the20 Breaks Out of the Bottle; Revolutionizes Wine Delivery

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, December 07, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Chris Coleman and Rion Austin, owners of the20 (www.the20wines.com) announced today a revolutionary method to access artisan wines in cask format. the20's premium handcrafted, customizable wine casks offer high quality, small production wines direct from the barrel. An oxygen-free, gravity-fed delivery system maintains fresh-from-the-barrel flavor and minimizes oxidation. This new generation of wine delivery is expected to appeal to the modern wine connoisseur by emphasizing a focus on the environment, while offering unparalleled quality of wine within each cask.

"Never before have wines of this quality been made available in the bag-in box technology. Our goal is to expose wine consumers to artisan wines in the most environmentally responsible way," said Coleman of the20. "We designed our casks and chose our packaging technology to showcase these phenomenal wines in the best manner possible."

The exceptional wines offered within each cask certainly up-level the conversation surrounding bag-in-a-box technology, and result from the20's relationships with premium winemakers along the West Coast. A panel of winemakers, industry experts and consumers chooses each wine selected for the20's portfolio.

Cask wine delivery provides many advantages over bottled wine in flavor, cost, and transportation. From the moment a bottle of wine is opened, contact with oxygen immediately begins to transform its flavor profile. With the20, wine drinkers are assured perfect palatability and freshness for up to four weeks. Cask delivery also eliminates bottle shock, cork taint, unnecessary packaging and wasted wine. From an environmental perspective, the20's reusable casks save 85 percent of packaging material. In less than half the weight and 40 percent of the size for the same amount of bottled wine, the20 is more efficient for transportation and results in a smaller carbon footprint. Each three-liter bag weighs seven pounds as opposed to anywhere from 10 to 24 pounds for bottled wine. The value proposition for consumers include less shipping costs and fresher wine, glass after glass. the20 maintains that their premium wine product is in fact the greenest way to package, distribute and dispense wine today.

Each wine shipment from the20 includes three liters of wine (equal to four bottles). Some of the20's most popular wines include Session Jubilation Russian River Zinfandel and Session Dark Horse Pinot Noir from Santa Cruz. Bringing smaller wineries such as Fontes & Phillips, Rock Wall, Wooden Head and Acorn to a larger consumer base, the20's wines are a must have for the holiday entertaining season. Additionally they are unique gifts and a great addition to home wine consumption without waste. All wines are ready to be consumed when packaged, but remain shelf stable for 8-12 months.

In addition to its portfolio of wines, the20 offers three innovative casks systems to serve them. The Chiller Cask, beginning at $39, is a popular choice for collectors and wine drinkers alike. Created from a recycled U.S. Army ammunition case emblazoned with "Make Wine Not War", the reusable cask is an explosive addition to holiday entertaining and keeps wine chilled inside and outside of the refrigerator. Its metal handle makes for easy transport for camping, picnics, parties and holiday travel.

As a gift, the20's customizable "Lite" birch wine cask provides a perfect way to mark special occasions, weddings, birthdays or anniversaries with an engrave-able side, beginning at $45.

The Premier is an elegant, handcrafted wine cask fashioned from the same red oak used in wine barrels, beginning at $299. With a beautiful velvet bag to house the wine within and a tap for graceful serving, this piece is fit for the most luxurious of bars - both in the home and in restaurants.

The ordering process is straightforward and direct-to-consumer. Wine buyers simply choose their preferred cask format and select from the artisan blends available on the20's website. Consumers also have access to the20's zero commitment monthly red wine club, where they release a single premium wine each month. Both the cask and the wine are shipped directly to customers in California, Idaho, Missouri, New Mexico Nevada, Oregon and Washington DC, with standard delivery in 2-4 days on the West Coast and 5-8 on the East Coast.

About the20: Based in the Bay Area, the20 is an innovative, smart wine company that developed a proprietary delivery system offering a fresh way to experience and enjoy high-quality, artisanal wines. the20's handcrafted wine casks offer high-quality, distinctive wines with staying power for wine consumers and collectors alike. Founded by Chris Coleman and Rion Austin, the20 stands for the location or terrior, which is critical to artisan wines. For more information, please visit www.the20wines.com or call (707) 238-2275. They can also be found at www.facebook.com/the20wines and www.twitter.com/#!/the20wines.

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