News Release

Pillitteri Estates Winery
Wins Top Honours at Vinitaly

April 13, 2006 -- For Immediate Release

Verona, Italy/Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada- Pillitteri Estates Winery took top honours at the 2006 Vinitaly International Wine Competition, held in Verona, Italy on April 6 to 11th.

Pillitteri Estates Winery was awarded two Grand Golds at the 14th Edition of Vinitaly for the 2004 vintages of Vidal Icewine and Vidal Sparkling Icewine. Both wines have received international acclaim in the past few months. The Vidal Icewine 2004 received a highly prized Bacchus Gold at Spain's most esteemed competition this past month, and the Vidal Sparkling Icewine, was awarded North America's only medal this past November at Effervescents du Monde. The international wine competition recognizes the best sparkling wines in the world and awarded Pillitteri a rare Grand Gold Medal for its 2004 Vidal Sparkling Icewine, the Effervescents du Monde's highest honour.

The Vinitaly Wine Competition, organized by Ente Fiera Di Verona, now ranks as the "largest and most selective wine competition in the world", with over 3500 wines entered from 31 countries. The goal of the competition is to highlight the best wine production in the world. The wines were judged in March by the most esteemed international wine experts that use an Olympic awards system, whereby four awards are given per category; Grand Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze. This style of judging ensures that the number of medals awarded is low; making it a very unique and prestigious wine competition. There were only 22 Grand Golds awarded in the entire competition, and based on the 3500 wines entered only 0.006% of the wines receive a Grand Gold. This top award represents a very elite class of wines that are among the best in the world.

It is the third consecutive year that Pillitteri has been awarded a Grand Gold, an impressive record indicating the winery's commitment and consistency to excellence and quality. Charles Pillitteri, VP Sales was in attendance in Verona at Vinitaly, to personally accept the awards while attending the wine trade show that accompanies the competition. "We are absolutely thrilled to receive two Grand Golds for our Icewines. This honour is indicative of how Canadian Icewines continue to dominate the medals in the sweet wine categories at international wine competitions, reinforcing their place as one of the best sweet wines in the world." Sue-Ann Staff, Pillitteri's Winemaster adds, "We are all so honoured at Pillitteri Estates Winery to have received continued international praise and recognition for our Icewines. It is truly a reflection of the dedication, innovation and pride everyone with the Pillitteri team has for Canada's flagship product."

Pillitteri Estates Winery is a family owned and operated business founded in 1993 situated on 53 acres of vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since its short inception, the winery has experienced tremendous growth and has established itself as a leader in the industry. It currently exports to 26 countries and is the largest estate producer of Icewine in the world. Pillitteri has won over 400 international and domestic awards, reflecting the winery's commitment to producing premium VQA wines.

Mentioned wines are currently available at the winery or can be purchased on-line at www.pillitteri.com

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For further information contact:
Sue-Ann Staff- Winemaster, Email: sue-ann@pillitteri.com
Gabriela Butera- Marketing Manager, Email: gabriela@pillitteri.com
T: 905-468-3147

For further information on Vinitaly Competition: www.vinitlay.it/home_en.asp

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