Former Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil to Sign Bottles of Vermeil Wines at PA Wine & Spirits Store in Philadelphia April 1

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former Philadelphia Eagles coach and accomplished winemaker Dick Vermeil will showcase his wines from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, at the PA Wine & Spirits Store at 1218 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

"We're thrilled to be joined again by the legendary Coach Vermeil, bringing Philadelphians' love of the game and great wine together into one location," said Patrick J. "P.J." Stapleton III, chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. "Coach Vermeil has made his mark on the football field and it is our pleasure to bring his passion for the game and fine wine to Pennsylvania wine enthusiasts."

Vermeil will preside over a tasting of his cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc and zinfandel and will sign pre-purchased bottles, all priced at $26.99 and up. The tasting is free for those 21 and older.

Vermeil began his National Football League career as special teams coach of the Los Angeles Rams. He was the Eagles' head coach from 1976 through 1982, including 1980's NFC championship season. He later coached the St. Louis Rams, leading them to Super Bowl victory in 2000, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Vermeil, a native of California's famed Napa Valley winemaking region, oversaw the creation of his first wine – the Jean Louis Vermeil Cabernet Sauvignon, named for his great-grandfather – in 1999. More recently, in collaboration with winemaker Paul G. Smith, Vermeil Wines has produced a number of varietals, including the wines that will be featured at the tasting.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol and operates the state's 620 Wine & Spirits Stores. The LCB reported sales of more than $1.8 billion in fiscal 2008-09 and returned $494.5 million in taxes and profits to the state's General Fund, helping to pay the cost of essential services such as education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.

Media contact: Stacey Witalec or Francesca Chapman, 717-783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board