Press Releases
Welcome to the Press Room
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2012
Contact: Miki Hodge, Conference Director
Phone: 303.530.0205 x24
Wineries Unlimited Will Feature "Microbiology from Vineyard to Bottle"
Richmond, VA - Among the programs to be offered at the upcoming Wineries Unlimited wine trade show and conference will be "Microbiology from Vineyard to Bottle," where attendees will be reminded that being transformed into wine is not the natural destiny of the grape. In fact, the usual result of unregulated fermentation is...vinegar.
"This reminds us that wine is a complex interaction of microorganisms and that biological control helps assure desirable outcomes," states Bruce Zoecklein, Enology Emeritus Professor at Virginia Tech. "The essence of wine lies mainly in its color, aroma and flavor. It is the endless diversity of these attributes that keeps consumers fascinated."
"Microbiology from Vineyard to Bottle" will feature leading practitioners and experts in practically-oriented discussions on grape growing and winemaking aspects related to biological aroma and flavor modulation. One of these sessions will be "Microbiology, An Answer to Grape Growing and Winemaking," presented by Professor Pascal Durand, University of Burgundy, France.
A specialist in wine management and strategy for the wine industry, Pascal Durand is also a recognized wine expert, operating in several French and international wine competitions. Owner and operator of a small family vineyard in Beaujolais, he consults on subjects including wine marketing, vineyard production and management, wine education and policy.
After graduating from the French National School of Higher Education in Agriculture at Montpellier, and the University of Burgundy, Durand specialized in economics of the wine industry as an academic. A former professor and director of graduate studies in economics at the National School of Higher Education in Agriculture of Dijon-Burgundy, he established the program of wine economics at the National Diploma of Enology of the University of Burgundy, where he taught wine marketing and management for 25 years. He is the current president of the Pinot Noir Academy, an international exchange program dedicated to vineyard and winery management.
For registration and complete information about the program please see www.wineriesunlimited.com.
ABOUT WINERIES UNLIMITED
Wineries Unlimited is a division of Vineyard & Winery Management, the leader in wine industry professional development and North America's leading independent wine trade publication. This event proudly supports the eastern wine trade through its affiliations with ASEV/ES, WineAmerica, and other key organizations who bring strength to the eastern wine regions and the wine industry as a whole.
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For Immediate Release
February 6, 2012
Contact: Miki Hodge
Phone: 303-530-0205 x24
Email: mhodge@executivevents.com
Remarkable Registration At Wineries Unlimited Trade Show
Largest Wine Industry Trade Show On East Coast To Welcome Over 800 Attendees
Richmond, VA - Enthusiasm for the upcoming Wineries Unlimited wine trade show and conference is resulting in a remarkable pre-show response among both exhibitors and attendees. The largest wine industry trade show on the east coast, Wineries Unlimited has sold 290 exhibitor booths to over 270 companies for the annual three-day event.
"While the nation is still struggling to recover from its economic troubles, job markets have begun to show a slight upward trend, and it appears that a number of the wine trade are again feeling bullish on the future of wine in America," said conference organizer Rob Merletti.
Now in its 36th year, the show is organized specifically for the needs of the eastern US wine market, and wine buyers look forward to its Buyer's Marketplace to make their annual purchases. This year will offer an international flavor as representatives from France, Italy, and Canada join the ranks of exhibitors.
Wineries Unlimited Trade Show & Conference will take place March 27-29 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. The trade show has already registered over 800 attendees, particularly impressive since the event is still seven weeks away, and registration often peaks in the last weeks before the show.
Conference sessions will focus on topics for today's wine industry including enology, viticulture, management, marketing, and financial issues, with key industry players serving as moderators for their own areas of expertise. In a local twist, a Grand Gala dinner entitled "Best of the East" will offer a new dining experience called "A Taste of Virginia," filled with delicious choices unique to the state and region. For registration and complete information about the program please see www.wineriesunlimited.com.
ABOUT WINERIES UNLIMITED
Wineries Unlimited is a division of Vineyard & Winery Management, the leader in wine industry professional development and North America's leading independent wine trade publication. This event proudly supports the eastern wine trade through its affiliations with ASEV/ES, WineAmerica, and other key organizations who bring strength to the eastern wine regions and the wine industry as a whole.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christine Deussen
Deussen Global Communications, Inc.
Tel.212-682-2293, x111
cdeussen@deussenglobal.com
Wineries Unlimited 2012: Discounted Super Saver Registration Now Open
Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond VA; March 27-29, 2012
Santa Rosa, California (August 19, 2011): Wineries Unlimited, the largest North American vineyard and winery trade show east of the Rockies and the second largest such event in the nation, has opened its Super Saver Registration, offering a 30% discount on the Full Conference Option, meaning the price to attendees is $410 instead of $610 (an $870 value if individually priced). This offer is good through October 31, 2011. For more details, please visit www.wineriesunlimited.com or call (866) 483-0172.
Related special lodging rates are available at hotels located directly across from the convention center, including the Hilton Garden Inn and Richmond Marriott. Eight carriers offer easy access to Richmond International Airport, which is only seven miles from the convention center, while Amtrak's Northeast Regional line offers downtown-to-downtown service with multiple departures daily.
Now in its 36th year, Wineries Unlimited features 100,000 square feet of exhibitor space. In 2011, 238 companies purchased every booth available, sending 643 representatives. Additional wine-industry attendees - 2,200 strong - came from 38 American states, five Canadian provinces, France, Ireland, Italy, and South Africa. In 2011, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore welcomed all delegates; please visit http://vimeo.com/23368204 for other show highlights.
Wineries Unlimited 2012 will host leading industry speakers, including Elizabeth Slater, owner of In Short Direct Marketing; Keith Striegler, Ph.D., University of Missouri; Bruce Zoecklein, Ph.D., Virginia Tech; and Paul Wagner, owner of Balzac Communications and Marketing. Content includes multi-track sessions in enology, viticulture, sales, and marketing.
A variety of conference packages and price points are available, including day passes as well as group and student discounts. A 15% discount will be offered from November 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012, after which conference options will be offered at full price. In addition, free trade show tickets are available if purchased up to two weeks in advance of the event; the regular price is $15.
In 2012, Wineries Unlimited will continue its supports of wine-industry education with an auction benefitting scholarship programs of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture's Eastern Section (ASEV/ES). In addition, various sponsorship opportunities are available, for both exhibitors and non-exhibitors. Wineries Unlimited is open to persons age 21 and older.
About Vineyard & Winery Management Group
Based in Santa Rosa, California, the multimedia Vineyard & Winery Management Group, Inc. publishes the leading independent award-winning wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) as well as the annual Winedex® (Wine Industry Index buyer's guide). The corporation also produces seminars, conferences, and trade shows (Wineries Unlimited, Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Wine Sales Summit - direct-to-consumer, and Managing the Winery Laboratory), as well as five wine competitions (Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, International Women's Wine Competition, NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers, and West Coast Wine Competition).
The 2012 Wineries Unlimited dates have just been announced! Join us March 27-29, 2012 as Wineries Unlimited celebrates its 36th year as the largest and most powerful wine industry event in the eastern US.
This year's conference ran from March 29th to April 1st, 2011 with the trade show taking place on March 30th and 31st at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Feel free to read some of the press releases and news updates from past events to get a feel for the Wineries Unlimited Conference and Trade Show:
Wineries Unlimited 2011 newslinks:
Bloomberg Businessweek web site, 4/28/10
Virginia Business web site, 4/29/10
Hagarty on Wine- Wineries Unlimited 2010; No limit on value of annual wine industry powwow, 6/10/10
From The Wine Press, News from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation:
"Wineries Unlimited Excels"
The largest wine convention and trade show in the east moved to Richmond, Virginia this year after decades in Pennsylvania and beginnings in Rochester, New York, and in my view it was a smart move for several reasons, including the red carpet that the State of Virginia rolled out.
Wineries Unlimited was created decades ago by Bill Moffett and Hope Merletti as one of the offshoots of Eastern Grape Grower News, a modest little publication which grew into Vineyard & Winery Management, now a leading national trade magazine. Rob Merletti now owns and leads the VWM empire, which includes the magazine, two major trade shows (they took over the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference this year as a companion to Wineries Unlimited), the world's largest portfolio of wine competitions, specialized seminars, and much else. The various information resources and special events VWM produces have been major catalysts for industry growth, education, and networking for decades.
Besides having a great convention center with ample facilities for the large trade show, numerous seminars, and huge banquets (with good food, even!), this year's edition of WU offered concurrent seminars on Viticulture (moderated by Dr. Keith Striegler of Missouri), Enology (Dr. Bruce Zoecklin of Virginia Tech), and Marketing (Paul Wagner, Balzac Communications, Napa Valley), creating a new consistency and logical flow to the program.
I was honored to serve as keynote speaker at the luncheon and offer a few thoughts about the opportunities and challenges presented by American wine industry growth. Key points: Our industry nationwide is truly awesome when it comes to past winery growth and future potential; but there are also looming challenges which we need to recognize and face together if we want to continue growing; and there are specific steps we can take to do that. Focus on quality. Think local. Get involved in the broader community. Get political. Join wine organizations on local, state, and national levels. Be proud of what you do. And always remember: Diversity is our Strength, Unity is our Power.
Virginia Rising
For me, the highlight of this year's Wineries Unlimited conference was hearing back-to-back speeches by Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore at the "Best of the East" gala dinner.
Their basic messages: We know that the wine industry is a major economic engine. Therefore, it is one our top priorities in terms of government support in all forms. Even though Virginia faces challenging financial times, we are investing an unprecedented amount of public dollars to support the growth and development of the Virginia wine industry. We will also use our bully pulpit to encouage citizens of the Commonwealth to consume Virginia wines. We want Virginia to be the #1 wine state on the east coast. Etc., etc.
Wow! Do these guys get it or what?
Through WineAmerica, the American Wine Society, and other organizations, I have known many wonderful Virginia colleagues for decades, and I could not be happier for them. But I also encourage them to seize the moment because it may not last. For one thing, in Virginia the system is "one and gone" for Governors who, by law, may not run for a second term; and who knows who will be next? In past years, the Virginia government has enacted some laws inhibiting the industry's growth and success and, perish the thought, that could happen again. Also, public funding support is highly cyclical and mercurial as we know so well in New York. Another example: Our friends in Texas had $3 million last year which is now at zero and may not return.
In any case, it is very uplifting to hear the top public officials of a state--any state--recognize the importance of the wine industry and publicly commit to its success. Go Virginia!
-Jim Trezise, President, New York Wine & Grape Foundation
Wineries Unlimited 2011
By Posted on Mar 31 2011 | By John Hagarty
35th Winery Rendezvous Meets All Expectations
The largest winery conference east of the Mississippi was held March 29 to April 1, 2011 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
The annual confab was attended by over 1,600 winery personnel and hundreds of vendors. With the USA's new title of "world's largest wine consuming nation," wine making and its marketing have become big business in the eastern United States.
On March 30, I accompanied the owner and management staff of Rappahannock Cellars as we headed south to The River City. At the convention center, our team fanned out and took in all aspects of the event in blitzkrieg fashion. Based on the show's hyperactivity, new services and equipment will soon be gracing wineries throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
During my stroll of the exhibit area, I was fortunate to briefly chat with legendary winemaker Randall Grahm, owner and winemaker at Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz, California.
On this road show, I left my reporter's pen and pad at home and grab my video camera. If you've never attended this mega trade show, spend a few minutes seeing what transpires on the convention floor and in the seminars. The array of products is impressive.
East Coast Wine Blog by Carlo DeVito
http://eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com/2011/04/wineries-unlimited-2011-richamond-va.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: JAG Public Relations (joe@jagpublicrelations.com, 707.795.9400)
Wineries Unlimited Concludes with Resounding Approval
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell Receives Standing Ovation
Santa Rosa, California (May 10, 2011) - Wineries Unlimited 2011, the second largest vineyard and winery trade show and conference in North America, was held March 29-April 1, 2011 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center to the delight of over 2,100 attendees, speakers and exhibitors. Produced by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine since 1976, the event featured electrifying addresses by Governor Bob McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, both of Virginia, and President Jim Trezise of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
Wine-industry personnel from 38 American states (see below), five Canadian provinces, and the countries of France, Ireland, Italy and South Africa attended four days of conference sessions on viticulture, enology, and sales and marketing as well as a two-day, 100,000-square-foot trade show fielded by 643 representatives from 238 exhibiting companies.
Governor McDonnell and Secretary Haymore delivered back-to-back presentations that were received with standing ovations at the Best of the East Grand Gala on March 30.
Governor McDonnell's opening remarks underlined his resolve to support the Virginia wine industry as a means of increasing employment, tax revenue and tourism while preserving "valuable working farmland".
"We have the soil, we have the talent, we have the know-how, and we have the most beautiful countryside in the world producing world-class wines," he said. "All we need is the recognition we deserve from the larger wine community and a government that not only gets out of the way of free enterprise, but nurtures it where it can."
Secretary Haymore discussed "Virginia's Commitment to Making the Commonwealth the Wine Capital of the East Coast", a comprehensive speech that began with the history of the Virginia wine industry in 1607 and ended on a favorable report about current trade.
Along the way, he reviewed the governor's commitment to supporting Virginia food and beverage products that has already produced additional funding for wine promotions and research as well as increased wine sales (13% in FY10 vs. FY09, 10% in first half FY11 over same period in FY10). He also underlined the benefits of hosting Wineries Unlimited and the National Wine Bloggers Conference, and launching the Virginia Wine Summit.
Trezise delivered a rousing declaration at the Keynote Speaker Luncheon on March 31.
"Our industry nationwide is truly awesome when it comes to past winery growth and future potential," said Trezise, "but there are looming challenges that we need to recognize and face together if we want to continue growing. We should focus on quality; think locally; get involved in the broader community; get political; join wine organizations on local, state and national levels; be proud of what we do; and always remember: diversity is our strength, unity is our power."
"We were most impressed with the favorable response from Governor McDonnell, Secretary Haymore, the city of Richmond, and many of the attendees," said Robert Merletti, president of Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc, and the publisher of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. "The Richmond Convention Center was a wonderful backdrop to our mix of timely conference sessions and relevant trade show exhibits."
Elizabeth Slater of InShort Marketing, the moderator of the Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit workshop, mirrored Merletti's observations and added: "As I regularly advise wineries, ‘everything you do should be the same quality as your wines.' Wineries Unlimited showed that Vineyard & Winery Management believes in quality all the way."
"This event was extremely rewarding with excellent sales and marketing seminars," said Chrisy Gallagher, director of sales at Jeff Gordon Cellars. "It was very beneficial to hear what other wineries are doing to attract and retain customers in this challenging economic climate."
A silent auction raised $8,950 to benefit scholarship programs of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture - Eastern Section. There were 50 donated items ranging in retail value from $2,400 (Nova Vine) to $10.
Wineries Unlimited 2011 was attended by representatives from AL, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI and WV as well as the Canadian provinces of AL, BC, NS, ON and QC.
About Vineyard & Winery Services
Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc. publishes the leading independent award-winning wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) and Winedex® (Wine Industry Index). Based in Santa Rosa, California, the multimedia corporation also produces seminars, conferences and trade shows (Wineries Unlimited, Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Wine Sales Summit - direct-to-consumer, and Managing the Winery Laboratory) as well as five wine competitions (Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, International Women's Wine Competition, NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers, and West Coast Wine Competition).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Miki Hodge (303.530.0205 x24, mhodge@vwm-online.com)
Wineries Unlimited Announces Details to Two Workshops:
"Public Relations Intensive" and "Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit"
Santa Rosa, California (January 31, 2011) - Wineries Unlimited 2011, the second largest vineyard and winery trade show and conference in North America, announces details to the workshops "Public Relations Intensive" and "Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit". Produced by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) since 1976, the event takes place March 29-April 1, 2011 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (www.richmondcenter.com) in Richmond, Virginia. A schedule for the entire conference is available at www.wineriesunlimited.com/speakers_topics/index.asp .
Public Relations Intensive: "The biggest bang you can get for your buck"
The Public Relations Intensive: "The biggest bang you can get for your buck" (9am - 1 pm, Friday, April 1), with moderator Paul Wagner of Balzac Communications and Marketing, demonstrates how small wineries can get the most out of their public relations efforts - from press releases and sample mailings to sponsorships, donations, and special events. Wagner will identify ways that wineries can maximize their public relations budgets and time: media relations, advertising and promotions, events and sponsorships, and consumer-direct relationship marketing.
Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit
The Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit workshop (10am - 4pm, Tuesday, March 29) will be moderated by Elizabeth Slater of InShort Marketing. The morning programming consists of two sessions related to Tasting Room Profitability:
"Acquisition: Attracting Visitors To Your Tasting Room", with speaker Andrew Hudson of Veritas Vineyards & Winery, Virginia, focuses on strategies to bring people to a winery, tactics to make a winery stand out from the crowd, and steps to create connections with winery customers.
"Retention: Connecting with visitors and turning them into long-term, loyal customers", with speaker Merrill Bonarrigo, Messina Hof Winery, Texas, advises wineries on how they can turn visitors into customers who regularly purchase wine, attend events, and become brand ambassadors via customer contact lists, communication with customers through all channels, and messaging that activates the customers' desire to purchase.
The afternoon programming is divided into two Wine Club Summit sessions:
"Acquisition: Turning Visitors Into Club Members", with speaker Elizabeth Slater, presents proven techniques for increasing club member acquisition. Attendees will receive sales tools to effectively sell club memberships, understand what makes visitors join wine clubs, and help guests internalize the value of membership.
"Retention: Keeping Members in the Club", with speaker Amy Helton of Hanover Park Winery, North Carolina, demonstrates how to retain club members by forging bonds to keep club members loyal, segmenting contact lists to improve retention, and developing tactics to bring members back should they resign.
Trade Show and Conference Summary: March 29-April 1, 2011:
• Tuesday workshops: "Industry Newcomers" and "Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit"
• Wednesday and Thursday: multi-track conference sessions on viticulture, enology, and sales and marketing
• Wednesday and Thursday: two-day "buyers' trade show" for the Eastern wine industry
• Friday workshop: Public Relations Intensive: "The Biggest Bang You Can Get for Your Buck"
• Networking: Welcome Wine Reception, Keynote Speaker Luncheon, Best of the East Grand Gala, and more
Registration, Lodging and Travel
Attendees may register for a variety of packages via www.wineriesunlimited.com or obtain general information at 866.483.0172. Lodging and travel deals are available at www.wineriesunlimited.com/directions_lodging .
Over 2,300 winery personnel from 30 American states as well as Washington, D.C. and four Canadian provinces attended Wineries Unlimited in March 2010.
About Vineyard & Winery Management
Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc. publishes the leading independent award-winning wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) and Winedex® (Wine Industry Index). Based in Santa Rosa, California, the multimedia corporation also produces seminars, conferences and trade shows (Wineries Unlimited, Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Wine Sales Summit - direct-to-consumer [formerly Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit], and Managing the Winery Laboratory) as well as three wine competitions (Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, and West Coast Wine Competition).
Press Passes to the trade show and conference (excluding ticketed events such as the Keynote Speaker Luncheon) are available.
Contact JAG Public Relations for reservations: joe@jagpublicrelations.com or 707.795.9400.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Miki Hodge (303.530.0205 x24, mhodge@vwm-online.com )
Wineries Unlimited Announces Top Speakers:
Jim Trezise, President of New York Wine & Grape Foundation
Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
Santa Rosa, California (December 9, 2010) - Wineries Unlimited 2011, the second largest vineyard and winery trade show and conference in North America, will present several notable speakers including Jim Trezise, president of New York Wine & Grape Foundation, and Todd Haymore, Virginia secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. Produced by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com ) since 1976, the event takes place March 29-April 1, 2011 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (www.richmondcenter.com ) in Richmond, Virginia.
Trezise will be the featured guest at the Keynote Speaker Lunch on March 31, and will discuss the current state of the US wine industry during his presentation of "American Wine Industry Growth: Opportunities and Challenges". Trezise, who has presided over his organization since its 1985 inception, framed his address as follows: "While the American economy has stalled, the American wine industry has continued to grow strongly with new wineries opening in all states. With continued growth likely, the industry's future success will depend on meeting key challenges: expanding the consumer base, increasing market access, protecting our rights and, most of all, working together."
Secretary Haymore will elaborate on Governor Bob McDonnell's vision and work to expand the domestic and global marketplaces for Virginia wines and to make Virginia the premier wine destination of the East Coast. Haymore will be the featured guest speaker following the governor's welcoming comments at Best of the East Grand Gala on March 30.
"Jim Trezise and Todd Haymore are presenting very timely subjects," said Publisher Robert Merletti of Vineyard & Winery Management, "and I expect their words to remain in the minds of attendees long after they've returned to their wineries and vineyards." (The Keynote Speaker Luncheon and Best of the East Grand Gala are ticketed events requiring advanced purchase.)
Over 2,300 winery personnel from 30 American states as well as Washington, D.C. and four Canadian provinces attended Wineries Unlimited in March 2010. Said Vineyard & Winery Management Marketing Director Suzanne Webb: "Our 2011 event is sure to be particularly exciting and well-attended as early indications show this conference will attract more participants than any previous year with registration already doubled and our Trade Show floor sold out well in advance of the show."
Registration, Lodging and Travel
• Attendees may register for a variety of packages via www.wineriesunlimited.com or obtain general information at 866.483.0172. Early Bird Registration (20% discount on the Full Conference Option) is available through Dec 31, 2010.
• Lodging for $139/night is available at preferred hotels (Hilton Garden Inn and Richmond Marriott) across from the convention center.
• Travel deals via American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Hertz Car Rental are available at www.wineriesunlimited.com/directions_lodging.
Conference: March 29-April 1, 2011
• Tuesday workshops: Industry Newcomers and Tasting Room Profitability/Wine Club Summit
• Wednesday and Thursday: multi-track sessions on viticulture, enology, and sales and marketing
• Wednesday and Thursday: two-day "buyers' trade show" for the Eastern wine industry
• Friday workshop: Public Relations Intensive: "The Biggest Bang You Can Get for Your Buck" by Paul Wagner
Networking
Wineries Unlimited offers three principal networking opportunities: Welcome Wine Reception, Keynote Speaker Luncheon, and Best of the East Grand Gala featuring gold medal winners from the 2010 Intl Eastern Wine Competition. A grazing buffet lunch takes place at carving stations throughout the trade show on March 30.
About Vineyard & Winery Management
Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc. publishes the leading independent award-winning wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) and Winedex® (Wine Industry Index). Based in Santa Rosa, California, the multimedia corporation also produces seminars, conferences and trade shows (Wineries Unlimited, Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Wine Sales Summit - direct-to-consumer [formerly Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit], and Managing the Winery Laboratory) as well as three wine competitions (Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, and West Coast Wine Competition).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Miki Hodge (303.530.0205 x24, mhodge@vwm-online.com)
Wineries Unlimited Opens Registration and Announces New Program Moderators
Santa Rosa, California (October 5, 2010) - Online registration for Wineries Unlimited 2011, the second largest vineyard and winery trade show and conference in North America, is now open according to its producer, Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com). Launched in 1976, the event takes place March 29-April 1, 2011 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (www.richmondcenter.com) in Richmond, Virginia.
Wineries Unlimited 2011 features four new conference moderators who will coordinate all programming within their respective fields of expertise: Keith Striegler Ph.D. of the University of Missouri (viticulture sessions), Bruce Zoecklein Ph.D. of Virginia Tech (enology sessions), agency owner and President Paul Wagner of Balzac Communications and Marketing (sales and marketing sessions as well as the Public Relations Workshop), and marketing savant Elizabeth Slater of InShort Direct Marketing (Tasting Room Profitability and Wine Club Summit Workshop).
Over 2,300 winery personnel from 30 American states as well as Washington, D.C. and four Canadian provinces attended Wineries Unlimited in March 2010.
"Our 35th anniversary provides another tremendous opportunity to unite members of the eastern wine industry," said Publisher Robert Merletti of Vineyard & Winery Management. "Moving Wineries Unlimited to Richmond, Virginia has been welcomed by Governor Bob McDonnell and endorsed by the Virginia Wine Board, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, and Virginia Wineries Association."
Registration, Lodging and Travel
• Attendees may register for a variety of packages via www.wineriesunlimited.com or obtain general information at 866.483.0172. A 20% discount on the Full Conference Option has been extended to October 15, 2010 (15% discount from October 16 - Dec 31, 2010).
• Lodging for $139/night is available at preferred hotels (Hilton Garden Inn and Richmond Marriott) across from the convention center.
• Travel deals via American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Hertz Car Rental are available at www.wineriesunlimited.com/directions_lodging.
Conference: March 29-April 1, 2011
• Tuesday workshops: Industry Newcomers and Tasting Room Profitability/Wine Club Summit
• Wednesday and Thursday: multi-track sessions on viticulture, enology, and sales and marketing
• Friday workshop: Public Relations Intensive: "The Biggest Bang You Can Get for Your Buck" by Paul Wagner
Trade Show: March 30-31, 2011
The "buyers' trade show" for the Eastern wine industry has officially sold out its floor space six months in advance of the show - earlier than ever before.
Networking
Wineries Unlimited presents three principal networking opportunities: Welcome Wine Reception, Keynote Speaker Luncheon, and Best of the East Grand Gala featuring gold medal winners from the 2010 Intl Eastern Wine Competition. A grazing buffet lunch takes place at carving stations throughout the trade show on March 30.
About Vineyard & Winery Management
Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc. publishes the leading independent award-winning wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) and Winedex® (Wine Industry Index). Based in Santa Rosa, California, the multimedia corporation also produces seminars, conferences and trade shows (Wineries Unlimited, Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Tasting Room Profitability, Wine Club Summit, and Managing the Winery Laboratory) as well as three wine competitions (Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, and West Coast Wine Competition).
Official Press Releases:
Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2010
Contact: Stacey Johnson
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov
Governor McDonnell Announces Wineries Unlimited to Move to Virginia in 2011
Estimated to Bring Over 2,000 Visitors and $1.5 Million in Revenue to Virginia
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the Wineries Unlimited trade show will relocate from Pennsylvania to Richmond, Virginia in 2011. Wineries Unlimited is the second largest vineyard and winery conference and tradeshow in North America. It is estimated that the 2011 event will bring over 2,000 visitors and $1.5 million in revenue to Virginia.
Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, "We are thrilled that Wineries Unlimited has decided to move to Virginia. Virginia wines have seen their standing in the domestic and global marketplaces grow in recent years and having Wineries Unlimited in Virginia will help us as we continue our efforts to promote Virginia wines both here and abroad. This is also a chance for us to showcase our first class wineries to people from across the nation. It is estimated that this event will also bring 2,000 people from across the United States to Virginia and almost $1.5 million in new revenue to the state. Tourism and support of the wine industry were two priorities of my ‘Jobs and Opportunities' legislative agenda. It is excitement for tourism growth and wine expansion in Virginia that helped us convince Vineyard & Winery Management to relocate the Wineries Unlimited trade show to the Commonwealth. I look forward to this trade show returning to our great state for years to come and creating a lasting partnership with Vineyard & Winery Management."
"The outpouring of enthusiasm and excitement we've received in the State of Virginia - from the wine industry up to the governor - has been tremendous," said Robert Merletti, publisher of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine, and president of Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc. "Virginia vintners are eager to learn the latest winegrowing techniques as well as establish beneficial vendor relations."
"The needs of Wineries Unlimited will be well served in Richmond," said Ann Heidig, president of the Virginia Wineries Association. "Governor Bob McDonnell is very supportive of the Virginia wine industry as well as state agriculture and tourism."
Annette Boyd, marketing office director of the Virginia Wine Board, said the move will create new opportunities for Virginia wineries: "Our growers and producers will have better access to the information provided by Wineries Unlimited, and the event will help showcase their wines to colleagues from other states."
"Richmond lies in the center of Virginia's rapidly-growing wine industry and is a prime location for Wineries Unlimited," said Jack Berry, president and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB). "Wine industry representatives will enjoy our big-city amenities and small-town charm as well as Virginia wine."
More information about the Wineries Unlimited trade show and conference can be found here: http://wineriesunlimited.vwm-online.com/index.asp
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Miki Hodge (mhodge@vwm-online.com, 303.530.0205 x24)
Wineries Unlimited Moves to New Location and Time Frame
Santa Rosa, California (April 28, 2010) -- Wineries Unlimited, the second largest vineyard and winery conference and trade show in North America, is moving to the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia after a 34-year run in eastern Pennsylvania. Wineries Unlimited 2011 is scheduled for March 29 - April 1, a period that is approximately three weeks later in the season than recent shows. The new venue offers several advantages while the more southerly location and later dates are expected to provide better weather conditions for attendees traveling from other states. Wineries Unlimited (www.wineriesunlimited.com) has been produced by the wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management since 1976.
According to organizers at the magazine, the Greater Richmond Convention Center (www.richmondcenter.com) provides several amenities:
• a centralized location that services the entire Eastern wine industry
• a modern facility with substantial resources and room for expansion
• a wide variety of lodging, dining and entertainment options and price points
• a layout that will enhance conference sessions and the trade show (all exhibitors will be united on one level)
• easy access to freeways (I-95 and I-64), Richmond International Airport, and Washington, DC
In addition, Virginia has a growing wine industry with active tourism and trade organizations that welcome the move.
"The outpouring of enthusiasm and excitement we've received in the State of Virginia - from the wine industry up to the governor - has been tremendous," said Robert Merletti, publisher of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. "Virginia vintners are eager to learn the latest winegrowing techniques as well as establish beneficial vendor relations."
"We are thrilled that Wineries Unlimited has decided to move to Virginia," said Governor McDonnell. "Virginia wines have seen their standing in the domestic and global marketplaces grow in recent years and having Wineries Unlimited in Virginia will help us as we continue our efforts to promote Virginia wines both here and abroad."
McDonnell also said that the estimated 2,000 people and $1.5 million in new revenue the event will bring to Virginia are consistent with the tourism and wine industry priorities included in his "Jobs and Opportunities" legislative agenda.
"The needs of Wineries Unlimited will be well served in Richmond," said Ann Heidig, president of the Virginia Wineries Association. "The move confirms that our wine producers and wine regions are on the map."
Annette Boyd, marketing office director of the Virginia Wine Board, said the move will create new opportunities for Virginia wineries: "Our growers and producers will have better access to the information provided by Wineries Unlimited, and the event will help showcase their wines to colleagues from other states."
"Richmond lies in the center of Virginia's rapidly-growing wine industry and is a prime location for Wineries Unlimited," said Jack Berry, president and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB). "Wine industry representatives will enjoy our big-city amenities and small-town charm as well as Virginia wine."
The last four editions of Wineries Unlimited were held at the Valley Forge Convention Center in suburban Philadelphia while a number of previous shows were located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Wineries Unlimited 2010 took place March 9-12 with attendees from 30 states as well as Washington, D.C. and four Canadian provinces participating in four days of seminars and two days of trade show exhibits. Total attendance was 2,343.
About Vineyard & Winery Management
Networking the wine industry since 1976, Wineries Unlimited is a division of Vineyard & Winery Services, the publisher of the leading independent wine trade publication Vineyard & Winery Management magazine (www.vwm-online.com) and Winedex (Wine Industry Index). Based in Santa Rosa, California, the multimedia corporation also produces seminars, conferences and trade shows (Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Tasting Room Profitability, Wine Club Summit, and Managing the Winery Laboratory) as well as three wine competitions (Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, and West Coast Wine Competition).
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