Wente Vineyards Celebrates Legacy of Philanthropy with 125th Anniversary Donations

America’s Oldest Family-Owned and Operated Winery to Donate 125 Cases of Wine to Each of Five National Non-Profit Organizations in 2008

LIVERMORE VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of its 125^th Anniversary, Wente Vineyards has donated 125 cases of wine to each of the following national non-profit organizations: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network, Macy’s Passport HIV/AIDS Benefit, and The Gretsch Foundation. The organizations will leverage the donations to raise monies far beyond the value of the wines at fundraising events this year.

“We hold community involvement in high regard. From volunteering on a very local level, to our sustainable winegrowing practices across all segments of our winery and wine country lifestyle businesses, our community outreach and fundraising are integral parts of our long term strategy and vision.”

“We are gratified to have the opportunity to help these wonderful organizations,” said Fourth Generation Winegrower and Vice Chair of Wente Vineyards, Carolyn Wente. “We hold community involvement in high regard. From volunteering on a very local level, to our sustainable winegrowing practices across all segments of our winery and wine country lifestyle businesses, our community outreach and fundraising are integral parts of our long term strategy and vision.”

In 2006, Wente Family Estates donated nearly $130,000 to charity, and more than $230,000 in 2007. Wente Vineyards plans to contribute $340,000 to charities in 2008.

“The significance of the Wente family’s generous donation goes beyond the monetary value of the wine,” said Heather Shannon, National Product Manager of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Special events generate an enormous part of our funding and fine wine is an essential component of these events. The Wente family’s donation gives us back precious time and resources that would have been spent pursuing or purchasing wine for our events.”

A list of industry and community activities, past and present, of top level executives at Wente Vineyards to the ongoing commitment to a sustainable future on the local, regional, national and international levels is available at www.wentevineyards.com/news/WV_Exec_Board_Community_Involvement.doc.

About Wente Vineyards

2008 marks Wente Vineyards’ 125^th Anniversary. The country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards is led today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. More than a century of committed stewardship to the land has led to the development of Wente Vineyards’ Farming for the Future, a system of sustainable viticultural practices designed to produce the best quality wines with the least environmental impact. This philosophy extends to all aspects of winery operations, where energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling are all integral to the culture.

Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.