Hall of Fame Golfer Annika Sorenstam Partners With Acclaimed Wente Vineyards to Create Namesake Wine Brand to Be Launched in May 2009

LIVERMORE VALLEY, Calif., Oct 08, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Annika Sorenstam, one of the most celebrated female golfers in history, embarks on a project of passion with the country's oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards. Working closely with fifth generation Winemaker Karl Wente, Sorenstam has created her namesake Syrah, ANNIKA, which will be released in May 2009. Sorenstam was drawn to Wente Vineyards for its rich family winemaking tradition as well as the Wente lifestyle, which encompasses a Greg Norman championship golf course, a fine dining restaurant, and an annual concert series.
"Partnering with Annika seemed like a natural fit for Wente Vineyards. We have always understood that wine is only one of many important elements found at our winery. We aim to provide a total sensory experience that goes beyond one's palate," says Carolyn Wente, who manages sales and marketing efforts for the Wente Family Estates portfolio of wines. "With this new partnership, we realize a deeper level of commitment to this philosophy."

"As someone who thoroughly enjoys fine wine, I am thrilled to be partnering with the Wente family on this project," said Sorenstam. "I was immediately impressed with the family's strong heritage and golfing traditions. It is exciting for me to be able to share this passion of mine with other wine lovers."

Wente Vineyards was selected amongst a number of vintners because of its stellar wines; family heritage; appreciation and respect for the land; and integration of wine and culture. With 125 years of winemaking tradition, the Wente family name is synonymous with great wine. This tradition continues with the release of this ultra-premium Central Coast Syrah this spring.

About Annika

Annika is one of the most dominant players in women's golf. Throughout her storied career, she has rewritten the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and events, and brought unprecedented attention to women's golf. Her success has changed how women's golf is played, covered, and viewed, and in her rise to mainstream athlete and celebrity, she has had a positive impact on all women's sports. Annika continues to impact lives with the establishing of the ANNIKA Foundation, which is dedicated to providing inspiration to children in need through critical financial, physical, and emotional support, and also helps aspiring junior golfers follow their dreams through scholarships, education, and new playing opportunities. In addition, her boutique golf instructional school, the ANNIKA Academy, provides individualized golf instruction and custom-made fitness programs to help golfers of all levels improve their game.

About Wente Vineyards

2008 marks Wente Vineyards' 125th Anniversary. The country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards is led today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of wines. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California's premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining, and championship golf. 

                 Suggested Retail Price - $75.00 750ml Bottle
                        Nationally Released - May 2009