Wine Industry Report

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Company has announced its sponsorship of the Elton John Aids Foundation. This commitment will provide wines for all EJAF annual fundraising events in the US and a financial donation to the organization’s global efforts to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs.

DC&E kicks off the annual sponsorship by providing wine from Sterling Vineyards for the star-studded annual Elton John Academy Awards® Viewing Party. Following the telecast viewing, guests will articipate in an exclusive live auction to benefit the Foundation. DC&E has donated a one-of-a-kind nine-liter bottle of Sterling Vineyards 2002 Red Carpet Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon, the custom wine created exclusively for the Academy Awards®, and signed by Ellen DeGeneres, this year’s Awards host.

This unique bottle will be auctioned with a deluxe wine country winemaking weekend for ten people, hosted by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines.

Through successful fundraising, special events and voluntary contributions, the EJAF has raised over $100 million to provide grants to worthy HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 55 countries. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wine brands have shown consistent commitment to similar goals with support of the Human Rights Campaign, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Dining Out for Life and regional AIDS support groups.

“We are very excited to continue our longstanding support of organizations that work to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS,” said Neil Tallantire, Senior Vice President of Marketing, for Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines. “In the US alone, there are over one million people living with AIDS and the Elton John AIDS Foundation is doing critical work in the fight against this disease. We look forward to working together.”

Established in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world’s leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. Focusing on the support of community based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to those living with HIV/AIDS, the organizations outreach efforts include physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, food distribution, assisted living services, social services and volunteer recruitment and support. For more information about EJAF, log onto to http://www.ejaf.org.