NEW YORK & MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kathie Lee Gifford, the three-time Emmy award winning television personality, singer, songwriter, actress, producer, playwright, and wine lover, announces the debut of her new line of wines, GIFFT. Launching this month, GIFFT wines are a 50/50 partnership with Scheid Family Wines and are crafted from the company’s Monterey estate vineyards. The initial offerings from GIFFT include a 2012 Estate Grown Chardonnay and 2011 Estate Grown Red Blend, both priced at $20/750ml.
“It’s well documented that I am a wine lover,” said Kathie Lee Gifford, “so when I started talking to the Scheid family about making a wine, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. I wanted to create wines I would want to drink and serve to friends in my home – an elegant Chardonnay like those I tasted in California in the 1970s and an easy-drinking yet balanced Red Blend. And who better to make them with than the Scheids, who have more than 40 years of experience?”
With 10 estate vineyards in their care and four decades of experience in Monterey County winegrowing, Scheid Family Wines was a natural partner for Kathie Lee to bring her wine brand to market.
“Right away, we just clicked,” said Heidi Scheid, Scheid Family Wines. “Kathie knew exactly what she wanted from the vineyards, and the wines are exactly the style that we love and that Monterey is perfectly suited to produce. From day one, we were on the same page on how to translate Kathie’s vision into delicious wines. We are thrilled to have her as a collaborator, partner and friend.”
GIFFT debuts with two bottlings:
2012 Estate Grown Chardonnay, Monterey
The 2012 GIFFT
Chardonnay exhibits richness, depth and complexity, balanced by a lively
acidity and an essential freshness. Featuring the gorgeous tropical
fruit flavors that are the hallmark of Monterey Chardonnays, the 2012
GIFFT Chardonnay strikes the ideal balance between rich and refreshing.
The wine is 100% Chardonnay.
2011 Estate Grown Red Blend, Monterey
The 2011 GIFFT Red
Blend is smooth and flavorful, with a core of red fruit and structure
that carries through from beginning to end. The 2011 GIFFT Red Blend is
a blend of 42% Merlot, 25% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot,
and a small percentage of other varieties.
The GIFFT name derives from Kathie Lee Gifford’s last name and her belief that friendship, love and laughter are gifts to be cherished. The classically-styled package depicts Kathie Lee’s favorite place to enjoy wine with friends—her garden gazebo at her home, and features a screwcap closure. GIFFT wines are available nationally at fine wine retailers and on the GIFFT website, www.GIFFTwines.com.
About Kathie Lee Gifford
Kathie Lee Gifford is the co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s “Today.” Gifford earned three individual Daytime Emmy Award nominations on behalf of her co-hosting position with the program. Prior to “Today,” Gifford served as the co-host of “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,” where she received 11 Daytime Emmy Award nominations. Gifford is also a playwright, singer, songwriter, author and humanitarian. www.kathieleegifford.com
About Scheid Family Wines
Founded in 1972, Scheid Family Wines is a family-owned company that produces wines to showcase the varietal character of the grapes, the individuality of the vineyard, and the exceptional quality of the Monterey Viticultural Appellation. With ten estate vineyards located along a 70-mile spread of the Salinas Valley, Scheid Family Wines is committed to crafting estate grown wines that express the highest quality of each varietal. A dedication to environmental stewardship, adhering to sustainable farming practices, and giving back to the community through real, meaningful programs is an integral part of the Scheid Family Wines philosophy. www.scheidvineyards.com
