2011 Garden Opening Highlights Korbel's Commitment to Sustainability

GUERNEVILLE (RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY), Calif., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Korbel Champagne Cellars' spectacular garden willopen for the 2011 season on Friday, April 15th. Featuringextraordinarily beautiful plantings - including 250 varieties ofroses - amid towering redwoods that surround the historic circa 1882Korbel House, Korbel Garden is both a popular Sonoma Countyattraction and an example of Korbel Champagne Cellars' commitment tosustainability.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110414/NYFNSB01)

It may be coincidence that Korbel Garden opens this year just aweek before the world celebrates Earth Day, but several aspects ofits care are representative of Korbel's efforts to conserve, reduce,reuse and implement natural, sustainable techniques throughout itsvineyard and winemaking operations. The garden's drip irrigationsystem, carefully calibrated to each planting, and operated at nightto conserve water and keep energy use off-peak, is similar to thatused in Korbel's vineyards. The garden and vineyards both benefitfrom integrated pest management, including utilization of beneficialbugs and nematodes to control destructive insects. The rich, naturalcompost for the garden and the vineyards is produced from vineyardwaste, including pruned vine canes, grape stems and grape pomace.Native, drought-resistant California plants, a significant elementin Korbel Garden's vibrant color palette, help reduce waterconsumption.

Complete information on Korbel Champagne Cellars' award-winningcommitment to efficiency, conservation and environmental stewardshipcan be found at www.korbel.com/Presskit.aspx under "KorbelSustainability."

From opening day through mid-October, free guided tours of KorbelGarden will be offered Tuesday through Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00p.m. Visitors often begin or end their tour with a refreshing glassof Korbel California champagne, or lunch at the Korbel Delicatessen& Market.

Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces America'smost popular methode champenoise champagne. One of Sonoma County'stop visitor destinations, Korbel is located on River Road nearGuerneville, California, 14 miles west of Highway 101. Additionalinformation regarding Korbel Champagne Cellars and Korbel Garden areavailable by telephone at 707/824-7000 and on the internet atwww.korbel.com.

Live responsibly.

SOURCE Korbel Champagne Cellars