Americans' Virtual Votes to Make U.S. Olympic History.

Business Editors/Food & Wine Writers

Olympic Winter Games 2002

GUERNEVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2002

Korbel Champagne Cellars Invites Consumers to Log on

to www.usolympicteam.com and Toast Their

Favorite 2002 U.S. Olympic Winter Moment

From miracles on ice to soaring ski jumpers, Americans have historically embraced the unforgettable moments of the Olympic Winter Games. In 2002, Korbel Champagne Cellars, Official Supporter of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, is encouraging Americans to step into the virtual judges' box and have a hand in making U.S. Olympic history. This year, Americans will keep the Olympic spirit alive well after the closing ceremony by participating in a unique opportunity - an online toast to the best 2002 Olympic Winter moments.

Historic Highlights

Korbel has joined with Olympic historian David Wallechinsky, author of "The Complete Book of the Winter Olympics 2002" (Overlook Press), to bring Americans highlights of unforgettable Olympic moments from the past, as well as the unique chance to participate in selecting the "toast" of this year's Games.

"One of my most memorable experiences of the Olympic Games was walking through a shopping mall in Norway the evening that a favorite American speedskater won the gold medal," says Wallechinsky, who was sporting U.S. press credentials at the time. "The Norwegians have so much respect and support for speed skating that they were actually coming up to me, a complete stranger, to congratulate me on the U.S. victory. They just wanted to share their joy with an American and that left quite an impression on me."

Wallechinsky attended his first Olympic Games at age 12, when his father - a ghost writer for a U.S. Olympic champion - brought him to Rome for the 1960 Games. Raised on stories of great Olympic Games moments of the past, Wallechinsky's continued interest in the Olympic Movement encouraged him to become an expert on the subject. When his hometown of Los Angeles was selected to host the Games in 1984, Wallechinsky wanted to read a book on the history of the Olympic Movement that included both stories and statistics. When he discovered that the resource did not exist, he wrote one himself.

Wallechinsky will be in Salt Lake City for the Games, sharing his historical knowledge and offering an insider's view of the Olympic Games to the public by providing broadcast commentary for a variety of events. He acknowledges that offering Americans the chance to vote online for the best U.S. Olympic moment is a unique opportunity for both fans and athletes.

"From my point of view, Olympic moments can be award-winning for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the person who comes in last deserves to be honored," says Wallechinsky. "Korbel is inviting the fans to recognize their own favorite moment, and their votes will make a difference."

Cast a Vote to Choose The Champion

Immediately following the close of the Games, Americans can log on to www.usolympicteam.com to cast their vote for the best moment of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Voting will be open through March, 31, 2002. The winning moment will be announced to the public and recognized at a special ceremony for U.S. Olympic athletes and VIPs. Voters over 21 years of age can also register online to receive a one-of-a-kind Korbel Olympic collector's pin. (Supplies are limited, restrictions apply.)

The Korbel Celebration of Olympic Champions

The winning moment will be honored on April 22, 2002, when members of the U.S. Delegation come together for the Korbel Celebration of Olympic Champions. This special ceremony takes place in Washington, D.C., one day prior to the U.S. Delegation White House visit, and marks the first time that the athletes are united since their last day together in the Olympic Village. A representative from the winning team will accept an award presented by Wallechinsky. The "Best Paralympic Moment of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games" will also be recognized. The KCOC event will be broadcast in May on national television.

"We host the Korbel Celebration of Olympic Champions to honor the U.S. Olympic athletes, who work hard to represent our nation during the Games," says Gary Heck, President and Chairman, Korbel Champagne Cellars. "The awards we present are very special as they represent the support of Americans from coast to coast."

Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars has been a part of America's greatest celebrations for more than 120 years. Korbel has been a supplier and licensee of the 1996 Olympic Games, the exclusive champagne of the past five Presidential Inaugurations, a supporter of Team Dennis Conner for the 1995 America's Cup and the first global sponsor of Times Square 2000 - a sponsorship that lasts through 2007. Korbel is an Official Supporter of the 2000, 2002 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Teams and the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Korbel is the number one selling premium methode champenoise-produced champagne in America.

Korbel encourages you to celebrate responsibly.