Media Contact: Catherine Maxwell, director of development for the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, 919-513-8294 or catherine_maxwell@ncsu.edu

WHAT:
North Carolina is home to more than 70 wineries and ranks tenth for wine and grape production in the United States. North Carolina State University researchers and N.C. Cooperative Extension personnel are hard at work supporting this burgeoning industry, helping farmers and vintners across the state with everything from determining which grape varieties grow best to improving the taste of wine.

The fourth annual "Celebrate N.C. Wines" event will bring together NC State and industry experts in a wine symposium to share secrets, history, tastes and scents around the theme of Old World Wisdom; New World Wines.

A gala reception and four-course wine dinner will follow, featuring a gourmet menu of local specialties paired with North Carolina wines.

Many of the wines served during the educational seminars, reception and dinner will be available for order. A silent auction throughout the event will make available additional wines, including valuable collectibles.

WHO:
Hosted by the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Inc. and the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council.

WHEN:
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008

Registration: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (late registration available throughout the day)

Wine Symposium: 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wine & Food Pairings ... Tasting is Believing
Dr. MaryAnne Drake, NC State University

Old World Wisdom & New World Wines
Dr. Sara Spayd, NC State University

The Nose Knows -- How to Tell When Wine Goes Bad
Dr. Trevor Phister, NC State University

A Wine Lover's North Carolina Travelogue
Margo Metzger, NC Wine and Grape Council

Don't Judge a Wine by its Closure
Wes Ward, Nomacorc

Gala Reception: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wine Dinner: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:
NC State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, N.C.

TICKETS:
Tickets are available in packages ranging from $75 to $175. All proceeds benefit wine and grape research in the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

CONTACT:
To purchase tickets, contact Mary Elizabeth Brake, 919-515-2000
For more information: www.cals.ncsu.edu/advancement/NCwines

Written by:
Suzanne Stanard, 919-513-3126 or suzanne_stanard@ncsu.edu