New Web Site - discovercaliforniawine.com - A Resource for Planning Wine Outings
SAN FRANCISCO — Grape stomps, wine tastings, bottle signings, eco-vineyard hikes, concerts, festivals and winemaking classes are some of the special events planned for California Wine Month which kicks off September 1, 2008. Throughout the month, dozens of wineries and vineyards in California, along with restaurants, wine shops and supermarkets across the country, will offer wine lovers a multitude of ways to learn about and enjoy California’s vast array of diverse and high quality wines. Listings of these public events can be found at Wine Institute’s new web site for consumers, www.discovercaliforniawine.com, where users can also plan trips using interactive regional wine maps, learn about making and growing wine and winegrapes, meet vintners and growers and much more. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September 2008 California Wine Month for the fourth consecutive year, lauding the state's wine community as one of the largest and most successful wine producing regions in the world. California's wineries and winegrape growers generate $19 billion in retail sales in the U.S., attract national and international tourists, and preserve natural resources by using innovative and environmentally friendly practices for winegrowing and winemaking. "When it comes sharing with the public the attributes of the California wine industry, including being a positive cultural and economic force, our members have similar and complementary messages regarding the importance of agriculture, family businesses, sustainable winegrowing, and wine and food-based tourism. This is a natural partnership in our effort to educate public policy decision makers and unites us in our work in promoting California wine," said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. The Governor and First Lady Maria Shriver have also lent their support to California wine by appearing in a national TV campaign, along with wine and culinary personalities, to feature California’s outstanding wine, food and tourism. The broadcast ad is the cornerstone of a five-year partnership between Wine Institute and the California Travel and Tourism Commission to promote the state’s wine and food offerings. One of the largest events during the month will be a California Wine Rush Consumer Grand Tasting in New York that will "Explore the Regional Diversity of California Wines through Flavor, Sight and Sound." The event, presenting wines from more than 10 California regions from around the state takes place at Espace in Manhattan on September 10 from 5 – 7 pm, with ticket proceeds benefiting the Central Park Conservancy. "California’s winegrape growers are proud to participate in this event and others planned for California Wine Month, bringing the many faces of California wine directly to consumers," said Karen Ross, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, whose organization is supporting California Wine Month. Trade partners planning activities for California Wine Month in September 2008 include: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (special promotions and displays); Safeway Stores, Vons and Pavilions (bottle signings and special displays in select stores); Costco; Beverages & More!; Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar; P.F. Chang's China Bistro (special California wine promotion with Paul Dolan Vineyards); Tavistock Restaurant Group; Harlem Vintage Wine Shop and Bar (in-store tastings); Morrell Wine (regional in-store tastings); Union Square Wines (in-store tastings and month-long promotions); and Zachy's Wine and Liquor (in-store tastings; special dinners). Media and association partners include: Los Angeles Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal and the California Restaurant Association. Wine Institute is the association of 1,100 California wineries and wine-related businesses dedicated to public policy advocacy and enhancing the environment for the responsible consumption and enjoyment of wine. California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. In the U.S., two out of every three bottles enjoyed are California wines. Each year, nearly 20 million tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine and cultural offerings of California's signature industry.VISIT US AT: http://www.discovercaliforniawine.com
For September California winery events go to: http://www.discovercaliforniawine.com/learn/september-wine-events Journalists requiring further information can contact communications@wineinstitute.org or 415/512-0151.
