Markham Vineyards Announces Mark of Distinction Grants Program

A Winery with Deep Community Roots Supports Those Planting Seeds for Positive
Change

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Markham Vineyards, a
pioneering Napa Valley winery with a proud history of community involvement,
today announced a call for applicants for the Mark of Distinction, a program
designed to empower individuals to make positive, tangible change across
America. This nationwide initiative will award $25,000 grants to individuals
to help complete community projects.
Markham is searching for local leaders who are dedicated to improving
their neighborhoods, cities or towns. Passionate, inspiring candidates with a
project that could make a lasting change in their community can enter at
www.MarkhamMarkofDistinction.com. In July, 10 finalists and their dream
projects will be selected and posted on the Web site. The public will then
vote to determine two winners, who will be awarded $25,000 each to make a
lasting local change -- a "Mark of Distinction" -- in their communities.
"Markham Vineyards could not have become the success it is today without
the support of the local people," said Markham Vineyards President and Napa
Valley native Bryan Del Bondio. "We are excited to give others the opportunity
to give back, and look forward to discovering and supporting exceptional
individuals in improving their community through the Mark of Distinction
program."
Mark of Distinction seeks applicants throughout the country and from all
walks of life. Any project that would result in a lasting, material community
improvement -- ranging from park refurbishment to the establishment of a
community center to construction of a public pool -- is viable. "We've all had
a moment, in our neighborhood or city, where we've seen something that needed
work or could be made better and thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if?'" Del
Bondio said. "Mark of Distinction will empower people who have the leadership,
skill and perseverance to turn those 'what ifs' into reality."
The inspiration for the Mark of Distinction can be found in the history of
the winery itself. Founded in 1879, Markham Vineyards has achieved great
success through an unwavering devotion to the Napa Valley community, in which
it has deep roots. Markham owns more than 230 acres of Napa Valley vineyards
and purchases grapes from established local growers, many of whom have worked
with the winery for years -- including Ted Laurent, grandson of Markham winery
founder Jean Laurent.
Markham Vineyards regularly gives back at local and national levels. It
has long been a supporter of the Northern California-based Milagro Foundation,
and of the renowned Napa Valley Vintners' annual auction. Around the country,
Markham has supported the Catch 22 Foundation, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and
the Chicago Lighthouse for the blind. To continue in the tradition of
community involvement, this spring, a portion of proceeds from each Markham
wine purchase will be donated to Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts in New
Orleans.
Markham Vineyards offers a diverse range of award-winning varietals,
including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve
Merlot and Petite Sirah. For more information about the winery, please visit
www.markhamvineyards.com.
SOURCE Markham Vineyards

Jessica Elker of Marina Maher Communications, +1-212-485-6842,
jelker@mahercomm.com, for Markham Vineyards