TURNER, Ore., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Willamette Valley
Vineyards (Nasdaq: WVVI)/2006 Pinot Noir has earned the coveted "Hottest Small
Brand" of 2007 by Wine Business Monthly, the industry's leading trade
publication for wineries and growers.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080130/AQW188)
Cyril Penn, the Editor of Wine Business Monthly (WBM) wrote: "Willamette
Valley Vineyards is one of those wineries demonstrating that you can increase
quality while increasing production; the two aren't mutually exclusive."
Each year, the publication selects the top ten Hottest Small Brands of the
Year. They listed Oregon winery Willamette Valley Vineyards as the number one
hottest brand in America in the February 2008 issue. The criteria for being
included on the list include, "wines that deliver value and execute their
vision particularly well," Penn noted.
The winery's wines have received acclaim in judgings and by wine reviewers
for years, but high demand has caused the winery to frequently sell out and
carefully allocate due to demand that exceeds supply. Last year was a banner
year for WVV; recording third quarter earnings that were up 81 percent from
the previous year. Year-to-date earnings have increased 21 percent.
Founder and President Jim Bernau said the WBM listing just adds to the
successes of 2007 and his hopes for 2008.
"We are honored by the Wine Business Monthly's," selection he said. "All
Oregon wineries should take pride in the recognition Oregon will receive from
this listing. We live, grow winegrapes and make wine in a special place on
the planet. Not only can we make world class Pinot Noir here but do it in a
way that preserves the environment, protects the land and supports a healthy
lifestyle."
Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Bernau. Best known for
its acclaimed Pinot Noir, the winery produces 130,000 cases annually that is
distributed throughout the United States, Canada, and the Pacific Rim. Today
the winery manages 300 acres of vines, which are all certified sustainable,
LIVE and Salmon Safe. For more information, call (800) 344-9463 or visit
http://www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com. As Oregon's only publicly held
winery, the winery is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol WVVI.
SOURCE Willamette Valley Vineyards
Jim Bernau, Founder and President of Willamette Valley Vineyards,
+1-503-588-9463, or 1-800-344-9463
