Release of Wine Grape Crush Report Reveals Trends Impacting the Future of California Wine, Expert Explains

WHAT:      The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Preliminary
           Grape Crush Report for 2008 is a critical barometer for the wine
           and grape industry, containing prices and tons of wine grapes
           crushed during the 2008 harvest. The Crush Report gives growers
           and wineries insight into the inventory position for the
           California wine business as a whole and influences market
           dynamics for the upcoming 2009 harvest.

WHEN:      CDFA is scheduled to release the Grape Crush Report at Noon,
           Tuesday, February 10, 2009.

ANALYSIS:  The harvest of 2008 comes at a time of great economic turmoil
           in the United States. The light harvest, while a blessing
           because it prevents the buildup of oversupply during a
           challenging sales environment, presents difficulties for
           growers because of decreased cashflow. Despite the uncertain
           economic times, the historically recession-resistant nature
           of wine and very limited recent plantings of grapes are likely
           to mean a prolonged period of relative shortage is on the
           horizon.

WHO:       Turrentine Brokerage, California's largest winegrape brokerage,
           is available to provide comment and analysis on this report and
           its probable impact on growers, wineries and consumers.

           Turrentine Brokerage will have its experienced team of grape and
           wine brokers available all day Tuesday and through the week for
           comment and questions.

CONTACT:   Brian Clements: (707) 495-8151 - specialty - grapes from all of
           California, especially Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties

           Steve Fredricks: (415) 847-0603 - specialty - grapes and bulk
           wine from all of California and around the world

           Bill Turrentine: (415) 209-9463 - specialty - grapes and bulk
           wine from all of California and economic analysis

           Erica Moyer: (209) 988-7334 - specialty - grapes from the San
           Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys and the Central Coast

           Matt Turrentine: (805) 312-1828 - specialty - grapes from the
           Central Coast.

Contact:

Brian Clements
(707) 495-8151

Steve Fredricks
(415) 847-0603

Bill Turrentine
(415) 209-9463

Erica Moyer
(209) 988-7334

Matt Turrentine
(805) 312-1828

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