomm.com or 415/701-9463.

Oeneo Successfully Defends Super-Critical Challenge London, United Kingdom April 22, 2009... Oeneo, manufacturer of technical closure DIAM, has today (22nd April) successfully defended a challenge to its patented super-critical technology in the European Office of the Patent in München. The challenge was filed by cork producers against Oeneo and the government owned French Atomic Agency CEA, which jointly own the exclusive rights to the patented DIAM super-critical CO2 process. Objectors had challenged DIAM's rights to the super-critical technology. Commenting on the development, DIAM commercial director Dean Banister said: "This recent challenge is yet another positive validation of the Diamant process, and of the DIAM closure in itself, highlighting the inferior nature of other cork based closure solutions. As custodians of the Diamant process we are exploring opportunities to share the technology with selected industry partners. That said, of utmost importance to Oeneo is the integrity of the Diamant process - we need to ensure the technology is used in a responsible manner to continue to deliver efficient closure solutions to the global wine industry. The Diamant process, which has been scientifically proven to eradicate detectable levels of TCA and other undesirable compounds, has been used since 2003 to produce and sell nearly 800 million DIAM closures that are not only TCA free but also offer varying levels of Oxygen Transmission Rates (OTR) and a mechanical sealing guarantee of a minimum of two, five or ten years. About Oeneo Oeneo provides a secure closure with huge performance benefits, allowing their clients to close their wines with confidence. By concentrating their efforts on two real threats to the wine industry, closure consistency and TCA, Oeneo has been able to provide wineries with two winning solutions: DIAM, a technological cork free of TCA taint and the S-Cap, a screw cap closure, both with two levels of permeability. These 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 Oeneo, please visit www.oeneo.co.uk. For more information about DIAM closure for wine and the DIAMANT process for TCA extraction, please visit www.diam-cork.com. ###

Mark West Pinot Noir Teams Up with Raley’s to Celebrate Earth Day The result: energy savings, water conservation and a garden of basil Graton, CA, April 15, 2009… Everyday at Mark West is Earth Day, where its winery’s energy and water conservation practices are built into the eco-conscious winemaking process. Although everyone has been touting their green report cards of late, Mark West has quietly focused more on producing an exceptional value Pinot Noir for under $15 than elaborating on the number of awards they’ve won for their energy and water conservation measures as well as greenhouse gas emissions reductions.  We, as their PR firm think that it’s something to talk about hence our release to you ☺ . This Earth Day however, the green initiatives are reaching beyond the winery practices and being embraced by Raley’s customers in stand-up displays throughout California for an Earth Day kick off promotion. Mark West has designed “plantable” coasters, which have been embedded with basil seeds and will be tied around the neck of bottles of Mark West Pinot Noir. When consumers are done using the coasters, they can be planted in soil and yield this most versatile of summer herbs. “Mark West’s Pinot Noir has always been about providing everyday wine drinkers with an affordable and enjoyable Pinot Noir. We are happy to be able to provide Raley’s customers with a fun way to enjoy Earth Day by reminding them that even at the value level, you can still find great, eco-friendly wine.” Says Ron Janowczyk, Vice President of Sales. “Raley’s commitment to sustainability, local producers and the environment made them a perfect partner to work with on this Earth Day special offering.” About Mark West 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 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. About Raley’s Raleys, a privately-owned supermarket chain based in West Sacramento, California, was founded by Tom Raley, who opened his first store in 1935. The company is committed to providing busy, health-conscientious families with convenient, high- quality foods at outstanding value. More information about Raleys and its green initiatives is available at www.raleys.com. ###

Charles Communications Signs DeLoach Vineyards of Boisset Family Estates San Francisco, CA April 2009... Charles Communications Associates, LLC. announces the addition of a new client to its diverse portfolio of wine brands for 2009. DeLoach Vineyards of Boisset Family Estates has tapped Charles Communications for their public relations efforts for its strategic insight and ability to steer brands to the right media and consumer groups both online and off. "Working with Boisset Family Estates for over a year has been a great synergy for Charles Communications Associates.  The long term philosophy supported by the parent company Boisset and expressed through the vision of Jean Charles Boisset for his exciting property and team at DeLoach is a natural fit for Charles Communications Associates," said Kimberly Charles, founder of the company, celebrating its sixth anniversary this coming May. "The conversion of the estate to biodynamic practices, the water conservation and environmental sensitivity coupled with an ongoing drive to innovate in green packaging is an arena in which we have great experience." 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 their eco-friendly and biodynamic approach to sustainable winemaking to DeLoach Vineyards; showing their dedication to the environment, the Boisset Family Estates tore up award-winning vineyards after the 2004 vintage and replanted with cover crops designed to revitalize the soil. New vines were planted in 2006, and the first vintage grown with biodynamic farming techniques will be the eagerly-awaited 2010 vintage. In the meantime, the DeLoach Vineyards continue to produce world-class wine by partnering with winegrowers who are equally dedicated to and passionate about eco-friendly farming practices and the production of high-quality wines. For more information about DeLoach Vineyards, please visit www.deloachvineyards.com. 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, DIAM USA, Domaine Carneros, Mark West, Parallel Wines, and Volta Wines. For more information about Charles Communications, please visit www.charlescomm.com For press inquiries contact Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications Associates, LLC at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463 www.charlescomm.com. ###

Carneros Bistro & Wine Celebrates Earth Day 2009 with an Earth, Wind & Fire Dinner Italian Inspired $29 Sunday Suppers Also Officially Launch March 2009 - Sonoma, CA - Earth Day has been celebrated by conservationists for almost four decades, but in the recent years Earth Day has been celebrated by an increasing amount of people all over the world. Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar in Sonoma is hosting a pre-Earth Day celebration with a second themed dinner of 2009: Earth, Wind & Fire. Dueling winemakers Jeff Stewart of Buena Vista Carneros and Darren Procsal of Atlas Peak Winery will join Chef, Janine Falvo, and Sommelier, Chris Sawyer for the six-course meal. The four will be broadcast on wireless microphones to give guests a glimpse into the inner working of the kitchen, and each will represent the elements of the dinner: Janine as the fire, Chris the water, and the Winemakers as the Earth. The "Wind" course will consist of a Pasta Carbonara paired with a Buena Vista Carneros 2005 Ramal Vineyard Chardonnay, a tribute to thelegendary Carneros winds and the characteristic Chardonnays of the region. "Earth" is comprised of two courses: Janine's signature PorkSphere, paired with Buena Vista Carneros 2005 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Wagyu American Kobe Ribeye, paired with Atlas Peak 2004 Napa Valley Claret. Janine brings "Fire" to the menu every day via the wood-fired oven, but for this occasion she will prepare Venison, Spice-Wrapped with Pancetta and Swiss Chard. The last course is the exception: "Heaven", a Crispy Chocolate Mousse paired with the Buena Vista Carneros Syrah Port. The cost of the six course meal will be $95 per person which includes wine pairings. The dinner will be held on Sunday, April 19th at 2pm in Sonoma. Chef Janine's Sunday Suppers Chef Janine also recently debuted "Sunday Suppers", a three-course prix fixe dinner offered on Sunday evenings with menus that reflect Janine's Italian heritage and feature her favorite comfort foods. The first course will consist of everything between Arranciato (Rice Balls) to Italian Wedding Soup, a soup with pastina, spinach, tiny meatballs, and romano cheese. Pasta Ceci, a pasta with chickpeas and Pasta Fagiole among other favorites comprise the pasta course offerings. Finally, the entrees will range from Rabbit Bolognese to Steak Pizziola, and will be followed by a dessert course, perhaps Pistachio Gelato or Strufoli, an Italian honey cookie. Sunday Suppers are inspired by Janine's traditional Italian upbringing. Janine's talents as a chef were born in her parents' kitchen, where they made their own sausage in the winter, wine in the fall, and canned their own tomatoes every summer.  Sunday Suppers will be held every Sunday at Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar from 5:30-9:00pm. The meal consists of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert and costs $29 per person. Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, located at The Lodge at Sonoma has celebrated the best of local ingredients since opening its doors in 2001. The restaurant was named one of the Top 50 in the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine. Guests love the sumptuous organic garden adjacent to the restaurant where Chef Falvo selects ingredients for her seasonal, local menus. For media information, please contact Janice Javier at Janice@charlescomm.com or Leith Steel at Leith@andrewfreemanandco.com. For reservations information about Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar please visit the www.carnerosbistro.com or call 707 931 2042.

Keep Your Wedding Green with Sparkling Wine from Domaine Carneros, the First Certified Organic Sparkling Vineyard in the United States San Francisco, CA March 2009 - From all the organic eats and drinks being offered at restaurants, grocery stores and your local farmers markets, making healthier and environmentally conscious food and beverage choices is more of a priority than ever. So why not toast your special day in a green way? From the beginning of the property's evolution over 20 years ago, the Domaine Carneros vineyard was farmed sustainably and the move towards 100% organic farming seemed like a logical and necessary progression. In April 2008, Domaine Carneros was certified organic under the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), which gave the winery the distinction of being the first certified organic sparkling winery in the United States. By serving Domaine Carneros at your wedding, not only will you be serving one of the finest wines from California but also supporting a company whose goals include protecting the earth and its resources. "We've always taken an active role to preserve the health of the land," says Eileen Crane, CEO and Winemaker of Domaine Carneros. "Our first commitment is to produce the best wines and we believe that you achieve this through healthy vines, becoming organic was a natural evolution for us from the start." Domaine Carneros sparkling wines, all grown from organically farmed grapes, are offered at various price points to meet the needs of betrothed couples. The 2005 Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage, rated 92 points by Wine Spectator, is priced at $26 per bottle, while the Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé is offered at $36 per bottle. For a luxurious splurge, the 2002 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs can be purchased at $85 per bottle.  The search for green beverages does not have to end with sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros, they also offer the Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir, which is priced at $32 per bottle. Domaine Carneros has garnered much press and acclaim not only for their high quality sparkling wines and pinot noirs but also for their commendable green practices. Here are some recent highlights: December 2008: San Francisco Chronicle, SF Gate, "Top 100 Wines 2008" September 2008: National Geographic Traveler, Intelligent Travel (Blog), "Napa Valley Nostalgia" May 2008: Sprig.com, Ask the Expert, "Eileen Crane" Selecting Domaine Carneros as your sparking wine of choice is not the only way to green your wedding.  Always keep in mind that the key to an eco- and style- conscious wedding is to simplify, reduce, and reuse. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to send wedding invites on recycled paper. Opt for 100% post consumer waste recycled invitations that are processed without chlorine. Additionally, encourage your guests to recycle their invitations, or have seeds embedded in the paper so that the guests can plant their invitations afterwards. How about a caterer who only uses locally grown organic foods? The quality of the produce is more likely to be better than that of more institutional offering. Another great idea is to donate any extra food to local charities or homeless shelters.  Local charities will be more than glad to come pick up any extras at the end of the reception meaning the only work you have to do is give them a  heads up call. Supporting local farmers and companies with philosophies you agree with is always a great idea and a momentous occasion such as your wedding should be no exception. For more information, please visit www.domainecarneros.com or contact Andrew Cha of Charles Communications Associates, LLC at Andrew@charlescomm.com or 415 701 9463 www.charlescomm.com. ###

IT WAS and IT IS, CHAMISAL VINEYARDS Heritage and Quality Beckons Chamisal Vineyards to its Original Moniker SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (February 23, 2009) The historic Chamisal property was the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1973, and promptly drew acclaim for outstanding wines.  “The legacy and longstanding quality of the property inspired us to turn the clock back to its original namesake, Chamisal Vineyards,” said Erle Martin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Crimson Wine Group. Known as Domaine Alfred from 1996 to 2008, the Crimson Wine Group announced the purchase of the legendary vineyard in August, 2008.  Day-to-day management of the winery continues to rest with the local team. “The vineyard has been consistently producing outstanding wines under the guidance of winemaker Fintan du Fresne and we are committed to guarding the distinction of the winery,” said Martin. Much of the 80-acre vineyard was replanted in the early 90s under the previous owner, with a focus on high density spacing and a diverse clonal selection.  The property is planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as some Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Gris, showcasing 29 different clones of these varieties. “Everything we do in the vineyard and in our winemaking is about showcasing this special place, and we are pleased to honor its heritage by once again calling it Chamisal Vineyards,” said winemaker Fintan du Fresne. The announcement was made as the winery gets ready to launch its newest releases under the  Chamisal label.  Chamisal Vineyards will continue their focus on the production of high end Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the estate, with the core priced from $24 to $60 a bottle. About Crimson Wine Group The Crimson Wine Group is a leading high end wine portfolio, representing diverse varietals and appellations in some of the best wine growing regions in the U.S.  It is currently comprised of Chamisal Vineyards, located in the Edna Valley, Pine Ridge Vineyards, located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley; and Archery Summit Winery, situated in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. For More Information, Please Contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463, or kendall@charlescomm.com XXX

Charles Communications Signs Golden Star Tea and Brix Chocolate San Francisco, CA February 2009 - Charles Communications Associates, LLC. announced the addition of two new clients to its diverse portfolio of consumer brands for 2009. Golden Star Tea, and Brix Chocolate have tasked Charles Communications for their public relations efforts for its strategic insight and ability to steer brands to the right media and consumer groups both online and off. "We are extremely excited to be promoting two such tasty and truly unique products outside our mainstream portfolio of wine & spirits," said Kimberly Charles, founder of Charles Communications Associates, LLC.. "Both companies were initiated by imaginative, and forward thinking people and that's a perfect fit for our firm. We appreciate being acknowledged as experts in the field of fine food and beverage." Golden Star Tea is a San Francisco brewer of a unique product: White Jasmine Sparkling Tea. Similar to champagne in its mouth feel and complex character, the White Jasmine offers a drinking experience that is at once familiar and entirely new. With a slight sweetness and a clean acidity, it pairs perfectly with a wide variety of cuisines and is the ideal choice for any refined celebration or affair. For those consumers unwilling to sacrifice sophistication and complexity in their search for a non-alcoholic fine beverage, Golden Star's White Jasmine Sparkling Tea offers a welcome and unique choice. The beverage is available in 730ml bottles at Whole Foods Market, as well as specialty wine shops and restaurants. For more information please visit www.goldenstartea.com. Brix Chocolates were specially developed to pair with wine. Based on single origin chocolate from Ghana, Brix chocolates boast red fruit flavors that won't overwhelm wine. Brix Milk Chocolate is ideally suited for light bodied red wines and dessert wines; while Brix Dark Chocolate is very versatile and pairs well with medium bodied and fruit forward red wines ranging all the way from fuller bodied Pinot Noir to lighter Cabernets. Brix Extra Dark Chocolate is the perfect pair for powerful or tannic red wines. Dr. Nick Proia, a pulmonologist and wine enthusiast, created Brix chocolates after seeking a healthier alternative to pairing wine with cheese. For more information please visit www.brixchocolate.com. 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, Domaine Carneros, JAQK Cellars, Mark West, Parallel Wines, and Volta Wines. For more information please visit www.charlescomm.com. For press inquiries contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates, LLC at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.701.9463. www.charlescomm.com. ###

Great Economic News:  Everything’s Coming Up Pinot for Mark West Winery As They Share News of A 2008 Filled With Increased Sales, Scores and Green Kudos Graton, CA, January 30, 2009…While the economic crisis may be gloom and doom for some, it’s been a boom for wine companies like Mark West Winery, who deliver great quality at a value price. As the dominant player in the Pinot Noir space, the company is proud to share the good news that: 2008 sales increased 45% over prior year December 2008 were 46% greater than prior year Mark West is now the largest selling single SKU of Pinot Noir in the U.S. “Our business proposition has always been to deliver single-varietal, hand-crafted wines at a value price,” shared founder, Derek Benham. “We had great traction going into 2008 which set the stage for us to respond well to the economy driven demands of the savvy consumer looking for a great wine.” No strangers to success, Derek Benham is a veteran of the wine world, who sold his first varietally driven venture, Blackstone Winery to Pacific Wine Partners in October 2001. This success was due to understanding consumer trends and predicting the next one. When he acquired Mark West, he knew the benefits of a focused varietal approach and chose Pinot Noir as his next hot wine.  It certainly didn’t hurt that his efforts coincided with the film Sideways, which brought great attention to the California varietal, putting the relative unknown grape on the map in America. Choosing to work with high-end winemaking genius turned value-driven craftsman Alex Cose (formerly of Peter Michael Winery), was also prophetic for the times. Cose has applied his talents to Mark West, which has raised the wine’s profile and popularity among consumers, restaurateurs and critics alike. One boost to sales in 2008 was the fact that Mark West Pinot Noir was featured in The Wine Trials, a book by Robin Goldstein. In the book, Goldstein challenged sommeliers to blind taste value-driven wines along side their high-end sisters. The 2005 Mark West Pinot Noir beat the old guard hands down – ranking #1 of 52 wines. Not bad for a wine at a remarkable price of around $12 a bottle. Media in the fourth quarter highlighting consumer trends toward purchasing wines under $15, combined with the fact that the economic woes hit right before the holidays proved to be another boost for Mark West in 2008.  The holidays traditionally are a time when Pinot Noir sales are at their peak since the wine pairs so well with turkey, salmon, lamb and other favorites. Consumers flocked to Mark West to share a popular, affordable and trusted brand at the holiday dinner table. In addition to the perfect storm of varietal foresight, craftsmanship, and an economy that drove consumers into the value-priced market place, Mark West scored points as it hit its stride in 2008 on the green frontier, gaining recognition for its energy efficient, water-conserving, eco-conscious winemaking facility in Graton.  The facility, which works under the name of Sonoma Wine Company, was recognized by the EPA and became an accredited Sonoma County Green Business in 2008. For more information on Mark West wines and the people behind them, contact Kimberly Charles or Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates,  press@charlescomm.com or  415.701.9463. ###

Move Over Cheese Brix Chocolate Introduces the First Wine Friendly Chocolate As an Alternative to Cheese San Francisco, CA (January 22, 2009) - Brix Chocolate, the first chocolate designed specifically to complement wine, made its national debut at the highly-anticipated 2009 Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, CA.  Brix Chocolate, the only specific "chocolate for wine" was created by Dr. Nick Proia, a practicing pulmonologist and a Professor of Medicine at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, after realizing that cheese, the traditional accompaniment to a glass of wine, counteracts wine's unique health benefits. Both red wine and chocolate boast anti-oxidant benefits lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of heart disease, whereas cheese on the other hand, has high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can lead to increased risk of heart disease. Dr. Prioa was determined to find a better partner to pair with his glass of red wine. Unable to find a chocolate on the market that complemented wine, Dr. Proia developed Brix, his own line of chocolates specifically designed to enjoy with wine. Brix uses only single origin chocolates from Ghana as the base for their chocolates, blending its rich red fruit flavors with Belgian confectionary chocolate to achieve a final product that won't overwhelm the nuances of finer wines. After rigorous testing of over thirty single origin chocolates and various blends in 5% increments 15 potential formulas were developed. From there the fifteen original samples were honed down to just three blends, all of which chosen unanimously from the test groups as the best wine partners. Each of the three different blends of chocolate (milk, dark, and extra dark) were designed to complement different varietals and styles of wine. Brix Milk Chocolate has a higher cocoa content (40%) than most milk chocolates on the market and an almost spicy flavor. It pairs well with light bodied reds like Pinot Noir and with dessert wines. Brix Extra Dark was developed to pair with powerful tannic red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo. Brix Dark is the most versatile and complements fruit forward red wines including: Merlot and Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache as well as Zinfandel. With Valentine's Day less than a month away, the national product launch offers a timely and sophisticated twist on the traditional sweetheart offering of wine and chocolate. Brix takes it name from a term in the wine industry used to measure the sugar content of grapes, a gauge often used to determine ripeness at harvest time. It also provides inspiration for the shape of the Brix "brick" specially designed to be broken into large, rough pieces whose flavors explode faster in the mouth than a uniformly smooth piece, creating a more intense burst of flavor. These large bricks lend themselves well to creating a hands-on communal experience to be enjoyed by many as each brick is large enough to share with up to fifteen people making the act of breaking the chocolate as elemental as the act of breaking bread. Serving Brix chocolate with wine creates an interactive and social dessert and wine experience for exploration and enjoyment. Products: Brix Milk Chocolate Brix Dark Chocolate Brix Extra Dark Chocolate Availability: Brix Chocolate can be found online at www.brixchocolate.com, at Cost Plus World Market and Kings Supermarket. ABOUT BRIX Brix chocolates were specially developed to pair with chocolate. Based on single origin chocolate from Ghana, Brix chocolates boast red fruit flavors that won't overwhelm wine. Brix Milk Chocolate is ideally suited for light bodied red wines and dessert wines; while Brix Dark Chocolate is very versatile and pairs well with medium bodied and fruit forward red wines ranging all the way from fuller bodied Pinot Noir to lighter Cabernets. Brix Extra Dark Chocolate is the perfect pair for powerful or tannic red wines. Dr. Nick Proia, a pulmonologist and wine enthusiast, created Brix chocolates after seeking a healthier alternative to pairing wine with cheese. For more information please visit www.brixchocolate.com. For more information, photos or to request media samples please contact Kendall Johnson, Charles Communications Associates at kendall@charlescomm.com or call 415-701-9463. ###

Wente Vineyards Key Facts

The partners of Parallel Wines – ski buddies for the past twenty years – are excited to introduce their new wine, just in time for the height of the ski season and the Olympics. Fine wine and skiing have always been a great match for après ski. That dynamic combination has truly come to life with the launch of Parallel Wines (www.parallelwines.com). Named for the parallels between the wine and the ski worlds and the classic dual lines cut by skis on the first run of the day, Parallel Wine is a new Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a distinctive ski track design on its label. Crafted by top winemaker Philippe Melka, recently named the 2005 Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine, in collaboration with highly acclaimed vineyard manager, Jim Barbour, Parallel Wine was conceived by a eight close friends from Park City. “We all met skiing twenty years ago and have shared many glasses of wine, so it’s fitting that Parallel Wines celebrate what brought us together,” shares Mac MacQuoid, one of the Parallel Wine partners. “People who love skiing love a great glass of wine. After a special day on the slopes, we want friends to gather around a fire and enjoy a glass of Parallel while they cheer on the USA in Torino.” The premiere release of the wine, Parallel 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. is a blend of grapes from Howell Mountain and Calistoga in Napa Valley. It’s priced at $44 per 750 ml bottle, marking it the first time that Melka and Barbour – generally known for their higher priced offerings - have collaborated on a wine that is both affordable and available to the general public. It is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot and is a wine with deep color that exhibits a beautiful bouquet of black currants, blackberries, dried herbs, smoke, vanilla and Asian spices. The mouthfeel is generous and packed with ripe flavors of rich cherry jam and black fruits. It finishes with dense tannins, and a wonderful licorice character. According to Melka, “This wine is distinctive and reflects a sense of harmony and sophistication.” The first release of Parallel is currently sold in ski area wine shops and restaurants in the Intermountain West and in California and New Jersey/New York. It is available online for shipment where legal at www.parallelwines.com. For more information on Parallel, visit www.parallelwines.com. Editors contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at (415) 701 9463 or kcharles@charlescomm.com. Photos are available upon request. # # #

  Forward Thinking with “LoCA Thoughts” The Lodi Winegrape Commission’s “LoCA Thoughts” web videos aim to educate and entertain curious wine lovers   Lodi, CA – ‘Here’s a LoCA thought!’ has become a familiar catch phrase in Lodi, California and beyond, thanks to the Lodi Winegrape Commission’s popular video series, “LoCA Thoughts”. The web series features charismatic local wine grower Ben Kolber, who playfully demystifies wine while providing wine lovers with creative pairings and fun, down-to-earth solutions to some of the most common wine-related questions. The series speaks to the diversity of the grape varieties in Lodi’s wine region as well as the varied preferences of its consumers’ palates.   Kolber tells viewers to trust their instincts when tasting and purchasing wine, and not to be too influenced or intimidated by more practiced wine aficionados. “Even experts make mistakes now and again,” says Kolber. “So here’s a ‘LoCA thought’ - see what pleases your palate, not somebody else’s.”   Kolber’s disarming persona illustrates the Lodi region’s mission to educate budding wine enthusiasts in an entertaining and engaging way. The clips are easy to digest for busy oenophiles and casual consumers alike, spanning from 30 seconds to one minute. Recent videos include paella pairings, perfect wines for tailgating aka “wine gating,” and a lesson on how to distinguish aromas and flavors in a wine.   Kolber is the owner of KG Vineyard Management, which is Certified Green under the Lodi Rules™ for Sustainable Winegrowing - California’s first 3rd party-certified sustainable winegrowing program. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Kolber is an avid musician and a busy father to three young children.   “LoCA Thoughts” videos can be viewed at http://www.lodiwine.com/locathoughts/.   About Lodi Wine Country   Located south of Sacramento and west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the Lodi wine region features over 100,000 acres of vineyards that thrive in the classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings. With more than 75 varieties currently being cultivated, Lodi offers a diverse portfolio of wines. While long known as a superior producer of Zinfandel, including an estimated 2,000 acres of pre-Prohibition own rooted vines, the area also produces award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Chardonnay. More recently, Lodi has begun producing varietals such as Albariño, Tempranillo, Graciano and Vermentino, 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 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.  In addition, Lodi is one of the leading wine regions in sustainable viticulture. The Lodi Winegrape Commission created Lodi Rules™, California’s first third-party-certified sustainable winegrowing program, which implements green-farming practices. For more information about the Lodi wine region, please visit www.lodiwine.com. For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Alexandra Fondren at Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. For additional information regarding the Lodi Winegrape Commission, please contact Executive Director, Camron King, at 209|327-4727 or camron@lodiwine.com.   ###