For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400
MONTEREY COUNTY VINTNERS AND GROWERS ASSOCIATION
LAUNCHES NATIONAL TOUR SHOWCASING FIFTEEN WINERIES
Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) announces national tour in Atlanta and Chicago
MONTEREY, CA. - April 3, 2003 - Fifteen wineries from Monterey County will be bringing their best to Chicago and Atlanta in order to promote the wines from the Monterey area. Monterey County continues to gain accolades and recognition, and the tour is an opportunity for both the press and the trade to meet the vintners of Monterey County and to taste the wines of this growing wine region. The vintners will conduct the complimentary tasting tours and educational panels in Chicago on May 6, 2003 and in Atlanta on May 8, 2003.
Monterey County Wine Tour participants will include:
Robert Brower, Proprietor for Chateau Julien Wine Estates;
Jose Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer for Blackstone Winery;
Phil Franscioni, Winemaker of Arroyo Seco Vineyards;
David Hastings, Assistant Winemaker of Skylane Cellars, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates;
Adam LaZarre, Winemaker at Hahn Estates/Smith & Hook Winery;
Jerome (Jerry) Lohr, Owner/President of J Lohr Winery;
Brian Moore and Darrel Gastile, Area Sales Managers from Monterra;
Dave Muret, Director of Marketing at Paraiso Vineyards;
LuAnn Meador, Owner of Ventana Vineyards/Meador Estates;
Steve Pessagno, Vice President and Winemaker at Lockwood;
Hugh Reimers, General Manager of Blackstone Winery;
Ken Shyvers, Winemaker at Estancia;
Christian Tudor, Owner and General Manager of Tudor Wines;
Ridge Watson, Winemaker and General Manager at Joullian Vineyards;
Carolyn Wente, President of Wente Vineyards;
Karl Wente, Winemaker for Wente Vineyards.
"Our guests are certain to be pleased at the impressive collection of principals and winemakers that we are bringing from Monterey County. For years, I have believed that this region could be an area of wine prominence and it is rewarding to see the quality of wines now coming from Monterey County," comments Jerry Lohr, Owner and President of J. Lohr Winery and Chairman of the MCVGA Marketing Committee. He continues, "The format and outstanding assembly of presenters will make this event a unique wine touring experience that the press and trade in Chicago and Atlanta won't want to miss."
The Mid-America Club, 200 East Randolph Drive, 80th Floor, has been selected as the host facility in Chicago on May 6th. The day will include a press luncheon and tasting from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. The trade tasting will occur from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
The Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, 3300 Peachtree Road, will be the site of the tasting in Atlanta on May 8th. The press luncheon and tasting will occur from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and the trade tasting is scheduled from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
"We selected Atlanta and Chicago because of the wonderful markets that they represent in terms of appreciation of the caliber of wines that are coming out of Monterey County, states Rhonda Motil, Executive Director of MCVGA. "Guests will participate in an afternoon full of both education and discovery. Our members are looking forward to introducing the press and the trade to some new wines that they are most likely not familiar with, as well as providing them the opportunity to taste the new vintage."
The event is complimentary for the press and the trade, however an RSVP is required. Reservations can be made by contacting The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association at 831.375.9400 or at www.montereywines.org. As space is limited, a reservation prior to April 24th is recommended.
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
