Press Releases

Monterey, Calif. - March 9, 2005 - Any way you cut it, in film or wine, Monterey County is home of great winemakers and innovative filmmakers. Known as "America's Original Wine Festival," this year's Monterey Wine Festival is set for April 28-30 at the Monterey Conference Center located in historic downtown Monterey. The festival will feature more than 120 wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, Australia and New Zealand.

"World-renowned chefs such as Dean Fearing, along with master sommeliers, wine writers and winemakers will also be on hand, providing gourmet food demonstrations and educational seminars scheduled throughout the three day event," said Bill Anton, festival producer and legendary food expert. "The Monterey Wine Festival is considered to be the standard of excellence, and we are excited that it continues to grow and attract the best in the food and wine world," Anton added.

The opening night festivities begin with the New Release Party at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on April 28 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. where guests will dine on exquisite food and toast some of the world's best new wine in an award-winning setting. Two additional Grand Tasting events will be held throughout the weekend spotlighting the virtues of specific varietals at The White Night and The Red Night on April 29 and 30, respectively.

Fox Searchlight Pictures is joining in the opening night festivities, celebrating the release of independent hit film Sideways on DVD by giving away copies to a few lucky attendees. Movie and television personality "Hot Lips Houlihan," Loretta Swit from the M*A*S*H television series will be on hand to mingle and sign autographs, and the exquisite estate jewelry collection of Doris Duke will be on display.

Visit www.montereywine.com for tickets, event details, updates and information. For more information, please call 1-888-814-WINE or email info@montereywine.com.

Founded in 1976, the Monterey County Wine Festival is considered to be America's Original Wine Festival. The festival is geared toward winemakers, wine distributors and retailers, educators, buyers, restaurateurs and aficionados. More than 3,000 people attend the event each year in order to taste more than 1,000 wines.