Golden State Wine Regions 2004 Playhouse Theme

Discover California's diversity at 2004 Playhouse Wine Fest
Wine regions of the Golden State is the theme at Canada's premiere wine event

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Vancouver, B.C (June 26, 2003) - The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival today announced that the theme for the 2004 Festival is the "Wine Regions of California."

The festival takes place March 15 to 21. The premiere wine event in Canada and one of the largest in the world, the 26th annual festival will explore California's wine regions and showcase the Golden State's famous personalities behind the wineries.

"We're very excited to serve as theme sponsor of the 2004 Playhouse Wine Fest," said Rick Slomka, Canadian director for the Wine Institute of California. "With more than 10 million visitors to California wine country each year, we recognize that people share a high level of enthusiasm for the region and we will try to bring the best California experience possible to Vancouver for this year's Festival. We have such interesting stories to tell and our many growing regions like Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Central Coast all bring a unique perspective to the California wine industry. We plan to capture the energy and passion of the wonderful wineries and friends from the vineyard that collectively have made California one of the most cherished places on earth."

Wine festival manager Harry Hertscheg said, "We are delighted to welcome California as our theme. The Playhouse Wine Festival has enjoyed a long, close relationship with California suppliers since our first festival in 1979, when Robert Mondavi was the first and only participant. For next year's festival, the combination of California's emerging regions with rising varietals--like syrah, viognier, Rhone-style blends, Cal-Ital grape types and zinfandel--will lead to some exciting events that will inform, educate and entertain our trade and consumers."

The entry deadline for wineries to apply to participate in the 2004 festival is July 7. Applications are accepted on line at www.playhousewinefest.com/registration.

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival is a fundraiser for The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and is sponsored by Chubb Insurance Company of Canada.