ST. HELENA, CA (September 16, 2015) — Sonoma-based Arista Winery announces its new partnership with marketing and sales company Wilson Daniels, effective September 1, 2015, as a next step in the quest to build its brand awareness across the U.S. as a premier Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producer.

Arista Winery was founded by Al and Janis McWilliams in 2002 with an unwavering commitment to produce the finest Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sons Mark and Ben McWilliams have managed all facets of the family’s winery and vineyard operations for the past 10 years.

In 2012, Mark and Ben purchased Arista from their parents with a shared determination to continually elevate wine quality and be recognized as of the world’s finest producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their first significant step in this pursuit came when they hired Matt Courtney as their winemaker in 2013. Matt, who worked the previous eight years of his career as assistant winemaker for Marcassin, was attracted to the brothers’ passion and clear commitment to quality over growth. “We couldn’t be more excited about Matt and the immediate impact he has had in our vineyards and on our wine,” says Mark McWilliams.

Arista’s dedication to sustainable practices — both in farming and business — echoes what Wilson Daniels and its winery and distillery partners consider of utmost importance: hand-crafted, high caliber products and long-term relationships. “Our domestic portfolio includes top producers from fine-wine growing regions like the Willamette and Napa Valleys. It is high time that we add a new dimension with the small, elite segment of up-and-coming producers in the Russian River Valley,” says Wilson Daniels president Rocco Lombardo.

“This partnership with Wilson Daniels allows us to broaden our reach into the best markets around the country,” adds Ben McWilliams. “Wilson Daniels represents some the most sought after estates in the world. Having their dedicated sales team tell our story and build our brand allows us to keep our attention on maximizing the potential of our vineyards and making the absolute best possible wine.”

Although the official launch is slated for January 1, 2016, the wines are currently available through Wilson Daniels and its distributor channels. The wines to join the portfolio are: the Russian River Valley Chardonnay and single-vineyards Ritchie and Banfield Chardonnays, as well as the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and single-vineyards Toboni and Ferrington Pinot Noirs.

About Arista Winery
Arista Winery was founded by the McWilliams family in 2002 with a mission to create the most elegant expressions of Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery is committed to sustainable farming practices of its estate vineyards and works closely with local growers who share their dedication to sustainability in their own vineyards. Today, winemaker Matt Courtney crafts small-lot, site-driven wines that authentically reflect the unique sites from which they come.
To learn more, please visit — www.wilsondaniels.com/arista-winery.

About Wilson Daniels
Founded in 1978, Wilson Daniels is a family-owned importer and marketer representing a portfolio of luxury wines and spirits. Based in Napa Valley, Wilson Daniels upholds the high standards set by founders Win Wilson and Jack Daniels — with a keen focus on long-term strategic partnerships with family-owned and operated properties that possess a profound respect for terroir.

Wilson Daniels is the exclusive sales and marketing company for Arista Winery. For further information contact Jennifer Brown — office 707.967.1827 | cell 707.478.5152 | email jbrown@wilsondaniels.com.
To learn more visit — www.wilsondaniels.com.

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