Cornerstone Communications, Ltd. to Represent Esporao Wines

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Feb 25, 2013) - The Esporão Group, Portugal's leading producer of high-quality wines and olive oils, announces the selection of Cornerstone Communications, Ltd. as Agency of Record for the United States, effective immediately. Cornerstone Communications has launched a new public relations and marketing program designed to increase awareness of Esporão's portfolio of wines through national media, trade and consumer initiatives. 2013 celebrates Esporão's 40^th anniversary and the winery continues to reinforce its presence in the U.S. and support its partners after almost 20 years on the market (and an American office since 2008).

Media and trade relations, tasting experiences and interactive social media activities will showcase the high-quality and diversity of Esporão wines, and the winery's commitment to sustainable and environmentally-conscious methods of production. Esporão focuses on preserving Portugal's indigenous grape varieties, a precious national resource and a treasure trove of wine discovery for the American consumer. In addition to approximately 1,500 vineyard acres and 200 acres of olive groves, the Herdade do Esporão estate, in the Alentejo region, is also planted with a 25 acre "genetic bank" -- 189 different grape varieties from Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany -- in order to study the effects of climate change and winemaking. 

Esporão was launched in 1973 when co-founder José Roquette acquired the Herdade do Esporão in the heart of Southern Portugal's Alentejo region. The boundaries of the property were established in 1267 and Esporão recognizes its responsibility to preserve and share this heritage, having restored the medieval tower, the icon present in all Alentejo brands, or the scientific research being held at Perdigões Settlement, an archeological landmark discovered on the estate which is open to the public. The Esporão group's newest venture, the 385-acre Quinta dos Murças estate in the Douro's Cima Corgo, was acquired in 2008. Quinta dos Murças produced its first vintage in 2011 from its 150 acres of vines. 

The Esporão Group remains family-owned, its vision now upheld by José's son, João Roquette. Striking a balance between tradition and innovation throughout its two properties, Esporão produces a range of high-quality wines on each estate. Winemaking in both the Alentejo and the Douro is under the aegis of Australian-native but Portuguese-at-heart David Baverstock. 

Blanche Orbe, Esporão Brand Manager, commented on the new initiative, "We are thrilled to work with the dynamic team at Cornerstone. With our increased distribution, we at Esporão believe Cornerstone Communications has the energy and vision to help reach our goals of awareness in the U.S."

About the Esporão Group
The Esporão Group is a leading Portuguese quality wine and olive oil company, present in over 50 markets and recognized for its promotion of regional and national culture, as well as for its conservation of the environment and biodiversity. Esporão produces Portuguese wines and olive oil from its Herdade do Esporão Alentejo and Quinta dos Murças Douro estates. In the Alentejo, Herdade do Esporão produces these wine brands: Esporão, Defesa, Monte Velho and Alandra. Under the Herdade do Esporão label, the winery also produces Quatro Castas red, Duas Castas white, Verdelho and other mono-varietals. It also markets Herdade do Esporão olive oils. In the Douro region, Quinta dos Murças produces two red wines: Assobio DOC Douro and Quinta dos Murças Reserva, as well as Quinta dos Murças 10 Year Tawny Port.

About Cornerstone Communications, Ltd.
Cornerstone Communications, Ltd. is a New York-based full-service public relations and marketing agency. Cornerstone offers wine, spirits, food and lifestyle clients a range of services from creative and strategic counsel to media and trade relations, special events and social media programming. For more information, visit www.cornerstonepr.com.