Vintage Point Raises a Glass to Washington Wines
New
Clients Among State's Top Luxury Producers
August
20, 2007, Sonoma, Calif., Vintage Point Partners in Wine, the
Sonoma, California-based sales, marketing and general consulting
firm specializing in small, luxury wine producers, has announced
its entry into the Washington state wine market with the signing
of clients JM Cellars, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery,
Stonecap Wines and Alder Ridge. The announcement caps months of
discussions and negotiations with some of Washington State?s top
boutique wine producers, which Vintage Point sees as having unlimited
potential in the U.S. wine market.
“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio into Washington.
With its rich geologic history, northerly climate and focus on
the premium end of the market, the state is exploding with artisan
growers and wineries committed to making truly handcrafted wines,"
said Vintage Point President David Biggar. “We believe there
is demand for these brands throughout the country, that they've
been a bit of a secret until now, limited to awareness of just
a handful of Washington's larger, more well-known wine brands."
Founded by John and Peggy Bigelow, JM Cellars exemplifies the
emergence of small family-owned wineries in Washington. The couple
began making wine 100 cases -- in their basement in 1998. Having
worked alongside Mike Januik, one of Chateau Ste. Michelle?s finest
winemakers (and John's brother-in-law) and Charlie Hoppes, the
highly acclaimed winemaker and founder of Fidélitas, John
and Peggy decided to establish their own brand with a goal of
producing 2000 cases. Establishing partnerships with some of the
state?s most prized vineyards, including Klipsun, Champoux, Ciel
de Cheval, Alder Ridge, Stillwater Creek and Red Mountain, the
Bigelows now operate out of their own winery in Woodinville on
a high knoll known as Bramble Bump.
Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery and Stonecap Wines are
owned by Monson Family Estates, which has farmed in the Columbia
Valley for four decades. The core of the two brands is the family's
estate vineyard at Goose Ridge in the Columbia Valley across from
Red Mountain, planted under the guidance of Dr. Walter Clore who
is widely considered the “father" of the Washington
wine industry. With over 1000 acres planted in dozens of small
blocks, the vineyard is the fruit source for many boutique Washington
producers and the family is known for its deep commitment to quality
and sustainability. The critically-acclaimed wines of Goose Ridge
and Stonecap are made by Charlie Hoppes, recognized as one of
the winemaker ?gurus? of the region.
Alder Ridge, owned by the Seattle-based Corus Estates & Vineyards,
is a Bordeaux-style blend made exclusively from grapes grown in
the Alder Ridge Vineyard, widely thought of as one of the most
significant vineyard sites in Washington State. Planted and farmed
by family-owned Corus, a long-time grower and producer of boutique
wines from the Northwest, Alder Ridge Vineyard features numerous
small blocks with different exposures, slopes and elevations,
and its location overlooking the Columbia River ensures a temperate
climate year-round.
“JM Cellars and Alder Ridge, along with Goose Ridge and
Stonecap typify what is happening in Washington State today,"
said Biggar. “Critics agree that the food-friendly style
of their wines -- crisp and refreshing for the whites and round
and rich with red fruit flavors and soft tannins for the reds
are exactly what consumers are looking for. The trick is getting
the wines recognized and into the right trade channels, and that's
where Vintage Point comes in."
“ The Washington wine category is growing at twice the rate
of the domestic 750ml varietal category and we believe it's poised
for continued explosive growth," commented Tom Peterson,
Vintage Point Chief Operating Officer. “We hope to further
expand our portfolio of boutique producers from Washington, helping
to secure their place in the international wine market. In addition,
we look forward to working with the Washington Wine Commission,
helping to play the role of torch bearer for the benefit of the
Washington category."
Formed in March 2006, Vintage Point offers a full range of winery
services and a national sales and marketing team that specializes
in channel management, placing luxury wines in the optimal retail
and restaurant outlets. Vintage Point's domestic and international
clients include Luna Vineyards, Arnold Palmer Wines, Jayson Woodbridge's
Hundred Acre, Gold and Pure Love Wines, Mason Cellars, John's
Blend and Joseph Carr Vineyards. The three partners, David Biggar,
President, Tom Peterson, Chief Operating Officer, and Teresa Sullivan,
Chief Financial Officer emphasize that “Partners in Wine"
signifies not only their own partnership, but the many partnerships
they have formed with the luxury wine trade.
Vintage Point is located at 564 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 94576. It
can be reached via phone (707) 939-6766, fax (707) 939-6765 or
email: david.biggar@vintagepoint.com
The company's website is www.vintagepoint.com.
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