Stimulate your senses- Sustainable wines and sustainable message at 2003 Visionary Dinner

Atlanta - February 7, 2003

The 2003 Visionary Dinner promises to please palates and stimulate senses as attendees contemplate a growing trend-sustainability as it relates to our most fundamental human needs, food and shelter. This Southface Energy Institute annual fundraiser brings renowned chefs and fabulous wines to the dinner table. The event on February 12, 2003 includes courses prepared using slow food principles, accompanied by sustainably harvested wines.

"Consumers now recognize the choice they make in what they buy to eat and drink is truly a vote for the future of the planet," said Fetzer Culinary Director John Ash who coordinates this year's Visionary Dinner and believes in the growing trend of ethical agriculture.

Wine educator Ash leads a remarkable team of chefs to create an unforgettable organic meal. Atlanta chefs Larry Ammons of Bang Restaurant, Mary Moore of Cook's Warehouse and Mark Ching of the Hyatt Regency will demonstrate delicious possibilities on the sustainable front.

Fetzer President Paul Dolan will speak at the dinner about innovative, sustainable agriculture and business strategies that have set Fetzer apart from other vineyards.

Fetzer Vineyards is dedicated to the environment by using organic grapes, powering offices by solar and reducing landfill waste by 94 percent since 1990.

Already the largest grower of certified , organically grown grapes in California, Fetzer recently announced the commitment to grow and buy all its grapes organically by 2010.

Five Rivers Ranch, Bonterra, Select and Reserve labels are among the wines Fetzer Vineyards plans on providing to accompany the chefs' scrumptious, seasonal selections.

An additional treat for the evening will be keynote speaker Lester Brown, founder of Worldwatch Institute, whom The Washington Post called "one of the world's most influential thinkers." Brown is expected to speak about the economic vitality of our region and water as an issue of public importance.

The Visionary Dinner is hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and The Coca Cola Company is this year's title sponsor. Additional support comes from WorldSpan, SunTrust, Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance and Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc.

Southface Energy Institute promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Visit www.southface.org for more information.