Clos LaChance Winery Announces Schedule for 2003 Wine Education Seminars.

News Editors/Food & Wine Writers

SAN MARTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2002

Clos LaChance Winery (http://www.clos.com), the newest winery destination in northern California, today announced its schedule for wine education seminars in the first half of 2003. All seminars will be taught by Clos LaChance's resident sommelier Rick Toyota and will take place at the winery at 1 Hummingbird Lane in San Martin.

"Wine can be a scary and intimidating thing for people, so we want to do our part by offering educational seminars in a non-threatening environment," said Bill Murphy, CEO and co-founder of Clos LaChance. "When you take into consideration that about 90% of the wine in the U.S. is consumed by 10% of the population, you realize that millions of potential customers for the wine industry are going untouched. We want to encourage people to come to these seminars to meet and share with others that have a similar interest and tear down the barriers to the enjoyment of wine with friends and family."

On January 23, "Introduction to Wine Essences and Tasting" will focus on distinguishing differences such as sweetness and acidity, as well as tannins and viscosity. On February 20, "The Varietals of California" will provide an examination and tasting of wines that have made California famous. On March 20, "The Marriage of Flavor: The Basics of Food and Wine Pairing" will break down intimidating "rules" and provide a more progressive approach to make food and wine pairing easy, interesting and fun.

On April 17, "Winemaking 101: An Introduction to Winemaking and Vineyard Basics" will answer questions ranging from winemaking to grape growing. On May 15, "Explore France: An examination and tasting of wines from the winegrowing regions of France" will cover the history and winemaking of France. The last seminar, on June 19, "Down Under Wines: An examination and tasting of wines from the regions of Australia and New Zealand" will discuss these continually evolving wine regions and taste through some of the great quality wines being produced.

All seminars are sold individually for $25 per person, except the food and wine pairing session, which is $50 per person. The entire series may be purchased for $150. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Please contact Cindy Flowers at [e-mail] or [phone] ext. 113 or visit www.clos.com.

About Clos LaChance

Clos LaChance is a family-owned winery adjacent to the CordeValle Resort located in San Martin, California. The new winery and visitor's center opened to the public in May 2002. Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy craft wines from local mountainside vineyards and premium appellations throughout California. Clos LaChance takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy's maiden name. Winemaker Jeff Ritchey crafts Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel. Under the direction of Ben Scorsur, vineyard manager for Clos LaChance Winery and CK Vines, 20 varietals are currently under extensive clonal research. Clos LaChance is located 30 minutes south of San Jose and 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula. For further information please visit www.clos.com.