Rutherford Appellation Wineries Announce "Roll out the barrels" passport weekend december 6-7, 2008

Premier Napa Valley Wineries Offer an Exclusive Barrel Tasting Experience to Celebrate the Significance, History and Essence of the Rutherford Appellation

Rutherford, CA - For the first time ever, the Rutherford Appellation Wineries will open their cellars to the public for the "Roll Out the Barrels" Passport Weekend on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Experience the wineries of the Rutherford Appellation as never before, with exclusive barrel tastings, wine and food pairings, sales of future wines and special Passport Weekend discounts.

The event highlights and celebrates the wineries of Rutherford, the historic heart of Napa Valley. Each winery will feature its own unique barrel tasting experience aimed to teach visitors about Rutherford varietals, Napa Valley terroir and diverse barrel types and toasts. Wineries slated to open their doors for the special barrel tasting event are Alpha Omega, Beaulieu Vineyard, Honig Vineyard and Winery, Peju Province Winery, Pina Napa Valley, Provenance Vineyards, Rubicon Estate, Rutherford Hill Winery, Slaughterhouse Cellars, St. Supery and Tres Sabores Winery.

Visitors can enjoy the unique barrel weekend experience for $50 per person for a two-day pass, or $40 for a SUNDAY ONLY pass. Passports may be purchased online at www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com and will be available for pick up on December 6 and December 7 at the pre-selected winery.

Profits from the event will be donated to a Rutherford community charity. To learn more about the Rutherford Appellation Wineries please visit www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com.

About Rutherford Appellation Wineries
Rutherford Appellation Wineries was established to educate consumers on the significance of the Rutherford appellation as Napa Valley's preeminent grape-growing area. This consumer-focused organization was created to promote the uniqueness of the area and encourage visitors to experience personally the quality of the wines produced in this special place.