Columbia Crest Introduces New Packaging for the Grand Estates Wines

Paterson, Wash

Columbia Crest winery, Washington state’s largest producer of premium wine, has introduced new packaging for its Grand Estates tier. The first wines to feature the new package include the 2008 Grand Estates Chardonnay and the 2007 Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon which released nationally in September 2009.

"The clean, classic elegance of the new Grand Estates package enhances the brand’s expression of quality and distinction among wines of world-class stature, while preserving elements that evoke the Columbia Crest heritage," said Miles Johnson, senior marketing manager for Columbia Crest.

The Grand Estates wines, which include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Riesling, are the embodiment of artesian winemaking on a grand scale. Winemaker Ray Einberger’s uncompromising attention to detail is applied to each varietal, resulting in wines with exceptional flavor profiles and the versatility to pair with many styles of cuisine.

The Grand Estates Merlot new package will begin shipping nationally in spring 2010, followed by the other varietals later in the year.

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. 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@ste-michelle.com