For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400
The 13th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration Gathers Record Crowds In Monterey Wine Country
Guests toast the award winning wines of Monterey County
Monterey County, CA - August, 2005 - Record crowds were on hand to toast the splendor of Monterey Wine Country at the 13th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration in downtown Monterey. The August 13th festivities featured over forty Monterey County wineries joining forces to showcase their world-class wines.
Winemakers’ Celebration participants enjoyed great food offered by Monterey County restaurants and caterers; danced to the upbeat tunes of The Eldredge and Rossi Band; and placed bids in an extraordinary auction that included an overnight stay in the Chalone guest house, golf packages at Rancho Canada and Laguna Seca, and numerous VIP winery tours and winemaker dinners.
“We have participated in the Winemakers’ Celebration for several years and have always been pleased with the response rate. This year was better than ever. The guests were all eager to learn about our new releases and it was a perfect opportunity to inform attendees from across the United States about the opening of our new tasting room along River Road in September,” commented Jane Beery, manager of San Saba. “Winemakers’ Celebration is simply a great event for the participating wineries and attendees alike. I would encourage any wine lover to put it on their calendar for 2006.”
Standing room only crowds were entertained by joining in a Riedel seminar and the “Match the Master Blend” program. The Riedel seminar focused on the topic “The O”. Guests had the opportunity to learn about the latest rage in new stemless glasses and see for themselves the impact of a high quality glass on how a wine tastes. Attendees were also invited to match wits against Steve Pessagno, managing partner and winemaker of Pessagno Winery and recently named to Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 wine list. Mr. Pessagno guided guests as they tried to match the master blend of his latest 2004 Chardonnay.
“I thought that this event was great – the best one that I have participated in. The people were knowledgeable, friendly, and inquisitive about the area and our wines. It was wonderful to pour award winning wines from Monterey County for the local community, guests from all over the US, and even international wine fans that I met from Sweden,” commented Deborah Canepa, tasting room manager at Blackstone Winery. “The music was great, the food was fantastic, the weather was perfect, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about the quality of Monterey County wines!”
The 2006 Winemakers’ Celebration will occur on August 12, 2006. MCVGA is also host of The Great Wine Escape Weekend, scheduled for November 10-14, 2005. Call 831/375-9400 for tickets and information, or visit MCVGA online at www.montereywines.org.
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 75 vintners and growers in Monterey County. To find out additional information about the members of MCVGA please call 831-375-9400 or visit online at www.montereywines.org
