AND THE WINNERS ARE… THE PRESTIGIOUS U.S. MAGAZINE, ‘WINE ENTHUSIAST’ HAS MADE ITS CHOICES FOR THE 2008 “WINE STAR AWARDS”: THE ONLY ITALIAN ON THE LIST IS THE MARCHESE PIERO ANTINORI, WHO CLAIMED THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

There are great names as well as future celebrities among the winners of the annual Wine Star Awards, compiled each year by the U.S. magazine ‘Wine Enthusiast’. This year, the only Italian to make it onto the list is Marchese Piero Antinori, who conquered the Lifetime Achievement Award.

There are a total of 11 winners selected by ‘Wine Enthusiast’, considered one of the most influential wine publications in the world: Robert Sands, president and CEO of Constellation Brands (Man of the Year), Korbel Champagne Cellars (U.S. Winery of the Year), the Greek Boutari Company (European Winery of the Year), the Chilean Casa Lapostolle (New World Winery of the Year), Margo Van Staaveren of the Chateau St. Jean Winery & Vineyards (Enologist of the Year), Shaw-Ross International Importers (Importer of the Year), The Macallan (Distiller of the Year), Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods (Retailer of the Year), Mendoza in Argentina (Wine Region of the Year), Jean-Charles Boisset di Boisset Family Estates (Innovator of the Year).

All of the winners will be given their awards at an official ceremony during a gala to be held at the New York Public Library on January 26, 2009.