Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
12 / the tasting panel / may 2018 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT 3 Badge Beverage Corporation Adds Unoaked Chardonnay to Plungerhead Line of Wines T he Sonoma-based 3 Badge Beverage Corporation recently introduced an unoaked Chardonnay to its Plungerhead brand. With a March debut, this new bottling (SRP $14) includes fruit sourced from top vineyards in California's Lodi winegrowing region following a growing season of hot days and cool nights. Grapes were harvested earlier than usual and, after undergoing fermentation, were cold-stabilized in stainless steel with no oak influences. "Unoaked Chardonnay is not widely available," said August Sebastiani, President of 3 Badge Beverage Corporation. "This wine is a great expression of Chardonnay's wonderful fruit character." Matthew Owings Joins Rombauer Vineyards as Chief Financial Officer R ombauer Vineyards, a family-owned winery based in St. Helena, California, in March appointed Matthew Owings as Chief Financial Officer. Owings joins Rombauer after nearly ten years with Jackson Family Wines, where he served most recently as Vice President of Finance. "His experience in the wine industry, the management consulting field, and manufacturing, coupled with his impressive educational background, will be vital to Rombauer Vineyards as we continue our trajectory of growth and success," says Rombauer Chief Operating Officer Bob Knebel. Tecate Challenges Patrons to Bring Their Pride to The Grill This Summer T ecate is inviting beer drinkers to "Bring Your Pride to the Grill" this summer with its new retail initiative. This new multi-channel promotion includes bilingual POS, display enhancements, digital and social media, TV advertising, and a Tecate Grill Truck activation plan in select markets. The initiative also features a partnership with Kingsford charcoal to drive cross-merchandising, as well as a sweepstakes in which winners will attend the Weber Grill Academy in Monterrey, Mexico. "Bring Your Pride to the Grill" is designed to drive sales, maximize brand awareness, recruit new consumers, and generate shopper engagement by reinforcing the idea that Tecate is brewed to be enjoyed with food: this summer, this season, this party, or this game.