SWEET AND FORTIFIED WINE PRODUCERS LAUNCH ASSOCIATION
June, 2007

ST. HELENA, CA - Wine producers and growers across the country are joining forces to educate consumers on the virtues and versatility of sweet and fortified wines. In announcing the launch of the Sweet and Fortified Wine Association, port producer Peter Prager said, “We believe that Americans are on the brink of rediscovering sweet, dessert-style wines.”

The Sweet and Fortified Wine Association (SFWA) is a non-profit organization of vintners, growers, producers, distributors, retailers and consumers whose Mission is the education and creation of awareness within the wine drinking public. The association will also provide a support system and promotion vehicle for the producers of American made sweet and fortified wines.

Recent U. S. wine sales indicate that dessert wines now account for 7.5 percent of all
U. S. wine shipments. Growth in dessert wine sales has increased 61 percent in the last five years.

According to Prager, “Our vision is to provide a forum for industry participants and the public to share ideas and learn about sweet and fortified wines. The ultimate goal is to build the reputation of American sweet and fortified wines as truly world class.”

Vintners, growers, suppliers and consumers can get membership and organizational information by visiting the SFWA website at sweetandfortifiedwine.org or by calling the association at (916) 543-6712.

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