DaVinci(R) Wine Debuts New Recipes, Photography, Paintings And More From Third-Annual "Storyteller Experience" On Facebook

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For three years running,  DaVinci Wine has brought a true taste of Tuscany to Facebook* news feeds through the winery's interactive Storyteller Experience.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/64516-davinci-wine-taste-of-tuscany-facebook-storyteller-experience

The program recruits artists, writers, photographers and foodies to join the Italian wine brand for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tuscany to experience the people and place behind the wine.

This year, after a robust application process, DaVinci offered a unique twist by allowing fans to vote for their favorite Storytellers from a pool of 16 talented finalists within four categories:  Culinary Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, and Language Arts.

"The Storyteller Experience is a way for authentic storytellers—from different backgrounds and disciplines—to tell our story through their own artistic expressions," says Courtney O'Brien, Director of Marketing for DaVinci Wines. "By opening the selection process to all our fans this year, everyone had an opportunity to help shape the journey and send their favorite Storytellers to Italy."

The 2013 DaVinci Storytellers include:

• Karista Bennett (Culinary Arts): A chef, culinary instructor and food blogger at Karista's Kitchen, Bennett is based in the Pacific Northwest and says that, "Food should not only satisfy our hunger, it should feed our soul and nourish our bodies, while delighting our senses."
• Leela Cyd (Photography): A photographer, writer and recipe enthusiast at Tea Cup Tea, Cyd says she uses "my camera and notebook as my passport, golden ticket, and excuse to ask questions and be curious about the world around me."
• Kristina Havens (Fine Arts): With a blog (Studio 81) and a studio on Main Street in a small Georgia town, Havens tells stories through her art, remarking: "My paintings have a story behind them, but they do more than just tell a story. They invite others to share experiences and memories as well."
• Jim O'Donnell (Language Arts): A travel writer and photographer at Around the World in Eighty Years who has been to 40 countries, five continents, and even dabbles in archaeology. When it comes to adventure, O'Donnell writes, "There's no better way to tell that story than by walking those lands, interacting with those cultures … and eating and drinking."

In October, the group traveled to Tuscany to experience harvest and meet the people behind the 50-year-old cooperative of growers that produces DaVinci's wines—including Chianti, Chianti Riserva, Pinot Grigio and Brunello di Montalcino. From visits with an artisan cheese maker to guided tours of Vinci, Montalcino, and Florence, the Storytellers were given the chance to fully immerse in the vibrant world behind the brand.

And because this year's journey coincided with harvest, the group was given the rare opportunity to learn about the origins of Chianti—from vine to bottle. In addition to meeting with growers and tasting through DaVinci's portfolio of wines, the group also spent an afternoon cutting ripe sangiovese grapes from the vine.

Visit Facebook.com/DaVinciWine to experience Tuscany through the eyes of the 2013 DaVinci Storytellers and to download a few fun items to bring the trip to life. These include two digital wallpapers, featuring a photograph of the storybook town of Montlacino as well as an original oil painting that features the winery's beloved Chef Ana. For foodies, DaVinci is also offering a download of Karista Bennet's recipe for Roasted Grape Crostini, inspired by several Tuscan dishes she tasted during the Storyteller Experience that she calls "mouthwateringly delicious."

DaVinci Wine: Nestled near the Tuscan hillside town of Vinci—historic home of Leonardo da Vinci—Cantine Leonardo da Vinci brings together 200 passionate local winegrowers, who contribute their finest grapes to an extraordinary collection of authentic Italian wines. Rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition, DaVinci wines embody the rolling hills and majestic vineyards of Tuscany. Learn more at www.davinciwine.com and at www.facebook.com/davinciwine.

*This contest was in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.

Italian Table Wine, ©2013 DaVinci USA, Healdsburg, CA. All rights reserved.
Campaign Funded Under the EU Regulation 1234/07

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/64516-davinci-wine-taste-of-tuscany-facebook-storyteller-experience

SOURCE DaVinci Wine