Sonoma County Winegrape Commission

April 22, 2008 Santa Rosa, Calif. – The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC) is looking to honor restaurants and wineries that are committed to supporting the efforts of the 1,800 Sonoma County winegrape growers. Created in 2007, the Sonoma Wine Star Program was initially open to wineries and restaurants in Sonoma County. This year due to its success, it will be expanded to restaurants and wineries in the greater Bay Area from Napa to Carmel to San Jose to Sacramento. For award criteria, visit www.SonomaWineGrape.org/winestar. Deadline to enter is May 13, 2008. Note: 2007 Sonoma Wine Stars must enter in 2008 to retain their star status.

For wineries, Sonoma County Wine Stars must display “Sonoma County” on 95 percent of front wine labels in addition to American Viticulture Area (AVA) and/or vineyard designated wines.

For restaurants in Sonoma County, Sonoma County Wine Stars are restaurants that have 25 wines or more of which at least 50 percent or 50 are Sonoma County wines on their wine lists. Those restaurants dedicating 75 percent or 100 wines on its wine lists to Sonoma County wines, will be given four-star recognition.

Restaurants outside Sonoma County, must have 25 Sonoma County wines on their wine lists to be a Wine Star and 50 Sonoma County wines for four-star status.

Winners will be announced at the SCWC annual BBQ lunch in June at the Dutton Pavilion at Shone Farms. There will be recognition for the 2008 Sonoma Wine Stars in local and national ads, publicity and listings on the SCWC website and other Sonoma County tourism and wine websites with links to the restaurants and wineries.

“We are pleased to promote those restaurants and wineries who offer consumers a broad selection of Sonoma County wines,” says Nick Frey SCWC president. “Businesses in the Star Program help us spread the exceptional Sonoma County food and wine experience to consumers.”

Listing of the current Sonoma Wine Stars can be viewed at www.SonomaWineGrape.org.

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission was established in 2006 as a non-profit marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCWC’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCWC and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org

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