Benson Marketing Group Adds Direct Marketing Talent, New Clients; Also Launches New Direct Marketing Package of Services.

NAPA, Calif. -- Benson Marketing Group today announced that Lisa Johnson joined the marketing agency as Direct Marketing Manager. (www.bensonmarketing.com)

Johnson manages client campaigns that focus on increasing revenues in the direct-to-consumer sales channel. This includes the agency's new Direct Marketing Package, described below.

She joins the agency with a solid career in direct marketing. Johnson managed Internet promotions as a director of AOL's Interactive Division in New York. There, she was responsible for promotions with Volvo, 1-800 Flowers, First USA Bank, Revlon, and others that contributed $350 million in annual revenues. Within the credit card industry, she also developed and managed data-driven consumer loyalty programs for several leading consumer companies, such as Porsche, British Airways, Borders, and Dell Computers. Most recently she was director of consumer sales at Chappellet Winery in Napa Valley.

Dutcher Crossing Winery, Sonoma Sparkler, Tap PR and Direct Marketing Experience

Benson Marketing Group's client base continues to grow. Dutcher Crossing Winery, a Dry Creek Valley specialist in Cabernet-Syrah blends and vineyard-designated wines, hired the agency to assist with its launch. The winery will be a showplace for the region and is scheduled to open in Spring 2005. The winery's two managing partners, Bruce Nevins and Jim Stevens, co-founded and managed Perrier North America, introducing mineral water to American consumers in the 1970s.

Sonoma Sparkler, the fast-growing producer of handcrafted sparkling juices, has retained the agency for Public Relations services. Founder David Cordtz uses his experience as an internationally-awarded winemaker to blend a complex, all natural sparkling juice with champagne qualities and a light, crisp taste. (www.sonomasparkler.com)

Agency Launches New Direct Marketing Package

Benson Marketing Group also announced the launch of its Direct Marketing Package, for wineries interested in:

--Understanding consumer buying behavior, brand perceptions, etc.;

--Increasing consumer revenues and profitability from websites and tasting rooms, as well as print and electronic communications;

--Increasing wine club members, and the pool of prospective wine club members;

--Extending the average lifespan of Wine Club members; and

--Keeping websites fresh and updated.

The Direct Marketing Package includes a customized mix of data mining, direct mail and email campaigns, e-commerce, lead generation, loyalty programs, and webmastering -- all geared to pay for itself in incremental revenues. For a complete description, please visit http://www.bensonmarketing.com/direct_marketing.html.

About Benson Marketing Group

Founded in 1997, Benson Marketing Group is a leading marketing agency integrating public relations, direct marketing, and brand consulting for the wine industry. The Napa-based agency consults with over 20 wine brands and winery associations. For more information, visit http://www.bensonmarketing.com.

Editor Note: Photos of Lisa Johnson are available.