The Mountain Winery and AEG Live Announce Exclusive Management and Operation Agreement In Partnership with Prescient Entertainment

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AEG Live, one of the largest live music companies in the world, has been selected as the exclusive operator of the historic Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California. In addition to taking over management of the venue's non-concert operations, AEG Live will continue its partnership with Lee Smith of Prescient Entertainment to program the venue including the Mountain Winery Summer Concert Series.  

One of the region's most popular concert venues, Mountain Winery combines the uniqueness of a boutique amphitheater and with spectacular spaces for large or small meetings, weddings and social events with panoramic vistas.  Currently owned by Chateau Masson, LLC Mountain Winery was built by winemaker Paul Masson in 1878 and is an intimate ivy-covered stone structure that lends itself to old world ambiance with a dramatic stage backdrop. The venue features two full-service restaurants as well as high end concession options throughout the property. The Mountain Winery hosts approximately 75 concerts annually and during the just concluded 2016 season set an attendance record of over 135,000 tickets sold for concerts featuring artists such as Kevin Hart, Boston, Ben Harper, and ZZ Top.  Since its opening, the Mountain Winery stage has featured some of the entertainment industry's most iconic performers over the years such as Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, Joan Rivers, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison and more.

"The Mountain Winery's historic legacy and iconic setting makes this a world-class opportunity for AEG Live and we are eager to participate in the continued growth and success of this venue," said Rick Mueller, President of Northern America at AEG Live. "AEG and Prescient: the benefits that come with the scale and assets of a global live events company, as well as the singular focus and commitment from our locally based team."

AEG Live has operated the concert business at The Mountain Winery for the past five years and will take over full operations of the venue in January 2017. The comprehensive agreement includes management of the 2,500-seat amphitheater, food & beverage concessions, restaurant operations, ticket sales, sponsorships sales, VIP & Season ticket programs, Loyalty Club program and all staffing.  In addition to concerts, other programming will include Mountain Winery Signature Events, corporate events and meetings, weddings, the Mountain Winery wine club, tastings and tours.  AEG Live plans to bring an exciting creativity to the operation of the Mountain Winery including capital investments which will help expand the concert, special event and private event customer base. From new events and event spaces that will allow for more weddings and private events, upgraded seating options to a revolutionary new food and beverage program that will feature the Bay Area's best chefs, the Mountain Winery will be completely refreshed while maintaining the charm and historic elements that have made this venue so special over the years.  

Bill Hirschman, a co-owner of the Mountain Winery said, "We are excited to bring the full operations of the venue under one management team.   AEG has demonstrated their commitment to building and operating world class venues and entertainment experiences.  Their partnership with Prescient Entertainment will ensure a bright future for the venue for years to come."

General Manager, Karen Schneider, a 16 year veteran of concert operations at Mountain Winery adds, "Our goals are to ensure we are a 'must-play' venue for entertainers, to elevate the overall guest experience and to operate the facility in a manner that offers a world-class experience with a broader range of year-round events."

About Mountain Winery
The Mountain Winery is an entertainment venue located just minutes away from the Silicon Valley in Saratoga, California. Nominated five times for best small outdoor concert venue in the country by Pollstar magazine, this 2009 renovated facility presents between 65-75 concerts a summer season, as well as hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year including wedding, corporate, social and special events.

About Prescient Entertainment
Prescient Entertainment was founded in 2011 by Lee Smith, a 30+ year Northern California concert industry veteran. In its first year, Prescient was awarded the exclusive concert promotion contract for The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA, producing over 60 shows in the award-winning venue (perennially nominated for Best Small Venue at the annual Pollstar Awards), as well as booking and producing additional concerts in Northern California and consulting with other venues and presenters in the region.

About AEG Live
AEG Live is one of the largest live music companies in the world.  The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events, and world-renowned festivals.  AEG Live operates in North America, Europe and Asia through 16 regional offices that support its tours which include such artists as Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney; produce or support over 25 music festivals, including the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival; and owns, manages or books more than 60 clubs and theaters.    AEG Live presents more than 8,000 shows annually worldwide and conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Live, Goldenvoice, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents.  For more information visit www.aeglive.com.

Contact: Joan Rosenberg – [email protected] – (415) 563-3035
Winery contact: Karen Schneider, General Manager – [email protected]

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SOURCE AEG Live