Press Release: Monterey County Vintners And Growers Association Announces 2009 Board Of Directors

Industry Visionaries Assume Leadership Positions for Highly Regarded Wine and Grape Region

(Monterey, CA) March 23, 2009 -- The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) has announced their Board of Directors for 2009. The MCVGA membership elects all Board positions for three-year terms. The thirteen member Board consists of eleven general member seats, one winegrape grower, and one outside director position.

The 2009 Board of Directors include Cheryl Indelicato, Director of Hospitality, DFV; James Pickworth, General Manager, Jackson Family Wines, Soledad; Sabrine Rodems, Winemaker, San Saba Vineyards; Andy Mitchell, Director of Vineyard Operations, Hahn Estates; Cindy Paup, Marketing Manager, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; Scott Scheid, President, Scheid Vineyards; Ken Shyvers, Vice President of Central Coast Winemaking, Diageo; Hugh Reimers, General Manager, Blackstone Winery; Anthony Pessagno, Director of Sales and Marketing, Pessagno Winery; Paul Johnson, Lockwood Vineyards; Erik Martella, General Manager, Estancia Winery; Jason Smith, General Manager/Owner, Paraiso Vineyards and Grape Grower Elected Board Member; and Michael Marcus, Outside Director.

"The Association's investments over the past several years in promoting broader awareness of the Monterey County region as a premier tourism destination, and a leading growing region for producing an exceptional quality of winegrapes, has experienced exceptional rewards," said Cheryl Indelicato, President Elect, Monterey Country Vintners & Growers Association. "As a Board member for nearly five years, I am honored to be in a leadership position and have the ability to continue to make a difference in this acclaimed wine region."

The winegrape value in Monterey County continued to grow. The 2008 Monterey County crop report indicated a 15% increase in grape value, with an annual crop worth at over $250M. This figure continues to make grapes one of the leading agriculture crops in Monterey County.

Recognizing the quality of fruit coming from Monterey Wine Country, two of the County's most highly regarded varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, continued to demand a higher average price per ton. Chardonnay showed a 10% increase in price per ton from 2006 to 2007, with an average price of $1185. Pinot Noir had a 15% increase in price per ton from 2006 to 2007, with an average price of $1806. One of the most notable trends was the increase in plantings of Pinot Noir. Acreage for this varietal grew from 4195 acres in 2006 to 5663 acres in 2007. Riesling also continues to show as a promising varietal, with an increase in value from $5M in 2006 to over $11.5M in 2007.

The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of its members, partners and the community in order to promote and support their leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 85 vintners and growers in Monterey, California.
Rhonda Motil, Executive Director for the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, commented, "This is an exciting time for Monterey Wine Country. Having a Board with such a cross-representation between boutique and well-known brands and growers, as well as so much experience in the industry, allows us to accomplish our organizational objectives and increase the attention that we can bring to the region."

MCVGA memberships are based upon acreage, case good production, and crushing capabilities. Wineries who produce wines from outside of the area, but have a Monterey label, are eligible for membership with certain guidelines. Wineries or grape growers with an interest in membership with the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association can find out additional details on the organization by visiting www.montereywines.org or by calling (831) 375-9400. Membership applications are reviewed throughout the year.