Gina Gallo Begins Term as President of 2007
International Wine and Spirit Competition

Third-Generation Gallo Family Vineyards Winemaker Serves in Prestigious Role

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) President Gina Gallo has begun her year-long service with an effort to recruit more California wineries to the prestigious event. The presidential term places Gallo at the head of the IWSC through November 2007. She will focus on global competition initiatives at key events as well as supporting the organization's goals and values within the entire wine and spirits industry. Gina Gallo follows the 2006 presidency of Anthony von Mandl, founder and proprietor of Mission Hill Family Estate winery.  She was elected by a special panel of IWSC trade professionals.   

"The IWSC has long upheld a standard of excellence for the international community, and I am honored to continue this tradition," said Gallo.  "I look forward to expanding upon this foundation in 2007 to build a greater sense of awareness of IWSC in the U.S., particularly among the California winemaking community."    

In her new role, Gallo will be responsible for representing the IWSC at U.S. and international events throughout the year as well as supporting current and prospective organization members and current competition winners, judges and sponsors.       

E. & J. Gallo's Sonoma winery has ranked among the world's most award-winning wineries since its first wines were released in 1993. Under the leadership of third-generation family members, Gina, Matt and Stephanie Gallo, the Gallo Family Vineyards line of wines has become the winery's flagship brand.  E. & J. Gallo winery owns and operates wineries and vineyards throughout California and markets its wines throughout the U.S. and in 87 countries around the world.  To learn more about Gallo Family Vineyards, please visit www.gallofamily.com.
 
The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier pre-eminent global competition in the wine and spirit industry.  Its aim is to recognize and promote the utmost quality and excellence among the world's best in wines, spirits and liqueurs.  The Competition is valued world-wide for its stature, rigour and independence and is supported by a group of vice presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade, including Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Miguel Torres, Marchese Piero Antinori, Robert Drouhin, Robert Mondavi, May de Lencquesaing, Kenneth Graham and Sir Anthony Greener.

To enter the 2007 International Wine and Spirit Competition, please visit www.iwsc.net

The International Wine and Spirit Competition
Contaact:  Jessica Miller of DeVries Public Relations
1-646-253-0209,
jmiller@devries-pr.com