Clos LaChance Winery Sponsors Hummingbird Society; Winery Will Produce a Special Wine Annually to Benefit Hummingbirds Threatened with Extinction.

SAN MARTIN, Calif. -- Clos LaChance Winery announced today they have joined with The Hummingbird Society to support the Society's preservation and conservation efforts of hummingbirds throughout the Americas. www.clos.com and www.hummingbirdsociety.org

Hummingbirds have been a part of the Clos LaChance lore since the winery's inception in 1992. Vintners Bill and Brenda Murphy chose the hummingbird as the symbol for the winery due to its territorial nature and ability to chase away other grape-eating creatures from the vineyards.

This month, Clos LaChance Winery signed on as a Corporate Level Sponsor of the Hummingbird Society. In addition to annual sponsorship, Clos LaChance will produce a special blend each vintage, supporting the hummingbird preservation efforts of the Society. These limited production wines will be named after individual hummingbirds on the Threatened Hummingbirds List.

The first "Threatened Species" Release will debut this fall, focusing on the preservation of the Juan Fernandez Firecrown Hummingbird Series wine. The wine will be a unique Bordeaux blend from the Winery's Estate vineyard in San Martin, CA.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these wines will go directly to the Hummingbird Society to fight the potential extinction of this beautiful bird. The Juan Fernandez Firecrown, found only in Chile on Robinson Crusoe Island, is on the verge of becoming the first hummingbird since the 1800s to go extinct. Today, there are 28 species of hummingbirds considered at risk of extinction by BirdLife International. One in three of these birds is ranked Critically Endangered, meaning they have a 50% chance of being extinct within the next ten years.

"Since the beginning, hummingbirds have been more than just our winery symbol. They have inspired us to produce quality wines from the vineyards they protect," said Bill Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of Clos LaChance Winery. "Now, with this donation and release of the Juan Fernandez Firecrown Hummingbird Series wine, we're able to return the favor and hopefully inspire wine lovers to join the cause to protect these beautiful birds," he added.

The Hummingbird Society, founded in 1996, works to protect hummingbirds, particularly those threatened with extinction. Through its newsletter and web site (www.hummingbirdsociety.org) it also works to educate the public about hummingbirds and the risks they face. Scientific research and wildlife art are also supported.

"We are very grateful that Clos LaChance Winery shares our passion to preserve and protect hummingbirds through their sponsorship and release of the first ever wine bottled on behalf of these birds," said Dr. H. Ross Hawkins, Executive Director of the Hummingbird Society. "These efforts by the winery will significantly help our cause to save every hummingbird that is at risk of extinction."

The Juan Fernandez Firecrown "Threatened Hummingbird" red Bordeaux Blend Wine is expected to be released in the Fall of 2006. Price will be $25 per bottle. Fifteen percent of sales on each bottle sold will be donated to the Hummingbird Society for preservation of the Juan Fernandez Firecrown. Clos LaChance Winery hopes to raise approximately $25,000 through this first wine of the Series. This wine will be extremely limited (500-600 cases). Please send an email to [e-mail] to reserve bottles of Juan Fernandez Firecrown wine or go to http://www.closlachance.com/savethehummingbirds.asp for more information.

In January 2006, Clos LaChance Winery released the first wines under their new "Hummingbird Series" label. Each wine is named for a true species of hummingbird that displays characteristics similar to the wine varietal's style. The majority of the fruit for the Hummingbird Series is sourced from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard -- where the hummingbirds roam amongst the gardens and the vines. Wines under the Hummingbird Series distinction include Buff-Bellied Zinfandel, Ruby-Throated Cabernet Sauvignon, Violet-Crowned Merlot, Black-Chinned Syrah, Pink-Throated Brilliant Rose, and Glittering-Throated Emerald Chardonnay.

About Clos LaChance Winery

Clos LaChance (www.clos.com) is a family-owned winery located in San Martin, California, 30 minutes south of San Jose and 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula. Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy strive to provide customers with high quality, stylistically consistent wines that are varietally distinct. Clos LaChance takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy's maiden name.

The Clos LaChance Winery features a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, estate vineyards and hospitality center. For further information, please visit www.clos.com.

About The Hummingbird Society

The Mission of the Hummingbird Society is to promote the understanding and conservation of hummingbirds. In pursuing its mission, The Hummingbird Society will:

--Develop, implement, and/or support activities to protect hummingbirds, particularly those threatened with extinction

--Develop and implement educational programs to promote greater public understanding and appreciation of hummingbirds -- their characteristics and the risks they face

--Support wildlife art as a means of stimulating awareness and appreciation of hummingbirds and wildlife in general

--Support scientific research as a means of expanding the breadth and depth of knowledge about hummingbirds

--Seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations, individuals, and agencies that will enhance our ability to achieve our mission