Napa Valley, CA - Hourglass Vineyards received the fourth highest Napa Valley Premiere Lot bid based on price/bottle ratio during Premiere Napa Valley’s (PNV) 17th annual auction, with a price tag of $35,000. In a separate event leading up to PNV, Hourglass proprietor Jeff Smith, hosted a panel discussion for key trade and press on the history and formation of the American Viticulture Area (AVA) system and how it has been applied in Napa Valley.  The panel explored the core rationale of the Napa Valley Vintners in the genesis of the AVA system, the differences to its “old world” appellation counterparts, the creation of the Napa sub AVAs, local politics, culture and terroir characteristics. Featured panelists, a who’s who of Napa winemaking, included: Jeff Smith of Hourglass, Tim Mondavi of Continuum Estate, Aaron Pott of Pott Wine, David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars, Beth Novak Millken of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Benoit Touquette of Realm Cellars and moderator Jeff Morgan of Covenant Wines, shared their personal experiences and perspec tives on the AVA system and its winemaking challenges in what is widely acknowledged as one of the most complex and compelling winegrowing regions in the world. “Napa is a truly special place, made even more so by the amazing people who live and work here. It was an honor hosting such an influential panel and being able to share their discoveries with dedicated wine enthusiasts,” stated Jeff Smith. The symposium can be viewed in its entirety on Charles Communications Associates’ BrandLive channel here: http://cca.yourbrandlive.com/c/hourglassnapaava/. About Hourglass Hourglass is a Napa Valley estate based, terroir driven series of Estate wines, comprised of two dramatic vineyards – Hourglass Estate and the Blueline Estate.  Focusing on modern interpretations of classic Bordeaux varietals, proprietors Jeff and Carolyn Smith, along with their partners and talented winemaking team, seek to integrate the nuanced relationship between Mother Nature and the art and science of winemaking.  As Jeff states, “the pursuit of a delicate balance of elegance, power and structure is at the core of everything we do.”  The creative modern design of the new winery (now open to the public by appointment only), crafted by Bay Area architect Olle Lundberg, is a reflection of these winemaking principles.  Modern restraint, finesse and a sense of the dramatic permeate all aspects of Hourglass.  Consistently recognized as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietal producers in America, the Hourglass wines reflect a true sense of place and time. For more information, go to www.hourglasswines.com. For media inquiries, interviews, images, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. # # #

St. Helena, CA –Hourglass Wine Company recently announced the appointment of veteran wine executive Todd Newman to the position of Private Client Manager. In this newly created role at Hourglass, Newman will bring his longtime experience developing client relationships nationwide.  He’ll lead the enhancement of direct to consumer education and sales of the Hourglass Estate and Blueline Estate wines. Newman’s extensive experience in the wine industry, which includes having worked closely with Revana Family Vineyards to build it into a successful, boutique wine brand, has prepared him well for this position. “Our goal with the winery experience at Hourglass is to provide behind the scenes access for serious wine lovers,” says CEO and Founder Jeff Smith. “Our intent is to get the visitor into the art and science of how we craft an amazing bottle of wine, and to do it in a fun,  engaging way.  Through his passion for wine, hospitality background, and breadth of winemaking knowledge, Todd is uniquely qualified to develop that experience.” Hailing from North Dakota, Todd developed a passion for wine upon moving to Oregon in his early twenties, where he sought to take advantage of the state’s rich culinary and vinous offerings. A brief, fateful visit to Napa Valley in 2002 convinced him that he’d found his new home. Upon relocating from Oregon to Napa, Todd worked at Pat Kuleto Restaurant Development and Management Company, prior to joining the team at Revana Family Vineyards. “I started showing up at Revana and working for free, until they hired me,” stated Newman, who was promoted from cellar intern to cellar master under his mentor and consulting winemaker Heidi Barrett. Inspired to promote his wines to a broader audience, and to apply the service skills he’d developed while at Kuleto to the wine business, Newman then moved into the role of sales director at Revana. While at Revana, Newman also assisted in building out new properties and brands in Oregon and Mendoza. Despite his worldly exposure and interest, Newman, who lives in Calistoga, reserves his true passion for Napa Valley’s wines and is excited about joining the Hourglass team. “I’d always recognized Hourglass as a world class producer with amazing vineyards and a killer winemaking team,” says Newman. “Most importantly, all of us at Hourglass share the same sensibilities and passion to enlighten people about the magic of wine and the creative process of how it is made.  I’m really fortunate and excited to help bring fans of these wines closer to what we do.” About Hourglass Hourglass is a Napa Valley estate based, terroir driven series of wines, comprised of two dramatic vineyards – Hourglass Estate and the Blueline Estate.  Focusing on modern interpretations of classic Bordeaux varietals, proprietors Jeff and Carolyn Smith, along with their partners and talented winemaking team, seek to integrate the nuanced relationship between Mother Nature and the art and science of winemaking.  As Jeff states, “the pursuit of a delicate balance of elegance, power and structure is at the core of everything we do.”  The creative modern design of the new winery (now open to the public by appointment only), crafted by Bay Area architect Olle Lundberg, is a reflection of these winemaking principles.  Modern restraint, finesse and a sense of the dramatic permeate all aspects of Hourglass.  Consistently recognized as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietal producers in America, the Hourglass wines reflect a true sense of place and time. For more information, go to www.hourglasswines.com. For media inquiries, interviews, images, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or press@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

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

St. Helena, CA – The Hourglass Wine Company announced today the appointment of Anthony “Tony” Biagi as the winemaker for its two estate vineyards: Hourglass Estate in St. Helena and the Blueline Vineyard in Calistoga.  Biagi’s long-established focus and dedication to Bordeaux varietals in the Napa Valley combined with almost ten years of experience with the Plumpjack Group at Plumpjack and Cade Wineries has prepared him well for this position. Hourglass partner, Jeff Smith, stated “Tony is a gifted winemaker whose style and experience are a natural extension of what we have achieved since the founding of Hourglass in 1997.  He will be a valuable addition to our team.  Hourglass has evolved significantly over the past 15 years under the consulting efforts of Bob Foley, one of the most respected winemakers in Napa Valley.  We are proud of our history crafting quality wines, but felt at this stage of our evolution we needed the attention of a full-time winemaker.  Our mission has never wavered, which is to craft estate grown, terroir driven, modern Napa wines of the highest caliber.  We have found in Tony a uniquely capable winemaker who shares our vision.” A native Californian, Biagi has held a deep love of wine since a childhood visit to a friend’s winery in Lodi, California.  He holds a degree in fermentation science from the University of California Davis and interned in winemaking at both Hess Collection and Dry Creek Vineyard.  He joined Duckhorn Vineyards as an enologist under the guidance of Tom Rinaldi, honing his skills and rapidly graduating from assistant to full-time winemaker in three years.  After a stint as winemaker at Neal Family Vineyards, he joined the Plumpjack Group as winemaker in 2003 and has overseen the winemaking at both Plumpjack and Cade Wineries until the present. “The Hourglass and Blueline Estate Vineyards are what drew me to this project.  These sites are some of the most compelling in the Napa Valley, and I’m extremely eager to handcraft wines from these distinct properties.  I’m very excited to work with the Hourglass team and honored to be chosen to build upon the legacy that Bob Foley started.” For media inquiries, interviews, images, please contact Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates at 415|701-9463 or kcharles@charlescomm.com. #   #   #

          SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 22, 2011 – Charles Communications Associates, LLC. introduces two new clients to its wide-ranging portfolio as the 2011 harvest gets underway.  Arista Winery and Hourglass Vineyard chose Charles Communications Associates’ creative marketing communications expertise, along with their diverse array of other capabilities that include new and social media proficiency, to execute strategic branding, marketing communications initiatives and public relations campaigns on their behalf.  As Charles Communications Associates represents many wine, restaurant and gourmet products clientele in its qualified portfolio, the team is well-prepared to launch new endeavors with Arista Winery and Hourglass Vineyard. Arista Winery is a family owned and operated producer of beautifully crafted wines from the Russian River Valley. The McWilliams family, which has been operating the estate since 2002, began with a mission to create elegantly expressed Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. They are dedicated to sustainable farming and business practices, and work closely with local growers who share their dedication to sustainability and quality. The wines are crafted from vine to bottle with the intent of preserving each vineyard site’s natural qualities, with minimal intervention. The location, on prime terrain on Westside Road, itself speaks to the family’s dedication to quality and authentic experiences, welcoming visitors with scenic views and settings of Japanese water gardens alongside mountain and vineyard vistas. For more information please visit www.aristawinery.com. Hourglass Vineyard modernizes the practice of winemaking in true, innovative style. Hourglass Vineyard boasts a unique terroir, so named is it is located in the narrowest part of the Napa Valley, the “pinch” of the hourglass shaped valley, between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges. Proprietors Jeff and Carolyn Smith seek to integrate the delicate relationship between Mother Nature and the art and science of winemaking in all that they do, pursuing the elusive balance of power and elegance in their wines and business practices. The creative design and contemporary architecture of the winery created by Bay Area architect Olle Lundberg are testaments to the restraint and finesse that permeates all aspects of the Hourglass brand. Consistently recognized as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignons in America, the Hourglass wines reflect a true sense of place and time.  www.hourglasswines.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, launch and sustain brands. Recognized as one of the most effective marketing  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. Headquartered in San Francisco, the CCA team infuses its work with enthusiasm, originality, and strategy to help clients thrive and grow. For more information please visit www.charlescomm.com or follow us on Twitter @charlescomm or visit us on Facebook at CharlesComm.