August 8, 2005
OLYMPIA – Special
displays, expanded Washington wine inventories and information about
the many and varied wines produced in Washington are being featured in
state liquor stores this month as part of the annual Washington Wine
Month celebration established by the Washington Wine Commission.
The theme for this year’s event is “Washington
Wines…Not Just Another Pretty Grape.” State stores participating in
Washington Wine Month activities are offering wines from a list of 100 premier Washington
wines, providing customers with great choices often at good value.
About 14,000 cases of wine have been added to
store inventories for the month, said Steve Burnell, wine manager for
the Liquor Control Board. More wine will be sold in August than in
any other month except December. Each store participating in the event
creates special wine displays featuring some of the 100 premier wines.
Customers visiting state stores are sure to find
excellent wine values…and will get an opportunity to purchase some
wines they might not normally have access to, Burnell said.
“The list of 100 featured wines includes many
wines not normally carried in state stores,” Burnell said. “The wines
being featured also include best-selling brands from the state’s major
vintners.” Normally, from 35 to 38 percent of the wine sold in state
stores is Washington wine, Burnell said. During Washington Wine Month,
40 to 43 percent of wines sold are from Washington.
Burnell said the number of high-quality wines
produced in Washington has been growing steadily as the state’s
national and international reputation as a top wine producer has
grown. More than 30,000 acres of land are planted in wine grapes and
the state has 375 licensed wineries.
An annual competition for the best wine display
is held among the stores participating. In early September, a
committee composed of store managers, assistant managers and clerks
selects the top three store displays statewide.
“We believe this is a great way to share the
state’s bountiful harvest of wine with our customers and to educate
Washington residents about the depth and complexity of our state’s
wine industry,” Burnell said.
For more information contact Bob Burdick at (360)
664-1774 or Steve Burnell, at (360) 664-1654.
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