14 Hands Vineyards, Proud Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby®

PATERSON, Wash., April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 14 Hands Vineyards, producer of the top-selling wines from Washington state, has been named a proud sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, the legendary Thoroughbred race representing the first leg of the coveted 'Triple Crown.' 14 Hands wines will be enjoyed by guests attending the event as well as the Taste of Derby™, an annual culinary celebration benefiting hunger relief that showcases regional cuisine.

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"Showcasing our wines at the Kentucky Derby and Taste of Derby is a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate 14 Hands' immense versatility," said winemaker Keith Kenison. "From our rich, bold reds, to our crisp, juicy whites, 14 Hands wines hold universal appeal."

As wine sponsor for the Kentucky Derby, 14 Hands will be the featured wine at the Churchill Downs concessions and suites during Kentucky Derby Week.

A roster of award-winning chefs and horse racing celebrities from some of the country's top culinary and Thoroughbred racing destinations will come together at the fourth annual Taste of Derby celebration on Thursday, May 2, 2013.  14 Hands wines will be paired with the best in regional cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs representing some of the finest restaurants in the country.   

Inspired by the unbridled spirit of the wild horses that once roamed eastern Washington,
14 Hands caters to wine lovers who savor a sense of history and adventure. The portfolio features five varietals, including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, as well as Hot to Trot red and white blends.

Just seven years after being introduced to a limited number of restaurants, more than one million cases of 14 Hands wines were shipped nationwide in 2012, and distribution expanded to 24 countries. 14 Hands recently announced plans to open a dedicated winery in Prosser, Washington this fall.

The Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Taste of Derby will be held on May 2, 2013 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.  For more information, visit TasteofDerby.com. 

About 14 Hands
14 Hands wines are inspired by the spirit of the wild horses that once roamed the arid landscape of the Horse heaven Hills in eastern Washington. It was here that these special horses – measuring a scant "14 hands" tall – developed their legendary endurance, strength, and tenacious spirit. Like these wild horses, the vineyards struggle in the same harsh conditions of eastern Washington. It is their ability to thrive in this environment that produces the world-class quality fruit that goes into each bottle of 14 Hands. For more information visit 14hands.com.

About the Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2013 and its 2013 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 27-June 30. The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

About Taste of Derby
Taste of Derby, an official Churchill Downs party of Kentucky Derby Week, debuted in 2010. The evening celebrates and showcases cuisine of popular horse racing destinations across the country, where masterful chefs from these cities serve samples of their signature dishes, while guests also enjoy unique wines paired with the chefs' regional offerings, and mix and mingle with Thoroughbred horse racing celebrities. For more information, visit www.TasteofDerby.com. Churchill Downs® and Kentucky Derby® are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Elizabeth Lascaze, GolinHarris
213-438-8719 | [email protected]

Jennifer Kang, 14 Hands Winery
425-415-3336 | [email protected]

SOURCE 14 Hands