"Passport to Vinho Verde" Wine Promotion Hits New York in June

NEW YORK, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Following two years of successful Vinho Verde Week promotions in New York, the Vinho Verde Regional Viticultural Commission (CVRVV) of Portugal expands its program to include the entire month of June. The new program, "Passport to Vinho Verde," celebrates the food-friendly nature of Vinho Verde by offering pairing menus, dinners and by-the-glass selections at top restaurants throughout New York City and surrounding areas. Additionally, participating retailers will host in-store Vinho Verde tastings and other specials during the month. 

(Logo:   http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120531/NY15081LOGO )

Wine lovers can enjoy these offerings from June 1st – 30th and discover firsthand why the fruity aromas and light, crisp, vivacious flavors of Vinho Verde make the wines ideal for summer. Vinho Verde wines have balanced acidity and are light in alcohol and calorie content, making them enjoyable on their own or when paired with a fresh summer dish.

Another added feature to this year's program is the consumer sweepstakes. Starting June 1st, consumers can text the word "VINHO" to a secret number listed on special "Passport to Vinho Verde" postcards found at participating restaurants and retailers for a chance to win a trip for two to the Vinho Verde wine region in Portugal.*

"The new program addresses the growing enthusiasm for Vinho Verde wines in the U.S.," said Manuel Pinheiro, Executive President of the CVRVV. "It is a great opportunity for consumers to try various Vinho Verde wines and see how well they pair with seafood, salads and international cuisines, such as Latin and Asian-inspired dishes."

The Passport to Vinho Verde wine promotion is part of a three-year campaign, underwritten by CVRVV and the European Union, to increase interest and awareness for Vinho Verde wines and the Vinho Verde region of Portugal in the U.S.

For additional information on the "Passport to Vinho Verde" promotional program, including in-store tasting dates and times in your area, please visit our website at http://www.winesofvinhoverde.com/passport-to-vinho-verde/.

"Passport to Vinho Verde" in-store tastings:

New York

• 67 Wine & Spirits
• Astor Wines and Spirits
• Astoria Liquors
• Best Cellars UWS
• Blue Streak Wines & Spirits
• Bottlerocket Wine & Spirits
• Bowery and Vine
• Dry Dock Wine & Spirits
• Garnet Wines & Liquors
• Gnarly Vines Wines & Spirits
• La Vid Wine and Spirits 
• PJ Wine
• Red White and Bubbly
• Stew Leonard's Wines — Yonkers
• Stew Leonard's Wines — Carle Place
• The Chelsea Wine Vault
• The Wine Hut
• Union Square Wines

New Jersey

• A&J Seabra's
• Carlo Russo Wine & Spirit World
• Hops & Grapes
• Jerry's Gourmet
• LBV Cellars
• Stew Leonard's Wines — Paramus
• Whole Foods — Middleton
• Woodman's Markets

"Passport to Vinho Verde" restaurant specials and wine menu options:

New York

• Alfama
• Cavatappo Grill
• Cavatappo Wine Bar
• Churrascaria Plataforma
• Churrascaria Tribeca
• Corkbuzz Wine Bar
• Drunken Horse
• H2O Seafood Grill
• L'Ecole
• Mad Dog & Beans
• Monsoon Asian Kitchen & Lounge
• O Lavrador Restaurant & Bar
• Oak Wine Bar
• Pao!
• Prime
• Public Restaurant
• Tellers Chophouse
• Wine Escape

New Jersey

• Chakra Restaurant
• Coimbra Restaurant
• Don Antonio Restaurant
• El Pastor
• Harbor Pines Golf Club
• Iberia Restaurants
• Madrid & Lisbon Restaurant
• O Lagar
• Portugal Express
• Titanic Bar & Restaurant

*No purchase necessary. Open to residents of NY & IL who are 21 and older. Contest ends 6/30/12. Void where prohibited. Additional restrictions apply. See rules at http://www.winesofvinhoverde.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Passport-rules.pdf.

About The Vinho Verde Regional Viticultural Commission

The Comissao de Viticultura da Regiao dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV- Vinho Verde Regional Viticultural Commission) was created in 1926 to regulate the production and marketing of Vinho Verde.  It is an inter-professional organization with the objective of defending the regional and national heritage that makes up the Vinho Verde Controlled Appellation of Origin (CAO) and the Minho Geographic Indication (GI).  For more information, visit www.vinhoverde.pt/en.

Media Contact:
JoLynn Howe
RF|Binder Partners
212.994.7693
[email protected]

SOURCE Vinho Verde Regional Viticultural Commission