Wines of Substance Named as 'Hot Small Brand' by Wine Business Monthly

Hip, Innovative Winery Focuses on Single Varietals and Education

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Feb 23, 2010, 08:41 ET

WALLA WALLA, Wash., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Wines of Substance has been singled out by Wine Business Monthly (http://www.winebusiness.com) as number two among "Hot Small Brands" for 2009. Since the inception of this annual ranking, the Top 10 Hot Small Brands list recognizes up-and-coming wineries with annual case production under 150,000.

Writes Cyril Penn in the February 2010 edition of the magazine, "We gravitate toward wineries and brands that represent market trends or innovation, that take a leadership position in their regions, or that make unusual varietals or unexpected wines." The effect of intelligent marketing on measured growth is a significant part of the evaluation and selection process, but, as Penn notes, "These wines need to pass the taste test."

Substance was created as a joint venture between Waters Winery (http://www.waterswinery.com) and Gramercy Cellars (http://www.gramercycellars.com) to produce a line-up of fun, affordable wines that showcase the style, quality, breadth and distinction of varietals grown and produced in Washington State. "Our goal is to capture the palates of budding oenophiles and the imaginations of experienced wine drinkers alike by focusing on the essence of each unique varietal. Most wines today are made from blending numerous varietals so people really never get to experience the truest expression of the fruit. A winemaker can blend 25 percent of Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon and still call it Cabernet Sauvignon on the label. Our aim is to alleviate the confusion, intimidation and price factors that keep potential wine enthusiasts at bay," says Founder and Managing Partner Jason Huntley.

This isn't the first time the spotlight has been directed on Wines of Substance. Regularly recognized for its innovation and design savvy, Seattle Magazine gave Substance the "Coolest wine label" nod, and their Periodic Table of Washington Wines website, which reinforces the brand's educational approach, won the American Graphic Design Award in Graphic Design USA magazine. The 2007 Syrah was also named by Seattle Magazine as a "Top Wine Under $20" and was featured in the January 2009 edition of Wired Magazine in the Playlist.

Not only has Wines of Substance shown leadership through their forward-thinking approach to wine and wine education, but they are committed to supporting causes that have a significant ongoing impact towards social awareness.

For more information on Substance, visit http://www.winesofsubstance.com.

Wines of Substance logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2010-Substance-Logo.jpg

Hot Small Brands logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/Hot-Small-Brands.jpg