Josh Clark, Melinda Kearney, Justin Tiedemann, Ed Fitts, Sue Rathbone, Vince Georges, Kelly Berryman, Jarrod Denton, Philippe Melka

Venue: BRAND Napa Valley vineyards
Photographer:  Moanalani Jeffery
Event Date: 08.16.11
 
On August 16, 2011 on a beautiful summer’s end day, BRAND Napa Valley, anew winery, estate vineyards and cave located on Pritchard Hill (St. Helena of Napa Valley) celebrated its groundbreaking with an afternoon party Sunday August 14th in the cave.  BRAND is working with prestigious winemaker Philippe Melka.

Business partners Ed Fitts and Sue Rathbone hosted Pritchard Hill neighbors Donn and Molly Chappellet of Chappellet, David Long of David Arthur Vineyards, Mark Nelson from Ovid, Bob Long from Montagna and other Napa Valley luminaries as they unveiled their label and announced their name.
 
“We are delighted to announce the upcoming release of BRAND 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012,” remarked Ed Fitts to a crowd of nearly 100 people.
 
“The name BRAND and the double horseshoes bring to the label an aspect of Sue and Ed’s passion for horses in a name that is as significant as the property” pointed out Melinda Kearney.  
 
The Groundbreaking was catered by illustrious Napa chef Cindy Pawlcyn.  Wines by neighboring Pritchard Hill wineries were offered for tasting, Music was provided by the Stevens Brothers.   Emphasizing their love for all things esquestian, beautiful images of Gypsy Vanner horses bred by Sue Rathbone were projected to a screen throughout the afternoon.   The event was produced by David Aten Events. 
 
BRAND caves and winery are scheduled to be completed by harvest 2012 and is projected to be open to visitors by appointment at 90 Long Ranch Road St. Helena.  For more information and to join the mailing list please visit www.brandnapavalley.com
 
BRAND Napa Valley TEAM:  Winemaking—Philippe Melka; Vineyard Development—Josh Clark Vineyard Management; Project Manager—Kelly Berryman; Winery Design—Lail Design Group; Winery Construction—Cello + Madru; Cave Excavation—The Cave Company; Landscape Design—Kurisu International; Packaging Design—Level Inc.; Sales and Marketing Strategy—Melinda Kearney Wine Marketing; Proprietors—Ed Fitts and Sue Rathbone. 

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