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• redtruckwine.com
• picketfencevineyards.com
• steelheadwine.com

Red Truck Wines, known for its popular Red Truck, White Truck and Pink Truck wines, has introduced new packaging for its White Truck lineup, starting with the 2007 vintages of its White Blend, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.  Featuring the same iconic painting of a vintage white truck, the new labels sport a stylish deckle or torn edge interior frame for an overall look and feel that is more handcrafted and artistic.   In a major shift, Red Truck’s white wines now feature cream-colored screw caps instead of the traditional cork closures.

 “Having a distinctive shelf presence is not only important, it’s imperative, and the objective here was not to change but to strengthen our label, giving a stronger frame to Dennis Ziemienski’s classic artwork, and thereby increasing the overall consumer appeal of the packaging,” said Dan Leese, President of Red Truck Wines and 585 Wine Partners.  “The screw caps are a big part of that.  They’re a natural for our easygoing whites, and with consumer acceptance of this type of closure on the rise, we think the timing of their introduction to our brand is excellent.”

“Screw caps are easy and effective; they’re perfect for our bright and fresh white wines,” said Red Truck Winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos.  “What could be more convenient than popping open a bottle of White Truck Chardonnay at the beach or on a picnic, with no corkscrew necessary?  And if you have some wine left over, screw caps are great for re-sealing the bottle with no worries about leaking.”

With the 2007 vintage, Red Truck also announced it is moving to a Santa Barbara appellation for its Chardonnay, and putting a “call-out” on the label alerting consumers to the fact that the wine is “unoaked.”

“The fresh, bright, tropical fruit flavors we find in Santa Barbara fruit perfectly suit the style of wine we want to make, and the region has become a consistent grape source for us,” said Doug Walker, Chief Operating Officer of Red Truck Wines and 585 Wine Partners.  “We’ve also found that many consumers are looking for these flavors unadorned – without an overlay of oak.  We’ve never used oak in our White Truck Chardonnay, but now we’re making it easier for the consumer to recognize that.” 

Pinot Days
November 14th – 15th
Chicago – Navy Pier
PICKET FENCE VINEYARDS – RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR

Please find out more information by visiting pinotdays.com.

Food & Wine Entertaining Showcase
November 17th – Chicago Contempory Musem
PICKET FENCE VINEYARDS

585 Wine Partners of Sonoma, California, owners of Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence Vineyards, Bivio Italia Wines and Steelhead Wines, has announced it is entering the UK market with offerings from the Red Truck, Picket Fence and Steelhead brands.  Thierry’s Wine Services, the renowned wine importer established by Thierry Cabanne in 1981, has been appointed to distribute the wines.  Currently, they are the only wines from California offered by Thierry’s.

“We see a great opportunity for our brands in the UK right now,” said Dan Leese, President of 585 Wine Partners, who also noted that the company’s growth in the U.S. continues to be robust.  “There’s a lot of interest in California wine, and consumers there are drawn to the classic American image that our products embody, particularly the Red Truck brand.”

585 Wine Partners participated in the London International Wine Fair – one of the wine industry’s largest and most important shows in the world -- in 2006 and 2007.  After receiving favorable response to its offerings, the company conducted research to determine how best to approach the UK market.  This led to the partnership with Thierry’s Wine Services, an importer known for its professionalism and strong relationships with UK retailers.

“Thierry’s is passionate about the wine business, they have an unbeatable reputation, and its senior sales and marketing staff know the retail business in the UK better than anyone,” said Doug Walker, Chief Operating Officer of 585 Wine Partners.  “We look forward to a long partnership with them as we continue to build our brands in global markets.”

Dominique Vrigneau, buying director at Thierry’s, said: “We’ve spent some time looking for potential wines to fill a gap in the UK market for overtly California brands with authentic, classic American imagery. Red Truck, in particular, fits the bill perfectly.”

In addition to the UK, Red Truck Wines are exported to Canada, Korea, Denmark and Norway. 

Sonoma, California-based 585 Wine Partners produces a number of high quality, premium wines under the Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence, Steelhead and Bivio Italia labels.  Red Truck Wines, made by winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos in Sonoma, California, sources fine wine grapes from the best coastal growing regions of California for its portfolio of single-varietal and blended wines.  The Russian River-based Picket Fence wines are made by Sonoma winemaking legend Don Van Staaveren utilizing grapes from Russian River growers who have long term farming agreements with the winery.  Bivio Italia, made in partnership with Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), Italy’s leading premium wine producer, features wines from Tuscany and Friuli that combine traditional winemaking techniques with a modern Italian flair.  Steelhead Wines, based in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, are made in partnership with Quivira Vineyards. 

Wine Partners announced it has entered into an equity partnership with Quivira Vineyards in the production, marketing and distribution of Steelhead, a Dry Creek Valley brand introduced by Quivira in 2003. Steelhead becomes the newest addition to 585 Wine Partners' brand portfolio which includes Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence Winery and the recently introduced Bivio Italia.

"The Steelhead partnership is in keeping with our overall business strategy of investing with experienced winery and vineyard owners on projects that complement our existing portfolio," said Dan Leese, President of 585 Wine Partners.

"Dry Creek Valley, renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and other red varietals, is an ideal addition to our lineup of California, Russian River and Italian brands," added Doug Walker, the company's Chief Operating Officer.

The Steelhead brand began as a tribute to Quivira's commitment to restoring the steelhead and Coho salmon habitat in Wine Creek, a tributary to the Dry Creek River that runs through its estate. Working with state and University organizations as well as Trout Unlimited, Quivira's restoration included rebuilding spawning grounds within the creek bed that have led to the return of Steelhead trout during the spring. The successful restoration of this historic watershed has inspired neighboring landowners to do the same. As part of their Steelhead brand partnership, 585 Wine Partners and Quivira have agreed to expand this watershed conservation alliance with Trout Unlimited.

Pete Kight, owner of Quivira Vineyards along with his wife Terri, noted, "While we are increasing our investment in building Quivira, including the acquisition of additional high hillside and old vine vineyards and the expansion of our marketing support of the Quivira brand, partnering with 585 Wine Partners on the Steelhead brand makes a lot of sense for us. 585 Wine Partners is a dynamic, growing company with an excellent track record and experienced wine people, and my sales and marketing team can focus on building our core Quivira Vineyards business. "

Steelhead will continue to be made by Quivira Vineyards winemaker Steven Canter, who also oversees Quivira's vineyard management. However, Steelhead Red, the previous blend made by Quivira, will be replaced with two exciting new wines: a Dry Creek Zinfandel and Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc marketed under the Steelhead brand name. Steelhead will initially be distributed in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Sonoma, California-based 585 Wine Partners produces a number of high quality, premium wines under the Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence and Bivio Italia labels. Red Truck Wines, made by winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos in Sonoma, California, sources fine wine grapes from the best coastal growing regions of California for its portfolio of single-varietal and blended wines. The Russian River-based Picket Fence utilizes grapes from Russian River growers who have long term farming agreements with the winery. Picket Fence Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made by Sonoma winemaking legend Don Van Staaveren. Bivio Italia, made in partnership with Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), Italy's leading premium wine producer, features wines from Tuscany and Friuli that combine traditional winemaking techniques with a modern Italian flair.

585 Brings Modern Vibrancy of Italy to the U.S.

585 Wine Partners of Sonoma, California, owners of Red Truck Wines and Picket Fence Winery, has announced it is partnering with Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), Italy's leading premium wine producer and owner of more than 3,000 acres of prime vineyards in some of Italy's foremost wine regions, to introduce Bivio Italia, a new line of Italian wines that combines the captivating tradition of Italian winemaking with the country's cutting edge look, feel and attitude in style and design. Bivio Italia, which translates to "fork in the road" – signifying adventure and the joy of living life to the fullest -- includes a 2006 Chianti, 2006 Tuscan Red and 2006 Pinot Grigio, all retailing for $15. The brand launches this September with national distribution expected by January 2008.

585 WINE PARNTERS AND GRUPPO ITALIANO VINI (GIV) ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE TO INTRODUCE BIVIO ITALIA

"We see an opportunity to bring Italy to the U.S. wine consumer in a way that's entirely fresh and new," commented Dan Leese, President of 585 Wine Partners. "Bivio Italia celebrates the joy of exploring life's many forks in the road with spirit, spontaneity and style."

"Bivio Italia makes a different statement about Italy," commented Emilio Pedron, CEO of GIV. "We want people to experience Italy as we do – as a feast for the senses and an ongoing discovery of how innovation and tradition combine to create something modern, fascinating and very distinctive."

Bivio Italia wines are made by Christian Scrinzi, a Trentino native and one of Italy's young, up and coming winemakers who has been with Gruppo Italiano Vini for more than 5 years. The Pinot Grigio delle Venezie was grown in Friuli, the most acclaimed region for white wines with hilly terrain and well-drained soils, and in the cool, airy region of Trentino. The Chianti DOCG is sourced entirely from the renowned Chianti region, grown in vineyards located on well-exposed terrain at altitudes of 1,000 feet or more. The Tuscan Red, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is made with grapes grown in well-drained, hilly vineyards in southern Tuscany. Scrinzi, who has studied in numerous New World wine regions including California and New Zealand, creates richly textured, elegantly balanced wines with an emphasis on eliciting full, fresh fruit flavors. His wines seamlessly integrate old and new world styles, the hallmark of Bivio Italia.

"Bivio Italia gives us an opportunity to participate in one of the most exciting, fastest-growing categories in the industry, and it adds another dimension to our portfolio," said Doug Walker, Chief Operating Officer of 585 Wine Partners. "With its history and experience in Italian wine as well as its vineyard resources, GIV is an ideal partner. The owners have a real stake in the success of Bivio Italia, and most importantly, in the quality of the wines."

Bivio Italia wines feature bright, colorful labels in a palette evocative of their country of origin: the Pinot Grigio takes its sky-blue background from Italy's national soccer team jerseys, while the Chianti and Tuscan Red are reminiscent of the saturated jewel and earth tones one sees in the markets and villages. And with a reference to both classic and contemporary Italy, the label depicts both a stylized image of an Italian scooter and an iconic shield reminiscent of Italian race cars.

"If you're serious about the wine business, you have to be in Italy," commented Leese. "With Bivio Italia, we're giving consumers a fresh, modern Italian wine that speaks to their love of exploration and reflects their contemporary, international lifestyle."

About 585:
Sonoma, California-based 585 Wine Partners produces a number of high quality, premium wines under the Red Truck Wines and Picket Fence labels. Red Truck Wines, made by winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos in Sonoma, California, sources fine winegrapes from the best coastal growing regions of California for its portfolio of single-varietal and blended wines. The Russian River-based Picket Fence utilizes grapes from Russian River growers who have long term farming agreements with the winery. Picket Fence Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made by Sonoma winemaking legend Don Van Staaveren.

About Gruppo Italiano:
Gruppo Italiano Vini is the most prominent wine company in Italy with its 3,125 acres of owned vineyards. Gruppo Italiano Vini owns 14 estates located in the most prestigious areas of Italy for vine-growing and wine-producing including Piedmont, Veneto ,Tuscany, Umbria, Latium and Sicily. Its estates are centuries old and have contributed to making Italian wine famous all over the world.

585 Wine Partners was formed last year when a group led by industry veterans Dan Leese and Doug Walker purchased the Red Truck brand and formed a new venture. The Red Truck brand got its start in 2003 as a blended table wine produced by Cline Cellars. Fred and Nancy Cline are now minority investors.

Leese, 585 Wine Partners's president, previously served as managing director of Beringer Blass Wine Estates (now Foster's Wine Estates Americas) in North America. CEO Doug Walker served as senior vice president of business strategy and development at Foster's.

Red Truck sales have already doubled, and the line has been extended with Pink Truck. Wines are still made at Cline, but now the company is rolling out a Red Truck Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. In an exclusive to Whole Foods, Red Truck is making organic Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc.

The company is also embarking on other wine projects. Picket Fence is a Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir project made by Don Van Staaveren, who has his own winemaking venture but previously made wine for Chateau St. Jean and Artesa. Yet another project just getting underway involves working in Italy to produce Chianti and Pinot Grigio.

"Distributors need a good focused strategic portfolio from a medium sized company," Leese said. "We're not a medium-sized wine company yet, but we will be."

Picket Fence Winery Reunites Sonoma Wine Legends Don Van Staaveren and Pete Opatz

SONOMA, Calif. — 585 Wine Partners, formed by wine industry veterans Dan Leese and Doug Walker in 2005, announced it is launching a new wine brand from Russian River Valley called Picket Fence. Picket Fence becomes the second wine brand in the Sonoma-based 585 Wine Partners' portfolio, joining the fast-growing Red Truck Wines brand. Last week, the company announced it had changed its name from Axiom Wine Company to 585 Wine Partners to better reflect its business strategy which relies on key partnerships to build and sustain its brands.

"It has been a long-term vision of ours to make wines from the Russian River Valley appellation," commented Leese, President of 585 Wine Partners. "Some of the world's most renowned producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir source grapes from this prized appellation. Simply put, if you're making Burgundian varietals in California, Russian River is the place to be."

Picket Fence is introducing a 2005 Russian River Chardonnay ($18-20 suggested retail) and a 2005 Russian River Pinot Noir ($28-30 suggested retail) nationally starting February 2007. The project reunites two Sonoma County wine legends, vineyard manager Pete Opatz and winemaker Don Van Staaveren, who in the last three decades have grown and made some of Sonoma County's most highly acclaimed wines. Opatz, a past president of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, held vineyard management positions at several wine companies including Chateau St. Jean and Allied Domecq before assuming his current position as viticulturist for Vino Farms. Van Staaveren has made critically-acclaimed wines for Chateau St. Jean and Artesa Winery & Vineyards and is currently winemaker for a small luxury winery in Sonoma.

"This is the Sonoma County dream team," said Walker, 585 Wine Partners' Chief Operating Officer, who worked with both Opatz and Van Staaveren when he was president of Chateau St. Jean in the mid-1990's. "Pete and Don are masters in their respective fields, they both have a long history of making wines from Russian River, and they have a synergistic relationship that works perfectly for Picket Fence."

Produced in limited amounts, Picket Fence Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are sourced from a number of Russian River vineyards with which Picket Fence Winery has developed long term agreements. The grapes for both 2005 wines were hand-harvested in the cool late night/early morning hours to retain their crisp, natural acidity. The wines were made in a medium-bodied, richly textured style using approximately 50% new French oak for balanced flavor and added structure. The name Picket Fence was chosen to evoke the graceful, familiar image of picket fences stretching across the American and Sonoma landscape - expressing the significance of place as well as family and friends.

"This is exactly what consumers of luxury Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are looking for: lush, richly flavored wines that display plenty of fruit balanced with oak and acidity in a style that exemplifies the Russian River," said Leese. "This pedigree, this kind of quality, and our ability to offer the wines at this price, makes them a great opportunity for the trade to offer their customers."

585 Wine Partners was formed by wine industry veterans Dan Leese and Doug Walker in 2005 with the purchase of the Red Truck Wines brand from Fred and Nancy Cline of Cline Vineyards. The company has since introduced several single-varietal wines to Red Truck and White Truck brands, as well as Pink Truck, a pink wine blend of Zinfandel, Grenache and Mourvedre. The company is located at 585 First Street West in Sonoma, California.

585WinePartnersLOGO-w.jpgAxiom Wine Company, formed in 2005 when wine industry veterans Dan Leese and Doug Walker purchased the Sonoma-based Red Truck Wine brand from Fred and Nancy Cline, announced it has changed its company name to 585 Wine Partners. According to partners Leese and Walker, the new company name better reflects the company's business model which relies on key partnerships to build and sustain existing and developing wine brands.

"Our company is based on an exciting model that is unique to the wine industry: establishing great relationships with strategic business partners who have a long term interest in the success of our brands," commented President Dan Leese. "As the company enters its second year of operation, 585 Wine Partners is a more fitting name incorporating our address with the significant role partnerships will play as we continue to build our portfolio."

Since the purchase of Red Truck Wines in December of 2005, 585 Wine Partners has formed a national sales force and marketing team and introduced several new varietals to the line including Red Truck Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Truck Merlot, Red Truck Pinot Noir, White Truck Chardonnay and White Truck Pinot Grigio. In October the company announced the release of Pink Truck, a pink wine blend of Zinfandel, Grenache and Mourvedre scheduled for national distribution in early 2007. In a move unprecedented for new product introductions in the wine industry, Pink Truck Wine became an official sponsor of NBC Sports' 2006/07 Figure Skating Season, with ten specials airing nationally on NBC television through January 21, 2007.

"As we continue to expand our business, both with the Red Truck Wine brand and through the development and acquisition of new brands, our aim is to work with partners who have both a drive to produce high quality wine and a personal stake in our success," said Chief Operating Officer Doug Walker.

585 Wine Partners was formed by wine industry veterans Dan Leese and Doug Walker in 2005 with the purchase of the Red Truck Wines brand from Fred and Nancy Cline of Cline Vineyards. The company, which nearly doubled its depletions in 2006, its first year of operations, is located at 585 First Street West in Sonoma, California.