Sherman Oaks, Calif. (September 27,2010) — Demonstrating a commitment to local growers, Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region is launching a new wine program, “A Collaboration,” to celebrate the partnerships between Whole Foods Market and Santa Barbara County wineries. For the first in a series of wines, Whole Foods Market will partner with Margerum Wines and Hitching Post Wines to create two exclusive blends that reflect the Santa Barbara land and the wine makers approach to growing and blending. The project will highlight the tremendous variety, quality, and commitment found just up the coast in Santa Barbara.
“This is a rare opportunity to work with high-quality wine producers in Santa Barbara County and to celebrate the place, stories, and fruits of partnership by raising awareness for our local producers,” said Christopher Giuliano, Specialty Associate Coordinator for Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region. “The unique climate, geography and soil of Santa Barbara County has lead to many small, yet fantastic family run vineyards and winemakers who’ve made it their mission to produce wines that reflect their home and rival those coming from even Napa and Sonoma. These are wines we both truly believe in and have great passion for.”
The first wine in the series, available September 30th in Southern California stores, will be from Margerum Wine Company. Owner and winemaker, Doug Margerum, crafts world-class wine, stressing individuality with connotations of nature. This wine is a five-grape, six-vineyard, 18-barrel selection blended from six Santa Barbara County vineyards and displays aromas of blackberry and blueberry backed by hints of violets, anise and leather.
Beginning November 1st, “A Collaboration” will feature a second wine from Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Winery. A 22 barrel selection, this wine includes a blend of 73% Valdiguie and 27% Syrah, and was handcrafted for Whole Foods Market to feature the bold aromas of flowers, red fruits, dark berries, spice and a touch of bacon.
For more information about the “A Collaboration” program, please visit www.wholefoods.com.
