Wattle Creek is a unique California winery for many reasons. All of its wines are estate grown, and its owners and winemaker are Australian. The new tasting room, a first for San Francisco's historic Fisherman's Wharf, promises to be just as distinct. With its shops, restaurants and spectacular waterfront views, the wharf is one of the city's most recognizable neighborhoods. The tasting room will add a new dimension to this popular area, offering visitors the chance to sample the winery's full selection of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Alexander Valley Shiraz, Vintage Select Shiraz, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Vintage Select Cabernet Sauvignon.

Guests will enjoy the exclusive opportunity to taste Wattle Creek's Mendocino and Alexander Valley wines without driving 85 miles from San Francisco to the winery. The space will also be available for special events and tastings.

As a special treat, the tasting room will offer Wattle Creek's small-production methode champenoise sparkling wine on its menu. Wattle Creek is also producing small-lot wines that will only be available in the tasting room and to wine club members, including the new 2001 Yorkville Highlands Shiraz. Additional tasting room only wines will be introduced soon. A selection of Wattle Creek merchandise is also available for purchase.

The tasting fee for Wattle Creek's non-reserve wines is $7. For an additional $7, customers can enjoy the winery's two Vintage Select wines. All tasting room purchases are applicable toward the tasting fee. Wine club members taste for free and receive a 20% discount on all purchases.

Australian natives Chris and Kristine Williams created Wattle Creek in 1994, when they purchased a 56-acre vineyard and winery property in Sonoma County's northern Alexander Valley. The couple wanted to specialize in Australian grape varieties, and sought a region with a climate similar to the warm Barossa Valley in South Australia. Wattle Creek's location provided them with exactly what they were seeking. Not long after, the Williams purchased a 600-acre property in the Yorkville Highlands AVA, located on the Sonoma/Mendocino County line.

In addition to Aussie ownership, Wattle Creek's winemaker is Australian. Barossa native Michael Scholz joined Wattle Creek in 2001. Michael brings a stellar list of credentials to the position, with more than 20 years of winemaking experience from all over the world, including Iron Horse and St. Supery wineries in California.

   What:   Grand Opening of the Wattle Creek Tasting Room
   When:   Friday, May 27, 2005, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
   Where:  Ghirardelli Square
           900 North Point Street Suite E211
           San Francisco, CA 94109
           415-359-1206

   Hours of Operation:
           Sunday-Thursday: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
           Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

                             What's a Wattle?

The inspiration for the winery's name is Australia's indigenous wattle tree, whose distinctive yellow blossom is Australia's national flower. Gardeners in Australia are very fond of its beauty, and so are the Williams. That's why the wattle graces each bottle, providing a welcome reminder of their down-to-earth style and Australian heritage.

For more information on Wattle Creek, visit www.wattlecreek.com. For further media needs, contact Mira Bieler of Charles Communications Associates at 415-885-0574 or mbieler@charlescomm.com.

   For more information, contact:
   Mira Bieler
   Charles Communications Associates
   P:  415-885-0574
   E:  mbieler@charlescomm.com

Source: Wattle Creek

CONTACT: Mira Bieler of Charles Communications Associates,
+1-415-885-0574, or mbieler@charlescomm.com, for Wattle Creek

Web site: http://www.wattlecreek.com/