Category: Featured Post

Oct 18, 2021

Fetzer Vineyards Releases 2021 Harvest Report

Smaller crop with great quality spotlights the importance of teamwork for Fetzer Vineyards

Fetzer Vineyards

Mendocino County, Calif. Oct. 18, 2021 – As the end of harvest season in the North Coast nears, Fetzer Vineyards has released its harvest report and video to shine a light on the growing season, the harvest, and what to expect from the 2021 vintage.

Read Fetzer Vineyards’ 2021 Harvest Report in its entirety.
Watch Fetzer Vineyards’ 2021 Harvest Video.

Summary
This year’s growing season was marked by lower-than-average rainfall and a historically warm summer, which led to lower volumes of fruit and smaller berries than in an average year. Despite stressful growing conditions and the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic, the resiliency of the vines and the collaborative nature of Fetzer Vineyards’ winegrowing, winemaking and operations teams led to a successful harvest. Fruit from estate ranches in Mendocino County as well as fruit from partner growers throughout California arrived to the winery with bright acidity, balanced flavors and excellent quality.

The wines show notable vibrancy and dynamic varietal character, a result of the unique growing conditions and careful handling in the vineyard and cellar. Naturally abundant acids in the 2021 grapes complement the vintage’s ripe flavors, creating wines with vibrant aromas and flavors, and mouthwatering freshness on the palate. This is ideal for Fetzer, Bonterra and 1000 Stories brands, which aim for delicious wines crafted with early enjoyment in mind. Acidity is also a key to longevity, so collectible wines from Fetzer Vineyards’ California portfolio have the potential to age well and gain greater complexity with time.

Oct 14, 2021

Fetzer® Wine Flips Thanksgiving Script, Creates New #Friendsgiving Traditions

California classic cultivates the ultimate 2021 Friendsgiving with 360 campaign

Fetzer®, the iconic California vintner with the nation’s #1 Gewürztraminer, has announced its biggest-ever Thanksgiving campaign ahead of the brand’s key selling period. Developed with creative and media agency Cutwater, “Here’s to #Friendsgiving” offers a 2021 take on Fetzer’s traditional Thanksgiving campaigns, as America’s most diverse generation yet comes to the table with new ways to connect – and new foods to favorite – this holiday.

The campaign draws inspiration from the reality that this year’s Thanksgivings will look different, amidst a time of ongoing social distancing and shifting cultural norms. Many of us are creatively reconsidering how we celebrate and forge connection, and the kind of cuisine we bring to the table. Representing a historic cohort of backgrounds and ethnicities, Millennials in particular are looking to change up tradition with cooking and customs of their choosing come November.

Fetzer’s new campaign highlights the possibilities this moment affords, offering a suite of assets underscoring the beauty of celebrating differently—be it with a meat-free Thanksgiving, a socially distanced potluck with friends, or any other inspired riff on the traditional occasion.

“The Fetzer brand was founded more than 50 years ago on the idea that it should be easy to enjoy a great-quality bottle of wine with a meal. While we still make good on that promise, we’re taking a page from our consumers and reconsidering how this classic holiday looks, with one of our biggest investments ever in a holiday campaign,” said Rachel Newman, Vice President of Marketing for Fetzer.

The 360-degree “Here’s to #Friendsgiving” campaign will come to life across the U.S. beginning November 1, delivering a coordinated mix of social media programming, digital ads, influencer activations and consumer sweepstake at point of sale (POS) to drive home the message that Thanksgiving is what you make of it. To that end, engaging POS asking “What will you bring to the table?” will invite consumers to define their own traditions, and share them on social media.

Ensuring continuity with broader marketing initiatives, the campaign name itself is a seasonal, social take on the brand’s year-round tagline, “Here’s to Tomorrow.”

More than two-thirds of Millennials, a key audience for Fetzer, are concerned about consuming healthy foods, and fully 45% are likely to consider a meat-free Thanksgiving this year.[i] A historically diverse cohort, they are purchasing and preparing a more diverse array of foods than any preceding group of Americans. Campaign visuals highlight these trends.

“Our inherent drive to connect can’t be confined to a particular definition of tradition. Even during a time of significant change like this year, connection – and the ways we create it – is the great equalizer and ties us all together. This campaign looks to celebrate that and is part of the long history of tradition around the table that Fetzer stands for, seen in a new light,” said Hilary Butler, Sr. Brand Manager for Fetzer.

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About Fetzer
Part of the largest certified B Corp winery in the U.S., Fetzer is building a better tomorrow by making quality wines with a conscience and putting people and planet first. Embodying the B Corp ethos to use business as a force for good, Fetzer crafts delicious, go-to wines that minimize environmental impacts and elevate social responsibility. Winemaker Margaret Leonardi—the first woman to lead winemaking for Fetzer in its 50-plus-year history—balances a thirst for innovation with a dedication to quality in every glass of Fetzer wine. Her acclaimed collection of any-occasion offerings includes the #1 Gewürztraminer in the U.S., a beloved California Chardonnay, a trio of bright whites—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling—a richly textured Merlot and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Every sip is a step toward a more sustainable future. Learn more at fetzer.com.

[i] Source: NUMERATOR Psychographics/ WKS 52 wks W/E 05.09.21 / Ipsos Retail Performance – Vegan trends / Deli Market News-Vantage Point Media, LLC 2019.

July 29, 2021

Trivento® Ascends to #1 Argentine Wine Brand in the World

Malbec powerhouse doubles performance over five years to assume top position in global sales value

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif., July 29, 2021 – Bodega Trivento announced it is now the world’s top-selling Argentine wine brand following a 2020 report from global consulting firm IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.i Achieving combined global retail and e-commerce sales of more than US$250 million, the Malbec powerhouse known as the House of Wind doubled sales performance over the past five years to obtain the top spot in the global ranking.

Founded in 1996, Trivento specializes in acclaimed Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the most sought-after high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Contributing to the brand’s global momentum are ongoing strategic investments in infrastructure, vineyards and people to drive recognized quality in the glass; a focus on expanding distribution in key markets; the development of highly visible, brand-relevant partnerships in regional markets; and enhanced sustainability initiatives and consumer-relevant green credentials such as Trivento’s recent B Corp Certification.

Trivento CEO Marcos Jofré credits this worldwide milestone to the extended Trivento team, noting that “we are very proud of this achievement, and it is the result of the efforts of so many people, from our workers in the vineyards to those who represent our wines in international markets.”

Trivento U.S. – Leveraging Excellence, Tech and Partnerships in Equal Measure
Imported to the U.S. by Fetzer Vineyards, Trivento Reserve Malbec (SRP $11) is an 11-time Wine Enthusiast Best Buyii and the #3-selling Malbec, while the brand overall is a Top-5 premium Argentine import.iii The collection continues to grow mindshare and momentum stateside through enhanced availability including traditional, online and delivery-focused retail channels, tech-forward marketing, and as the official partner of Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami CF.

“It’s exciting to see Trivento take its place as the leading Argentine wine brand in the world,” noted Rodrigo Maturana, senior vice president of marketing and international business for Fetzer Vineyards. “A focus on ensuring our wines are available wherever U.S. consumers are, along with technology plays that elevate our marketing—from augmented reality soccer experiences to virtual winery tours—gave us a boost in recent years and continues to create tailwinds for Trivento, now even more broadly available thanks to enhanced distribution.”

Global Growth Credited to Sustainable, Long-Term Market Development
In addition to successes in the U.S., key markets fueling Trivento’s growth include the UK, where Trivento Reserve Malbec is the number one-selling red wine, while Trivento as a brand counts among the top 10-selling wine brands overall;iv Brazil, which notched sales growth of 88%;v and South Korea, where 2020 saw a remarkable 935% increase in sales.vi Partnerships in key markets with the likes of Discovery Channel (UK and Mexico), and Major League Soccer (the U.S., where Trivento was the official wine of MLS through 2020) further boosted visibility and engagement with the brand.

In Argentina, Trivento continues to enhance its foundation for future growth, strengthening sustainability commitments with—among other initiatives—completion of the largest winery solar array in the nation, and investing in winemaking infrastructure and vineyards. The recent purchase and ongoing revitalization of a winery and circa-1940 villa in iconic Luján du Cuyo expands Trivento’s winemaking footprint in a prime terroir and complements ongoing excellence at Trivento’s celebrated winery and visitor center in Maipú. With a venerable collection of critically lauded wines at every price point now topping sales rosters worldwide, Trivento is poised to deliver further momentum on its latest significant accolade.

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About Bodega Trivento
Rooted in the energy of Argentina’s passion for wine, Trivento—meaning three winds in Spanish—is synonymous with expressive, terroir-driven Malbec that paints a vivid portrait of Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The character and quality of each wine is guided by the spirited vision of Chief Winemaker Germán Di Cesare, who honors the varied soils, mountain snowmelt and powerful winds that shape Mendoza’s vines.

Four distinct Trivento collections highlight the unique characteristics of two coveted sub-regions in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley: Eolo, a single-vineyard luxury Malbec from century-old vines; Golden Reserve, a passionate expression of treasured and historic Malbec vines; and Reserve, a beloved collection crafted predominantly from estate vines that includes the ascendant Maximum Red Blend and the #3 best-selling Malbec in the U.S.vii Founded in 1996 and today a Certified B Corporation, Trivento welcomes visitors to experience the wine and culture of Mendoza at Bodega Trivento in Maipú or through a virtual tour of the winery’s modern art space, vineyards and barrel room. Learn more at trivento.com.

i Source: IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, 2020: Bodega Trivento 2020 global sales +US$ 256,198,000. The IWSR’s database quantifies the global market of wine, spirits, beer, cider, and ready-to-drink (RTDs) by volume and value in 160 countries. The IWSR tracks overall consumption and trends at brand, price segment and category level.
ii Source: Wine Enthusiast Best Buy, Trivento Reserve Malbec, vintages: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
iii Source: TTL US MULO+C+Liquor/$VOL + VOL Sales/TTL Premium $8–$10.99/Argentina/L52 wks ending 7.18.21
iv Source: Nielsen Scantrack Total Market w.e. 24.04.21
v Source: Bodega Trivento internal data
vi Source: Bodega Trivento internal data
vii Source: IRI TTL US MULO+C+Liquor/$VOL + VOL Sales/TTL Premium $8–$10.99/Imported/Argentina/Malbec/0.75LT/L52 wks ending 7.18.21

May 27, 2021

Casillero del Diablo Names Pedro Pascal New Legendary Spokesperson

Chilean wine powerhouse welcomes Chilean-American actor as new star of global campaign

HOPLAND, Calif., May 27, 2021 – Leading wine brand Casillero del Diablo has named Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal the new star of its global Wine Legend campaign. Known for roles in The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, Narcos and Wonder Woman 1984, Pascal will play a new, mysterious character linked to Casillero del Diablo’s renowned wine legend in upcoming advertising programming centered around television, video and social media. The campaign continues the tradition of Casillero del Diablo’s striking cinematographic advertising initiatives, and will debut later this year.

Called the most-searched star on movie-centric news site IMDb and one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Entertainers of the Year, Pascal recently wrapped filming the Wine Legend campaign spots in Santiago de Chile. The Pascal spots build on prior campaigns from Casillero del Diablo featuring dramatic cinematography and celebrated characters, and bring new energy to the iconic brand. In addition to appearing in the Wine Legend campaign, Pascal is now the brand’s official ambassador.

“The selection of Pedro Pascal as the new legend is a historic event for Casillero del Diablo, as it marks our first appointment of a global brand ambassador,” said Sebastián Aguirre, global marketing director for Casillero del Diablo. “Pascal is a celebrity well known around the world who is enjoying an extraordinary moment in his career. Originally from Chile, he shares many notable characteristics with our brand, including sophistication, trustworthiness and intrigue, among others.”

Casillero del Diablo—which means the “Devil’s Cellar”—is today the #1 Chilean brand (750ml) in the U.S.1 and is the second-most powerful wine brand in the world for four years running according to Global Wine Brand Power Index. Named the 2020 New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, Casillero del Diablo in 2020 accelerated to global volume of 6.6 million cases, a million more than was shipped in 2019 and up from three million cases in 2010.2 Fueling the brand’s remarkable growth, among ongoing quality and excellence in winegrowing, is the Wine Legend campaign series—now poised for its most legendary chapter yet with Pascal at the fore.

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About Casillero del Diablo
Named for the “Devil’s Cellar,” where coveted wines were fiercely protected in the 19th Century, Casillero del Diablo was founded in the heart of Chile’s famed Maipo Valley in 1966. Today, Casillero del Diablo crafts award-winning wines that evoke Chile’s extraordinary wine regions, shouldered between the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains and the foggy coastline of the Pacific Ocean. The collection includes a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced primarily from Maipo Valley; a Carmenere consistently acclaimed by wine critics; a bright, coastal Sauvignon Blanc; and a crisp Rosé. With more than 70 scores of 90 points and above in recent years, Casillero del Diablo is an unforgettable source for exemplary Chilean wines that live up to their legend. www.CasillerodelDiabloUS.com

1 Source: IRI TTL US MULO+C / Imported Table Wine / Premium $8–$10.99 / Cabernet Sauvignon / $$ volume / L52 wks ending 5.16.21
2 Source: Concha y Toro internal shipments data, +18% (1M cases) in 2020 vs. 2019, +120% (3.3.M cases) in the last decade (2020 vs. 2010)

April 21, 2021

Fetzer® Wine Puts Sustainability in Spotlight in New Packaging, Debuting in Time for Earth Day

Heritage California Label Makes Clear Its Bold Commitments to People, Planet and Purpose

Mendocino, County, Calif., April 21, 2021 – Fetzer®, the iconic California wine, announces new packaging and platforms that highlight its bold commitments to responsible business, delivering a streamlined look that foregrounds its forward-looking sustainable practices for consumers.

Debuting across the Fetzer collection, the package refresh includes updated graphics, colors and tagline, and a reimagining of Fetzer’s hallmark tree icon, enhanced with a water drop to signal a heritage of resource conservation. The new tagline, “Building a better tomorrow, since 1968,” is a nod to Fetzer’s sustainable roots and regenerative approach to business, while the winery’s foundational B Corp Certification is prominently called out on the capsule and back label. Driving support for the package update is a refreshed website and 360-degree communications campaign.

“While Fetzer has long been known as a champion of sustainability, the enhanced package allows us to truly embody what it means to lead with purpose,” said Rodrigo Maturana, senior vice president of marketing for Fetzer Vineyards. “Dialing up the prominence of B Corp Certification and enhancing our sustainability messaging with easy-to-read icons enables us to quickly convey our better business commitments and stand out at shelf for today’s busy consumers.”

Unlike other wines in the commercial popular segment, Fetzer offers sustainability within reach for shoppers who find products grounded in good in every aisle, and expect this same values-aligned offering from wine. Fetzer proudly carries the globally recognized B Corp Certification—the B stands for “benefit,” and refers to benefiting workers, the community, customers and the environment—as well as TRUE Zero Waste and CarbonNeutral® certifications, each now clearly called out on the back label.

Research shows that nearly six in 10 consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce environmental impact,1 and 87% of Gen Y and 94% of Gen Z believe companies should address urgent social and environmental issues.2 “It’s exciting to be able to transparently highlight our verified performance across impact areas right on the package of our flagship wine,” noted Jessica Baum, director of regenerative development and sustainability for Fetzer Vineyards. “As consumers continue to call for brands to demonstrate social and environmental accountability, we are going beyond business and packaging as usual to show the good inside.”

At the helm of Fetzer winemaking today is Margaret Leonardi, recently named to the North Bay Business Journal’s 2021 40 Under 40 list of notable executives in the North Coast. Part of the Fetzer winemaking family since 2015, Margaret has overseen Fetzer’s acclaimed white wines in recent years, garnering more than 20 Best Buy commendations from respected wine critics,3 and was named head winemaker of the Fetzer label this year.

“This is an exciting moment in Fetzer’s history, and I am proud to embark on the next chapter of the brand’s enduring legacy in California,” said Margaret. “It feels good to know we are creating delicious wines that people love, while helping to build a more sustainable future.” Under Margaret’s stewardship, the Fetzer line today includes:

  • Gewürztraminer (SRP $10): the #1 Gewürztraminer in the U.S.; off-dry and aromatic, from cool-climate California sites;
  • Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $8): a crisp and zesty white from vineyards in Chile’s Central Valley;
  • Pinot Grigio (SRP $8): bright and fresh and perfect for picnics, from select California vineyards;
  • Riesling (SRP $10): a delicate and expressive cool-climate sipper with sourcing that includes Monterey;
  • Chardonnay (SRP $8): a beloved California Chardonnay known for its balanced style, fresh fruit character and subtle richness;
  • Merlot (SRP $8): a vivid, red fruit-driven varietal with a silky-smooth texture, from California vineyards;
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $8): dark-fruited with rich oak tones, from select California vineyards.

View the collection and dive into Fetzer’s sustainability story at fetzer.com, and follow Fetzer’s grounded in good practices online at Instagram and Facebook.

About Fetzer
Part of the largest certified B Corp winery in the U.S., Fetzer is building a better tomorrow by making quality wines with a conscience and putting people and planet first. Embodying the B Corp ethos to use business as a force for good, Fetzer crafts delicious, go-to wines that minimize environmental impacts and elevate social responsibility. Winemaker Margaret Leonardi—the first woman to lead winemaking for Fetzer in its 50-plus-year history—balances a thirst for innovation with a dedication to quality in every glass of Fetzer wine. Her acclaimed collection of any-occasion offerings includes the #1 Gewürztraminer in the U.S., a beloved California Chardonnay, a trio of bright whites—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling—a richly textured Merlot and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Every sip is a step toward a more sustainable future. Learn more at fetzer.com.

¹Source: IBM Institute for Business Value in association with National Retail Federation: “Meet the 2020 consumers driving change” (global survey)

²Source: 2017 Cone Gen Z CSR Study: “How to Speak Z”

³Source: Fetzer white wines, score publication dates March 2018-March 2021: Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits, Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine, Tasting Panel Magazine, Planet Grape (Catherine Fallis, MS), Beverage Tasting Institute, Ultimate Wine Challenge.

December 17, 2020

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Advertising Campaign Named 2020’s Best Organic Initiative by the Drinks Business

Leading California Winery Wraps Up Historic Year with Second Green Business Award

HOPLAND, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Bonterra Organic Vineyards (“Bonterra”) was awarded the 2020 Best Organic Initiative award by the drinks business (U.K.) for its widely viewed Tastes Like Saving the Planet advertising campaign. In its 11th year, the Green Awards recognize leaders in the global beverage trade industry who are catalyzing change with their environmental and social performance. Bonterra was commended by the publication this year for using humor to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of climate action, while also touting the benefits of regenerative organic farming, including better taste in the glass.

The annual Green Awards celebrate businesses that are going above and beyond to reduce their impact on the environment, making a difference in combating the climate crisis, and promoting news of their efforts to a wide audience. Acknowledging that organic wines, beers and spirits have entered the mainstream as a popular consumer choice, the judges this year sought to recognize a company or brand for its work in bringing a fresh approach to organics in the production, retail or on-trade arena, with an emphasis on efforts launched in the last 12 months.

“We are honored that our campaign was recognized by the drinks business among global organic initiatives as one that stands out, and makes an impact,” noted Rodrigo Maturana, VP of Marketing & International Business at Fetzer Vineyards, parent company for Bonterra. “We had a lot of fun with this campaign, which pokes fun at wine clichés while highlighting the important fact that regenerative organic farming can help save the planet,” he added.

Bonterra’s innovative Tastes Like Saving the Planet campaign ran from August through November 2020 predominantly on popular streaming platforms and targeted digital media networks. Garnering some nine million completed video views, the campaign was an on-brand complement to Bonterra’s regenerative organic advocacy efforts and comprehensive sustainability initiatives, ultimately elevating awareness for the transformational power of organics while building brand loyalty. Crucially, it also helped grow consumer awareness for how their purchases can help the planet—with a sip of good humor on the side.

In addition to the drinks business commendation, Bonterra is also the recipient of the 2020 California Green Medal in the Environment category, awarded earlier this year. Part of the Sixth Annual Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards, the California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability, and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team. Bonterra was among four awarded wineries and was singled out as the Environment winner, formally recognized as the California winery that “best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.”

Up 21% this year,1 Bonterra has long been devoted to regenerative agriculture, farming exclusively organically since 1987. The winery’s mindful approach to farming includes beneficial practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost application, animal grazing, integrated pest management, wildlife integration, and conservation of nearly 50% of its land as preserved wildland. These practices increase soil fertility and enhance the resilience of vineyards, with research indicating that regenerative agriculture leads to measurable climate benefits like increased organic carbon storage. Beyond the vineyard, Bonterra is certified Zero Waste and CarbonNeutral®, its energy is 100% green, and its team raises awareness for climate- and soil-beneficial legislation with legislators in California and Washington, D.C.

About Bonterra
Organically farmed and masterfully made, the Bonterra Organic Vineyards collection epitomizes wines that are perfectly in tune with nature. A celebration of the vitality derived from organic cultivation, the portfolio features wines coaxed from the earth by careful farming practices carried out on a dynamic network of estate and partner farms throughout California. In addition to a widely available selection of organically farmed wines that includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Equinox Red, Young Red and Rosé, Bonterra crafts a trio of sought-after single-vineyard offerings from estate Biodynamic® vineyards in Mendocino County, and Elysian Collection Merlot, an elevated offering from organic grapes.

Long before organic produce filled the shelves of neighborhood groceries, the dedicated team at Bonterra was committed to organic and Biodynamic farming because they passionately believe that farms teeming with biodiversity— encompassing vines, insects and wildlife, and healthy soils—yield organic grapes leading to better wines. www.Bonterra.com

©2020 Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Mendocino County, California USA.

1 Source: IRI: TTL US MULO + CONV, VOL Sales, BONTERRA, CY 2020 ENDING DEC 6, 2020

SOURCE Bonterra Organic Vineyards

Related Links

http://www.bonterra.com

November 11, 2020

Casillero del Diablo Named New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast

America’s #1 Chilean import¹ and leading global wine brand recognized in the prestigious 2020 Wine Star Awards

HOPLAND, Calif., Nov. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Casillero del Diablo has been named New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, and will accept the prestigious 2020 Wine Star Award at a virtual ceremony hosted by the publication early in 2021. The recognition comes at a time when Casillero del Diablo is driving renewed growth among premium imported Chilean wines in the U.S., with a remarkable growth rate of +12.5%.2 The Wine Star recognition solidifies the winery’s reputation as a global standard-bearer for quality, while helping to advance visibility for Chilean wines in the U.S.

“It’s exciting to see the energy and momentum Casillero del Diablo has brought to the Chilean category in recent years,” said Adam Strum, Chairman and Publisher of Wine Enthusiast. “From building awareness of the tremendous 2018 vintage in Chile with the Extraordinary Vintage campaign, to continuing to deliver quality wines and engaging marketing that bring new consumers to wine, Casillero is a major driver for the business overall and a true Wine Star.”

Each year, the comprehensive media staff at Wine Enthusiast magazine nominates the most influential members of the alcohol beverage industry for the annual Wine Star Awards. In the words of the publication, the Wine Star Awards “celebrate the innovative trailblazers who are driving what consumers put in their glass every day.” Winners are selected based on factors such as company and brand vision, their impact on consumers and on the wine business, as well as wine trends.

“It is a tremendous honor to see Casillero del Diablo recognized with such a significant commendation,” said Giancarlo Bianchetti, CEO of Fetzer Vineyards, the importer for Casillero del Diablo. “This important recognition is the result of the efforts of our teams across Chile, the U.S. and around the world, and underscores the focus, devotion to quality, and innovation that are hallmarks of the brand.”

Casillero del Diablo released its first wine in 1966, though its heritage dates to the late 1880s, when the renowned Chilean wine pioneer Don Melchor de Concha y Toro spun a legend that his cellar was haunted to fend off wine thieves. Casillero del Diablo—the “Devil’s Cellar”—is today the #1 Chilean brand (750ml) in the U.S. and the #2 premium imported Cabernet Sauvignon in dollar sales.3

The winery’s recent Extraordinary Vintage campaign raised awareness for the entire category and the landmark 2018 vintage in Chile among a broad audience of U.S. consumers and trade through a 360-degree approach. Concha y Toro Head Sommelier Massimo Leonori featured in a suite of innovative, sensory-focused activations that came to life in key U.S. markets and online, building momentum for a terrific vintage and the tremendous quality inherent in Casillero del Diablo wines.

“I have been working at Viña Concha y Toro with Casillero del Diablo for more than 20 years,” said Marcelo Papa, Technical Director for Viña Concha y Toro, which owns Casillero del Diablo. “During this time, I have witnessed the incredible evolution and growth of this brand. This recognition makes me feel proud and reflects the extraordinary work that we have done together over the past decades.”

About Casillero del Diablo
Named for the “Devil’s Cellar,” where coveted wines were fiercely protected in the 19th Century, Casillero del Diablo was founded in the heart of Chile’s famed Maipo Valley in 1966. Twice hailed as the second-most powerful wine brand in the world by the Global Wine Brand Power Index, Casillero del Diablo crafts award-winning wines that evoke Chile’s extraordinary wine regions, shouldered between the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains and the foggy coastline of the Pacific Ocean. The collection includes a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced primarily from Maipo Valley; a Carmenere consistently acclaimed by wine critics; a bright, coastal Sauvignon Blanc; and a crisp Rosé. With more than 50 scores of 90 points and above in recent years, Casillero del Diablo is an unforgettable source for exemplary Chilean wines that live up to their legend. CasillerodelDiabloUS.com

©2020 Imported by Fetzer Vineyards, Hopland, Mendocino Co., CA

1 Source: IRI TTL US MULO + C / 750ML Table Wine/ Chilean Origin / $ Sales, 9L case Sales, CWD Distribution/L52 Wks Ending 11.01.20
2 Source: IRI TTL US MULO+C / CdD / 9L case volume / L52wks ending 11.01.20
3 Source: IRI TTL US MULO+C / Imported Table Wine / Premium $8–$10.99 / Cabernet Sauvignon / $$ volume / L52 wks ending 11.01.20

SOURCE Casillero del Diablo

Related Links

https://www.casillerodeldiablous.com

October 19, 2020

Fetzer Vineyards Declares Climate Emergency, Commits to Climate Positive Operations by 2030

Leading U.S. winery announces plans to pursue aggressive science‐based targets to transform business, committing to urgent action to keep global temperature rise below 1.50 Celsius

Mendocino County, Calif., October 19, 2020 – Fetzer Vineyards today announced it has signed a climate emergency declaration letter that recognizes the need to take definitive climate action now “to avoid irreversible changes to the planet and its inhabitants arising from the climate crisis.” In signing the declaration, Fetzer Vineyards agrees to accountable measurements tied to science‐based targets aimed at limiting global average temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, and to becoming climate positive in its business operations by 2030. This declaration is in line with the California vintner’s long‐standing commitment to climate‐smart winegrowing, and ushers in a new era of planet action tied to measurable global needs in the face of the existential threat created by a rapidly warming planet.

“We have a moral responsibility as a business to take swift action on the climate crisis,” said CEO Giancarlo Bianchetti of Fetzer Vineyards, the world’s largest winery certified as a B Corporation and the recipient of a United Nations Momentum for Change award for climate action. “As the historic source of a significant amount of the planet’s greenhouse gases, the business sector has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the context of the climate crisis by eliminating emissions and drawing down carbon as rapidly as possible. This declaration reaffirms our commitment to doing so.”

Fetzer Vineyards’ commitment to achieving climate positive operations by 2030 means the winery plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout all scopes of its business, including transportation and product end‐of‐life, while increasing carbon drawdown through enhanced regenerative agriculture programs. This three‐step process of reducing emissions, insetting carbon, and offsetting any remaining unavoidable emissions will allow the business to become as carbon‐efficient as possible, then go further by sequestering more carbon than it is emitting. The winery commits to reporting regularly and transparently on its progress toward climate positive operations, with milestones tied to science‐based

targets and in line with the tenets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a global standard and the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, addressing global challenges faced around the world including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. In keeping with the spirit of the SDGs, Fetzer Vineyards’ commitment to achieving climate positive business operations will require ensuring that initiatives provide for a “just transition” that takes into account the welfare of people and communities implicated by the climate crisis.

In declaring a climate emergency, Fetzer Vineyards, which has long focused on regenerative agriculture and climate‐smart business practices aimed at reducing overall environmental impact, signals a refocusing of its efforts toward even more ambitious, transformational initiatives to address the catastrophic nature of the climate crisis. The winery will pair this operational transformation with ongoing climate policy advocacy work and collaborative initiatives within the wine industry, with the goal to ignite collective action and avoid the life‐altering challenges the world will face if we fail to act.

FETZER VINEYARDS CLIMATE EMERGENCY DECLARATION

Fetzer Vineyards was founded at a time when there was little to no expectation of the role of business in taking climate action. This context has irrefutably changed, with the likes of escalating catastrophic wildfires and droughts, soil degradation and desertification, famine and climate refugee phenomena dire warnings of what is to come if we do not respond.

Today, it is abundantly clear there is a climate emergency directly threatening all life on Earth, requiring immediate and radical action by our business and society if we are to avoid a rise in average global temperatures beyond 1.50 Celsius—after which there will be no coming back.

As the historic source of the majority of the planet’s greenhouse gases, the business sector today has a responsibility to eliminate emissions and draw down carbon as rapidly as possible.

Based on this reality and the facts we know today, we believe it would be irresponsible to continue as though there is not a climate emergency. For these reasons, we affirm that our business, along with all sectors and all levels of society, must take action now to avoid irreversible changes to the planet and its inhabitants arising from the climate crisis.

This declaration requires that we rethink how we measure business success in the context of a climate emergency. This includes a commitment to becoming carbon positive by 2030. We will do so by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions throughout all scopes of our business in line with science‐based targets while increasing our carbon drawdown through regenerative agriculture. We commit to being accountable for these essential activities along the way and transparently reporting on our progress.

Further, we commit that this declaration and associated initiatives will embrace the principles of a “just transition” that takes into account the human impact of the climate crisis, which is already disproportionately driving displacement and negative health outcomes for disadvantaged groups.

Ultimately, we must seek to maximize the interests of all stakeholders—shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, and communities—in the context of a total commitment to doing what is required by the climate emergency. Working together and with this essential objective in mind, we can succeed.

– Giancarlo Bianchetti, CEO, Fetzer Vineyards

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About Fetzer Vineyards

Fetzer Vineyards is the world’s largest winery certified as a B Corporation and the recipient of a United Nations Momentum for Change award for global leadership in climate‐smart winegrowing. A wine industry leader in using business as a force for good, Fetzer Vineyards stewards an award‐winning portfolio of multi‐origin wines and spirits that are available in more than 50 countries worldwide. Founded by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, California, in 1968, Fetzer Vineyards today remains driven by excellence, innovation and longstanding commitments to the environment, regenerative agriculture, and responsible business practices. In declaring a climate emergency in 2020, Fetzer Vineyards joins more than 700 global B Corps in making aggressive climate commitments, and lends its voice to the B Corp Climate Collective, a coalition of purpose‐focused businesses that have made public commitments to bold and urgent action on climate.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Courtney Cochran | 415.728.4004 | courtney.cochran@fetzer.com

 

August 20, 2019

From AR to Real Life: Top South American Wine Brands Launch Augmented Reality Experiences, Groundbreaking In-App Drizly Partnership

Casillero del Diablo, Trivento and Frontera Offer In-App Access to Drizly Beverage Delivery Service Alongside Mobile AR Experiences

Mendocino County, Calif., August 20, 2019 – In a first for the wine industry, powerhouse South American brands Casillero del Diablo, Trivento and Frontera today announce the launch of an innovative mobile partnership with beverage delivery app Drizly. Following a quick scan of any bottle of Casillero del Diablo Reserva, Trivento Reserve or Frontera 750ml wine, users are transported to immersive augmented reality experiences powered by DrinkAR. And now, for the first time ever, Drizly has been seamlessly integrated into each brand’s AR platform, offering users the ability to click to purchase a featured wine—and have it delivered to their doorstep in as little as 60 minutes.1

“We are thrilled to team up with these innovative wine brands to make Drizly a part of their industry- leading consumer-facing technology,” said Liz Paquette, director of brand at Drizly. “Each brand’s augmented reality experience culminates with the next-level convenience of in-home delivery, letting fans pour a glass of Casillero, Trivento or Frontera wine on demand.”

Breaking New Ground: Delivering on the Immersive World of AR

Before the in-app Drizly purchase prompt appears, this trio of South American brands, imported by Fetzer Vineyards, comes to life through engaging AR experiences. Consumers are invited to download the DrinkAR app and activate the following AR experiences by pointing their smartphones at the wine labels:

Casillero del Diablo: Casillero del Diablo’s Reserva line looked to AR to bring its centuries-old

legend of the Devil’s Cellar to life. Visitors take a 360˚ tour of the Casillero wine cellar, exploring fire-lit caverns as the brand’s namesake legend of the Devil—rumored to have guarded the cellar for over 140 years—plays in the background. Twice named the second most powerful wine brand in the world,2 Casillero is best known as a leader in premium imported Cabernet Sauvignon.3

Trivento: Premium Argentine brand Trivento—the official wine of Major League Soccer—delivers the first interactive AR game in the wine industry, marrying soccer and wine in a gamification first. Following a label scan of a Trivento Reserve bottle, users are invited to express their fandom on the virtual field, shooting penalty kicks and climbing up a continually updated leaderboard to the sound of a cheering crowd.

– more –

1 Timing may vary and subject to availability in different markets.

2 Source: Global Wine Brand Power Index, 2018 & 2019.

3 Source: IRI/TTL US/750ML/$ Sales, Vol Sales, Distribution/L52 Wks W/E 3.17.19, #2 premium imported Cabernet Sauvignon.

Frontera: The #1 South American popular import and a Top 10 popular import overall,4 Frontera has mastered the art of crafting delectable wine-based cocktails. The Chilean brand’s AR experience, now available by scanning 750ml bottles, offers a step-by-step, engaging guide to mixing batch cocktails featuring Frontera wine, classic spirits, fresh fruit and herbs. Creative cocktail recipes like Spiced Sangria; the ever-popular summer sipper, Frosé; and Paloma Blanca come to life to a soundtrack of curated beats that set the tone for a festive night in with friends.

Accessibility and Engagement: Building Brand Loyalists

In today’s market, sales made on smartphones account for over 70% of total eCommerce purchases.5 As the largest platform for online alcohol, with staggering year-over-year growth of 90%,6 Drizly offers wine brands an attractive proposition within the AR environment.

“Our first-of-its-kind partnership with Drizly underscores our commitment to creating meaningful connections with consumers—wherever they are,” said Rodrigo Maturana, vice president of marketing for Fetzer Vineyards. “By integrating Drizly into AR experiences for these three powerful brands, we’re building on consumer engagement with the convenience of in-home delivery, making our import brands more accessible than ever.”

DrinkAR is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play, or at DrinkAR.co.

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About Fetzer Vineyards

Celebrating over 50 years of acclaimed winegrowing, Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 in Mendocino County, California. An award-winning purveyor of wines and spirits spanning multiple origins and available in more than 50 countries worldwide, Fetzer Vineyards is a leader in sustainable business practices, organic winegrowing, and craftsmanship in the cellar.

In addition to robust offerings under the winery’s flagship Fetzer label, the winery also crafts the leading wine from organic grapes, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2016. Other California offerings include Adorada, Anthony’s Hill, Beckon, Relay, Sanctuary Wines and 1000 Stories, the original Bourbon barrel-aged wine. Part of global winery Viña Concha y Toro, Fetzer Vineyards imports iconic South American selections such as Chile’s most-acclaimed wine, Don Melchor, and the Cono Sur, Viña Maipo, Marques de Casa Concha, Casillero del Diablo and Frontera labels from Chile, in addition to Argentina’s Trivento Reserve. Recently, Fetzer Vineyards entered the ultra-luxury wine and spirits category by forging a partnership with Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. to sell its historic craft rye whiskey and Bourbon.

About Drizly

Drizly is North America’s largest alcohol marketplace and the best way to shop beer, wine, and liquor. With the speed and convenience of on-demand delivery in under 60 minutes, customers can easily browse and order their favorites through the Drizly website or mobile app. By partnering with the best retail stores in over 100 markets in North America, Drizly provides consumers a rich e-commerce experience that offers unrivaled selection, competitive pricing, and personalized content to users of legal drinking age. Drizly operates across the United States and Canada, from Austin to Boston, Calgary to Tampa, New York City to Denver (and beyond). Backed by world-class institutional investors, the company has raised over $67 million to date. drizly.com

4 Source: IRI/ TTL US /TABLE/ L52 weeks W/E 6/23/19.

5 Source: Kressman, J. (2017). Mobile Purchasing Keeps Ramping Up in the US. eMarketer Retail.

6 Source: Drizly internal data.

 

Media Contact:

Courtney Cochran, Fetzer Vineyards 415.728.4004 | courtney.cochran@fetzer.com

July 15, 2019

Wine Grounded in Good: Fetzer Vineyards Details Its Regenerative Development Progress

California vintner releases 2017-2018 corporate consciousness report, detailing enhanced environmental policy efforts, regenerative agriculture study and progress toward 2020 goals

MENDOCINO COUNTY, July 15, 2019 – Fetzer Vineyards, a leader in regenerative winegrowing, announces the release of Mapping the Road: Corporate Consciousness Report, highlighting its

regenerative development progress and key milestones realized in 2017 and 2018. The world’s largest winery certified as a B Corporation, Fetzer Vineyards achieved significant reductions in energy and water use during the reporting period, surpassing its 2020 goals in both areas two years ahead of schedule, while maintaining industry-leading certifications for Zero Waste and CarbonNeutral® operations and making significant efficiency upgrades to production facilities. Setting the course for a more climate- resilient tomorrow, the vintner simultaneously initiated efforts to drive the more widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture in its supply chain and spoke up in state, national and international forums for more rigorous environmental policymaking.

Elevating Impact, Prioritizing Purpose

Working toward a 2030 commitment to net positive operations—synonymous with a positive corporate footprint—Fetzer Vineyards made meaningful progress on its journey in a variety of areas during the reporting period. In addition to supporting impactful water policy initiatives in California, the vintner achieved a 25% reduction in winery water use from its 2015 baseline, using just 2.75 gallons of water per gallon of wine produced. In 2018, Fetzer Vineyards met its 2020 energy efficiency goal early, realizing energy savings of 21% thanks to numerous efficiency upgrades and innovative, energy-savings projects. Beyond its doors, the vintner advocated for regenerative, climate-smart business practices at the global Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, where Fetzer Vineyards was recognized by the

United Nations with a “Momentum for Change” Climate Solutions Award.

Inside Mapping the Road

Mapping the Road builds on progress shared in Fetzer Vineyards’ first sustainability report, Road to Regeneration, which detailed historic milestones at the vintner and highlights from 2016. The 2017-2018 timeframe was a positive and productive period, as the vintner created further thoughtful impacts that open new possibilities on the road ahead, including the following:

  • Standing Up for Soil: The winery commissioned a pioneering research study to measure soil organic carbon (SOC) in its regeneratively farmed vineyards, learning that sites farmed with organic and Biodynamic® methods stored 9.4% – 12.8% more SOC than conventionally farmed acreage. Results offer directional indication of the positive role regenerative agriculture can play in slowing climate change.
  • Cultivating Efficiency: Fetzer Vineyards updated its legacy bottling lines to improve efficiency and environmental performance, decreasing the carbon footprint associated with bottling more than two million cases annually. Cutting-edge equipment allows the winery to operate its bottling system with bulk glass and unassembled cardboard cartons, which are more resource- efficient and flexible options in both manufacturing and transportation.
  • Winemaking to Make a Difference: In 2017, Fetzer Vineyards amended its legal structure to become a benefit corporation in the State of California, committing to balancing impacts on ecosystems, stakeholders, communities, and profits as measures of business performance. Now held legally accountable for considering a broader range of business-related impacts, including the environment, the vintner formally measures success through both profit and purpose.

Looking Forward, Pressing On

Fetzer Vineyards understands that transforming the future requires not just small, incremental steps toward sustainability, but rather an ambitious framework—like regenerative development—applied to every part of its business. With the knowledge that the road will not always be easy, Fetzer Vineyards is poised to continue taking bold steps toward its vision of a regenerative, net positive company, and to be part of the movement to redefine what responsible business is all about.

Learn more about recent progress and download Mapping the Road at http://bit.ly/fetzer_susty19.

About Fetzer Vineyards

Celebrating over 50 years of acclaimed winegrowing, Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, California. An award-winning purveyor of wines and spirits spanning multiple origins and available in more than 50 countries worldwide, Fetzer Vineyards is a leader in sustainable business practices, organic winegrowing, and craftsmanship in the cellar.

In addition to robust offerings under the winery’s flagship Fetzer label, the winery also crafts the leading wine from organic grapes, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2016. Other California offerings include Adorada, Anthony’s Hill, Jekel Vineyards, Sanctuary Wines and 1000 Stories, the original Bourbon barrel-aged wine. Part of global winery Viña Concha y Toro, Fetzer Vineyards imports iconic South American wines such as Chile’s most-acclaimed wine, Don Melchor, as well as the Cono Sur, Viña Maipo, Marques de Casa Concha, Casillero del Diablo and Frontera labels from Chile, in addition to Argentina’s Trivento Reserve. Recently, Fetzer Vineyards entered the ultra-luxury wine and spirits category by forging a partnership with Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. to sell its historic craft rye whiskey and Bourbon.

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Media Contact: Courtney Cochran | Fetzer Vineyards | 415.728.4004 | courtney.cochran@fetzer.com