Wine Just Got Greener

Bandit 250ml 4-Pack First Domestic Wine Packaged in Eco-Friendly Tetra Prisma(TM)

29/03/06 ST. HELENA, Calif. -- The Three Thieves Bandit, a wine with an environmental conscience, has just released a new package that is the first of its kind in America. Bandit "Bullets" were created by the pioneering wine pirates, the Three Thieves, that previously put quality wine in 1 Liter jugs and Tetra-Briks(R).

"Bandit 'Bullets' shift the wine paradigm in just about every way possible," declares Charles Bieler, one of the original Three Thieves. "No bottle. No opener. Less waste. Less energy use. It's packaging for a Green planet!"

Tetra Brik(R) packaging has been widely accepted by the rest of the world with close to 2 billion units of wine sold in Tetra-Briks(R) last year alone. Aseptic packaging has many benefits, including greater portability, durability and the ability to preserve the wine it holds for future use. The Three Thieves, who are known to enjoy shaking up the establishment, look at the packaging in another way.

"The wine industry has wholeheartedly embraced sustainable farming practices," says Bieler. "We are taking that concept a step further by introducing the idea of sustainable business practices. Wine in a box saves energy, reduces waste and helps the environment. We are here to prove that being good for the Earth is not just good for the quality of the wine -- it's also good business."

By participating in the sustainable packaging movement, the Three Thieves are contributing to the search for more economically viable, environmentally healthy and socially responsible ways to meet today's needs without compromising future generations.

The 250ml Tetra Prisma(TM) container is comprised of 70% paper (a renewable resource) with an easy-open pull-tab. Tetra containers are efficient, safe and lightweight packages that are also recyclable in many states. In addition, the energy saved by transporting a Tetra package is substantial since the package is lighter and takes up far less space than glass during transport. This results in a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels and harmful emissions released into the air over a typical cross-country trip.

"We're happy to do our part to fight America's oil consumption," Bieler explains.

As with their 1 Liter jugs and Tetra-Briks(R), the Three Thieves refuse to waiver from their dedication to providing consumers with quality wine at a great value. Each Three Thieves 250ml Bandit "Bullet" contains 33% more wine than the standard single serving in the U.S. -- which is 187ml.

Bandit "Bullet" varietals include a light and crisp Pinot Grigio and a rich and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. The Three Thieves strike again!

Trinchero Family Estates is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces the wines of Sutter Home, Trinchero, Montevina, Trinity Oaks, Folie a Deux, Menage a Trois, the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre, imports Reynolds Vineyards Little Boomey wines of Australia and also distributes Three Thieves products along with the wines of Angove's of Australia. For more information visit www.tfewines.com.