Wine Industry Report

Multi-City Cross-Promotional Rock and Roll Tour and Sweepstakes Illustrates Wine’s Emergence as the Adult Beverage o Choice in America

In a cross-promotion illustrating the emergence of wine as the adult beverage of choice on a rock and roll scene long dominated by spirits and beer, Wente Vineyards has teamed with legendary rock band Foreigner to create the “Legends of Wine & Rock” pre-concert wine tastings.

These exclusive gatherings represent a first-of-its-kind opportunity for fans to meet Foreigner, while sipping wines from Wente Vineyards. A sweepstakes to win a trip to The Concerts at Wente Vineyards to see Foreigner live in 2007, and free online music downloads, are also part of the promotion. To date, nineteen events are set for 2006 in eight states and four countries.

“When the band performed at Wente Vineyards in 2005, we fell in love with the outdoor amphitheater, the food and wines,” said Foreigner band manager Phil Carson. “We also saw that Foreigner fans were wine lovers, so we tested the waters outside of wine country and teamed up again with Wente Vineyards and local radio for a pre-concert promotion and wine tasting in New Jersey. It was an absolute hit. The radio station’s excitement about the event translated into increased on-air visibility which translated into a sold out show.”

“Foreigner has always been a favorite of ours,” said fifth generation winegrower and vice-president of marketing Christine Wente. “When Foreigner approached us with this idea, we jumped at the chance because it was such a natural fit. This year we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Concerts at Wente Vineyards, so we’ve long seen the connection between wine and the rock and roll audience. We’re also one of the leading exporters of California wines, making it possible for us to support Foreigner’s international tour schedule. And what an exciting way to reach new fans for our wines!”

“The Legends of Wine & Rock” promotion will also include a point-of-sale bottle-necker campaign on Wente Vineyards wines at retail outlets throughout the U.S. Full details of the promotion and Foreigner’s free music download are available HERE .

About Wente Vineyards
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. Owned and managed today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, the winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of estate vineyards located in the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco regions of California. A global wine brand, Wente Vineyards exports wines to more than 50 countries. The Wente Vineyards Estate Winery is located at 5565 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94550. www.wentevineyards.com.

About The Concerts at Wente Vineyards
In 2006, The Concerts at Wente Vineyards celebrates twenty years of fine wine, food, and top international acts, complemented by gracious and personal service. Concerts are held at the beautiful Wente Vineyards Restaurant and Event Center, located at 5050 Arroyo Road, in a picturesque valley a few miles south of the town of Livermore. Seating is in a terraced amphitheater surrounded by gardens, hillsides and tile-roofed winery buildings recreated in the style of old California. Patrons can choose either a four-course dinner in the award-winning Wente Vineyards Restaurant, followed by reserved, stage-front seating, or a buffet-style dinner at tables of ten on the lawn. The intimate nature of the setting limits the number of tickets sold so that every seat offers guests an outstanding entertainment experience.

About Foreigner
Formed in 1976, Foreigner immediately experienced meteoric global success. Signed to Atlantic Records, their debut self-titled 1977 album yielded the quintessential hard rock hits, “Feels Like The First Time,” and “Cold As Ice,” assuring their passport to superstardom. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Foreigner was universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi-platinum albums, and sold out concert tours. From “Cold As Ice” to “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent” to “Jukebox Hero,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” to the chart topper “I Want To Know What Love is,” Foreigner’s thrilling mix of blustery blues and impeccably crafted pop continues to captivate generation after generation of music fans.

In 2005, Foreigner celebrated four decades of making music by regrouping with an exciting, new lineup. Led by the group’s creative brainchild, chief songwriter, musician and producer, Mick Jones, the band includes veteran members, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs and rhythm guitarist Tom Gimbel. New recruits include bassist Jeff Pilson, drummer Jason Bonham, and vocalist Kelly Hansen. The band is touring extensively throughout 2006, with a break during the month of April to record new material for their upcoming album.