Press Releases

Monterey, Calif. - March 24, 2005 - Sideways' award-winning author Rex Pickett will be an honored guest at the Monterey Wine Festival on April 28 and 29. The public is invited to meet Rex Pickett for a lecture and book signing at the Monterey Conference Center. Copies of Pickett's book will be available for purchase and autograph at the session.

Pickett will host a seminar and offer his insight on writing the book, as well as a Q&A about the movie, Sideways. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained by calling 888.814.WINE or by visiting www.montereywine.com. Sideways is the story about two middle-aged men who don't have much to show for their lives but disappointment, so they embark on a week long road trip through California's wine country. Sideways is a semi-autobiographical story full of wittiness and is sure to bring a smile to any wine lovers face.

The opening night festivities at the Wine Festival 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.