For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Frances Larose / Hilary Laurie
650.548.6700 / hlaurie@prmagic.com

Largest Competition of American Wines in The World Returns to San Francisco

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Features Every Significant Type and Style of Wine, From Each of the Major Wine-Producing Regions in the United States

(San Francisco, CA, July 2008) --- On Saturday, February 28, 2009, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) Public Tasting will return to the city by the Bay, indulging the palates of wine and food lovers alike. Acclaimed as the largest competition of American wines in the world and San Francisco’s premier tasting experience, the SFCWC Public Tasting is held at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion and features award winning wines from across the country. The event commences with a thorough judging (the first of the season) by a panel of over 60 professional wine judges at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds as they unite for four days in January. Rodney Strong Vineyards is proud to be the official host and sponsor of the 2009 SFCWC Annual Judges Dinner.

The SFCWC is much more than a wine tasting. Heightened by breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County, and the San Francisco Bay, this unique affair celebrates the relationship between varietals and victuals, offering delicious hand-crafted creations from some of the world's premier artisan food purveyors. Fare includes award winning artisan breads, savory meats, exotic oils, hand crafted cheeses, delicious desserts, floral jams, sumptuous sauces, and fabulous creations from Bay Area restaurants. Everyone attending the SFCWC will receive a complimentary wine glass.

Founded in 1983 as the modestly sized Cloverdale Citrus Fair Wine Competition, the SFCWC has evolved immensely over the years, expanding its eligibility to wineries throughout the United States. In 2000, the event gained sponsorship from the San Francisco Chronicle and appropriately assumed the title the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

The Competition broke world records in 2007 with 3,800 American wines entered into competition, a number that established its position as the largest competition of American wines in the world. The 2008 competition raised the bar even higher, featuring an astounding 4,235 entries.

The beneficiary of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition annually is the Santa Rosa Junior College Wine Studies Program and Culinary Arts Program. The competition salutes these two programs for educational excellence in the field of wine studies and culinary arts. The 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is grateful to San Francisco Magazine, KGO-AM 810 NewsTalk, and NBC11, for their sponsorship and support, as well as to In Wine Country, American AgCredit, Artisan Bakers, and the California Culinary Academy for their ongoing involvement.

For all press inquiries, please contact The Larose Group at 650.548.6700, or email hlaurie@prmagic.com