San Francisco Wine Association is Launched

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, November 21, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The California wine industry took a big leap forward with today's launch of the San Francisco Wine Association (SFWA). The 16-winery member organization promotes and sells first-rate, hand-crafted wines that are produced in San Francisco.

"California's newest wine country is San Francisco," said John Tarabini, SFWA president. "The City is taking the lead in the urban winemaking movement, and wine enthusiasts everywhere will discover that our offerings are equal to the best wines from the more famous wine regions."

Rather than spend lavish sums on large chateaus, sparkling waterfalls and fancy tasting rooms, SFWA member wineries invest in the finest grapes, cutting-edge equipment, outstanding winemakers and the time needed to develop small lots of exceptional wine. In what many consider a natural extension of the sustainability movement, these wines are produced locally by passionate vintners focused not on quantity, but quality.

Quality winemaking with a twist
The SFWA winemaking model is similar to that of many other high-end vintners. SFWA member wineries secure superb fruit from some of the best-known vineyards in California, Oregon, and Washington. They employ outstanding winemakers. But their goal is not to turn out massive amounts of product. Instead, SFWA members crush, barrel, blend, and bottle small quantities of premium wines in San Francisco, not far from the bridges and cable cars that made the city famous. "These dedicated vintners represent some of the best emerging brands in the industry, and they are plying their trade in one of the most dynamic wine and culinary capitals of the world," said Tarabini.

"Our Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes come from our estate vineyard and other small innovative vineyards in Sonoma, but we craft our wines here in San Francisco," said SFWA member Matt Reidy of Connor Brennan Cellars. "There is a great community of premium urban winemakers in The City, each producing high-quality, elegant, food-friendly wines."

Access to SFWA wines
For the first time, these boutique, family-owned wineries have banded together to offer their wares more broadly. Wine lovers everywhere, from new enthusiasts to connoisseurs, can now enjoy the fine wines made in San Francisco. SFWA member wines are available at www.sfwineassociation.com, and the association often pours at events in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bookings are now being accepted for events throughout California and in other states. Contact John Tarabini by email or at 415-695-0221 for more details.

About the San Francisco Wine Association
The San Francisco Wine Association is a consortium of 16 boutique, family-owned wineries that produce small lots of fine wine in San Francisco. SFWA charter member wineries include Aver Family Vineyards, Canine Wines, Connor Brennan Cellars, Damian Rae Winery, Due Cani Cellars, Flying Wine Cellars, Guy Riedel Wines, Jazz Cellars, Joelle Wine Company, Mark Moretti Winery, Milliarium Cellars, Pug Wine, Ricardus Corculum, Seawind Wines, Think Tank Wine Company, and Townley Wines. For more information, visit www.sfwineassociation.com.

A public launch reception will be held on Thursday, December 11th in San Francisco. Visit www.sfwineassociation.com for event details and ticket information.

Contact:
San Francisco Wine Association
John D. Tarabini, President
415-695-0221
[email protected]

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