Vintage Point Raises a Glass to Washington Wines

New Clients Among State's Top Luxury Producers

August 20, 2007, Sonoma, Calif., Vintage Point Partners in Wine, the Sonoma, California-based sales, marketing and general consulting firm specializing in small, luxury wine producers, has announced its entry into the Washington state wine market with the signing of clients JM Cellars, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery, Stonecap Wines and Alder Ridge. The announcement caps months of discussions and negotiations with some of Washington State?s top boutique wine producers, which Vintage Point sees as having unlimited potential in the U.S. wine market.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio into Washington. With its rich geologic history, northerly climate and focus on the premium end of the market, the state is exploding with artisan growers and wineries committed to making truly handcrafted wines," said Vintage Point President David Biggar. “We believe there is demand for these brands throughout the country, that they've been a bit of a secret until now, limited to awareness of just a handful of Washington's larger, more well-known wine brands."

Founded by John and Peggy Bigelow, JM Cellars exemplifies the emergence of small family-owned wineries in Washington. The couple began making wine 100 cases -- in their basement in 1998. Having worked alongside Mike Januik, one of Chateau Ste. Michelle?s finest winemakers (and John's brother-in-law) and Charlie Hoppes, the highly acclaimed winemaker and founder of Fidélitas, John and Peggy decided to establish their own brand with a goal of producing 2000 cases. Establishing partnerships with some of the state?s most prized vineyards, including Klipsun, Champoux, Ciel de Cheval, Alder Ridge, Stillwater Creek and Red Mountain, the Bigelows now operate out of their own winery in Woodinville on a high knoll known as Bramble Bump.

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery and Stonecap Wines are owned by Monson Family Estates, which has farmed in the Columbia Valley for four decades. The core of the two brands is the family's estate vineyard at Goose Ridge in the Columbia Valley across from Red Mountain, planted under the guidance of Dr. Walter Clore who is widely considered the “father" of the Washington wine industry. With over 1000 acres planted in dozens of small blocks, the vineyard is the fruit source for many boutique Washington producers and the family is known for its deep commitment to quality and sustainability. The critically-acclaimed wines of Goose Ridge and Stonecap are made by Charlie Hoppes, recognized as one of the winemaker ?gurus? of the region.

Alder Ridge, owned by the Seattle-based Corus Estates & Vineyards, is a Bordeaux-style blend made exclusively from grapes grown in the Alder Ridge Vineyard, widely thought of as one of the most significant vineyard sites in Washington State. Planted and farmed by family-owned Corus, a long-time grower and producer of boutique wines from the Northwest, Alder Ridge Vineyard features numerous small blocks with different exposures, slopes and elevations, and its location overlooking the Columbia River ensures a temperate climate year-round.

“JM Cellars and Alder Ridge, along with Goose Ridge and Stonecap typify what is happening in Washington State today," said Biggar. “Critics agree that the food-friendly style of their wines -- crisp and refreshing for the whites and round and rich with red fruit flavors and soft tannins for the reds are exactly what consumers are looking for. The trick is getting the wines recognized and into the right trade channels, and that's where Vintage Point comes in."

“ The Washington wine category is growing at twice the rate of the domestic 750ml varietal category and we believe it's poised for continued explosive growth," commented Tom Peterson, Vintage Point Chief Operating Officer. “We hope to further expand our portfolio of boutique producers from Washington, helping to secure their place in the international wine market. In addition, we look forward to working with the Washington Wine Commission, helping to play the role of torch bearer for the benefit of the Washington category."

Formed in March 2006, Vintage Point offers a full range of winery services and a national sales and marketing team that specializes in channel management, placing luxury wines in the optimal retail and restaurant outlets. Vintage Point's domestic and international clients include Luna Vineyards, Arnold Palmer Wines, Jayson Woodbridge's Hundred Acre, Gold and Pure Love Wines, Mason Cellars, John's Blend and Joseph Carr Vineyards. The three partners, David Biggar, President, Tom Peterson, Chief Operating Officer, and Teresa Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer emphasize that “Partners in Wine" signifies not only their own partnership, but the many partnerships they have formed with the luxury wine trade.

Vintage Point is located at 564 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 94576. It can be reached via phone (707) 939-6766, fax (707) 939-6765 or email: david.biggar@vintagepoint.com The company's website is www.vintagepoint.com.