Sterling Vineyards Embarks on a Search for the Country's 'Ultimate Host'

NAPA, Calif., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Do you entertain in style? Do guests congregate in your kitchen, line up for your barbecues, and schedule vacations around your dinner parties? Today, Sterling Vineyards, the landmark Napa Valley winery, is proud to announce their "Sterling Ultimate Host Contest" - a nationwide search to find the host or hostess who can tackle any occasion with ease while maintaining a flare for creativity.

Whether you're uncorking a bottle for a casual get-together or bringing an impressive bottle to a black-tie occasion, Sterling Vineyards wines always make a smart impression. With more than 150,000 annual visitors to the Winery, Sterling certainly knows a thing or two about hosting wine lovers.

In partnership with actress, award-winning cookbook author, model, reality TV star and frequent entertainer, Padma Lakshmi, Sterling will issue a series of hosting and wine-themed challenges to the Sterling wine community on Facebook. Fans will be challenged with putting their hosting know-how to the test to win spot prizes and the ultimate grand prize. As the grand prize winner of the Sterling Ultimate Host Contest, one lucky fan will be awarded a cash prize of $40,000, a trip for four to Napa Valley, CA, including round-trip coach airfare and hotel accommodations, as well as the opportunity to play a key role on the Sterling Vineyards social media channels.

Not only will Padma serve as the host and one of the judges of the contest, but she will also appear in Sterling Ultimate Host advertising which can be seen throughout the country beginning this month, including print advertisements, billboards, in-store materials, digital banner ads and more.

"I am thrilled to be partnering with Sterling Vineyards and their Sterling Ultimate Host contest," said Padma Lakshmi. "Hosting gatherings and serving great food and wines are two things I enjoy, and I can't wait to see the interesting and creative twists people put on the challenges."

"When looking for someone to partner with for our search for the Sterling Ultimate Host, we could think of no better partner than Padma," said Sandra LeDrew, Diageo Chateau & Estates President. "Padma exhibits an inherent knack for hospitality, and we're truly excited that she is coming on this journey with us."

The Sterling Ultimate Host Contest will consist of four challenges including - "Entertaining on a Dime," "Wine and Foodie Movie," "Date Night" and "Evening with Friends - Host's Choice." The challenges will be issued in two-week increments and a winner will be chosen following each challenge. Fans will be asked to show and tell us in detail via video, picture and words in submissions to our Sterling Vineyards "Ultimate Host" tab on the Facebook page. The winners of each challenge will be flown to New York City in December to compete in a head-to-head competition to see who can transform a blank New York City event space into an inviting party, and be crowned the Sterling Ultimate Host.

Whether hosting a dinner party for friends or enjoying a casual night at home, Sterling Vineyards always encourages hosts to have a plan for the evening to ensure everyone has a safe ride home and always enjoys in moderation.

For more information and to get involved please visit www.facebook.com/SterlingVineyards.

About Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards is part of Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E), the wines division of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe including Napa Valley, Sonoma, the California Central Coast, Italy, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia. Brands include: Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard and Rosenblum Cellars. DC&E is also a leading importer of Burgundy estate-bottled wines. Please enjoy our fine wines responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Contact:

Philippa Jones, Sterling Vineyards [email protected] (707) 299-2618

Maeve Hagen, Taylor [email protected] (212) 714-5743

SOURCE Sterling