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Sterling Vineyards Is Certifiably Green

CALISTOGA, Calif., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sterling Vineyards is proud to announce that its landmark winery has been certified a Napa Valley Green Winery.

"Becoming a certified Napa Valley Green Winery underscores our long-standing commitment to preserving our uniqueNapa environment," said Michael Westrick, Vice President of Winemaking for Sterling Vineyards. "This is yet another step in our overall commitment to increase our conservation efforts, whether through the launch of Sterling Vineyards Made with Organic Grapes, our membership in the global movement 1% For The Planet or the conversion of the legendary Sterling tram to solar energy."

Founded in 2007, Napa Green Certified Winery was developed by the Napa Valley Vintners in coordination with the Napa County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and is based on the Association of Bay Area Government's (ABAG) Green Business Program as a model due to its consistent, credible and recognized program with a long track record. ABAG's winery-specific checklist was updated and adopted as the certification method for Napa Green Certified Winery because it puts all the regulatory pieces into a comprehensive format that goes beyond compliance. The checklist includes water conservation, energy conservation, pollution prevention, and solid waste reduction elements.

Sterling Vineyards announced a new line of organic wines fromMendocino County in September 2008; Sterling Vineyards Made With Organic Grapes 2007 Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with a Cabernet Sauvignon scheduled for release in April 2009. Sterling Vineyards Made With Organic Grapes is a member of 1% Percent for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual net revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. Sterling Vineyards Made With Organic Grapes has pledged $50,000, or just over 1% of projected gross annual proceeds, to benefit the shared mission of the 1% for the Planet alliance.

In December 2008, the famed Sterling Vineyards aerial tram converted to solar energy. The solar photovoltaic system is expected to generate an extra 20,985 kWh/year, which will offset other uses at Sterling Vineyards.

Visitors can enjoy Sterling Vineyards wines, tours and spectacular terrace views from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm seven days a week. Consumers wanting more information about Sterling Vineyards can call (800) 726-6136 or visit www.SterlingVineyards.com.

About Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards wine is produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E), part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe includingNapa Valley,Sonoma, the California Central Coast,Washington,France,New Zealand andAustralia. Brands include: Sterling Vineyards, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard, Edna Valley Vineyard, Rosenblum Cellars and Provenance Vineyards as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classifiedBordeaux and Burgundy estate-bottled wines and F.E. Trimbach.

Diageo's broader business includes an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. Diageo is a global company, listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

ABOUT NAPA GREEN CERTIFIED WINERY

Napa Green Certified Winery goes inside production facilities to identify and implement best practices to reduce green house gasses, recycle water and materials, conserve energy and more. In an interview with Wine Spectator, renowned environmentalist Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia(R) gave high praise for Napa Green, "I've been at this for 30 years and this is the best, most well-thought-out program I've ever seen."

SOURCE Sterling Vineyards