14 Hands Launches Varietal Wines At Retail Nationally

National Demand for Brand's Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling Drive Distribution Expansion

14 Hands has announced the national off-premise launch of its varietal tier of wines which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling. The wines began shipping nationally in August 2011 and will be available for the suggested retail price of $12.

14 Hands was initially introduced in 2005 as an on-premise brand to provide fine dining establishments with the perfect 'by-the-glass' wine. The success of the brand over the years has created a broader national demand for the wines. In 2010, 14 Hands entered the off-premise market with the introduction of the winery's second tier, the 'Hot to Trot' red and white blends.

Within a year the 'Hot to Trot' Red Blend has become the number one selling wine in the Seattle market, and the number two selling super-premium domestic red blend in dollar sales per point ACV nationally (according to AC Nielsen F/D/L data ending August 20th, 2011). The 'Hot to Trot' White Blend ranks number two in the super-premium white blend category in the US.

"Consumers are impressed with the quality and value of 14 Hands and have been showing increasing levels of interest for the wines in other channels for years," said David Griffiths, Marketing Manager for 14 Hands.

According to Google Analytics, Web site traffic at 14hands.com has grown an average of 40% annually since its launch in 2005 – an indication that consumers want more information on how and where to buy these wines.

"We believe the 14 Hands varietal wines will do well in the retail environment," continues Griffiths. "The major benefit is that consumer awareness has been created by years of trial in restaurants and other on-premise establishments."

The varietal wines' consumer popularity is highlighted in the latest Wine & Spirits Restaurant Poll featuring 14 Hands Merlot (#15 Most Popular Wine by the Glass) and 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon (#15 Most Popular Cabernet).

The wine style and price point also appeals to consumers in the retail environment. Recent AC Nielsen category analysis shows that consumers are migrating to higher priced wines in varietal and blend categories.

"These wines feature qualities that consumers seek," said Griffiths. "They are a terrific value through exceptional, consistent wine quality, and are packaged with a vibrant, engaging label that is perfect for the retail environment."

About 14 Hands Introduced in 2005, 14 Hands wines are inspired by the spirit of the wild horses that once roamed the arid landscape of eastern Washington. It was here that these special horses – measuring a scant "14 hands" tall – developed their legendary endurance, strength, and tenacious spirit. Like these wild horses, the vineyards struggle in the same harsh conditions of eastern Washington. It is their ability to thrive in this environment that produces the world-class quality fruit that goes into each bottle of 14 Hands. Learn more at www.14hands.com.

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