SAN FRANCISCO -- Golfer, real estate developer, clothing designer and restaurateur Greg Norman has another title to add to the list: California winemaker. After winning numerous awards for his Australian wines, Norman is expanding his portfolio to include five new California varietals, called Greg Norman California Estates. His partner, Foster's Wine Estates Americas, has selected Ruder Finn to promote the new varietals, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay.
The new wines are the perfect complement to the life exemplified by their famous namesake.
"As an entrepreneur and athlete, Greg's life is characterized by the pursuit of 'active leisure.' Ruder Finn understood that better than anyone else," said Senior Brand Manager of Marketing Philip Pyrce for Greg Norman Estates. "Ruder Finn's public relations strategy was on target,
and their work on other Foster's brands has secured tremendous publicity. We knew they were the agency for us."
The account will be serviced by Ruder Finn's New York and San Francisco offices and will be led by Lisa Duszak, vice president in the San Francisco office. "We're thrilled at the opportunity to work with such an iconic, engaging personality as Greg Norman," said Bob Seltzer, leader of Ruder Finn's Marketing Practice. "Add to that the chance to enjoy more of his award-winning wines and we couldn't be happier."
Greg Norman California Estates wines are rolling out to stores now and will be available for a suggested retail price of between $13 and $15 per bottle.
About Greg Norman Estates
Greg Norman Estates was established in 1996 by Hall-of Fame golfer and wine collector Greg Norman. This Australian collection of wines, which is produced in partnership with the winemaking group Fosters Wine Estates, continues to receive critical acclaim from connoisseurs and casual wine drinkers alike. Now, Norman is introducing a new line of high quality, accessible California varietals. In collaborating with his expert team of international winemakers, Norman sets the wine style and quality standards in order to bring the American cosumer the best regionally expressive wines from Australia and California. The wines can be found at grocery stores, independent retailers and restaurants. For more information, please visit http://www.shark.com.
About Ruder Finn
Ruder Finn is a leading independent communications, counseling and services Agency with more thn 55 years of experience. The Ruder Finn Group maintains offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., London, Paris Jerusalem, Sydney, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. The Agency also works with leading independent affiliates in major markets throughout the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Ruder Finn serves the global and local communications needs of more than 250 corporations and nonprofit organizations.
Contacts:
Lisa Duszak
415-249-6763
duszakl@ruderfinn.com
Stephen Fidgeon
212-715-1693
fidgeons@ruderfinn.com
