The Washington Wine Commission and The Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College announced today the joint sponsorship of the Second Annual Wine Marketing Summit, June 11-12, 2007, in Walla Walla, WA. The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance also serves as sponsor of the two-day symposium, which presents an outstanding roster of marketing and wine industry experts speaking on issues of importance to the promotion and distribution of Washington wines.

Summit sessions offer participants information and insights on worldwide consumer marketing trends, winery promotion, on-premise/restaurant marketing, packaging trends, working with distributors, website fundamentals, winery guest services, and promotion of wine tourism and brand building through enhanced hospitality. Networking and wine tasting events are built into each day.

Session speakers include: Bob Silver, MWW Group Seattle; Michele Rennie, Icon Estates; Matthew McVane, MCM Design Studios; Peter Dow, Cavatappi; Charles Calder, Calder Consulting; Ole Thompson, Wild Ginger Restaurant; Chris Sparkman, Waterfront Seafood Grill; Matt Mabus, Cordon Selections; Duane Wollmuth, Three Rivers Winery; Dawn Endean, Cave B Estate Winery; and Jim van Loben Sels, Arbor Crest.

"We are pleased to participate in the Wine Marketing Summit," states Robin Pollard, Executive Director of the Washington Wine Commission. "As the Washington wine industry grows and broadens its market reach, it is essential for wineries to have the skills and where-with-all to successfully promote their wines and wineries."

"Our goal at the Center for Enology & Viticulture is to provide value-added learning opportunities for Washington State wineries that in turn will promote the industry overall." Heidi Wells Program Director, Center for Enology & Viticulture, adds. "We believe that by continuing to leverage the success of last year's summit we can provide the marketing and sales skills needed in this ever growing market."

Event organizers hope to build on the momentum of the first marketing summit to realize a yearly marketing primer for wineries and wine grape growers interested in honing their marketing knowledge and skills. For additional information on speakers, costs, accommodations, and seminar sessions, please contact Wanda Williams at 509 529.5170.

About the Washington Wine Commission

The Washington Wine Commission is responsible for the promotion and development of the Washington wine industry, representing more than 500 wineries, 350 wine grape growers and 31,000 vineyard acres. For more information about Washington wines, touring, and tasting opportunities, visit www.washingtonwine.org or e-mail info@washingtonwine.org.

About The Center for Enology and Viticulture
The Center for Enology and Viticulture was established by Walla Walla Community College in 2000 to meet the educational and training needs of the growing premium wine industry in the Walla Walla Valley and the State of Washington. The Institute is located on the main campus of the college in Walla Walla, Washington and offers Applied Arts and Sciences Degrees in Enology & Viticulture as well as short courses and seminars for wine industry professionals.