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‘COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine’ Announces Second Annual "Come Over October" Campaign

23 July, 2025

  ‘COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine’ Announces Second Annual "Come Over October" Campaign Building on Record-Breaking 2024 Success, Initiative Prepares to Expand Wine Community Connections Nationwide – and Internationally St. Helena, CA July 24, 2025 – COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine today announced that planning is underway for its highly anticipated second annual "Come Over October" campaign, building on the extraordinary success of 2024's inaugural initiative. The community-driven wine platform continues to demonstrate the power of authentic connection through wine appreciation, preparing to expand its reach and impact even further this fall. 2024 Campaign Achieves Unprecedented Success The inaugural Come Over October campaign delivered remarkable results across all metrics, reaching an estimated 1.7 billion unique visitor impressions (UVMs) and engaging over 10 million people through diverse channels. The campaign generated significant momentum with 4 million social media impressions through patron and friend networks, reached 1 million consumers through in-store traffic across 900+ retail locations including Total Wine and Kroger, and achieved 3 million advertising impressions through features in Wine Enthusiast, Tasting Panel Magazine, SOMM Journal, VinePair, Wine Folly, and other leading publications. Spring Success Builds Momentum for Fall Following the success of Come Over October 2024, COME TOGETHER's 2025 Share & Pair Sundays spring campaign achieved additional milestones, generating over 122 million unique visitor impressions from 300+ media articles, reaching 4.5 million consumers through in-store activations across 500+ retail locations in 43 designated market areas, and creating 89,000+ social media impressions. Ten Ways to Come Over October The 2025 campaign will feature ten curated suggestions for bringing people together through wine, including: Game Day gatherings with wine and snacks Best Friend nights centered around cooking dinner together Neighborhood Potlucks that build community connections, Leaves Changing Color celebrations with white, red and rosé tastings after autumn walks At-home wine tasting parties for old and new friends Wine Book Club gatherings that combine reading with regional wine exploration Renewed Sunday Supper traditions End of October costume parties featuring bewitching wines TGIF Wine and Cheese gatherings after work Love Your Local Winery visits to support the wineries in all 50 states. Alecia Moore (stage name Pink) highlights Wine's Human Connection The campaign will feature a video from a recent exclusive interview with winemaker Alecia Moore, (stage name Pink), who eloquently articulates wine's power to foster meaningful human connection. "When you open a bottle of wine, you open a conversation," Moore shared. "You get to learn where someone is from, what their favorite childhood memories might be, what their favorite scent is and why, when they had their first heartbreak. We bond over these stories." Moore's perspective resonates particularly strongly in today's increasingly digital world: "The more and more that we disconnect through devices and tuning out, the more we will see that our souls will be hungry for connection." She emphasizes wine's unique role in fostering authentic relationships, noting that "Wine is a very human experience. We need to inject more humanity back in the world." See Alecia's recent interview with Karen MacNeil here. Industry Leaders Champion Community Connection The campaign's founders continue to champion the initiative's core mission of building authentic wine communities. "The inspiration for these campaigns comes from a simple but powerful belief: wine is meant to bring people together," said Karen MacNeil, acclaimed wine author and co-founder of COME TOGETHER. "When we create spaces for authentic connection around wine, we're not just sharing bottles – we're connecting communities, cultures, and perspectives. That's the true spirit driving everything we do." Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners emphasized the broad industry support driving the initiative's success: "The level of industry support we've witnessed has been truly remarkable. From small family wineries to major industry players, everyone understands that fostering genuine community with wine drinkers benefits us all. This isn't just about marketing; it's about strengthening the entire wine ecosystem through community-building and authentic connections." Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates, highlighted the campaign's unprecedented reach and resonance: "What we're seeing is unprecedented reach and resonance across all segments of the wine world. We're narrowing the gap between industry insiders and passionate consumers in ways that create lasting value for everyone involved. The response from trade professionals has been overwhelming, but equally exciting is how these initiatives are connecting with everyday wine enthusiasts through everything from intimate winery experiences to major retail activations." Fall Plans The Come Together team is planning on hosting press conferences this fall in New York City and Washington DC.   In a nod to the international reach of this movement, this year, the country of Canada, through  Wine Growers Canada, will be executing a countrywide Come Over October program.   Continued Industry Support Come Over October 2025 extends gratitude to its sponsors, whose support has been essential to the campaigns' success. Foundational sponsors include: Freixenet Mionetto, J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jackson Family Wines and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. Benefactors include CMB Family of Wines, Constellation Brands, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, The Wine Group and Total Wine & More and wine.com. Sponsors include Boisset Collection, Crimson Wine Group, Far Niente Wine Estates, Napa Valley Vintners, Peju Napa Valley, Ponzi Vineyards, Rodney Strong, Wilson Daniels and WineAmerica. Media sponsors include: The Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Tasting Panel, Somm Journal, Wine Business Monthly, VinePair, The Vintner Project, and Wine Industry Network.  For more information on how to become a supporter or advocate visit www.cometogetherforwine.com/support-the-movement/. About COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine is a dynamic community for wine enthusiasts dedicated to fostering connections, education, and appreciation within the wine world. Through innovative campaigns and community-driven initiatives, the organization brings together industry professionals, passionate consumers, and wine lovers of all backgrounds to celebrate wine's unique ability to create meaningful human connections. Founded by noted wine writer and author Karen MacNeil, along with leading wine industry marketers Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates, the mission-driven company shares the story of wine's historic and contemporary role as a beverage that uniquely brings people together. For more information about Come Over October, visit www.comeoveroctober.com. Media Contact: Gino Colangelo gcolangelo@colangelopr.com 646-403-0146 Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET kcharles@charlescomm.com 415-701-WINE (9463)  
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‘COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine’ Concludes Successful ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Spring Campaign: Announces Second Annual "Come Over October" Initiative

4 June, 2025

‘COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine’ Concludes Successful ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Spring Campaign: Announces Second Annual "Come Over October" Initiative Community-driven wine platform builds consumer global awareness and industry support  St. Helena, CA June 4, 2025– COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine, a mission-driven company focused on wine advocacy, today announced the successful conclusion of its inaugural Share & Pair Sundays spring campaign while announcing plans for its highly anticipated second annual "Come Over October" campaign this fall. Through both initiatives, the organization, founded by three wine industry leaders, has demonstrated  the power of community-driven advocacy to reach consumers with positive messages about wine. Spring Success Sets Stage for Fall Growth The Share & Pair Sundays campaign achieved remarkable success throughout the spring season, generating over 122 million unique visitor impressions from 300+ media articles, reaching 4.5 million consumers through in-store activations across 500+ retail locations in 43 designated market areas, and creating 89,000+ social media impressions. The campaign brought together wine lovers nationwide, creating meaningful connections and shared experiences around wine appreciation through diverse activations ranging from winery events to retail partnerships. Building on this momentum, COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine is preparing to launch its second annual Come Over October campaign, which promises to expand the community's reach and impact even further. "The inspiration for these campaigns comes from a simple but powerful belief: wine is meant to bring people together," said Karen MacNeil, reflecting on the campaign's origins. "When we create spaces for authentic connection around wine, we're not just sharing bottles – we're connecting communities, cultures, and perspectives. That's the true spirit driving everything we do." Industry Support Fuels Community Growth The campaigns have garnered significant support from across the wine industry, with sponsors and partners recognizing the value of community-centered initiatives. Notable participants included premier wineries such as Far Niente, PEJU Winery, and J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, retail partners such as Gary's Wine & Marketplace and Kroger through Constellation Brands, and regional wine organizations including Paso Robles Wine Country and Texas Fine Wine among many others. This broad coalition has been instrumental in the organization's ability to raise awareness on a global scale. "The level of industry support we've witnessed has been truly remarkable," noted Gino Colangelo, speaking to the broad coalition backing the initiatives. "From small family wineries to major industry players, everyone understands that fostering genuine wine communities with wine drinkers benefits us all. This isn't just about marketing; it's about strengthening the entire wine ecosystem through community and authentic connections." Demonstrated Success Across Multiple Channels The Share & Pair Sundays campaign's success was evident across diverse activation channels. Wineries like Peju Vineyards created dynamic 10-week culinary experiences featuring global flavors, while Far Niente Wine Estates aligned the campaign with their signature "Il Dolce Far Niente" philosophy. Retail partners achieved significant results, with Constellation Brands and Kroger delivering over 4.4 million impressions and receiving nearly $12,000 in bonus media value. Regional wine organizations including Paso Robles Wine Country and Texas Fine Wine amplified the message through podcasts and social media, while cultural collaborations with nationally notable figures such as Italian chef and PBS personality, Lidia Bastianich brought additional depth and authenticity to the campaign. "What we're seeing is unprecedented reach and resonance across all segments of the wine world," explained Kimberly Charles, highlighting the campaigns' broad appeal. "From over 122 million media impressions to 4.5 million in-store consumer touchpoints, we're narrowing the gap between industry insiders and passionate consumers in ways that create lasting value for everyone involved. The response from trade professionals has been overwhelming, but equally exciting is how these initiatives are connecting with everyday wine enthusiasts through everything from intimate winery experiences to major retail activations." Fall Plans Include High-Profile Events COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine, has ambitious plans for the fall season, including a second Congressional Wine Caucus tasting, building on the success of previous legislative engagement efforts. The organization will also host press conferences in both New York City and Washington, D.C., to highlight the growing influence of community-driven wine advocacy. These events underscore the organization's commitment to elevating wine's role in cultural and policy discussions while maintaining its grassroots community focus. Sponsor Recognition and Support Come Together extends gratitude to its 2025 sponsors, whose support has been essential to the campaigns' success. Foundational sponsors included: Freixenet Mionetto, J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jackson Family Wines and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.   Benefactors included: Constellation Brands, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, The Wine Group and Total Wine & More.   Sponsors included: Crimson Wine Group, Far Niente Wine Estates, the Napa Valley Vintners, Peju Napa Valley and Ponzi Vineyards.   Media sponsors included: The Wine Enthusiast, Tasting Panel, Somm Journal, Wine Business Monthly, VinePair and Wine Industry Network.  A complete listing of supporters can be found here.    For more information on continued support, please visit here. The combination of financial support and industry partnerships has enabled the organization to pursue its mission of building meaningful wine communities while raising significant awareness among consumers for wine culture and appreciation. About COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine COME TOGETHER -- A Community for Wine is a dynamic community for wine enthusiasts dedicated to fostering connections, education, and appreciation within the wine world. Through innovative campaigns and community-driven initiatives, the organization brings together industry professionals, passionate consumers, and wine lovers of all backgrounds to celebrate wine's unique ability to create meaningful human connections.  Founded by noted wine writer and author Karen MacNeil, along with leading wine industry marketers Gino Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates, the mission-driven company shares the story of wine's historic and contemporary role as a beverage that uniquely brings people together.     Media Contacts: For further information please contact either Gino Colangelo gcolangelo@colangelopr.com 646-403-0146 or Kimberly Noelle Charles kcharles@charlescomm.com 415-701-WINE [9463]  
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COME TOGETHER A Community for Wine Inc. Launches ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Campaign

10 February, 2025

COME TOGETHER A Community for Wine Inc. Launches ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Campaign Spring Campaign Celebrates the Union of Wine and Food, Building on Success of Come Over October St. Helena CA (February 2025) - Following the tremendous success of the inaugural ‘Come Over October’ campaign, which reached over 1.7 billion media impressions and garnered coverage in major outlets including Forbes, NPR, and The Washington Post, COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc. announces the launch of Share & Pair Sundays, a Spring-to-Summer campaign celebrating the delicious marriage of wine and food.  The new campaign also reinforces wine’s unique ability to bring people together, so successfully communicated in the Come Over October campaign. Running from March 23 through May 25, 2025, Share & Pair Sundays will encourage wine and food enthusiasts to gather weekly, fostering connections through shared culinary experiences. The campaign will span ten consecutive Sundays, beginning with the first Sunday of Spring. "The resounding success of Come Over October demonstrated the wine community's eagerness to create meaningful connections," says Karen MacNeil, co-founder of COME TOGETHER. "Share & Pair Sundays extends this mission by celebrating how wine and food bring people together across cultures and traditions." The campaign will feature creative activations across multiple channels: - Retail partnerships featuring in-store promotions and curated wine and food pairings - Restaurant and hotel collaborations offering special Sunday wine dinner promotions - Winery-hosted wine and food tastings - Digital content including food pairing suggestions in DTC wine shipments - Social media engagement featuring celebrity chefs, sports figures, and food influencers - A vigorous Instagram Live campaign hosted by Karen MacNeil A key focus of Share & Pair Sundays is broadening wine's appeal through its association with diverse cultural foodways. The campaign will actively engage Hispanic, Asian, and Black communities, encouraging the sharing of traditional dishes paired with various wines. The initiative has already garnered support from major industry players who recognize the importance of connecting wine with food culture. The campaign will be activated through multiple channels including print, digital, radio, and television media, with strong support from both the wine and hospitality industries. "The Come Over October campaign demonstrated the power of unified messaging, reaching over 4 million people through social media and establishing presence in close to 1,000 retail stores," notes Kimberly Noelle Charles, co-founder. "We're excited to build on this momentum with Share & Pair Sundays, which celebrates the universal language of food and wine while fostering meaningful connections." A dedicated website, ShareandPairSundays.com, has launched and will evolve as the campaign unfolds, featuring pairing suggestions from leading chefs and wine professionals, along with resources for both consumers and trade partners. The campaign has already received significant support from key industry players across various contribution tiers. Foundational Partners include Freixenet-Mionetto, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, and Jackson Family Wines. Benefactors include The Wine Group, Ponzi Vineyards, Crimson Wine Group and Peju Napa Valley. Champions of the initiative include M.S. Walker and Gary's Wine & Marketplace, while Contributors include Tomorrow Cellars, Silicon Valley Bank, Dalla Terra, and Tor Napa Valley. The campaign continues to welcome participation from all segments of the wine and food industries, from importers and wholesalers to restaurants and gourmet shops, winery associations and artisan producers. Interested parties can contribute through financial support, in-kind contributions, or by helping amplify the campaign's message. For more information about Share & Pair Sundays or to get involved, please visit www.ShareandPairSundays.com or contact Project Manager Barbara Fitzgerald at  barbara@cometogetherforwine.com.  For media queries, please reach out to Kimberly Noelle Charles kcharles@charlescomm.com or Gino Colangelo gcolangelo@colangelopr.com. About COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc. COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc. is a mission-driven company established in 2024 by wine journalist Karen MacNeil and communications specialists Kimberly Noelle Charles and Gino Colangelo. The company creates campaigns celebrating wine's role in fostering community and connection.  To learn more, visit www.cometogetherforwine.com.
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