The Perfect Pairing: Artesa Vineyards & Winery Teams With Celebrity Chef Nick Stellino

NAPA, Calif., March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Artesa Vineyards & Winery today announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with acclaimed celebrity chef Nick Stellino.  Beginning in April 2011, Artesa wines will become the exclusive wine sponsor of the second season of Stellino's popular PBS series "Cooking with Friends", which features Stellino and some of the country's most celebrated chefs sharing recipes for simple, yet elegant dishes made with ingredients available at local supermarkets.  Artesa spots will run at the beginning and end of each program.  

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"Nick's effervescent, approachable personality and passion for cooking are the perfect complement to our wines and Artesa's winemaking philosophy," said Vince Berry, brand director for Artesa.  "Much like Nick values the quality, freshness and diversity of raw ingredients to create his wonderful dishes, Artesa manages its estate and family owned vineyards with precision to produce its luxury wines."

As part of the agreement, Nick Stellino also will serve as spokesperson, participating in a number of personal appearances for the winery. "Artesa approaches wine making the same way I approach life and cooking...with lots of passion," said Nick Stellino. "There are few better pairings in the world than good food and good wine and I look forward to working with Artesa to share these passions in the most imaginative ways possible."

The first collaboration between Nick Stellino and Artesa will see Nick prepare a gourmet meal for guests paired with Artesa Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at American Red Cross' Red Tie Affair on April 9, 2011, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.

The high profile fundraiser will honor actress and comedienne Betty White for her outstanding contributions to animal welfare and actor Josh Duhamel for his efforts raising funds for Red Cross Haiti Relief. The American Red Cross Red Tie Affair will also feature a silent auction, casino, live music and appearances from Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas and other celebrities.

About Artesa Vineyards & Winery:  The Jewel of Carneros

Set high into a hilltop at the Southern end of Napa Valley, Artesa Winery offers panoramic views of Carneros' rolling hills, the Vaca Mountains, San Pablo Bay and its own estate vineyards. Perhaps no other winery captures the beauty of this windswept, world-famous appellation as dramatically as Artesa's Estate, where the fusion of architecture, artistry and winegrowing reaches soaring heights. Today, Artesa produces small, luxurious lots of the varietals for which Carneros is best known – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Owned by the Raventos family of Spain, whose winemaking history dates to the mid-sixteenth century, the winery takes its name from the Catalan word for "handcrafted." Wines from Artesa Vineyards & Winery are distributed exclusively by Aveniu Brands, Baltimore MD (www.aveniubrands.com). To book a tasting at the Artesa Winery please visit www.artesawinery.com.

SOURCE Artesa Vineyards & Winery