Governor Schwarzenegger Proclaims September 2008 California Wine Month

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    SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Arnold
 Schwarzenegger has declared September 2008 California Wine Month for the
 fourth consecutive year. In the proclamation, the Governor lauds 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
 produce $19 billion in retail sales in the U.S. They attract national and
 international tourists, and preserve natural resources by using innovative
 and environmentally friendly practices for winegrowing and winemaking.
 
     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080709/DCW007 )
 
     "Every bottle of California wine served across the globe reflects our
 excellence and serves as an ambassador for our fantastic lifestyle, cuisine
 and culture," declares the Governor in the proclamation.
 
     As the state's leading advocate, Governor Schwarzenegger has also given
 his support to the historic partnership between the Wine Institute and the
 California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC). In a national TV campaign,
 the Governor, First Lady Maria Shriver and wine and culinary personalities
 are all featured promoting California as the "Capital of Culinary Travel."
 
     "We are proud to be recognized by the Governor for the positive impact
 California wine has on the state, the nation and the world," said Robert P.
 (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. "California vintners and
 growers are invested for the long term in the land and our communities. We
 take great pride growing and producing outstanding wines inspired by our
 diverse regions and made possible by the artists, entrepreneurs and
 families that our industry attracts."
 
     The Governor also applauded the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing
 Practices. The Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape
 Growers (CAWG) initiated the Code in 2002, which encourages and empowers
 growers and vintners to adopt sustainable practices. "As the U.S.
 approaches the milestone of being the No. 1 wine-consuming nation in the
 world, California's winegrape growers are proud to be part of the positive
 cultural and economic force of agriculture, family businesses, sustainable
 winegrowing and ecotourism," said Karen Ross, President of CAWG, whose
 organization is supporting California Wine Month.
 
     Numerous events and promotions across the country are planned for
 California Wine Month. The centerpiece is a California Wine Rush Consumer
 Grand Tasting that will "Explore the Regional Diversity of California Wines
 through Flavor, Sight and Sound" at New York City's Espace event space on
 September 10 from 5 - 7 pm. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Central Park
 Conservancy. A separate event for the trade and media is also planned in
 New York for that day. The Wine Institute is also partnering with winery
 members, regional winery and grower associations, retailers and restaurants
 and other organizations with a calendar of California wine events in
 September. Visit http://www.californiawineevents.com for more information
 on the New York event and for listings of events in September and
 throughout the year.
 
     California Wine Month partners planning activities for California Wine
 Month in September 2008 include: Safeway Stores, Vons and Pavilions, the
 Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Beverages & More!, P.F. Chang's China
 Bistro, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Legal Sea Foods, Patina
 Restaurant Group, Tavistock Restaurant Group Harlem Vintage Wine Shop and
 Bar, Morrell Wine, Union Square Wines, Zachy's Wine and Liquor. Media
 partners include the Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Los
 Angeles Magazine and the California Restaurant Association.
 
     Wine Institute is the association of 1,100 California 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 are California wines. Each year,
 nearly 20 million tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to
 explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine and cultural offerings of
 California's signature industry.
 
     Join us in celebrating California Wine Month in September 2008.
 
 
 

SOURCE Wine Institute