Clos LaChance Wines Appoints Matt Read as Manager of CK Vines.

SAN MARTIN, Calif. -- Clos LaChance Wines announced the appointment of Matt Read as Vineyard Manager of CK Vines, a subsidiary of Clos LaChance Wines. The winery also promoted Kristin Murphy to Customer Relations Manager, broadening her responsibilities at the winery. These two appointments complete CK Vines' renewed focus on the "backyard vineyard" business, which is seen as a major growth potential for the winery in 2005 and beyond.

CK Vines provides installation and maintenance services of small-scale vineyards for homeowners interested in landscaping alternatives on their property. In addition, the company also takes over management of existing vineyards. After each vineyard begins to produce quality fruit, the grapes are purchased from the client for use in Clos LaChance premium wines. This partnership between CK Vines' clients and Clos LaChance Wines offers Clos LaChance Wines consistent access to estate quality fruit; clients receive a beautiful vineyard and the many benefits of being a grower of high quality grapes. CK Vines is unique in offering this full range of services.

Matt Read's experience includes grapevine pathology research at University of California at Davis and work for the California Conservation Corps in the role of crew supervisor. Matt's interest in wine began during his tenure on the wait staff in fine dining establishments throughout Northern California, including Hawthorne Lane in San Francisco and the famous Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst, California. He is completing his degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He will report to Clos LaChance's Vineyard Manager Ben Scorsur.

Kristin Murphy, currently Director of Events for Clos LaChance, will add CK Vines Customer Relations Manager to her scope of responsibilities. As Customer Relations Manager, Kristin will work with current and prospective CK Vines customers to manage goals and property development. She will continue to direct events at the winery's San Martin visitor's center. Her appointment is effective immediately.

"With more and more homeowners understanding the benefits of a vineyard on their property, we are seeing increased interest for our CK Vines business," said Clos LaChance owner Bill Murphy. "Having both Matt and Kristin focused on the growth of CK Vines will help the winery reach its potential and build upon our existing winery business," he added.

In June 2005, Clos LaChance Wines will release its first vineyard-designated wine from one of the CK Vines partnerships -- the Krause Vineyard Pinot Noir. Bill Krause's vineyard, located in Los Altos, was planted in 1998. The vineyard covers 1.75 acres with 1,500 Pinot Noir vines. Three clones were planted in order to maximize grape quality within each small microclimate throughout the hills of this unique property.

Photos available upon request.

About CK Vines

Founded in 1996, CK Vines is a subsidiary of Clos LaChance Wines. Named for founders Bill and Brenda Murphy's daughters -- Cheryl and Kristin -- the company provides installation and maintenance of small-scale vineyards. Currently, the company manages and harvests 30 acres of vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Central Coast comprised of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah.

About Clos LaChance

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. Food & Wine magazine named the winery as one of ten "U.S. Wineries to Watch" in October 2003. 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 Stephen Tebb 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 at the estate.

The Clos LaChance Winery features a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, estate vineyards and hospitality center. Sunset magazine recommended the winery in its "Best of the West" issue, November 2003. In June 2004, Clos LaChance opened its doors to its second tasting room, located on Monterey's famous Cannery Row. For further information please visit www.clos.com.