Domaine Carneros releases Garbo Ros

Domaine Carneros has releasead the 2001 Greta Garbo Brut Ros, the second sparkling wine in their series honoring great women. The wine was introduced at a fundraiser supporting breast cancer research and treatment fund established through Clinic Ole.

Greta Garbo, referred to as "La Divina" (the divine one), lived a life of international fame, accomplishment and romance. Born in Stockholm in 1905, and moving to the United States in 1925, Garbo acted in a series of successful silent movies before moving into talking films. She lived in Los Angeles and New York and became a U.S. citizen in 1951.

As a grand tribute to this legendary star, Domaine Carneros produced the Greta Garbo Ros sparkling wine to celebrate the centennial of her birth. Her love of elegance, Champagne and the color pink made her the natural choice for the first-ever vintage ros. This limited release 2001 ros features aromas of raspberries and cassis blended with light floral and exotic spice notes. The rich and balanced palate evolves to a long, luscious finish. Only 350 cases were produced.

Domaine Carneros is passionate about supporting causes. This October marks more than 20 years that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. Through Clinic Ol, Domaine Carneros has established the Domaine Carneros Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund. Proceeds from sales of 2001 Greta Garbo Brut Ros will go towards this fund. Since 1972, Community Health Clinic Ol has provided accessible, affordable, quality health care to the under served in Napa County.

Established in 1987, Domaine Carneros is the only sparkling wine producer using exclusively Carneros grapes. The appellation is characterized by a long, moderately cool growing season tempered by the maritime breezes and lingering fog off of the San Pablo Bay just to the west. In addition to sparkling wine, Domaine Carneros produces highly distinguished pinot noir.

Domaine Carneros is located at 1240 Duhig Road in Napa, California. The winery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for tours, tasting and sales./Register

Dolce named a great wine

Dolce has been named one of the great wines of America by James Beard Award-winning author Paul Lukacs in his newest book "The Great Wines of America: The Top Forty Vintners, Vineyards and Vintages"

Partners of Dolce and Lukacs will preview the 2002 vintage and raise money for the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation walk-around tasting and book signing Nov. 5.

Featuring a collection of exceptional Dolce vintages, including a pre-release tasting of the 2002 Dolce and food pairings, the event takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Far Niente Winery, 1350 Acacia Drive in Oakville. The cost is $40 per person ($20 for wine club members.

All proceeds will be donated to the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. For reservations, call Far Niente at 944-2862, ext. 360./Register

Amelia Ceja honored by SF group

The San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has selected Amelia Ceja as one of the 26 most influential Hispanics in the Bay Area. The Latino Business Leadership Awards were announced Oct. 19 at the San Francisco Marriott.

The Latino Business Leadership Awards recognized the 26 most outstanding executives, business owners and community leaders from the Bay Area's most vibrant firms and organizations. These individuals were chosen because of their leadership in their companies and communities, as well as for their significant contributions to improve the quality of life for Latinos in the Bay Area.

"Amelia has demonstrated her leadership skills as president of her family's successful wine production company," said Richard Ventura, SFHCC executive director. "Her philosophy has helped to increase the number of Hispanic wine consumers by inviting them to try their favorite dishes with wine, and she has shown her commitment to her community by helping to raise over $100,000 for various nonprofit organization in less than a year."

"I'm honored to receive this recognition," said Ceja. "However, I share it with Pedro Ceja, my husband and creative partner, and Armando Ceja, my brother-in-law and talented winemaker."

Amelia was born in Las Flores, Jalisco, an agricultural village in Mexico, and her family moved to the Napa Valley in 1967. In 1999, Amelia was elected president of Ceja Vineyards. /Register

Barrels at Copia

Wine and art lovers bid a total of $100,000 as Auction Napa Valley 2005 came to a close when 25 unique wine barrel art pieces were auctioned last week at Copia.

Auctioneer Ursula Hermacinski led the proceedings. Thomas Arvid's "ZD Barrel Collage," hosted by ZD Wines, topped the bidding at $40,000.

Barrel Art Napa Valley, part of Wine Auction 2005, invited 25 wineries to partner with 25 artists to transform wine barrels into unique works of art.

The barrels, donated by Tonnellerie Quintessence, have been on display at sponsor wineries throughout the valley since June./Register

Stomp out bad grapes with Grapedates

Tired of all those sour grapes you meet on standard dating Web sites? Want to add a touch of class to your online dating experience?

Grapedates Inc. and its partner, DigitalProduce Inc., announce the launch of Grapedates.com, an new online community designed especially for singles who know what they want out of life -- and a good cabernet.

American wine consumption in the United States is at an all-time high, having reached $11 billion in 2004. Grapedates.com offers those who share a sophisticated lifestyle and passion for wine a variety of tools to connect, including video profiles, on-site email, cell phone alerts, detailed search options, flirts and one-to-one video chat. The site also offers a forum where users can post information about events such as local wine tastings and wine pairing dinners.

Grapedates Inc. has also partnered with Wine.com to offer wine news and distributes rare wines not available for purchase in the general wine marketplace./Register