Korbel California Champagne Toasts Fabulous Friendships

GUERNEVILLE, Calif., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Between the excitement of marriages, careers, and having children, six best friends celebrated life's best moments with a trip of a lifetime to wine country during harvest. Korbel encouraged women across the country to submit their "Girlfriend Toast" for a chance to win such a trip to Korbel Champagne Cellars and these lucky women recently enjoyed a four day stay in the picturesque Russian River Valley.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110908/SF64400)

This year's winner Abby Sanders, from Chicago, submitted the story of how through thick and thin her best friends have supported each other and are closer than ever. From brunches to lunches, weddings to babies and even many miles away the ladies have found every way to stay connected and are more like sisters than friends.

"Winning this trip certainly topped the memories chart because it was a collaborative effort," commented Abby Sanders. "Due to distance, life with new babies, jobs, and spouses, our friendships have been kept alive by daily emails and texts and a few get-togethers a year, but it's been a long while since we've all been in the same place at the same time. This trip was a much needed reunion."

Abby was joined by five of her closest friends – Rory Goldstein, Valerie Netherton, Lauren Waldman, Kathryn Douglas and Sara Bachman all originally from Louisville, KY. The trip included airfare and accommodations for four days of VIP treatment including vineyard and winery tours, working the crush with the winemakers, gourmet meals prepared by the winery chefs and California champagne pairings, as well as poolside spa treatments at the Korbel Winery.  

"Korbel has been an integral part of life's memorable moments for more than 129 years," said Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars.  "We are so glad to be able to give this group of friends another moment to add to their list of amazing memories."

U.S. women — young, old, single, married, divorced, widowed, mothers, daughters and sisters — have become a driving force in the travel industry.  Girlfriend getaways now represent four percent of all U.S. travel spending – some $200 million a year.  Shopping trips, beach destinations and spa weekends are all high on the list of girlfriend getaways, but wine country excursions still tend to top the list.   Korbel is the ultimate girlfriend getaway destination as it is steeped in history, surrounded by beautiful gardens and majestic redwoods and offers award-winning tours, ending in its first-class tasting room, gift shop and top rated delicatessen.  

Established in 1882 in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States' most popular methode champenoise champagne. But, the true measure of Korbel's success during its 129 years can be seen in the impact it's had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility, Korbel also produces one of the country's most respected brandies.

Celebrate responsibly.

www.korbel.com

SOURCE Korbel California Champagne