FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MORE INFORMATION: 11/19/09

Elise Griffin: 509-627-0266

BARNARD GRIFFIN RIESLING RANKED AS ONE OF THE

“TOP 100 WINES OF THE YEAR” BY WINE SPECTATOR MAGAZINE

At under $10 a bottle, this 2008 Riesling is not only a Deal, It’s A Steal!

RICHLAND, WA: WINE SPECTATOR Magazine selected Barnard Griffin’s 2008 Riesling

(90 Points) as one of the Top 100 Wines for 2009.

WINE SPECTATOR publishes this list each year with what it considers the year’s “most

exciting wines.” In choosing the wines for the list, the magazine focuses on the following criteria:

• Score
• Value, reflected by release price
• Availability, measured by case production or cases imported
• An X-factor which they call ‘excitement’

In 2009, WINE SPECTATOR selected an astonishing 9 wines from Washington. This is the

largest number of Washington wines ever picked. Barnard Griffin’s 2008 Riesling (Columbia Valley)

was ranked #66 by WINE SPECTATOR in its list of published Top 100 Wines for 2009.

Thus far in 2009, Barnard Griffin has received major recognition for many of its wines, demonstrating continuing leadership in Washington state-produced wines.  Winemaker Rob Griffin says, “It is exciting to make small batch artisanal wines that are generating such recognition, proving once again Washington State is one of the great wine-producing regions in the world.” YouTube video of Rob Griffin

According to the Washington Wine Commission, the number of high-quality wines produced in Washington has been growing steadily as the state’s national and international reputation as a top wine producer has grown. More than 32,000 acres of land are planted in wine grapes and the state has more than 650 licensed wineries.

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About Barnard Griffin

Barnard Griffin is a family-owned winery in Richland, WA and the 10th largest in the state by volume. Co-owners Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard have been garnering international acclaim under the Barnard Griffin label since 1983, and Rob Griffin has been making exceptional wines in Washington State since 1977.  Barnard Griffin produces more than 70,000 cases per year including Barbera, Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ciel du Cheval Merlot, Fume Blanc, Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Malbec, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé of Sangiovese, Semillon, Syrah, Syrah Port, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Barnard Griffin produces two labels; both available through retail stores, wine clubs and online wine venues.  The Reserve Label wines are crafted in very limited quantities from the best vineyard lots in the region, using European, French and American oak.  Barnard Griffin’s signature Tulip Label wine, one of Washington State’s most recognized wines, is available across the country.

Barnard Griffin selects its grapes from throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley including Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge and other AVA’s.  Barnard Griffin works with small family growers and favors long-term contracts with dedicated acreage for vineyard continuity and quality. The winery is a strong supporter of wine tourism (Oenotourism) in the state, and is an important stop on any tour of Washington’s best wineries.

Barnard Griffin is the only winery in the United States that contains a glass arts studio producing artisan works of fused glass.  The glass artist is Deborah Barnard co-owner of the winery.  Glass works are on display in the tasting room.

The winery, tasting room and glass arts studio are located at 878 Tulip Lane in Richland, WA. For more information, clink on the link: www.BarnardGriffin.com, email: info@BarnardGriffin.com or call:   (509) 627-0266.

Clink here for:  Barnard Griffin Logos & Graphics

© 2009, Barnard Griffin™ Winery, Richland, WA  99352

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