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Press Releases

Sonoma County Vintners Awarded US Department of Agriculture Value-added Producer Grant

First-time grant to fund new and existing marketing programs for Sonoma County wineries and winegrapes

Sonoma County Vintners, a marketing organization of 165 Sonoma County wineries, was awarded a Value-Added Producer Grant of almost $300,000 ($299,638) from the US Department of Agriculture to promote Sonoma County wines and winegrapes to new consumers across the country. The 2010 grant recipients were announced June 3 and the Sonoma County Vintners was named as one of only 13 organizations in California to receive funding.

Sonoma County Vintners was the main applicant for the grant, with Sonoma County Winegrape Commission named as a partner organization. The awarded funds will be used in several regional and national shared marketing programs and events, including new programs targeting the Generation X and Millennial wine-drinking population and top influencers in the wine trade. These programs will benefit wineries and growers across the county, and will be executed in partnership with the wine and tourism organizations in Sonoma County.

This is the first time Sonoma County Vintners has applied for this grant. It was one of three regional winery associations receiving the funding, joining Monterey Wine Growers Council and Livermore Valley Wine Growers. Recipients selected represented organizations in 45 states and Puerto Rico and grants awarded totaled $22.5 million.

“Obtaining this grant would not have been possible without the county-wide collaboration of our AVA associations, Sonoma County wineries, and the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. It is a triumph for our staff, our Board of Directors, and all of our wine and tourism partners,” said Honore Comfort, executive director of Sonoma County Vintners. “In this challenging economy, it is even more important to tap external resources and partnerships to promote Sonoma County wines in the marketplace, plus it allows us to offer our members even more value for their dollar.”

To view the US Department of Agriculture press release and Value-Added Producer Grant recipient list, visit http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/06/0302.xml

SONOMA COUNTY CONJUNCTIVE LABELING INITIATIVE MOVES FORWARD WITH COUNTY-WIDE CONSENSUS

Sonoma County winery and grape growing organizations have reached the consensus needed to pursue legislation that creates conjunctive labeling requirements for all regionally designated wines produced from Sonoma County grapes.

The Presidents’ Council, an organization comprised of leadership from Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, and each of the regional (AVA) associations met Tuesday, April 27, to hear from each group and assess the level of support for the initiative.

All organizations weighed in at the meeting, except two of the regional associations. Those remaining approvals were received on May 5.

"We have done our best to understand and address the concerns that were raised, and we are gratified to clearly have the consensus needed to move forward," said Honore Comfort, executive director of Sonoma County Vintners. "These last three months have truly been a collaborative process among the vintners and winegrape growers of Sonoma County."

Each regional association used its own procedure to assess the level of support of its members during the three months since the initiative was formally launched at the Sonoma County Vintners Annual Meeting on January 20, 2010, with some of the larger organizations conducting special meetings on the topic.

The decision to pursue conjunctive labeling in Sonoma County was based upon market research with consumers and the wine trade commissioned by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and conducted by WineOpinions in fall 2009. The findings indicated that core wine consumers preferred labels that included Sonoma County along with the American Viticulture Area (AVA) and this preference was most significant with a newer, less known AVA. More importantly, over 80 percent of the wine trade surveyed recommended that Sonoma County be added to wine labels in addition to the AVA. "Our goal is to sell more wine produced from Sonoma County grapes," said Nick Frey, president of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. "The market research led us to the clear conclusion that conjunctive labeling can help us achieve that goal."

Next Steps
The next phase of the process will center upon drafting the legislation that will be introduced in the California State Legislature. Exact wording for the bill will be worked out in coming weeks, but will be based on the existing conjunctive labeling legislation language used by Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Lodi. Once adopted, the new law would go into effect on January 1, 2011 with a three year phase-in period. Full adoption would occur on January 1, 2014.

About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to increasing awareness and improving the quality image of its wines to consumers, media, and trade locally and globally. With almost 65,000 vineyard acres planted among the county’s 13 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is considered one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions, producing an unparalleled range of varietals and wine styles. SCV has promoted this diversity and quality since 1944, and currently represents more than 165 member wineries and 25 Affiliate Members. For more information on the wines and wineries of Sonoma County, visit www.sonomawine.com.

About Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission was established in 2006 as a non-profit marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCWC’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Pre-Sale Tickets

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend 2010

Event Update: Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, September 3-5

Visa Signature® Cardholders Offered Advanced Access and Special Pricing for
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
During Exclusive Pre–Sale Beginning April 23

Sonoma, CA (April 23, 2010) As presenting sponsors of the 2010 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend (September 3-5), Visa Signature®, in partnership with event organizers, is offering cardholders preferred access and pricing on event tickets during an exclusive presale beginning April 23. To take advantage of special Visa Signature ticketpricing, cardholders must make their purchase using a Visa Signature card at www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend tickets will go on sale to the public beginning June 1, 2010. For a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

In making the announcement, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Executive Producer Maureen Cottingham said, “We are thrilled to have Visa Signature as our presenting sponsor again this year, and are delighted to partner with them to provide Visa Signature cardholders with exclusive access, pricing and perks for one of the country’s premier wine and food events.”

Three Days. Two Hundred Wineries and Chefs. One Unforgettable Sonoma Experience
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend combines two of Sonoma’s most prestigious wine and food events; the 31st Annual Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch and 18Th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction Presented by Trilogy Glass & Packaging with a series of intimate winemaker-hosted lunches and dinners. In all, more than 200 acclaimed vintners, growers and chefs will participate in the three day pre-harvest celebration and fundraiser, which to date has raised more than $10 million for local charities. This year’s festivities, including the California Beach Party-themed auction, will be presided over by Honorary Chair, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com for event details and participants.

About Visa Signature
The 2010 Sonoma Wine County Weekend is presented by Visa Signature®. Visa Signature cardholders will receive exclusive savings and perks throughout the event. From benefits that save time to benefits that help to safeguard purchases, Visa Signature helps cardholders get the most out of life.

Visa Signature offers cardholders a range of benefits and perks, in addition to a number of rewards programs that may be offered by Visa Signature partners, such as airline, hotel and cash back programs. Visa Signature cardholders enjoy complimentary concierge services, the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, complimentary wine tastings at more than 60 Sonoma County wineries year-round, and premium merchant offers, as well as preferred access and seating at epicurean events, premier concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup™. For more information about Visa Signature, visit www.visa.com/signature.

Additional Sponsors
In addition to Visa Signature, the 2010 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is being made possible by the following sponsors: Caliber WinePak, MacMurray Ranch Vineyards, Trilogy Glass & Packaging, Wine Spectator, San Francisco Magazine, Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. For a complete list of beneficiaries and sponsors of the 2010 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving over 500 vintners, growers and associates who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501c.3 organization that has raised over $8,000,000 for local Sonoma Valley charities through the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please call 707-935-0803 or visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions, and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 175 wineries of all sizes throughout the county. www.SonomaWine.com

Media: Michael Coats 707-935-6203 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marty LaPlante 707-939-1243 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sonoma in the City Los Angeles
SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS ARE BRINGING "SONOMA IN THE CITY" TO LOS ANGELES
Week of tastings and dinners scheduled May 4-6 throughout Los Angeles

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA – April 6, 2010 – A group of Sonoma County’s finest wineries, winegrowers, and chefs is headed to Los Angeles May 4-6 for a series of wine seminars, dinners and tastings for Los Angeles wine trade and consumers. The “Sonoma in the City: Los Angeles” tour is presented by Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Alexander Valley Winegrowers, Russian River Valley Winegrowers, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, and Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™.

“Los Angeles is one of the most important wine markets in the country, and we want to make sure that Sonoma County wines are on their collective radar,” explains SCV Executive Director Honore Comfort. “We have developed a full schedule of events designed to reach a wide range of consumers while educating top members of the wine trade. We have more than 40 Sonoma County winemakers, winegrowers and winery owners joining us in Los Angeles. Our events will allow attendees the chance to talk to the winemakers, wine growers, and winery owners about their wines and meet the people that make Sonoma County what it is.”

Here is an overview of the week’s events. Details for participation are included with each listing.

Tuesday, May 4
Retail Tasting with four Sonoma County wineries
Bottle Rock Downtown -- 1050 Flower Street # 167, Los Angeles
Info: 213/747-1100
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Information: http://www.bottlerock.net/

Retail Tasting with nine Sonoma County wineries
Wine House -- 2311 Cotner Ave., Los Angeles
Info: 310/479-3731
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Information: www.winehouse.com

Wednesday, May 5:
Retail Tasting with four Sonoma County wineries
Cecconi’s Restaurant with Du-Vin Wine & Spirits – 8764 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
Information: 213/507-2404
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Information: www.cecconiswesthollywood.com

Retail Tasting with six Sonoma County wineries
Bottle Rock Culver City -- 3847 Main Street, Culver City
Info: 310/836-WINE (9463)
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Information: http://www.bottlerock.net/

Alexander Valley Winegrowers Dinner at Melisse
Time: 6:30 pm
Taste Alexander Valley wines with a wine-inspired menu paired with these outstanding wineries:
Skipstone, Souverain, Munselle Wines, and Stryker Sonoma
Melisse Restaurant, 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
Cost: $150 per person
Reservations: 310/395-0881
Information: http://alexandervalley.org or www.melisse.com

Thursday, May 6
Retail Tasting with four Sonoma County wineries
Woodland Hills Wine Co. -- 22622 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills
Info: 800/678-9463
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Information: www.whwc.com

Retail Tasting with seven Sonoma County wineries
Wally's Wine & Spirits -- 2107 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles
Info: 310/475-0606
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Information: www.wallywine.com

Russian River Valley Winegrowers Dinner at Valentino
Enjoy a beautifully paired menu featuring Iron Horse Vineyards, Joseph Swan,
Inman Family, Longboard Vineyards, and Papapietro Perry
Time: 7:30-10:30pm
Valentino, 3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
Cost: $100 per person
Information: www.Valentinorestaurantgroup.com or 310/829-4313

About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its artisanal passion, diversity and distinctiveness, and quality. Through innovative, collaborative, and informative marketing programs, SCV increases awareness and improves the quality image of Sonoma County wines and member wineries. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 170 wineries of all sizes throughout the county. For more information about Sonoma County Vintners and its member wineries, visit www.sonomawine.com.

About Sonoma County Winegrape Commission
The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission was established in 2006 as a non-profit marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCWC’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org <http://www.sonomawinegrape.org>

About Alexander Valley Winegrowers
An hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge lies the Alexander Valley, located at the northern end of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley is 22 miles long and varies in width from two to seven miles. There are 76,900 acres of land, of which 15,000 acres are planted to premium wine grapes. World class Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thrive from the valley floor all the way up the rolling hillsides and mountain ridges. The gravelly loam soils straddling the Russian River encourage Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot to flourish. For more information, visit: www.alexandervalley.org

About Russian River Valley Winegrowers
Russian River Valley Winegrowers, formed in 1993 is an education and marketing association of over 300 grape growers, wineries and commercial members in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The RRVW is sustaining generations of winemaking – mentoring producers and encouraging enthusiasts. Learn more at www.rrvw.org and become a fan at Facebook.com/russianrivervalleywinegrowers.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving over 500 vintners, growers and associates who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, terroir and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit organization that has raised over $6,000,000 for local Sonoma Valley charities through the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please call 707-935-0803 or visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™
Dry Creek Valley’s history of grape growing and winemaking is among the longest in California, with its roots beginning more than 135 years ago. The precise blend of climate, soil and exposure that produces grapes of singular quality and character is the true allure of the region. Dry Creek Valley is approximately 16 miles long and 2 miles wide. It is framed on the western edge by rugged mountain ridges rimmed with redwoods and evergreens. The region has roughly 9,300 acres of vineyards, 150 growers, and more than 60 wineries producing a diverse selection of wines ranging from legendary Zinfandels to Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals. For more information, visit: www.wdcv.com

SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS ARE BRINGING “SONOMA IN THE CITY” TO THE BIG APPLE

Sonoma in the City New York

Week of tastings and dinners scheduled April 13-16 throughout Manhattan
Top Sonoma Chefs and Vintners at James Beard House April 14

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA -- March 18, 2010 – A group of Sonoma County’s finest wineries, winegrowers, and chefs is headed to New York City April 13-16 for a series of wine seminars, dinners and tastings for New York wine trade and consumers. The “Sonoma in the City: New York” tour is presented by Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley Winegrowers, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau and the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance.

“New York is where trends begin and tastemakers reside, and we want to make sure that Sonoma County wines are on their collective radar,” explains SCV Executive Director Honore Comfort. “We have developed a full schedule of events designed to reach a wide range of consumers while educating top members of the wine trade. We have more than 40 Sonoma County winemakers, winegrowers and winery owners in New York with us in addition to some of the region’s finest chefs. Our events will allow attendees the chance to meet the people that make Sonoma County what it is.”

Here is an overview of the week’s events. Details for participation are included with each listing.

Wednesday, April 14th
Retail tasting at Acker Merrall -- 160 West 72nd Street
Time: 4:30-7:00pm
Information: http://home.ackerstore.com/

Wednesday, April 14th
Retail tasting at Whole Foods Wine Store -- Columbus and 98th St.
Time: 4:30-7:00pm
Information: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/upperwestside/

Wednesday, April 14th
Retail tasting at Union Square Wines -- 140 4th Ave (at 13th St)
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Information: http://www.unionsquarewines.com/

Wednesday, April 14th
Sonoma in the City Dinner at James Beard House
Time: 7:00-10:30pm
Sonoma County has inspired not only great vintners and grape growers, but talented, innovative chefs. Five of the region’s best will prepare a menu of terroir-influenced cuisine, paired with wines from Dutton Goldfield, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Jordan, Landmark Vineyards, Paul Hobbs, Pride Mountain Vineyard, and A. Rafanelli Winery.

Featured Sonoma County Chefs:

Duskie Estes and John Stewart: Zazu Restaurant & Farm/ Santa Rosa, CA and Bovolo/ Healdsburg, CA
Justin Everett: El Dorado Kitchen at El Dorado Hotel/ Sonoma, CA
Janine Falvo: Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar at the Lodge at Sonoma/ Sonoma, CA
Bruce Riezenman: Pair It! iPhone App; and Park Avenue Catering/Cotati, CA

Cost: James Beard Members $150; General Public $200
James Beard House, 167 West 12th Street
Information: 212/627-2308

Wednesday, April 14th
Alexander Valley Winegrowers Dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Time: 6:30-10:30pm
Alexander Valley wineries will include Alexander Valley Vineyards; Francis Ford Coppola Winery; and Rodney Strong Vineyards in a carefully paired multi-course dinner.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 148 West 51st Street, NYC
Cost: $100 per person
Reservations: Tiffany Melina 212/245-9600 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Information: http://alexandervalley.org/events or www.ruthschris.com

Thursday, April 15th
Retail tasting at Acker Merrall -- 160 West 72nd Street
Time: 4:30-7:00pm
Information: http://home.ackerstore.com/

Thursday, April 15th
Retail tasting at Morell & Company -- 1 Rockefeller Plaza (49th St. between 5th and 6th Ave)
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Information: http://morrellwine.com/

Thursday, April 15th
Retail tasting at 67th Street Wine & Spirits -- 179 Columbus Ave at 68th St
Time: 4:30-7:00pm
Information: http://www.67wine.com/

Thursday, April 15th
Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Dinner at Aureole
Time: 7:00-10:30pm
Sonoma Valley wines paired with the four-course menu include Arrowood Vineyards & Winery, B.R. Cohn Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Deerfield Ranch Winery, GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Viansa Winery & Marketplace
Aureole New York, One Bryant Park, 135 West 42nd Street, NYC
Price: $165
To purchase tickets call: 707/935-0803
Information: http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/Aureole/NY/ , www.SonomaValleyWine.com and www.sonomavalleywine.com/pdfs/Aureole_Sonoma_Valley_Dinner.pdf

About Alexander Valley Winegrowers
An hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge lies the Alexander Valley, located at the northern end of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley is 22 miles long and varies in width from two to seven miles. There are 76,900 acres of land, of which 15,000 acres are planted to premium wine grapes. World class Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thrive from the valley floor all the way up the rolling hillsides and mountain ridges. The gravelly loam soils straddling the Russian River encourage Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot to flourish. For more information, visit: www.alexandervalley.org

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley’s history of grape growing and winemaking is among the longest in California, with its roots beginning more than 135 years ago. The precise blend of climate, soil and exposure that produces grapes of singular quality and character is the true allure of the region. Dry Creek Valley is approximately 16 miles long and 2 miles wide. It is framed on the western edge by rugged mountain ridges rimmed with redwoods and evergreens. The region has roughly 9,300 acres of vineyards, 150 growers, and more than 60 wineries producing a diverse selection of wines ranging from legendary Zinfandels to Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals. For more information, visit: www.wdcv.com

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving over 500 vintners, growers and associates who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, terroir and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit organization that has raised over $6,000,000 for local Sonoma Valley charities through the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please call 707-935-0803 or visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.