California Wine Month has kicked off in full force in the popular and influential wine region of Monterey, California.  Harvest activities have been at the forefront of the busy month of September, with many of the grape growers in the region actively picking what is shaping up to be an exciting vintage for the region. Additional attention has been focused on events that celebrate the award winning wines of the area.  The largest local collaborative celebration is the Salute to Agriculture event, which runs from September 12-14, 2007. Nationally, over 15 Monterey County brands will be featured in various media, trade and legislative events from September 19-20, 2007 in Washington, DC.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared September as California Wine Month for the third consecutive year.  He cited the wine industry’s contributions to the state’s economy, lifestyle, tourism and environment as the impetus for the declaration.  He has also credited the Salinas Valley area, where over 39,000 acres of winegrapes are grown, as a significant agriculture region within the state. 

"Our state is blessed with an exceptional environment, perfectly suited for growing an array of delicious and bountiful crops for millions of people. This is especially true in the great Salinas Valley, where the agricultural industry plays a venerable role in the valley’s history and prosperity. The crops grown here not only feed the world, but also provide sources of renewable energy that help preserve the environment. My thanks go to organizers, sponsors, farmers and ranchers and all those who have made Salute to Agriculture 2007 possible. Due to their efforts, California agriculture has worldwide appeal, and it is a source of great pride for every person who contributes to the industry’s strength and ingenuity,” proclaimed Governor Schwarzenegger.

The Salute to Agriculture event features an exclusive wine pairing dinner, an Agriculture Leadership Awards Luncheon, an Agriculture tour that will visit Paraiso Vineyards on one of the stops, and the “Taste of the Valley” culinary and wine tasting finale.  Tickets for these events are available by contacting the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce at 831.424.7611 or visiting www.salutetoag.com

Wine Institute, an association of over 1000 California wineries and wine-related businesses, has also been instrumental in organizing wine events that feature the various wine regions within California.  In addition to a series of promotional events that Monterey Wine Country partnered with Wine Institute on in Sacramento in August, the Monterey wine region will be featured with other California viticulture areas at a series of events in Washington, DC in late September.  These events include a tasting for the Congressional Wine Caucus at the Capital, a media and trade tasting at 701 Restaurant, and a media dinner at Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse.  Over 400 influential buyers and media representatives will be exposed to the wines of the Monterey region at these events.

To top off the festivities, national restaurants and retailers have also joined in the celebration by featuring special promotions to showcase California wines.  Sample restaurants include Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and Trader Vic’s Restaurants.  Trader Vic’s promotions of California wines will extend to London, Hamburg, Tokyo, and Shanghai.  Other partners that have special California wine features include Safeway Stores, Costco, and Beverages & More!

September is the Time for Wine
The Monterey County Herald

September is California Wine Month
The Wine Institute