For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400

Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association Celebrates a Successful
10th Annual Winemakers' Celebration

Wine enthusiasts enjoy great wine, food, and entertainment

MONTEREY, CA. - August 12, 2002 - The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) attracted record numbers to its 10th Annual Winemakers' Celebration on Saturday, August 10th. Wine enthusiasts braved the record setting heat to revel in the festivities of the event at the Custom House Plaza in downtown Monterey. The festivities included over 40 wineries showcasing their world class wines, food from some of Monterey counties finest restaurants and the wonderful music of The Eldredge and Rossi Band.

According to MCVGA's Executive Director, Rhonda Motil, "This was a perfect opportunity for the general public to taste first-hand the outstanding wines of Monterey County. Monterey County's wines are diverse," she added, "the unusual climatic conditions on the Monterey Peninsula give our wines very unique characteristics which are not found elsewhere. By having these wines poured side by side at one venue, guests to the area were able to discover the perfect wine that meets their preferences."

Some of the special features of the day included a silent auction, art exhibition, and educational tent - truly something for everyone! The silent auction allowed the general public to bid on some of the counties finest and rarest wines, tours and private tastings with winemakers of the area, and hotel and golf packages to the finest establishments in Monterey. This year there was also an art exhibition and art auction, which showcased the work of several local artists. The educational tent illustrated the process of creating fine wines. Some of the displays included, grapevine pruning, a wine grape varietals display, a sustainable agricultural exhibit, and a live wine barrel building demonstration from Seguin Moreau Coopers.

The Winemakers' Celebration is an annual event held in August. The next event will be the Great Wine Escape Weekend, which runs from November 7-10. Details on the event can be obtained at www.montereywines.org or by 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 members' leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing the Vintners and Growers of Monterey County.