For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400

Wine Enthusiasts Indulge Their Senses at The 6th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend

Guests travel to Monterey County to See, Smell, Sip, and Savor the Wines of the Region

MONTEREY, CA. - December, 2002 - The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) hosted the 6th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend November 7th through November 10th. Wine enthusiasts enjoyed the finest of Monterey; including a jazz concert, winemakers' dinners, wine tasting and tours, an auction and gala, and a finale tasting.

"The weekend was a huge success," stated MCVGA's Events Director, Tamara Weinstein. "Our guests truly enjoy the diversity of the events that we planned for the weekend. At MCVGA we pride ourselves on our desire to have one-on-one contact with the consumer. The approachableness of the winemakers shines through during this weekend at the winery open houses and the winemakers' dinners. People leave with a better understanding of Monterey County after having met our winemakers and they have a greater appreciation for the fabulous wines that are coming out of the region."

"This was our first Great Wine Escape Weekend and we will definitely come back," stated Carole Comstock, a guest from Chicago, Illinois. "We had been exposed to some of Monterey County's wines but we really wanted the chance to find out more about the region. We selected an event package that gave us a preview of the best of Monterey - from the Gala at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to the Finale at The Inn at Spanish Bay at Pebble Beach. This was the most comprehensive wine event that I have ever attended."

An addition to this annual event was an educational seminar hosted by one of the wineries on each of the wine tasting bus tours. Guests were able to select one of four tours that offered wine tasting at three wineries. Sessions included such topics as Cabernet and terroir-making wine in the vineyard, producing the perfect Bordeaux style blend, hedonistic winemaking, the personality of Pinot Noir, and the merits of Syrah. Guests enjoyed the educational focus at these sessions, as well as the insight provided at each of the winemakers' dinners.

Su Klun from Columbus, Ohio commented on her highlights from the weekend, "Attending the Estancia Winemakers' Dinner was a wonderful experience. The food and wine pairings were very enlightening. Winemaker Ken Shyvers and chef Kurt Grasings provided us with some wonderful pairing suggestions that I can take back for my next evening get-together. The Grand Finale was also a great opportunity to select wines from over 30 wineries, all in one place. Monterey County is definitely a growing wine region that has a lot to offer!"

The Great Wine Escape is an annual event held in November. MCVGA sponsors two additional events throughout the year, including a Passport Weekend in February and a Winemakers' Celebration in August. Details on all of the events can be obtained calling 831-375-9400.

About MCVGA

The Monterey County Vintners & Growers' Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over sixty vintners and growers in Monterey County. MCVGA can be reached by calling 831-375-9400 or visiting online at www.montereywines.org