10/4/2012 - St Helena, CA--The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) non-profit trade association representing more than 430 wineries in the appellation announced today that the country of Brazil has recognized Napa Valley with Geographical Indication (GI) Status that will protect the American wine region from misuse of its name in that country.
"This is another important milestone 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.
The announcement was made today in a ceremony at the International Wine Law Association's conference in Bento Goncalves, considered the center of Brazil's wine country.
"We’d like to thank the Brazilian trademark office for their cooperation with the Napa Valley Vintners in achieving this landmark recognition," said the NVV's legal counsel Scott Gerien of the firm Dickenson, Peatman, and Fogarty, who was in attendance at the conference.
Reiff continued, "We have been able to achieve this and other GI recognitions in the EU, India, Thailand and Canada which is important to building our brand integrity in these important export channels for Napa Valley wines."
Brazil is without a doubt the economic engine of South America with a population of nearly 206 million. Setting foundations for brand protection in emerging markets, especially those this robust, is critical to ensure Napa's place and reputation in the international market. Interestingly, Brazil is the 13th largest wine-producing country in the world ahead of many European countries and New Zealand.
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 430 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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