Ray Falkner, co-owner of Falkner Winery, was elected president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, a non-profit group that represents more than 60 wine makers and growers.

Falkner will serve a one-year term and succeeds past president Joe Hart of Hart Winery, who remains a director. During 2007, Falkner plans to help make the winegrowers association more relevant to its members, enhance tourism to Wine Country by increasing marketing and work to upgrade the quality and reputation of Temecula wines.

"Temecula wineries are producing high quality wines," said Falkner. "Our message to others is that the quality really exists here as our wines receive 90 point ratings and higher."

Installed as 1st vice president was Bill Wilson of Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard, 2nd vice president was Jim Carter of South Coast Winery, secretary was Rebaux Steyn of Leonesse Cellars, treasurer was Steve Thornton with Thornton Winery and director at large was Jeff Wiens of Wiens Family Cellars.

The Temecula Valley is the premier winemaking region in Southern California. Over the last decade, the number of wineries in Wine Country has doubled and more new wineries are in the planning stages. More importantly, the area's reputation for making fine wine is on the rise as local wines continue to win major awards at wine competitions that include well-known domestic and international brands.

For more information contact:
Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
Linda Kissam - Executive Director
(800) 801-9463
www.temeculawines.org