05.10.2012
As North America's leading Riesling producer, Washington state's Chateau Ste. Michelle kicks off its new "Reason for Riesling" campaign in six markets across the country this spring and summer to promote the wonderful nature of Riesling. As part of the program, the winery will participate in popular regional wine and food festivals where adult consumers can learn more about Riesling and sample Chateau Ste. Michelle's diverse range of Riesling styles, including its Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley Riesling and Harvest Select Sweet Riesling. In addition, the program includes digital engagement through outreach to national wine and food bloggers; Reason for Riesling song parody call-in radio contest; as well as in-store tastings, and restaurant features and food pairings. The participating markets Include: Tampa, St. Louis, Houston, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Norfolk/Virginia Beach.
"Riesling is one of the most versatile, food-friendly wines in the world," says Chateau Ste. Michelle's VP of Marketing Jan Barnes. "We want to get out and show people how flavorful and diverse Riesling can be by offering them the opportunity to experience Riesling while they are in environments enjoying food and wine, like festivals, retail stores and restaurants."
Reasons for Riesling Market Events:
Tampa Ybor Aficionado Days - April 14th
Houston H-E-B Wine Walk, featuring Assistant Winemaker David Rosenthal - June 7th
St. Louis Sauce Readers' Choice Party - June 24th
Cleveland Wine Festival, featuring Culinary Director John Sarich - July 27th
Milwaukee Gathering on the Green - July 24-27th
Norfolk/Virginia Beach - August TBD
View video of winemaker Bob Bertheau describing the Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley Riesling and Harvest Select Sweet Riesling:
Chateau Ste. Michelle has been a champion of Riesling for more than 40 years and was among the first to plant Riesling in the state of Washington. Ste. Michelle was catapulted into the national spotlight when its 1972 Johannisberg Riesling won the now-famous blind tasting of nineteen White Rieslings sponsored by the Los Angeles Times. Today, Chateau Ste. Michelle offers up to eight different Riesling styles designed to showcase the versatility of Riesling and the regional styles within Washington’s Columbia Valley, which produces more Riesling than any other American wine region. For more information, visit ste-michelle.com.
