Press Room

Contact: Cindy Adams
Redpoint Marketing PR
(212) 229-0119
adams@redpointpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Sonoma Valley Film Festival and WineCountry.com
Team Up to Offer Wine and Film Lovers an Incomparable ‘Exclusive Experience’

Napa, CA – (February 27, 2007) – A dream come true for wine loving film buffs, WineCountry.com’s newest and most sought-after Exclusive Experience pairs VIP access to the acclaimed Sonoma Valley Film Festival with a luxurious stay at The Lodge at Sonoma. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the April 11 – 15 festival will showcase more than 75 new films from around the globe and feature indulgent food and wine pairings before every screening. A tribute to two-time Academy Award®-winning director John Lasseter, the creative force behind Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, will be a highlight of the five-day festival.

As a Premier Sponsor of the festival, WineCountry.com is offering an Exclusive Experience which features luxurious accommodations, a welcome gift at check-in and two 50-minute Swedish massages. In addition, the Experience includes two “Festival Passes,” for the complete film-going experience at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, including world-class screenings, filmmaker conversations and industry panels, plus complimentary food and wine tastings before every film. The package can be booked for four nights at $1,299 or two nights at $999, excluding taxes, and is available only at www.WineCountry.com.

For an additional $570, guests can upgrade to the Festival’s VIP-level “Premier Passes” which include exclusive access to a special star-studded Tribute to Pixar’s John Lasseter, a two-time Academy Award®-winning director, on April 14, plus admission for two to the blow-out Festival Gala at Cline Cellars Winery on Saturday evening, April 14, as well as private receptions, access to VIP hospitality, the Awards Night Program, and more.

Considered “America’s Premier Storyteller,” Lasseter is the Chief Creative Officer, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering. The evening, on Saturday, will feature guest appearances and toasts from Lasseter’s friends and creative collaborators, including many of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, writers, directors and industry leaders.

The Sonoma Valley Film Festival is a springtime celebration of film, food and wine, set in the heart of California’s historic and lush wine country. Recently named one of America's "Top Ten Best Vacation Film Festivals" and called a "Cinematic Magic Carpet Ride" by IFC News, the 2007 Festival will screen over 75 new independent films and provide guests with unique opportunities to mingle with breakthrough artists and industry leaders.

Nestled in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, The Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa, is a favorite of wine country visitors. Natural, hot mineral waters flow from beneath the property, creating a magical spa experience, while The Cellar Door’s Tasting Room pours complimentary tastings from six of the area’s top wineries.

In addition to this experience, the WineCountry.com site features a continuously updated collection of Exclusive Experiences from many of the wine and travel industries’ premier purveyors, including Napa Valley’s Villagio Inn and Spa, Fairmont’s Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa and a special opportunity for a private tasting at the famous Staglin Family Vineyard.

Since 1994, WineCountry.com has been the web’s one-stop source for information on topics ranging from wine-related travel and dining to the most sought after tasting rooms and tours. A trusted authority on wine country travel and lifestyle in 12 California regions (Napa, Sonoma, Lake County, Mendocino County, Lodi, Gold Country, Livermore, Monterey County, Santa Cruz, SLO/Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Temecula), as well as Oregon and Virginia, the site is the largest "niche" portal of its type, providing focused information and services for the consumer who seeks to stay informed on all manner of wine and culinary tourism topics. For more information, log on at www.WineCountry.com.

# # #