Mirassou® Winery Announces Five "Bright Ideas" Grant Recipients

MODESTO, Calif., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mirassou Winery is pleased to announce the five $3,000 grant award recipients in its inaugural Bright Ideas grant program and finalists for an additional $5,000 national grant. In alphabetical order, the finalists in the running for the $5,000 National Grant award are:

• Jenna Berneck of Chicago, IL
• Gordon Bowie of Covington, LA
• Valerie Coffman of Bethesda, MD
• Heather Ellis of Litchfield Park, AZ
• Mildred McIntosh of Perry, GA

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From November 16 through December 4, 2011, you can read about each finalist's Bright Idea and vote for your favorite at www.facebook.com/mirassouwinery. The finalist who receives the highest number of votes will be awarded an additional $5,000 Bright Ideas National grant, for a total of $20,000 in grants awarded to further bright ideas.

The Mirassou Bright Ideas grant program kicked off on April 20, 2011 inspired by the Mirassou family's more than 155 year history as America's oldest winemaking family. Those with innovative ideas were invited to submit an entry on the Mirassou Winery Facebook page with a short description of their bright idea. The five finalists were selected based on judging criteria, including relevance of the idea to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Mirassou family.

"I am so pleased that my family's pioneering spirit has led to us being able to support and further these five bright ideas," said David Mirassou, wine expert and sixth generation family member. "I can't wait to see who receives the most votes and is awarded the National Grant."

To read the five finalist's Bright Ideas and cast a vote for your favorite, please visit www.facebook.com/MirassouWinery. Official terms and conditions can also be found on the Facebook page.

California Table Wine, ©2011 Mirassou Winery, Modesto, CA.  All rights reserved.

About Mirassou Winery: The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and crafting superior wines in California since 1854, earning them the distinction of being America's oldest winemaking family. Today, the Mirassou wine style is refreshing and fruit-forward. Mirassou's premium wines – Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Moscato Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – retail for approximately $12 per bottle and are widely available in all 50 states. They can be located through Mirassou.com's "Where to Buy" section, on the Mirassou Winery Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MirassouWinery), or by ordering at www.thebarrelroom.com.

Media Contact:
Liz Conant/Fleishman-Hillard
916.492.5333/[email protected]

SOURCE Mirassou Winery