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585 WINE PARTNERS ANNOUNCES EQUITY PARTNERSHIP IN STEELHEAD WINES WITH QUIVIRA VINEYARDS

December 01, 2007

585 Wine Partners announced it has entered into an equity partnership with Quivira Vineyards in the production, marketing and distribution of Steelhead, a Dry Creek Valley brand introduced by Quivira in 2003. Steelhead becomes the newest addition to 585 Wine Partners’ brand portfolio which includes Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence Winery and the recently introduced Bivio Italia.

“The Steelhead partnership is in keeping with our overall business strategy of investing with experienced winery and vineyard owners on projects that complement our existing portfolio,” said Dan Leese, President of 585 Wine Partners.

“Dry Creek Valley, renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and other red varietals, is an ideal addition to our lineup of California, Russian River and Italian brands,” added Doug Walker, the company’s Chief Operating Officer.

The Steelhead brand began as a tribute to Quivira's commitment to restoring the steelhead and Coho salmon habitat in Wine Creek, a tributary to the Dry Creek River that runs through its estate. Working with state and University organizations as well as Trout Unlimited, Quivira's restoration included rebuilding spawning grounds within the creek bed that have led to the return of Steelhead trout during the spring. The successful restoration of this historic watershed has inspired neighboring landowners to do the same. As part of their Steelhead brand partnership, 585 Wine Partners and Quivira have agreed to expand this watershed conservation alliance with Trout Unlimited.

Pete Kight, owner of Quivira Vineyards along with his wife Terri, noted, "While we are increasing our investment in building Quivira, including the acquisition of additional high hillside and old vine vineyards and the expansion of our marketing support of the Quivira brand, partnering with 585 Wine Partners on the Steelhead brand makes a lot of sense for us. 585 Wine Partners is a dynamic, growing company with an excellent track record and experienced wine people, and my sales and marketing team can focus on building our core Quivira Vineyards business. "

Steelhead will continue to be made by Quivira Vineyards winemaker Steven Canter, who also oversees Quivira’s vineyard management. However, Steelhead Red, the previous blend made by Quivira will be replaced with two exciting new wines: a Dry Creek Zinfandel and Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc marketed under the Steelhead brand name. Steelhead will initially be distributed in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Sonoma, California-based 585 Wine Partners produces a number of high quality, premium wines under the Red Truck Wines, Picket Fence and Bivio Italia labels. Red Truck Wines, made by winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos in Sonoma, California, sources fine wine grapes from the best coastal growing regions of California for its portfolio of single-varietal and blended wines. The Russian River-based Picket Fence utilizes grapes from Russian River growers who have long term farming agreements with the winery. Picket Fence Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made by Sonoma winemaking legend Don Van Staaveren. Bivio Italia, made in partnership with Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), Italy’s leading premium wine producer, features wines from Tuscany and Friuli that combine traditional winemaking techniques with a modern Italian flair.

CONTACT
Katy Leese
Partner, Director-Public Relations
707-933-2642
katy.leese@585winepartners.com

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