Beringer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rebecca Fine, PR Director
Rebecca.Fine@am.fostersgroup.com
707.299.3259

BERINGER VINEYARDS CELEBRATES 7TH WINEMAKER IN 132 YEARS

Ed Sbragia Named Winemaster Emeritus as Winemaker Laurie Hook Takes on Lead Winemaking Role at Napa Valley’s Oldest Continuously Operating Winery

January 16, 2008 – St. Helena, CA, Beringer winemaking veteran Ed Sbragia has been named Winemaster Emeritus and will continue in a consulting role in support of Laurie Hook, who as the seventh winemaker in the winery’s 132 year history, assumes the lead winemaking position, effective this month. Hook, who joined Beringer in 1986, has been Sbragia’s protégée for more than 21 years and was the natural choice for the role.

Beringer Vineyards has a reputation for consistent quality, in part attributable to the long tenures and mentorship of its winemaking and viticulture employees. Ed Sbragia began at Beringer Vineyards in 1976 under the tutelage of Myron Nightingale (Beringer Winemaker 1971-1984). When Nightingale retired in 1984, Sbragia was promoted to the lead winemaking role and since then has led the winery to innumerable accolades and awards, including Wine Spectator’s coveted “Wine of the Year” award for both a red and a white wine , and #1 on Wine and Spirits Annual Restaurant Poll for 11 consecutive years.

Ed Sbragia commented, “Laurie is a fantastic winemaker and I am confident that she will continue to make great wines. Just like Myron Nightingale did for me, I’m passing the baton at a time when everyone is ready for the next chapter. I’m really excited for Laurie, and for the future of Beringer.” In 2004, Sbragia launched his own family winery, Sbragia Family Vineyards, where he intends to focus more of his time going forward.

About Beringer Vineyards No winery more thoroughly embodies the timeless appeal and seductive flavor of Napa Valley than Beringer Vineyards, Napa’s benchmark producer since its establishment in 1876. Now in its third century of crafting classic wines from Napa’s finest appellations and vineyards, Beringer today is guided by Winemaker Laurie Hook, with the supportive collaboration of celebrated Winemaster Emeritus Ed Sbragia. Their wines speak eloquently of Beringer’s rich heritage while offering cutting-edge quality and contemporary elegance.

www.Beringer.com

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