As 2024 comes to a close, I saved some very special press releases, as an exit to a great year. These are the Best Press Releases for 12.31.24. My first story begins through a press release from the World of Fine Wine, about Sarah Marsh’s adventures in Europe.

Happy New Year

Her article was a feature in the World of Fine Wine, by editor David Williams. This is a story of Sarah Ann Marsh MW, who  traveled on the Camino Portuguese trail. Sarah entered and passed through Pontevedra, Spain, on the way to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a story about her adventures exploring Spanish wines along the way, with her guides Eulogio Pomares and Manuel Moldes.

“I wanted a good walk, and, with only eight days to spare for my journey. I decided on the Camino Portuguese. It would be a speedy trek from Porto to Santiago. En route I would visit two of my favorite producers in Rías Baixas.

“Last year I considered the three principal subregions within the Galician DO: Val do Salnés, Condado do Tea, and O Rosal. This time I would concentrate on the expression of specific terroir and single vineyards within just one of those subregions: the Salnés Valley.”

Reading on: “The 2018 vintage of Eulogio Pomares Pedraneira shows delicious evolution; caramelised orange peel and blossom honey. It is spicy, but fresh and has a glowing textual richness. It was fermented in 2,500l (660 gallons) foudres, racked in the spring, and returned to foudres and bottled after the following harvest.”

Camino Portuguese walk, earth road through forest. Purchased Photo

Media Monitoring with Critical Mention

This one came from Laura Deutz, of onclusive (on your side). From time to time someone just has his or her act together, and this is a classic example for what gets my attention.

It’s a media monitoring firm, and while I don’t have a need for its services, I was struck by her professionalism. I write press releases for a living, consequently, they’d better be great when they arrive. I was schooled in the Gregg Reference Manual. Good luck out there, because I made sure I came out as the first student in Jane Branard’s class, at Santa Rosa Junior College, in the early 2000s. It was far from easy, and here was Laura doing everything right. I sent a response, which told her I couldn’t use her services. I also said I really appreciated her professionalism, and I’d recommend her. If someone needs their services, ask for Laura Deutz.

What Onclusive Offers

“We work with and empower the world’s leading brands and agencies to modernize their communications, increase performance and demonstrate value. Crucially, we help you improve the bottom line by ensuring you can make the right decisions, at the right time.”  For wine companies, I’d always tell someone to find a wine PR firm. We have the media relationships that transcend PR companies outside of our industry. We know who is who, what is what, and what is needed for success.

A woman with a great talent, Laura Deutz. Purchased photo.

Alentejo: Unique by Nature, By Wine Enthusiast Magazine

I’m very clear on the Alentejo region of Portugal, due to my history. I’ve had the honor of introductions to many wine brands on site, to witness their practices, and tasted their wines. When I read this incoming email, it made my heart sing. The Wine Enthusiast Magazine has a great and inspiring story. The Alentejo Regional Wine Growing Commission has created a voluntary initiative for grape growers and wine producers. The program’s called Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme (WASP), and is intended to helps local producers pursue sustainability goals.

It’s all about sustainability, and this should apply to every winery in the world. “That’s because climate change has the potential to devastate Alentejo,” but it’s not just the Alentejo. It’s a world problem.  I highly recommend that every single wine producer around the world study this global leadership’s program, as soon as possible. Time is of the essence.

Suggestions are the Following

Farmers need to dispense with harmful pesticides. Water is a critical resource in dire need of protection, so use drip irrigation. Re-hydrate plants during periods of drought. Limit chemical run-off into streams and rivers. Create nature protection areas, which encourage mixed planting and animal-focused developments. Learn more at CVRA (Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana).

Cortes de Cima, the highest point in Alentejo region of Portugal. Photo Jo Diaz

Visit Domaine Carneros Salon des Reves

Art Deco Inspired Luxury Lounge

I love visiting Domaine Carneros, besides I now have a new incentive. The winery has expanded with its exciting new Salon des Reves. The style is Art Deco, and has an intimate setting atmosphere. I see it as a special place for special times. These are times when I most especially need an escape from my routines. I’m really partial to Art Deco, so when I got word that they have a new lounge in this style, it really grabbed my attention.

The press release stated, “Imagined as a speakeasy style lounge, where locals and visitors can experience luxury offerings of oysters, caviar, ceviche and tinned fish. This is all In addition to the winery’s wide selection of accompaniments, which includes local charcuterie, smoked salmon, vegan cheese, and macarons.”

The One thing I’ve Noticed At Domaine Carneros

Guests Are In No Hurry To Move On

Their ambiance let’s you know how special you are, when pampering begins. The Salon des Rêves is a plush and moody lounge, tucked beneath the main foyer of the château. Visitors are treated to an inviting and inspired space, which is designed in green and gold colors. You even get to descending a hidden staircase. The room was created to reflect the inside of a bottle of champagne. The green tones bring about the glass of a champagne bottle, and the gold accents imitate sparkling wine.

Plush custom carpeting creates a quiet oasis, another point of welcoming. The luxurious, velvet lounge seating is complemented by gold and crystal adorned walls. This is  surrounded a custom-made, marble topped curved bar. This escape is intended to have guests feels whisked away to a Parisian jazz club, off the Faubourg-St. Honoré. It’s a dreamlike space, basically being the perfect venue for hosting their new Plat des Perles tasting.

This new addition is a place for pairing three of their most delicious sparkling wines, with fresh and briny Northern California oysters. There are also luxurious add-ons guests can enjoy. You can indulge with seasonal raw fish and sustainably sourced caviar. This is definitely for anyone who is looking to elevate his or her tasting. For this indulgent experience, it starts at $80 for non members of Domaine Carneros’ Château Society, and $64 for members). As an FYI, reservations are required four days in advance.

Domaine Carneros, Salon des Reves, Photo courtesy of Domaine Carneros

Best Press Releases for 12.13.24

Written by Jo Diaz, edited by Jose Diaz, owners of Diaz Communications, where we help make stars to realize their dreams.