First Women Inductees into The Culinary Institute of
America's Vintners Hall of Fame

St. Helena, CA - Two women are being inducted into The Culinary Institute of America's Vintners Hall of Fame in 2009 - the first women since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2007. Jamie Davies, one of the founders of Schramsberg Vineyards, and Carole Meredith, UC Davis Professor and co-founder of Lagier-Meredith Winery, will both be honored on March 14th, 2009 along with noted wine journalist Gerald Asher, Gourmet magazine; Jack Davies, co-founder of Schramsberg Vineyards; Jess Jackson, founder of Kendall-Jackson Estates; Justin Meyer, co-founder of Silver Oak Cellars; and Warren Winiarski, founder of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Frederick and Jacob Beringer, who founded Beringer Vineyards, will be inducted as "Pioneers," a category which recognizes those who made a significant contribution to the California wine industry and passed away prior to March, 1989.

Dr. Carole Meredith spent more than 20 years in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis studying grape genetics and using DNA typing methods to discover the origins of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah and most recently Zinfandel. She is considered a leading international authority on grape genetics. Jamie Davies resurrected the Schramsberg estate with her husband, Jack, and helped grow the winery into an internationally recognized and acclaimed sparkling house. Jamie also worked alongside Jack in creating the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve in the 1960s which continues to protect Napa Valley's winegrowing interests from commercial development today.

"These two women have had a profound impact on the culture of wine in America," said Karen MacNeil, Chair of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at The Culinary Institute of America Greystone. "Both Davies and Meredith exemplify a compelling combination of intellect and passion. Both women have been, and will continue to be, role models for generations of women in the wine industry to come."

The Culinary Institute of America has expanded its Vintners Hall of Fame Induction Dinner for 2009 with a daylong Celebration of California Wine and Food on March 14, 2009. Learn, sip and savor with some of California's most celebrated wine and food personalities at one of the morning Wine and Food Salons then tour, taste and lunch at a legendary Napa Valley wine estate. The 3rd Annual Vintners Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be preceded by a Celebrity Chef Walk-Around Reception in the Institute's Teaching Kitchen.

For an invitation to join A Celebration of California Wine and Food and the Vintners Hall of Fame Induction Dinner please click here:

For more information on the 2009 Celebration of California Wine and Food and Vintners Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, please contact Reuben Katz, 707-967-2305 or r_katz@culinary.edu.

Proceeds from A Celebration of California Wine and Food, culminating in the Vintners Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, contribute to the scholarship fund for CIA Greystone's Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies.

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 37,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Cat Cora, Harold Dieterle, Steve Ells, Todd English, Duff Goldman, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio), as well as an additional location in New York City (Astor Center, Manhattan). In addition to its degree programs, the CIA also offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts, as well as wine education. For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.