CALISTOGA, Calif. (September 15, 2003) – Chateau Montelena, one of California’s oldest and most storied wineries announced that The Estates Group, the fine wine selling company of Young’s Market, will now represent the winery in California distribution.  The partnership, which began on Sept. 1, will ensure that Chateau Montelena is able to provide all of their California customers with a high-level of personalized service as well as streamline the delivery process for the customer. 

“After an exhaustive search, it was very clear to us that The Estates Group possessed the right combination of expertise, experience and passion for fine wine,” explained owner and vintner James Barrett.  “Their extensive relationships with key trade will help keep Chateau Montelena in the forefront of the market, not just today, but for years to come.”  

Chateau Montelena, who already uses distributors in 41 states and 24 foreign markets, felt that the move to bring on a distributor in the California market was key to customer service.  By sharing the ongoing management of accounts with The Estates Group, Chateau Montelena can ensure that customers always have an expert to turn to if they have questions or immediate needs.  

“The goals and objectives of Chateau Montelena are clearly aligned with those of the Estates Group,” said Bruce Herman, senior vice president and general manager of The Estates Group. “There are few wineries that have the superior quality and longevity of Chateau Montelena, and we are proud and privileged to represent them in California.”

Established in 1882, Chateau Montelena is one of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries.  Purchased by the Barrett family in 1972, the vineyards were completely replanted and Chateau Montelena bottled its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Montelena Estate Vineyard in 1978.  Planted on St. George rootstock, which is resistant to phylloxera, they are some of the oldest producing Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Napa Valley.  In addition to its landmark Chardonnay, which won the 1976 Paris Tasting, Chateau Montelena is also revered for producing top-rated Cabernet Sauvignons, a record of consistency that has made the wine avidly sought by collectors around the world and one of the few U.S. wines to be the object of a successful futures program.

Chateau Montelena is located in the Napa Valley hamlet of Calistoga at 1429 Tubbs Lane.  The winery is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for wine tasting. Tours and tasting can be reserved by calling (707) 942-5105.  Fax: (707) 942-4221 or send an e-mail to reservations@montelena.com.   Chateau Montelena can be visited on the Web at www.montelena.com.