Dan Aykroyd Wines to Launch in the U.S. With Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon From Sonoma

- SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA-BASED DELOACH VINEYARDS TO SERVE AS PRODUCER FOR AYKROYD'S U.S. WINE PORTFOLIO - VENTURE IS FIRST INTERNATIONAL EXTENSION OF DAN AYKROYD DISCOVERY SERIES WINES WHICH ORIGINATED IN CANADA

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Oct 06, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Dan Aykroyd wines will be making its official entry into the U.S. marketplace in December 2008 with two new Sonoma-produced varietals including a Discovery Series Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, announced Murray Marshall, President & CEO of Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits, Ltd., the award winning wine and spirits agency that serves as Dan Aykroyd's Canadian wine-producing and distribution partner.

Jean Charles Boisset Wines USA Ltd., which owns the Santa Rosa-based international award-winning winery DeLoach Vineyards, will serve as the distributor for the Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines will retail in the U.S. between $17.99 and $19.95.

"Dan's close involvement during the creation of these special cuvees alongside our winemaking team has borne wines that complement the unique style of each partner," said Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates and Owner of DeLoach Vineyards.

This venture is the first international extension of the Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series wines that came about as a result of a conversation between Aykroyd and award-winning Sonoma wine producer, Jean Charles Boisset.

"I am a big fan of the wines that are coming out of the Sonoma appellation, specifically DeLoach Vineyards. Jean Charles and his incredible team of winemakers consistently continue to produce outstanding wines for which I am proud to attach my name," said Aykroyd.

The first two Aykroyd varietals will initially be available in California with select distribution in other US markets including the House of Blues, which Aykroyd is a co-founder. A national rollout of the brand is scheduled for early 2009. Aykroyd is personally involved in the selection process of all varietals being produced under his name.

"My wines are a reflection of my lifelong passion for entertaining my friends, fans and family. Our goal with DeLoach is to produce outstanding quality wines that represent my entertaining lifestyle without compromising quality or value," said Aykroyd.

Since the 2007 launch of Dan Aykroyd's Canadian wine portfolio which includes a Discovery Series Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Shiraz, and a Signature Reserve Icewine, his wines have become Canada's top selling celebrity-branded wine and have won several high-profile awards by wine critics and industry peers.

In late 2003, DeLoach Vineyards was purchased by Boisset Family Estates, an innovative, eco-minded, family-owned producer and importer of fine wine and spirits. With roots in Burgundy, France, wineries on two continents and a U.S. office in California, Boisset is a leading producer of Pinot Noir and one of France's top exporters of premium wines.

Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Ltd. is an award-winning wine and spirits distribution and marketing agency for various international brands across Canada. Since inception, the company has grown to become one of Canada's top agencies representing some of the most compelling domestic and international beverage alcohol brands in today's marketplace.