September Is California Wine Month

Sept 2007 Marked by Gov. Schwarzenegger to Honor Calif Wine.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September 2007 California Wine Month in a proclamation praising California's wine community for its contributions to the state's economy, lifestyle, tourism and environment

Robert P. Koch, Wine Institute's President and CEO remarked, "Wine Institute initiated the California Wine Month campaign for September during the annual harvest to showcase the state's diverse wine regions, beautiful and sustainable vineyards, welcoming wineries and tasting rooms and, of course, outstanding wines." This honor falls on the heels of the governor's veto of naming Zinfandel as an official State Grape, which by all measures is deserving.

California Wine Month will feature many special events. These special events include harvest festivals, grape stomps, blessings of the grapes, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, concerts and complimentary wine tastings.

Restaurants and retailers have also planned special events and promotions to celebrate California wine during the month of September. Restaurant activities include: P.F. Chang's China Bistro has a wine-by-the-glass promotion with red and white flights offered on all wine lists in all restaurants coast to coast. Trader Vic's Restaurants will initiate the first international celebrations of California Wine Month with various wine promotions at 15 of its restaurants in the U.S. and overseas, including London, Hamburg, Tokyo and Shanghai.

All five Washington, D.C.-area Legal Sea Foods restaurants will feature California wines from wineries that have completed the Wine Institute's Sustainable Winegrowing Assessment. Other Washington D.C. participants include The Bombay Club, Rasika, 701 Restaurant, The Oval Room, Bardeo Wine Bar and Cafe, and Ardeo.

Many other restaurants will participate in Chicago (Charlie Palmer's), Marin County, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Pismo Beach.