Press Release Archives

Nov 20 2013

Villa Maria’s 2013 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc Outshines Competition at 2013 Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition

New Zealand winery takes home prestigious Grand Champion Award

Washington D.C. – New Zealand’s Villa Maria Estate was selected as Grand Champion of the 2013 Clyde’s Group Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition, Nov. 4, 2013.

The 19-year tradition, seeks to challenge distinguished judges to blindly taste wines and oysters from throughout the world and find the perfect pairing. This year, more than 320 entries were received by competition administrators from more 14 different countries.

From among this prestigious set of wines, Villa Maria’s 2013 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc rose above the competition with its roundness on the palate.

Additionally, the grassy, herb notes in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc often pair well with oysters because they bring out the natural fruit notes of the shellfish.

The 2013 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc comes from one of the finest vintages the country has ever seen and features flavors of passion fruit, fresh lime and melon.

As the 2013 Grand Champion, the Villa Maria 2013 Sauvignon Blanc will be served with more than 20 types of oysters at the 19th Annual Old Ebbitt Grill Oyster Riot held Nov. 22 and 23, 2013. At last year’s event more than 2,700 guests attended to sip and savor the selected wines and oysters.

About Villa Maria Estate The Villa Maria story is one of absolute passion. The winery was founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich and remains family owned. Fistonich’s dedication to quality has led Villa Maria to become the New Zealand wine icon it is today. Villa Maria sources grapes from New Zealand’s premium grape growing regions: Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Waipara and produces wines in state-of-the-art winemaking facilities in Auckland and Marlborough. Each wine is crafted in the unique, fruit-driven style of New Zealand, showcasing the very best of the country’s distinct wine regions. Visit us at: www.villamaraia.com.nz.

About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the U.S. importer for Villa Maria Estate, has become the most prominent wine company in Washington State, known for its pioneering spirit and world-class wines. Its wineries include Chateau Ste. Michelle (founded in 1934), Columbia Crest, Northstar, Col Solare (in partnership with Antinori) and Spring Valley Vineyards in Washington State; Erath Winery in Oregon; and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (in partnership with Antinori), Conn Creek and Villa Mt. Eden wineries in Napa Valley, California. In addition, the company is the exclusive importer for all Antinori wines in the U.S. Visit us at: www.smwe.com.

Media Contact Jennifer Scott Director of Communications – Villa Maria New Zealand 425-415-3354 / jennifer.j.scott@smwe.com

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