Barnard Griffin Winery Supports Charity Tie-in with Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland --Wine with Tulips on the Label Welcomes 2010 Skagit Valley Tulip Season

RICHLAND, WA:  Famously known for the bed of tulips graphic on its labels, Barnard Griffin wines has produced retail point-of-purchase materials to be displayed at select wine retailers in Whatcom and Skagit counties of Washington state in support of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (SPF).This area is famous for growing tulips and its spectacular Tulip Festival celebrations each spring.  A portion of the proceeds from March and April retail sales of Barnard Griffin wines in Whatcom and Skagit counties will benefit this non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Skagit Valley as a working agricultural region and landscape; by protecting farmland and by promoting and supporting farming as an economically viable way of life.Point-of-purchase displays in support of this charitable tie-in can be found at participating wine retailers in Whatcom and Skagit counties including Top Food/Haggen.Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland's mission is to ensure that Skagit farming remains a permanent part of the region's identity for the benefit of: the local economy and residents whose livelihoods depend on the land; Puget Sound citizens and visitors who enjoy the natural beauty of a pastoral landscape; waterfowl, raptors, salmon, and other wildlife that depend on the managed farm landscape as habitat. As an advocate for Skagit farming, SPF recognizes that without a strong voice, Skagit farmland will be inevitably lost, acre by acre, farm by farm. SPF has become the recognized authority for protecting farmland and farming in the Skagit Valley."We're pleased once again to support this organization that does so much to maintain an important agricultural area of our state, says Rob Griffin, owner/winemaker of the Barnard Griffin winery. "We celebrate the beauty and productivity of the area.""Barnard Griffin is a staunch supporter of the Washington state agrarian community as well as Skagitonians To Preserve Farmland," says Allen Rozema, Executive Director of SPF. "We greatly value their continued support and partnership over the years to keep Skagit Valley farming."WINE SPECTATOR Magazine selected Barnard Griffin's 2008 Riesling (90 Points) as one of the Top 100 Wines for 2009. WINE SPECTATOR publishes this list each year with what it considers the year's "most exciting wines."Barnard Griffin has already had a banner year with two wines winning gold medals in the in the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition.BARNARD GRIFFIN 2008 SYRAH, COLUMBIA VALLEY: GOLDBARNARD GRIFFIN 2009 ROSE of SANGIOVESE, COLUMBIA VALLEY: GOLDThis year's successes again underscore Barnard Griffin Co-owner Rob Griffin's mastery of this varietal, among others, as his interpretation of Rose of Sangiovese has won a gold medal or better for the fifth year in a row. The influential SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition is the largest competition for American wines in the world and features all significant types and styles of wine, from each major wine-producing region in the United States.Thus far, Barnard Griffin has received major recognition for many of its wines, demonstrating continuing leadership in Washington state-produced wines. Winemaker Rob Griffin says, "It is exciting to make small batch artisanal wines that are generating such recognition, proving once again Washington State is one of the great wine-producing regions in the world."About Skagitonians to Preserve FarmlandFounded in 1989 by farming families, Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland's (SPF) mission is to ensure the continued viability of Skagit County agriculture and its required infrastructure. As a membership-based organization of more than 600 supporters, SPF works to protect and preserve farmland through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness. www.skagitonians.orgAbout Barnard GriffinBarnard Griffin is a family-owned winery in Richland, WA and the fourth largest in the state by volume. Co-owners Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard have been garnering international acclaim under the Barnard Griffin label since 1983, and Rob Griffin has been making exceptional wines in Washington State since 1977. Barnard Griffin produces more than 70,000 cases per year including Barbera, Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ciel du Cheval Merlot, Fume Blanc, Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Malbec, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé of Sangiovese, Semillon, Syrah, Syrah Port, Viognier, and Zinfandel.Barnard Griffin produces two labels; both available through retail stores, wine clubs and online wine venues. The Reserve Label wines are crafted in very limited quantities from the best vineyard lots in the region, using European, French and American oak. Barnard Griffin's signature Tulip Label wine, one of Washington State's most recognized wines, is available across the country.Barnard Griffin selects its grapes from throughout Washington's Columbia Valley including Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge and other AVA's. Barnard Griffin works with small family growers and favors long-term contracts with dedicated acreage for vineyard continuity and quality. The winery is a strong supporter of wine tourism (Oenotourism) in the state, and is an important stop on any tour of Washington's best wineries.Barnard Griffin is the only winery in the that contains a glass arts studio producing artisan works of fused glass. The glass artist is Deborah Barnard co-owner of the winery. Glass works are on display in the tasting room.The winery, tasting room and glass arts studio are located at 878 Tulip Lane in Richland, WA. For more information, clink on the link: www.BarnardGriffin.com,email: info@BarnardGriffin.com or call: (509) 627-0266.Request a Barnard Griffin: DIGITAL PRESS KITClink here for: Barnard Griffin Logos & Graphics© 2010, Barnard Griffin™ Winery, Richland, WA 99352