11/29/2011 - St Helena, CA--The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) non-profit trade association representing more than 420 wineries in the appellation announced today that the country of Thailand has recognized Napa Valley with Geographic Indication (GI) Status that will protect the American wine region from misuse of its name in wine labeling in that country.
The NVV worked directly with Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property on the registration which reads, "The combination of Napa Valley's unique geography, climate, geology, and the winemaking traditions as well as the human skills of the Napa Valley vintners give Napa Valley wine its distinctive taste and unique characters."
"This is a terrific accomplishment for our trade group in protecting our appellation's name from fraudulent use in yet another high-profile, emerging wine market," said NVV Executive Director Linda Reiff. "We have been able to achieve this and other GI recognitions by working directly with these government agencies, such as our successes in the EU and India, which is important to building our export channels for Napa Valley wines."
"It's necessary to know that consumers of Napa Valley wine in Thailand will be able to trust that if it reads 'Napa Valley' on the label, that the wine in the bottle is indeed from California's Napa Valley," said Pat Stotesbery of Ladera Vineyards who chairs the Napa Name Protection Committee for the association.
The California Wine Institute assessed the outlook of the Thai market for California wines in a recent report saying:
• The market for wine in Thailand presents good opportunities for U.S. exporters. The market is growing and there is strong competition from other world suppliers. However, Thai importers are committed and eager to develop beneficial relationships featuring U.S. wines.
• Wine drinkers in Thailand are between 25-55 years of age. In Thailand, red wine dominates and holds a 70 percent market share in the retail market. The most popular varietals for red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir respectively. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are well known in the white wine category.
• Thailand has a population of 67 million. Even though wine has a much smaller market share compared to beer and spirits, there are strong developments in the level of consumer awareness and appreciation of wines. Wine consumption is increasing and red and white wines are often considered and positioned as beverages with superior health benefits. Wine is linked to fashionable lifestyles, particularly in urban areas, due to its high-quality image
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents more than 420 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com.
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Contact: Terry Hall, Communications Director 707-968-4217 thall@napavintners.com
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