Governor Schwarzenegger Applauds California Vintners and Winegrape Growers

by | May 9, 2007 | Event | 1 comment

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September 2007 California Wine Month, in a proclamation praising California’s wine community for strengthening the state’s economy and highlighting the ideal climate, beautiful scenery, geographic diversity, and unparalleled expertise of its grape growers and vintners. This is the third consecutive year that Governor Schwarzenegger has honored the state’s wine industry.

While one might think that this is “no big Deal,” consider the following:

  • Last year’s California Wine Month celebration in September helped increase sales of California wines by more than 11 percent in that month in U.S. supermarkets, compared to the previous September, according to The Nielsen Company.
  • California is the fifth largest economy in the world, and that is a direct result of being the fourth largest wine producer in the world.
  • Two of every three bottles of wine crafted in California are enjoyed here, never leaving the state (we live the lifestyle, enjoy the culture surrounding the wine industry, and we’re very clear on the health benefits when wine is enjoyed responsibly).
  • Each year, nearly 20,000,000 tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine, and cultural offerings associated with California’s signature industry.

    • The Wine Institute, the association of 1000 California wineries and affiliated businesses, initiated the California Wine Month campaign in September, during the annual harvest, to showcase the state’s more than 20 distinctive wine growing regions and 107 different, designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) recognized by the federal government.

    Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of the Wine Institute stated, “We’re pleased that the contributions of California’s vintners and winegrape growers are recognized by the Governor as a unique and special part of California, because California is a spectacular place to grow and make wine, and we’re considered by many to be the world leader in sustainable winegrowing practices.”

    The Wine Institute is partnering with winery members, regional wineries, grower associations, retailers, restaurants, and other organizations with a calendar of California wine events in September.

    To keep abreast of activities surrounding this month’s focus, visit www.californiawineevents.com for listings of things to do in California wine country, not only for September, but also for event that are ongoing throughout the year.

    California Wine Month partners planning activities for California Wine Month in September 2007 include: Safeway Stores in 22 states. Costco, Beverages & More!, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Kimpton Hotel, Trader Vic’s in CA and UK, Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse, Perbacco Ristorante & Bar, the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Magazine, and the California Restaurant Association.

    For more information, or to become involved, you can contact the following:

  • Wine Institute ~ Gladys Horiuchi: 415-356-7525, or communications@wineinstitute.org
  • Wagstaff Worldwide ~ Linda Parker: 323-871-1151, or linda@wagstaffworldwide.com

    • 1 Comment

    1. Michael M on May 10, 2007 at 12:00 am

      “I think certainly there are different types of wine for different occasions. Some people like red