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Winery Events Abound This September for California Wine Month

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 inCalifornia, along with restaurants, wine shops and supermarkets across the country, will offer wine lovers a multitude of ways to learn about and enjoyCalifornia'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, http://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.

"The Governor's Proclamation recognizes the positive impactCalifornia wine has on the state, the nation and the world," said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. "California Wine Month offers vintners and growers a unique opportunity to partner with retailers and restaurateurs nationwide, showcasing the state's many wine regions, beautiful and sustainable vineyards, welcoming wineries and, of course, our outstanding wines."

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 featureCalifornia'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 inNew 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 inManhattan 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 (specialCalifornia 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 1,100California 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 areCalifornia wines. Each year, nearly 20 million tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine and cultural offerings ofCalifornia's signature industry.

    VISIT US AT:
    http://www.discovercaliforniawine.com
    http://www.wineinstitute.org
    http://www.cawg.org

SOURCE Wine Institute

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Winery Events Abound This September for California Wine Month