Florida's Wine Sales $1.5 Billion Strong; Miami International Wine Fair Attracts Wineries From Around the World.

Business Editors/Food & Beverages Writers

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2003

The Florida wine market is booming and international wine producers are tapping in. The Miami International Wine Fair, the largest trade and consumer wine showcase in Florida, has confirmed dozens of wineries from 12 different countries and expects to attract over 300 more. Wine producers are eagerly waiting to display their product at this year's Fair for the opportunity to reach Florida's $1.5 billion wine market, the largest import market in the U.S. The second edition of the Miami International Wine Fair will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel - James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami on October 2-4, 2003.

"We're looking forward to this year's Miami Int'l Wine Fair and bringing together wine industry professionals from all over the world," said David Bernad, general manager of the Miami International Wine Fair. "The Fair is the ideal place for US-based producers, importers and distributors to meet with potential buyers from Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America."

Florida's Wine Market:

-- Florida's $1.5 billion annual wine market is the largest

import market in the U.S. (import market is defined as total

sales of wine produced outside of the state's boundaries)

-- Florida is the second largest market in total wine sales, only

behind California

-- Florida wine sales are particularly strong in the under-$185

price point (per 12-bottle case FOB pricing)

-- From 1993 to 1998, Florida was the fastest growing state in

wine consumption amongst the top wine consuming states in the

country.

(For sources, statistics and graphics, visit http://www.miamiwinefair.com)

Participating wine producers in this year's Miami International Wine Fair include Concha y Toro and Viu Manent from Chile; Domaine de la Folierre and Le Chateau Sauvage from the Loire Valley in France; Martin & Weyrich Winery from California; Vinarte from Romania, and dozens of other wineries from four continents. For a complete listing of wineries, please visit http://www.miamiwinefair.com.

"The Miami International Wine Fair is a unique opportunity to introduce the great quality and variety of our wines to our target audience just in time for the holiday season," said Christian Chabirand of the Loire Valley Wine Bureau in New York. "Florida is an extremely important wine market and we expect to meet new buyers at this year's Fair."

The 2003 Miami International Wine Fair will present a comprehensive schedule of FREE tastings and industry seminars for wine trade professionals, restaurateurs and food and beverage directors, including cost-effective wine sales and marketing strategies for the Florida market, restaurant wine inventory management, wine list optimization and panel discussions presented by local wholesalers and retailers. Additionally, Miami Wine Fair exhibitors will have access to FREE seminars imparted by government officials, legal experts and local wine industry professionals covering the intricacies behind exporting and selling wine in the U.S. and the Florida market in particular.

The Miami International Wine Fair is the largest wine trade and consumer show in Florida with 345 wineries from 18 countries and nearly 1,000 wines showcased in its 2002 edition. This year's highlights include: over 1,000 wines available for tastings paired with exquisite tapas prepared by South Florida's finest chefs; FREE industry seminars for professionals and introductory guided tastings for consumers; Collector's Club, Cigar and Brandy Lounge and more. Approximately 5,000 attendees are expected, including high-income South Florida residents and professional wine, spirits and food buyers from the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America.

For more information, please contact the Miami International Wine Fair at [phone] or visit their website at http://www.miamiwinefair.com.