Press Release: Wine industry veterans and long-time friends Tyson Rippey, Barry Gnekow, Joseph Smith and Mark Albrecht announced today that they have teamed up to introduce an exciting new California brand, SIP, aimed at the growing market for ultra-premium Moscato. The introduction capitalizes on the nation’s seemingly unquenchable thirst for this popular varietal: In the past year, domestic Moscato sales have grown from 1% to 3.75% of varietal wine sales and have had a 46.5% category growth according to recent Nielsen numbers. The partners have brought on Vintage Point, the Sonoma-based sales and marketing firm, to build distribution for SIP at the national level.

“We did our homework and learned what today’s wine drinkers are looking for when it comes to Moscato and are being told that SIP fills a real niche," says Tyson Rippey, owner and partner. “Our combined industry expertise and access to top growers across the state allow us to offer a domestic Moscato crafted with the care and complexity consumers demand of an ultra-premium wine. “

Unlike many Moscatos, SIP has no added residual sugar, but instead gains a touch of natural sweetness through arrested fermentation. The wine is whole-cluster pressed and fermented in concrete tanks to preserve fresh fruit flavors. Lush notes of citrus, peaches and tropical fruits offer a perfect balance of crispness and sweetness paired with a true effervescence.

"Vintage Point prides itself on discovering unique and sophisticated brand stories. SIP is a great chance to venture into the hot Moscato market. The team behind SIP brings a combination of vineyard access, winemaking talent and creative marketing making it a perfect addition to our portfolio. We are delighted to be on board to distribute SIP nationwide,” said David Biggar, President of Vintage Point.

SIP will ship later this month to several test markets, with a national rollout expected by January 2013. The wine will retail for $14.99.

About Sip Moscato:
SIP Moscato was founded by long-time friends and wine industry veterans who collectively boast more than 50 years of experience in the wine business. They came together with one common goal: create the world's premiere Moscato. The team includes Tyson Rippey of Lodi & Carneros Vintners, the critically acclaimed winemakers Barry Gnekow and Joseph Smith, and Mark Albrecht of Roots Run Deep Winery. Winemakers Barry Gnekow and Joseph Smith are graduates of UC Davis and have over 40 years of winemaking experience combined. Barry and Joseph are currently involved with numerous, highly successful brands, including Klinker Brick, Old Ghost, Hahn, Cycles Gladiator, and Educated Guess.

About Vintage Point:
Formed in March 2006, Vintage Point offers a full range of winery services and a national sales and marketing team that specialize in channel management, placing luxury wines in the optimal retail and restaurant outlets. Vintage Point’s domestic and international clients include Jayson Woodbridge’s Cherry Pie, Hundred Acre and Layer Cake, as well as Educated Guess, Garnet Vineyards, Gary Farrell Winery, Goose Ridge Vineyards, Moone-Tsai, Luna Vineyards and Hidden Ridge, among others. Vintage Point Partners David Biggar, President, and Tom Peterson, Chief Operating Officer, emphasize that “Partners in Wine” signifies not only their own partnership, but the many partnerships they have formed with the luxury wine trade.