Chateau Montelena Opens Tasting Room at the Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chateau Montelena, the historic Napa Valley winery and The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, today announced the opening of the winery's Tasting Room in the world famous hotel on Union Square. The Tasting Room, which is located just off the Landmark Lobby across from the Grand Staircase, seeks to bring a taste of Napa Valley to San Francisco. A tasting specialist from Chateau Montelena will be on-site to offer expertise and provide guests and the general public with the chance to taste and purchase the extensive selection of wines from the historic Napa Valley winery, including the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, the wine that won in the 1976 Paris Tasting, in its current vintage.

As the winery's first owned-and-operated Tasting Room in San Francisco, these two historic properties are able to offer a unique, one of a kind experience to its patrons, visitors and local wine-enthusiasts. The hotel's luxury accommodations and exceptional service, coupled with the winery's dedication to its award winning hospitality, the Tasting Room at The Westin St. Francis will offer all the same charm, benefits and internationally acclaimed wines from the winery in Calistoga.

"We are thrilled to be opening the first Tasting Room at the famous Westin St. Francis in San Francisco this month," said Jim Barrett, owner and vintner at Chateau Montelena Winery. "It's an opportunity for us to bring wine country to guests of the hotel and visitors of San Francisco that might not have the opportunity to visit Napa Valley during their stay. The Tasting Room in San Francisco will be an extension of the Tasting Room in Calistoga, offering the same experience and quality people have come to expect. We've always prided ourselves on providing the best experience Napa Valley has to offer when you visit Chateau Montelena. The Westin St. Francis serves as the perfect setting to extend our reach even further, in an equally historic and stunning location."

"Chateau Montelena is a natural fit for The Westin St Francis. Both establishments have a long and exciting history, and share a strong commitment to excellence," says The Westin St. Francis General Manager, Jon Kimball. "We are very pleased to welcome them to our hotel."

The Tasting Room will be open to the public Wednesday - Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Tasting Room is located at 335 Powell Street, inside The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, just off the Landmark Lobby across from the Grand Staircase. Chateau Montelena wines will be available to taste and for purchase, along with other memorabilia from the Chateau.

About Chateau Montelena Winery

Established in 1882, Calistoga-based Chateau Montelena is credited for helping California wine earn worldwide recognition. In 1976, Chateau Montelena was one of two Napa Valley wineries to come out on top in a blind tasting held for a who's-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. Chateau Montelena produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Riesling varieties. The winery has been owned and operated by the Barrett Family since 1972.

About the Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis on Union Square still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco's center of social, theatrical and business life. Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, the hotel completed an extensive $40 million transformation in 2009 that preserves its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco's famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is located right on the classic cable line and is just steps from first-class shopping, world-renowned dining, award-winning theater and a bustling arts district. For reservations and more information, please call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

For more information about Chateau Montelena or The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square please visit:

Website: http://www.montelena.com  and http://www.westinstfrancis.com.

Contact Information:

Kristen Horan
Chateau Montelena
(415) 346-2929 or [email protected]

Kelly Chamberlin
The Westin St. Francis
(415) 336-4332 or [email protected]

SOURCE Chateau Montelena Winery