Danish-American Innovation Award Honors Peter Work of Ampelos Vineyards and Cellars

LOS ANGELES - Sept. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- The Danish-American Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (“DACC (http://www.daccsocal.com)”) announced today the recipient of its 2013 Danish American Innovation Award. The award goes to Peter Work of Santa Barbara County-based AmpelosVineyards and Cellars (“Ampelos (http://www.ampeloscellars.com/)”).

The award recognizes exemplar business leaders who make outstanding contributions that favor the Danish and American communities. The award’s first recipient was the car designer Henrik Fisker. The DACC Innovation Award celebrates Peter Work’s distinct achievement in building along with his wife, Rebecca, the first triple-certified organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyard in the United States. Ampelos wines are a popular brand in Denmark where 500 of its 4,000 annual cases are consumed, the second largest market to the United States.

“Peter has demonstrated that entrepreneurship and organic farming can be brought together to create a successful business and an amazing product enjoyed not only in America, but throughout homes, restaurants and hotels in Denmark,” said Soren Eilertsen, president of DACC. “Ampelos’ strong connection to Denmark, its commitment to the environment, and its celebrated wines are a true inspiration. We’re proud to single out the business for its creativity, tenacity and excellence.”

Peter Work began his corporate career in Denmark and then moved to the United States in 1988 to work as a technology executive for Price Waterhouse, the Walt Disney Company, and Exult, a company he co-founded with wife Rebecca and friends, that was later acquired by Hewitt Associates. Peter and Rebecca started Ampelos in 1999 with the purchase of 82 acres in what is known as the Santa Rita Hills appellation wine region of California’s central coast. In 2001 and 2004, 42,000 vines were planted on 15 acres and currently Ampelos has its own vines on 25 acres yielding Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier grapes.

However, it was the proximity to the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City, that was the impetus for Peter and Rebecca to devote full time to the winery. “A canceled meeting that would’ve put me in the World Trade Center that morning caused me to reflect on my life and what was next for Rebecca and me,” said Peter Work, owner of Ampelos. “Not only did we choose to devote ourselves full time to the vineyard, but we wanted to make a difference by running the operation in the most environmentally sustainable way possible. Because of my strong roots in Denmark, I’m particularly honored to receive this award from the Danish-American Chamber of Commerce.”

Peter Work will officially accept the award at an event in Santa Monica on September 19, 2013. See the DACC website, http://www.daccsocal.com, for more information.

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About DACC

The Danish-American Chamber of Commerce of Southern California is the premier Danish-American business networking organization in Southern California. Our goal is to serve as a forum for the exchange of valuable business information and ideas. We work at creating opportunities for our Danish and American member corporations as well as individual business professionals. We offer our members a great venue for growing their business, a personal network, and a source for expanding their business knowledge. More info at www.daccsocal.com.

Media Contact:

Soren Eilertsen, President of DACC of Southern California

Phone: +1 310 230 3150

Email: soren@kollnergroup.com

Web: www.daccsocal.com