7/1/2009 - St. Helena, CA--The economy may have slowed the world over, but the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) - the non-profit trade association representing nearly 350 wineries - and its members have hosted nearly 800 wine trade and wine and lifestyle media in the first six months of 2009, with many more members of the international wine trade visiting Napa Valley in the months to come.
"It's extremely encouraging to us that so many members of the wine trade still find visiting with vintners in Napa Valley and finding out what's new in the world of Napa Valley wine a priority for their business success," said NVV Board of Directors President Paula Kornell. "In addition, the number of travel, lifestyle and wine media from around the globe that have come is promising for us as a destination. In the short-term it has also generated business for our local economy as hotels, caterers, restaurants, transportation providers and other services have benefitted from their visits."
In the first six months of the year, the NVV and its member wineries hosted
• 500 top wine trade and 100 media from across the U.S. and abroad at Premiere Napa Valley, a trade-only barrel auction and tasting
• 70 renowned and up-and-coming wine writers for the four-day Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood
• 130 wine and lifestyle media from around the world and across the country to cover Auction Napa Valley, the NVV's annual community fundraiser
• 15 wine trade from Germany, Switzerland and Austria
• A dozen wine trade from the U.K. for a four-day intensive on what makes Napa Valley and its wines so special
• 11 lifestyle writers and editors from across Europe
• A dozen Canadian sommeliers and wine journalists for three days of in-depth workshops, tours, tastings and meals
• 11 Japanese importers seeking new wines for their portfolios
• Six lifestyle media from China representing the Chinese outlets of the world’s top magazines
• the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to explore trading and partnership opportunities
"Hosting international wine trade and media is essential to maintaining and reinforcing our presence as America's legendary wine region. When they see first-hand this unique and beautiful place, meet the vintners and taste our wines, these key influencers come away with better knowledge and greater appreciation for the Napa Valley and its wines," said Bruce Cakebread, chair of the NVV’s marketing and promotions committee.
About the NVV
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. The organization celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents nearly 350 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about the region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com
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Joel Coleman-Nakai
Communications Manager
Napa Valley Vintners
707-963-4226
jcoleman-nakai@napavintners.com
www.facebook.com/NapaVintners
www.twitter.com/NapaVintners
Contact: Joel Coleman-Nakai, Communications Manager 707-968-4226 jcoleman-nakai@napavintners.com
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