Largest U.S. Producer of Chilean Wine Introduces Colchagua Valley

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 14, 2009 – Dayton, NJ – The Grape Escape hands-on winery is now the first winery in the U.S. to receive grapes from the famous Colchagua Valley region in Chile. Colchagua Valley recently gained much publicity when Clos Apalta, Colchagua’s flagship winery, was recently named Wine Spectator’s 2008 Wine of the Year.  The Grape Escape will be importing grapes from Colchagua Valley in time for Spring of 2009, from a vineyard within two miles of Clos Apalta.

At The Grape Escape, area residents will learn the art and science of creating fine red or white wines, using some of the finest grapes in the world.  They participate in crushing grapes, pressing must, barreling the wine, and bottling their own premium wine, in an enjoyable relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, they have the opportunity to personalize their bottles with customized labels.

This unique experience only takes 3-4 sessions over a 10 month period, totaling 4-5 hours of hands-on winemaking. Winemakers can make their own wine for their own personal enjoyment, for special occasions such as holidays, weddings, reunions, or for personal and client gifts. It is a fun and casual environment which is perfect for sharing with friends, family and co-workers.

“We visited Colchagau Valley last year and have since been working to import grapes from that region,” said Thomas Nye, CTO (Chief Tannin Officer) and co-owner at The Grape Escape.  “Wine spectator naming Clos Apalta 2008 Wine of the year, just confirms that we targeted the correct region to import grapes for our customers. The Grape Escape will be the only winery in the United States making wine with grapes from Colchagua Valley”

“The growth of our Chilean winemaking season has been stunning.  Winemakers are accustomed to making wine from California in the Fall and we weren’t sure there would be the crossover for making wine in the Spring.  But South American wine is so unique and different than the typical California fruit forward wines…our customers can’t get enough Malbec or Tempranillo from South America.  The Grape Escape is the largest producer of Chilean wine in the United States.”  Said Nancy Nye (Chief Fun Officer) and co-owner.

“Going into our fifth winemaking season, we continue to meet our aggressive projected numbers,” said Thomas Nye.“ and we have every reason to believe that we will continue to do so.  We are retaining close to 70% of our customer base season over season.  That’s amazing retention.”

Winemakers and fun-seekers can order Chilean grapes for the Spring Crush at (609) 409-WINE (9463) or online at GoGrapes.com.  Be sure to visit The Grape Escape’s OPEN HOUSE: March 19, between 6:00-8:00 P.M. featuring free appetizers from Luchentos Restaurant. The winemaking experience includes: grapes, wine, wine storage, corks, bottles, shrink capsules, and custom labels. The Grape Escape is located at 12 Stults Road, Suite 101 in Dayton, NJ.

About The Grape Escape:
Thomas and Nancy Nye are the proprietors at The Grape Escape, which is the first and only winemaking school in Middlesex County, NJ.  

The same grapes used in the best wineries in the U.S. are now available to all winemakers.