Columbia Crest Expands Popular "Two Vines" Tier with Pinot Grigio

Paterson, WA

Columbia Crest, Washington state's leading producer of premium wines, has announced the addition of Pinot Grigio to its popular Two Vines tier of wines. The 2009 Two Vines Pinot Grigio, which is available in 750 mL and 1.5L formats, will ship in May 2010 and will be available nationally for a suggested retail price of $8 for the 750 mL format and $13 for the 1.5L format.

"Like the other wines in the Two Vines tier, the Pinot Grigio is crafted to be approachable and fruit-forward," said winemaker Ray Einberger. "The wine displays enticing aromas of fruit salad and luscious flavors of green apple that are accented by subtle hints of pear and citrus. Crisp and refreshing, this wine is perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with seafood and chicken."

Grapes for the Two Vines Pinot Grigio are sourced from the cooler sites of the Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley. The region’s sunny days and cool nights allow for gradual flavor development of the fruit. Minimal rainfall and weak soils are other vineyard attributes that ensure flavor intensity.

"According to AC Nielsen data, Pinot Grigio sales have steadily increased over the last 52 weeks, and for the last three years the Pinot Grigio 1.5L segment has increased 13% nationally," said Miles Johnson, Columbia Crest senior marketing manager. "Additionally, Columbia Crest is ranked seventh out of the top 200 premium wine brands. So it only makes sense to offer consumers a Pinot Grigio from Columbia Crest, one of the most popular and widely regarded wineries recognized by consumers for delivering quality wines at an affordable price."

"Two Vines" refers to Columbia Crest’s method of bilateral trellising which positions grape clusters to receive ideal sun exposure to help produce the ripest grapes and richer, more flavorful wines. The Two Vines series signifies the winery’s core commitment to merge quality, affordability and approachability.

In addition to the Pinot Grigio, the Two Vines tier also includes Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a Merlot-Cabernet blend, as well as the Two Vines Vineyard 10 Red Wine and the Two Vines Vineyard 10 White Wine. All wines are available nationally for a suggested retail price of $8 per bottle.

Founded in 1983, Columbia Crest has grown from a small winery in a relatively unknown wine region to one of the most significant wineries in the U.S. and a major force behind Washington state’s emergence as a world class wine region. In 2009, Wine Spectator magazine named the Columbia Crest 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the No. 1 Wine in the World on its Top 100 list for 2009, the first time a wine from Washington state has received the ranking. The wine was selected from more than 17,000 wines tasted by editors throughout the year. Over the past 12 years, 15 Columbia Crest wines have been named to the Wine Spectator's Top 100 list. More information about the winery can be found at columbia-crest.com.

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For further information:
Erin Shane
425/415.3696
erin.shane@smwe.com