Gallo Family Vineyards Establishes May 9th as National Moscato Day

MODESTO, Calif., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gallo Family Vineyards invites Americans to join them on May 9, 2012 for the first annual celebration of National Moscato Day.  The family-owned winery is taking the lead in recognizing the wine varietal making headlines for the past 12 months due to its incredible rise in popularity. By establishing the holiday both wine aficionados and novices alike can take a moment to toast with Moscato and engage in a fun and educational conversation on the wine, its approachable taste profile and the many ways in which it is currently being enjoyed.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/NY97453 )

America's excitement for Moscato continues to grow faster than any other wine varietal with sales increasing by 74% in 2011 alone*.  Gallo Family Vineyards outpaced the category trend, as its Moscato grew faster than any of the other major wine brands.  The rising interest in its Moscato combined with the winery's 75 years of experience inspired Gallo Family Vineyards to establish a day dedicated to a varietal whose popularity reveals a glimpse into the future of wine.

"By establishing National Moscato Day, we hope Americans will raise a glass and connect with one another on their excitement for this delicious wine," said Stephanie Gallo, Vice President of Marketing at E&J Gallo Winery. "It's an adventurous new generation of consumers driving this current trend in wine. We look forward to toasting with all Moscato fans on May 9th."

Producing approachable wines at an affordable price is a tradition the Gallo family has carried on for four generations. Now, with a new generation of wine enthusiasts drawn to untraditional wine styles, Stephanie Gallo offers some tips for how to celebrate this unique holiday:

• Join us @GalloFamily for a #MoscatoDay Twitter Party and virtual live toast from 9-10PM EST on May 9.
• Host a wine and cheese party for friends and uncork a bottle of Gallo Family Vineyards' fruit forward Moscato as its peach and citrus flavors are a great match for soft or hard cheeses like Brie or Pecorino Romano.
• Invite Moscato to the table by pairing it with your favorite fiery dish. Moscato's sweeter style offers a wonderful balance to spicy foods.

About Gallo Family Vineyards:

Gallo Family Vineyards has been family owned and operated for over 75 years, and the Gallo Family stands behind the quality of every bottle with our Best Taste Promise. Our family of wines (suggested retail price of $4.99 for 750-ml bottles, $8.99 for 1.5-liter bottles, $5.99 for 187-mL four-pack) includes fifteen fruit forward, approachable styles at an affordable price: Moscato, Pink Moscato, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Cafe Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, White Merlot, Sweet Red, Hearty Burgundy, Sweet Chardonnay and Sangria. For more information visit www.gallofamily.com or call 1-877-425-5696.

SOURCE Gallo Family Vineyards