Sterling Vineyards Will Provide Wines for 82nd Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party to Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation

NAPA, Calif., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Company, a leading producer of premium wines, and a sponsor of the Elton John Aids Foundation, will provide Sterling Vineyards wines for the EJAF gala dinner and Academy Awards Viewing Party for the fourth consecutive year. Sterling Vineyards 2006 SVR and Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc will be poured at this prestigious event.

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines will continue to provide wines for EJAF fundraising events in the United States, in support of the organization's global efforts to support HIV/AIDS prevention, education and service programs. Through successful fundraising, special events and voluntary contributions, the EJAF has raised over $150 million to provide grants to worthy HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 55 countries. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wine brands have shown consistent commitment to similar goals with support of the Human Rights Campaign, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Dining Out for Life and regional AIDS support groups.

"We are thrilled to continue our alliance with the Elton John Aids Foundation," said Mike Westrick, Vice President of Winemaking for Sterling Vineyards. "EJAF is such a prominent nonprofit HIV/AIDS organization and their contributions are immeasurable in the critical fight against this disease. Their annual Oscars® viewing party exemplifies glamour for a good cause."

Established in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. Focusing on the support of community based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to those living with HIV/AIDS, the organizations outreach efforts include physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, food distribution, assisted living services, social services and volunteer recruitment and support. For more information about EJAF, log onto to www.ejaf.org.

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E) is part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O); the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe including Napa Valley, Sonoma, the California Central Coast, Washington, France, New Zealand and Australia. Brands include: Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard, Edna Valley Vineyard and Rosenblum Cellars as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux and Burgundy estate-bottled wines and F.E. Trimbach.

Diageo's broader business includes an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. Diageo is a global company, listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

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SOURCE Sterling Vineyards