Peter Lehmann Wines announces new Mentor Program

VANCOUVER, March 1, 2013 /CNW/ - A first of its kind, Peter Lehmann Wines announced the launch of the Mentor Award Program today during the Vancouver International Wine Festival. The program, aimed at building bridges between Canada's thriving wine trade, industry professionals, wine enthusiasts and South Australia's famed Barossa Valley region, will provide opportunities for up-and-coming oneophiles.

"We want to give back to the wine community and help grow Canada's thriving wine scene," said Matthew Lane, vice president-Americas for Peter Lehmann Wines. "We see this program establishing lasting friendships, inspiring a new generation of wine lovers and sharing the rich winemaking traditions of the Barossa Valley."

This mentorship program will provide an opportunity for rising stars in Canada's wine trade to learn and further develop their knowledge at a two-day retreat. This year, the retreat will be lead by noteworthy author, internally acclaimed wine expert and inaugural program mentor, Anthony Gismondi in Whistler, B.C.

The National Tasting

In addition to the retreat, Canadians are invited to participate through a series of digitally linked tastings in cities across the country that coincide with the Mentor retreat in Whistler. The mentees, mentor and a select number of the wine-loving public, will taste the same top-notch, world-class wines at the same time in different cities across the country.

Each year, the Peter Lehmann Wines Mentor Retreat will be held in a different region in the month of October. Together with PLW Canada staff, winery staff, Canadian agents and trade representatives this year's four 'mentees' will be selected from four regions in Canada. Following the retreat, one 'mentee', together with their mentor, selected by a panel of judges, will be asked to travel to the Australia for an intensive 5 day, hands-on, harvest-time visit at Peter Lehmann's winery in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.

About Peter Lehmann Wines: During his 50-year career, Peter Lehmann has inspired countless people by sharing his talent, wit and passion for winemaking. Peter Lehmann Wines was founded in 1979 to assist the grape growers of the Barossa Valley, who at the time were facing financial ruin. Along with dedicated winegrowers and winemakers throughout the region, we have helped reverse the fortunes of the area and now enjoy an international reputation for excellence in wine production.

About Anthony Gismondi: One of Canada's most influential wine critics, he is also a top-rated writer, broadcaster and speaker. His expertise is widely acknowledged throughout the international wine community. The Simon Fraser University graduate has been the weekly wine columnist for the Vancouver Sun since 1989. Gismondi is also a consultant to Air Canada where he assists in the selection of in-flight wines served system-wide by Canada's largest airline.

SOURCE: Peter Lehmann Wines

Anya Spethmann, Trade Marketing Manager - Canada, Peter Lehmann Wines Limited
Mentorship Program Site: www.mentoraward.ca
416 826 7920