German Riesling Hits the Runway

31/01/07 Wines of Germany announced their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with their vintage collection of world- class Rieslings and other varietals. This is the first-ever fashion week sponsorship for Wines of Germany, the U.S. information and promotion office for the German Wine Industry.

German Riesling is currently in fashion, as there has been a marked rise in interest for Riesling and German wines in general among the U.S. population, with German wine exports reaching an all-time high in 2006. As the sole wine sponsor of the upcoming events in Bryant Park, Wines of Germany is taking this trend to the next level and will provide Riesling and other wines to the country's top style-makers.

"Riesling is like the 'Little Black Dress' of wine varietals," said Beth Von Benz, Wine Director at Porter House. "One of the most versatile wines in the world, German Riesling goes with everything from poultry to seafood to Asian fusion cuisine."

The wineries participating in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week sponsorship represent some of Germany's top Rieslings, including Muller-Catoir, Leitz, Tesch, S.A. Prum, Blue Fish, Lang and Clusserath, as well as other producers. German Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) will be poured at the Lotus Bar.

All white wines will be showcased under The Tents in an Enomatic machine, an automatic wine dispenser currently popping up in top wine bars and restaurants across the country. This luxury wine pourer was recently rated one of the "Top Tastes to Try in '07" by Food & Wine Magazine.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this influential event," said Steffen Schindler, Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI) Export Marketing Director. "Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week allows us to reach the trendsetters of the country to showcase the truly exceptional quality and unique style that German wines have to offer."

German wines will be poured at the Lotus bar from approximately 3:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m. on February 2nd - 9th, 2007, and will make appearances behind the scenes in VIP lounges and at after-parties throughout the week.

To support this new sponsorship, Wines of Germany has created a multi-faceted program consisting of wine tastings, retail partnerships and restaurant promotions. Wine of Germany has partnered with Manhattan wine retailer Union Square Wines to offer the following events:

* A sit-down German wine tasting at Union Square Wines on February 2nd

* A German Wine pairing and dinner at Tocqueville Restaurant on February 5th

* A free walk-around German wine tasting at Union Square Wines on February 8th

* Union Square Wines will feature German wines in their Enomatic machine throughout the week

* Union Square Wines has created a special "Fashionista" four-pack of German wines available for purchase at a 30% discount

Additional program elements include a week-long German Riesling by-the-glass promotion at Raoul's restaurant in SoHo and a limited-edition Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week-themed wine bottle that can be seen in the displays of participating retailers and restaurants, including Union Square Wines, Aulden Cellars, Gotham Wine & Liquors, Beacon Wines & Spirits, Nancy's Wines, Crush Wine Co., Bosch Home Appliances and Zum Schneider Restaurant, among others.