RUTHERFORD, CA, January 6, 2009 – Huneeus Vintners, the fine wine portfolio owned by the Huneeus family based in Rutherford, Calif., has announced a partnership with Flowers Vineyards and Winery of the Sonoma Coast. Walt and Joan Flowers, and Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, will join their wineries, bringing Flowers and the Huneeus portfolio, which includes Quintessa, Faust, Illumination, Primus and Veramonte, together to create a family-owned portfolio focused on quality, in the vineyards, wineries and marketplace. As a part of this agreement, the Huneeus Family has made an investment in Flowers.

Flowers established it self as a pioneer of the true Sonoma Coast when they purchased property on a ridge-top within two miles of the Pacific Ocean in 1990, long before the Sonoma Coast had gained its reputation as California’s most sought-after appellation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Flowers’ ranches, located in the northern Sonoma Coast, include vineyard neighbors such as Hirsch, Martinelli, Marcassin, Helenthal, Pahlmeyer and Peter Michael, and producers including Williams Selyem, Siduri and Littorai also sourcing fruit from the region.

Both families have developed a reputation for producing wines that are the expression of their vineyards. While the Huneeus portfolio is dedicated to properties that excel in Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux origin varietals, the Flowers have been dedicated exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

"This partnership is a rare match between two like-minded families making great wines. We are committed to making wines from unique vineyard properties and to remaining family owned," Agustin Francisco Huneeus, of Huneeus Vintners said. "We bring together vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties, and wines that represent some of California’s most interesting Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir bottlings."

"The Huneeus family has been in the wine industry for nearly 50 years, through two generations, and is committed to continue for many more. Their perspective has always been that great properties and vineyards will prevail in a crowded marketplace." Jim Harris, president of Huneeus Vintners, said. "We are delighted to be working with Joan and Walt Flowers, the world-class vineyards and the Flowers team."

The Flowers team, headed by President Tom Hinde, will work closely with Huneeus Vintners to service their retail and restaurant partners across the country.

Demeter Group of San Francisco, Calif., an investment bank, advised Flowers Vineyard & Winery on the partnership.