FOR:              RUSSIAN RIVER WINE ROAD            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                        Beth Costa, Executive Director                   

498 Moore Lane, Suite B/ P.O. Box 46

Healdsburg, CA 95488

www.wineroad.com

CONTACT: WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE

                        Ashley E. Rodgers

                        323.871.1151 ext. 119 office

RUSSIAN RIVER WINE ROAD IS ‘GREENING’ UP ITS ACT!

The vintners association announces new protocols  

to lessen its ecological footprint

(Healdsburg, CA; July 16, 2008)—Change is afoot at the Russian River Wine Road with the announcement of plans to significantly reduce its environmental impact. The waste accumulated preparing for and during its three annual events—Winter Wineland, Barrel Tasting, and A Wine and Food Affair—amounts to over 100k plastic bottles and 80k printed invitations, and over the next year it will be reduced to none.

Starting on November 1, 2008 with A Wine and Food Affair, the organization will implement the following waste reduction program in an effort to minimize the use of plastic and paper. First, it will reduce plastics consumption by providing Calistoga drinking water from refillable, large format water containers where guests can dispense water directly into their reusable wine glass included in the ticket price. “We’re looking at our surroundings and trying to see ways that we can make sure our environmental impact is positive. Our members are longtime stewards of this land and we feel our events should reflect their ideologies and our shared belief in conservation,” says Beth Costa, Executive Director, Russian River Wine Road.  These water containers are reusable and will be returned to Calistoga at the close of the event, reducing its refuse by over 100k plastic water bottles per year.

To reduce paper consumption, it will no longer print and mail special event invitations to its database which will significantly reduce the amount of paper consumed in sending out print invitations.  Instead, it will use its web site and various online avenues to contact its guest’s, soliciting attendees and responses through e-invitations.  It also will no longer print and mail tickets to its events throughout the year; guests can simply order their tickets online and print an electronic ticket. Detailed event programs will be available at www.wineroad.com in a PDF format, which can be printed out in advance or guests can pick up a copy upon arrival.

About the Russian River Wine Road

The Russian River Wine Road is an association of 150 wineries and 50 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River, Chalk Hill, and Green valleys in Northwest Sonoma County, a stunning landscape dotted with wineries and picturesque towns. The grandeur of the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods lead you inland along quiet country roads only one hour north of San Francisco. And…there is always something going on along the “Wine Road” with year-round winery events, exciting new releases of wine and much more. For more information or to request a free map contact Beth Costa at 800.723.6336 or email info@wineroad.com. Please visit the website at www.wineroad.com.

XXX

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151

FOR:              RUSSIAN RIVER WINE ROAD            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                        Beth Costa, Executive Director                    April 8, 2008

498 Moore Lane, Suite B/ P.O. Box 46

Healdsburg, CA 95488

www.wineroad.com

CONTACT: WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE

                        Ashley E. Rodgers

                        323.871.1151 ext. 119 office

ART AND WINE - THE PERFECT PAIRING

The Russian River Wine Road partners with “Art at the Source” to showcase local area artists at 52 wineries in Northwest Sonoma County throughout the month of May

Healdsburg, CA (April 8, 2008)—The Russian River Wine Road pairs art and wine throughout the month of May through a partnership with “Art at the Source.” Aptly named, “Art at the Wineries” month, this special event features work by local Sonoma County painters, sculptors, photographers, potters, jewelers, fiber, and glass artists on display at 52 participating Russian River Wine Road members’ wineries. This month long event is a prelude to the 14^th annual “Art at the Source”, a self-guided, open studio tour held the first two weekends in June.  This annual event is sponsored by the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, a grassroots, nonprofit arts center created in 1988 by a coalition of art, business, and community members to provide art programs and services for all sectors of the community.

“This is our first year participating in this event even though our wineries have showcased local artists for many years,” says Executive Director Beth Costa, “we are thrilled to expand our audience and merge these two arts—the art of winemaking and the visual arts.” 

The “Art at the Source” www.artatthesource.org. reception will be held on May 16^th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the main gallery at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts.  For this special event, Russian River Wine Road member Carolyn Lewis and owner of LOCALS Tasting Room in Geyersville will be the “art and wine pairing” presenter. Lewis will select art pieces to be paired with the unique award-winning boutique producers represented in her tasting room. Lewis says, “whether it’s an artist’s palette or a winemaker’s palate, the visual arts or the art of winemaking, its fun to explore each individual’s creative expression, passion, and uniqueness through wine and art.”

RUSSIAN RIVER WINE ROAD/ADD ONE

Renowned for its thriving artist community and bohemian culture, Northwest Sonoma County is rich with stunning landscapes, superb California cuisine, and world-class wineries making it the perfect getaway. The Russian River Wine Road makes it easy to plan that perfect “art in the wine country” weekend with its comprehensive website, www.wineroad.com. Visitors can now easily access information on “Art at the Wineries”

month, including participating wineries and its featured artists, as well as lodging affiliates, activities, transportation, shopping, dining, and more! Celebrate the art of fine wine and the creative and cultural arts as the “Wine Road” promotes awareness through education this May.

About the Russian River Wine Road

The Russian River Wine Road is an association of 150 wineries and 50 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River, Chalk Hill, and Green valleys in Northwest Sonoma County, a stunning landscape dotted with wineries and picturesque towns. The grandeur of the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods lead you inland along quiet country roads only one hour north of San Francisco. And…there is always something going on along the “Wine Road” with year-round winery events, exciting new releases of wine and much more. For more information or to request a free map contact Beth Costa at 800.723.6336 or email info@wineroad.com. Please visit the website at www.wineroad.com.

About “Art at the Source”

“Art at the Source,” West Sonoma County’s self-guided open studio tour, will open the doors to the studios of 108 professional artists for the first two weekends in June 2008

(May 31- June 1 and June 7-8).   Discover Art. Discover the Artists. This will be the 14^th year that Sebastopol Center for the Arts has sponsored the annual event. For further information, to order FREE color catalog with images and map, please contact Sebastopol Center for the Arts at 707.829.4797 or visit www.artatthesource.org.

About LOCALS

LOCALS features over 62 wines from ten unique award-winning wineries and is rapidly becoming a favorite stop for a new generation of wine connoisseurs. Specializing in flight tastings, the LOCALS experience is not only fun, but also a party for your palate! Stop in and experience how to become a “Nouveau Hicks.” Please visit the website for great recipes and food pairing tips as well as great picks for hotels, restaurants, and places to visit while in the area at www.tastelocalwines.com.

XXX

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151

MEDIA ALERT

FOR:              RUSSIAN RIVER WINE ROAD 

Beth Costa, Executive Director

498 Moore Lane, Suite B/ P.O. Box 46

Healdsburg, CA 95488

www.wineroad.com

CONTACT: WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE

                        Ashley E. Rodgers

                        323.871.1151

COME TASTE THE FUTURE!

Russian River Wine Road hosts the 30^th annual Barrel Tasting the first two weekend’s in March

WHAT:                      The 30^th annual Barrel Tasting event allows wine lovers of all levels the opportunity to meet the winemakers, sample wines from the barrel and even purchase “futures” at a substantial discount. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the cellars of wineries; it’s only during these two specific weekends winemakers share their labor of love with guests.

“This is the perfect event for those interested in adding to their wine collection or just serious about sampling fine wine,” say Beth Costa, Executive Director of the Russian River Wine Road.  “It’s truly a unique experience to taste wine straight out of the barrel and to discuss it with the winemaker themselves.” Patrons can purchase the wine at the event, usually at a 25-30% discount, and receive their case lot typically 12-18 months later. Many of the wines sampled throughout the weekend are produced in such limited quantities that they are only sold as “futures.” 

When making plans for Barrel Tasting, please be aware that large full-size buses will not be allowed at this event due to limited space. This is a once-a-year opportunity to get into the cellar of your favorite wineries, explore new vintages and buy the wine.  In order for wineries to be responsible hosts and provide an experience worth remembering, smaller groups of people are highly recommended.

WHEN:                       March 1 & 2, 2008*

                                    March 8 & 9, 2008*

                                    11.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

*A select number of wineries will also be pouring on the Friday of each weekend.  A complete list of wineries participating will be available online beginning February 1^st, 2008 at www.wineroad.com.

WHERE:                    Over 100 wineries will throw open their cellar doors as they celebrate this year’s Barrel Tasting! Members of the Russian River Wine Road are located in Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys—Northwest Sonoma, California. A list of participating wineries is on its web site at www.wineroad.com.

COST:                         $20.00 per person for one entire weekend including Friday.

To purchase tickets go to www.wineroad.com, or call 800/723-6336 or 707/433-4335.

ABOUT RUSSIAN

RIVER WINE ROAD

The Russian River Wine Road is an association of 150 wineries and 50 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River, Chalk Hill and Green valleys in Northwest Sonoma County. Some of the most beautiful country in the world dotted with wineries and picturesque towns. The grandeur of the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods lead you inland along quiet country roads only one hour north of San Francisco. And…there is always something going on along the Wine Road with winery events, new releases of wine and much more. For more information or to request a free map contact Beth Costa at 800.723.6336 or email info@wineroad.com. Or check out the website at www.wineroad.com.

XXX

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE
323.871-1151

MEDIA ALERT

FOR:               RUSSIAN RIVER WINE ROAD 

Beth Costa, Executive Director

498 Moore Lane, Suite B/ P.O. Box 46

Healdsburg, CA 95488

www.wineroad.com

CONTACT:    WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE

                        Ashley E. Rodgers

                        323.871.1151

SIP YOUR WAY INTO 2008!

Russian River Wine Road hosts 16th annual Winter Wineland

The 16^th annual “Winter Wineland” will feature over 100 wineries of the Russian River Wine Road in the Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys.  Discover the Wine Road by winding through the picturesque countryside, talking to winemakers and vineyard managers, and tasting a myriad of old vintages and new releases paired with delectable foods.

“Winter Wineland” promises an exceptional weekend of great wine and food, and presents a unique opportunity to save with special discounts on bottles of wine.

WHEN:                       January 19 & 20, 2008

                                    11.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

WHERE:                    Over 100 winery members of the Russian River Wine Road in Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys—Northwest Sonoma, California. A list of participating wineries is on its web site at www.wineroad.com.

COST:                         $40.00 for both days when purchased in advance (by January 13, 2008)

$30.00 for Sunday only

$10.00 for designated drivers                            

To purchase tickets go to www.wineroad.com, or call 800/723-6336 or 707.433-4335.

ABOUT RUSSIAN

RIVER WINE ROAD

The Russian River Wine Road is an association of 140 wineries and 50 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River, Chalk Hill and Green valleys in Northwest Sonoma County. Some of the most beautiful country in the world dotted with wineries and picturesque towns. The grandeur of the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods lead you inland along quiet country roads only one hour north of San Francisco. And…there is always something going on along the Wine Road with winery events, new releases of wine and much more. For more information or to request a free map contact Beth Costa at 800.723.6336 or email info@wineroad.com. Or check out the website at www.wineroad.com.

XXX

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE
323.871-1151

June 6, 2007

For immediate release                               

Contact: Beth Costa

                                                                                                Phone: 707 433-4335

                                                                                                Fax:     707 433-4374

            beth@wineroad.com

Russian River Wine Road announces A Wine & Food Affair

November 3 & 4, 2007

To:      Wine & Food Editors

            Travel Editors

            Event Calendars

Northwest Sonoma County, California

The 9^th annual “ A Wine & Food Affair, Tasting Along The Wine Road”, featuring 72 wineries of the Russian River Wine Road in Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys, is scheduled for the Weekend of November 3 & 4 2007 from 11am – 4pm each day.

Travel the Wine Road and savor your favorite wines with specially created food parings at 72 different wineries throughout the three valleys.  

Included in the cost of the ticket, is the Tasting Along The Wine Road cookbook.  The cookbook with a foreword by Steven Litke, Executive Chef for the Michelin rated Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, contains recipes served by the wineries during A Wine & Food Affair and recipes from lodging members of the Wine Road.  Included in the cookbook also is a section on wine and food pairing, the annual Wine Road events and a brief history of this 30 year old winery association.

A premier event, A Wine & Food Affair promises an extraordinary weekend of great wine and food.  With the goal of wine and food pairing or cooking with wine in mind, each of the 72 participating wineries will create and make available for tasting during the event their  recipe found in the cookbook.

Tickets for A Wine & Food Affair are $60.00 for the weekend, $30 for Sunday only and $20.00 for Designated Drivers.   Tickets are available online beginning September 1^st at www.wineroad.com, no tickets will be sold at the door, or call the Russian River Wine Road after September 1^st at 

800/723-6336 or 707/433-4335.

Another Great Food & Wine Pairing

Russian River Wine Roads Donates $30k to Local Food Bank

Healdsburg, CA (May 8, 2007 )  The Russian River Wine Road’s executive director, Beth Costa, and president, Nancy Woods, presented the Food Bank with a portion of the proceeds from this year’s Barrel Tasting Weekend—$30,000. Serving 50,000 people every month, including 20,000 children and 6,000 seniors, the Redwood Empire Food Bank helps food reach the hungry in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, including many of the small, rural areas the Wine Road represents: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and the Russian River Valley.

Three years ago the Russian River Wine Road began collecting food during their Barrel Tasting weekend in March, to help contribute to a growing need in the community. However, learning that the Redwood Empire Food Bank can actually purchase $5 worth of food for every $1 donated, the Wine Road felt a cash donation would go much further, and those the Food Bank served would be able to get exactly what they needed. “This is a partnership we are very proud of and hope to continue to build upon,” says president Nancy Woods.

“With nearly 140 winery members in the Russian River Wine Road, we are responsible for a variety of wonderful food and wine events,” says Beth Costa, executive director.  “It seems like a natural fit, to have a portion of the money raised from these events, to benefit those members of our community most in need of food.  Six months ago, we were able to drop off a check for $5,000 from sales of our Wine & Food Affair event.  Now we are thrilled to present a check for $30,000 from our two weekends of Barrel Tasting.”