Posted: February 23, 2006

Athletics: Wine Country Half Marathon Secures Fruitful Sponsorship

Napa to Sonoma Race to Offer Wine Tasting

NAPA, Calif. (February 21, 2006) – Participants in the Carneros Wine Country Half Marathon will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor thanks to a palatable new race partnership.

The Carneros Wine Alliance, a consortium of growers and vintners in the Carneros wine region of Northern California, has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the newly-named Carneros Wine Country Half Marathon – Napa to Sonoma, announced race officials today. The event is set for July 16, 2006.

The Carneros region overlaps the southern reaches of both the renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys and is a “cool climate” appellation known for its quality Chardonnay, elegant Pinot Noir and other flourishing varietals such as Syrah and Merlot.

“This partnership will make the event even more attractive to fine wine and food aficionados,” said Matt Dockstader, event director. “The race weekend has all of the ingredients of a memorable destination race weekend: spectacular scenery, fine wine, music, exquisite food and friendly small-town charm.”

The 13.1-mile course starts at Domaine Carneros winery in Napa and winds through the scenic Carneros wine region before finishing at the historic Sonoma Plaza. Spectators will be able to view the race start from the terrace of Domaine Carneros while enjoying mimosas and a wine country breakfast. Over 30 wineries from the Carneros Wine Alliance will pour at the popular post-race Wine & Music Festival at the Plaza.

Every half marathon participant will receive a commemorative wine glass and festival wine tasting ticket. The top three male and female finishers in each age division receive bottles of wine.

Members of the Carneros Wine Alliance presenting their wines during the weekend include: Acacia, Artesa, Beaulieu, Bouchaine, Buena Vista, Clos du Val, Cuvaison, Domaine Carneros, Donum Estate, Etude, Gloria Ferrer, Mac Rostie, Nicholson Ranch, Pine Ridge, Ravenswood, Robert Sinskey, Saintsbury, Schug Carneros Estate and ZD Wines.

Now in its third year, the Carneros Wine Country Half Marathon is managed by Destination Races of Sonoma, Calif. For more information visit, www.runcarneros.com or call (707) 933-1769. For more information on the Carneros Wine Alliance, visit www.destinationvines.com.

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