For Immediate Release Contact: Michelle Penson 707- 874-1975

SONOMA, CA, March 25, 2002 AFFAIRS of the VINE will conduct Wine Boot Camp™ in Sonoma Valley on Saturday, April 20, 2002. "We're looking for a few good palates," states Major Drady, Wine Boot Camp™ Director.

Dressed for battle, wine novices and experts alike will gather in Sonoma Valley to experience an intense day of wine training. "Wine Boot Camp™ challenges your senses, awareness and understanding of fine wines," states Drady. "Upon completion of basic training, recruits' marksmanship in the field of fine wines is right on target. This highly enjoyable training program provides the experience and knowledge needed to become totally confident in the understanding and appreciation of fine wine. Business associates and friends marvel at the leadership of 'Camp' graduates as they storm the wine lists of America and the world."

The campaign:

• Recruits report to Sonoma Valley dressed for battle in casual clothes.
• Induction, orientation, and issuance of uniforms at 0830 hours.
• Platoon proceeds to their first mission, a vineyard and winery tour at Gundlach Bundschu conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Towle Merritt, Assistant Viticulturist. Recruits gain hands on knowledge of the vineyard and vineyard practices as they work in the vineyard.
• Recruits fall out for lunch in the vineyard highlighted by Gundlach Bundschu wines.
• An Aromatic Workshop conducted by officers of Affairs of the Vine is next in the training schedule.
• Maneuvers continue at Benziger Family Winery with a Vineyard Tram Tour. Colonel Joe Benziger, head winemaker at Benziger & Imagery Wineries, will conduct a winery tour and highlighted by barrel sampling.
• Participants are then advanced into the ranks of winemaker, guided by Colonel Benziger, learning the basics at the heart of winemaking as each recruit blends his own wine, taking home a bottle of his own creation.
• Evening detail is a Taste of Sonoma Valley wine reception and dinner at Benziger Family Winery with mouth-watering Food & Wine Pairings including wines from Benziger, Kunde, and Kaz.

Raw recruits and wine generals alike may attend Wine Boot Camp™. This exclusive AFFAIRS of the VINE program is offered as an open course or can be tailored as a special event or team-building experience.

The cost of Wine Boot Camp™ includes all seminars and educational materials, lunch in the vineyard, dinner paired with appropriate wines, extensive wine tasting, a bottle of wine created by the recruit, transportation to all food and wine events, and an "I Survived Wine Boot Camp™" T-shirt. $350 per person. To enlist in Wine Boot Camp™ contact Major Drady at 1-888-844-2688 or camp@affairsofthevine.com. For additional information visit www.AffairsoftheVine.com or call us at 1-888-844-2688.

Wine Boot Camp™ is limited to 30 recruits per mission.

May 18 Napa Valley Wine Boot Camp™ Base Camps - Havens Wine Cellars and Honig Vineyard & Winery

June 8 Walla, Walla Valley Wine Boot Camp™

June 22 Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Boot Camp™ Base Camps Cinnabar and Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards

July 13 Monterey County Wine Boot Camp™ July 20 Lodi/Woodbridge Wine Country Wine Boot Camp™

August 3 Napa Valley Wine Boot Camp™ August 17 Mendocino County Wine Boot Camp™

August 24 Santa Barbara County Wine Boot Camp™

September 21 "I've Got A Crush On You" Sonoma County Wine Boot Camp™
Base Camp 1 Forth Vineyards
Base Camp 2 - TBA