Passion + Dedication + Stewardship = Willamette Valley Vineyards

Business Wire, Oct 2, 2008

Twenty Five Years and Counting Thanks to Great Wine and Good People

TURNER, Ore. -- Harvest began yesterday marking the 25th Anniversary of Willamette Valley Vineyards when founding winegrower Jim Bernau began his then, small vineyard. Rooted in his development is a deep appreciation for protecting the land.

Founder Jim Bernau realized a long-held dream when he began planting Willamette Valley Vineyards in 1983. For the winery's first crush, Jim served as its first employee and cellar rat guided by a consulting winemaker. With determination and hard work, the winery quickly grew into Oregon's leading producer of Pinot Noir.

Today, Bernau credits the people who joined him for the world-class, award-winning status the winery now possesses. Willamette Valley Vineyards has been named "One of America's great Pinot Noir producers" by Wine Enthusiast, has had its wines poured at the White House, and has had its wines and sweeping views featured on the television show "$40 A Day with Rachel Ray."

"A combination of determination and extraordinary people has brought Willamette Valley Vineyards from an idea to one of the Oregon's leading wineries," Bernau noted.

From the beginning, Bernau has insisted no action be taken without consideration given to protecting the environment.

"I have always believed the best wine comes from caring for the land," he said. "She returns the favor with delicious wine grapes."

In recognition of his commitment to sustainability, Bernau was presented with LIVE's (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) first Founders Award in 2008.

"The support Jim has given us has been manifested through contributions of time, expertise and money," noted Al MacDonald, LIVE board president. "He served on the LIVE board of directors in its formative years."

Dan Kent, managing director of Salmon-Safe, described Bernau as the "Tom McCall of Oregon wine."

Under Bernau's leadership, all of the vineyards under Willamette Valley Vineyards' management have been certified sustainable through LIVE and Salmon-Safe. In 2005, he launched an employee biodiesel program, offering 50 gallons of biodiesel a month to each employee at no cost. In 2007, Willamette Valley Vineyards became the first winery in the world to use sustainable cork stoppers certified by the Rain Forest Alliance. From the first day the winery opened, Bernau has offered 10 cents for each wine bottle of any producer returned to encourage recycling.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski commended Bernau on 25 years of success, citing his many contributions to sustainability and his efforts to make the state a better place for each and every one of us.

Bernau notes of this harvest, "2008 may our best vintage yet; what a fitting way to celebrate our first 25 years."

For more information, call (800) 344-9463 or visit www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com .