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. # # #