FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
Media Contact: Liz Dueland, Balzac Communications
800-709-7667, 707-292-7264 cell or ldueland@aol.com

CALISTOGA, CA - January 19, 2001

Merlot in May - the most comprehensive consumer Merlot tasting of its kind - will expand to accommodate 100 wineries for its second annual event. Merlot in May is an annual function of the biennial International Merlot Conference, an industry forum sponsored by Sterling Vineyards. Merlot in May will be held on May 18, 2001 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga. The event is open to the public and tickets cost $25.  According to event leaders, the decision to expand the number of participating wineries from 60 to 100 is to meet the wine industry's response to climbing consumer demand to taste a wider diversity of Merlots from around the world.  "We were excited last year by the interest shown from wineries all over the world to participate in an annual Merlot event," Says Greg Fowler, Senior Vice President of Winemaking for Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company. "Due to space limitations last year, we couldn't accommodate all the wineries interested in pouring. It is very clear that the enthusiasm from both consumers and winemakers merits hosting an annual showcase exclusive to Merlot. It seemed important to accommodate as many producers as possible and continue to raise awareness of this varietal and the endless variations in style. This will be the only public forum that we know of, to feature over 100 interpretations of America's favorite red wine."  Participating wineries at last year's sold out event included world famous Merlot producers such as; Beringer Vineyards, Brancott Vineyards, Chateau La Grave a Pomerol, Clos du Val Wine Company, Crichton Hall, DeLoach Vineyards, Domaine Dujac, Duckhorn Vineyards, Ferrari-Carano Winery, Forman Vineyards, Havens Winery, Louis Martini Winery, Pine Ridge Winery, Rosenblum Cellars, St. Clement Vineyards, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Sterling Vineyards.   To register to participate, or reserve tickets, please contact Balzac Communications by phone, 800-709-7667; fax 707-255-1119; or email: balzacpip@aol.com or ldueland@aol.com.