NAPA COUNTY – The first release of Napa Valley College wines for sale has been announced. Napa Valley College became the first California Community College with a bonded winery, allowing the sale of college wine.

“The wines contain the essence and spirit of what makes Napa Valley College so special to our community. Every aspect of our wine branding and business represents a true collaboration of the wine industry, our students, and our faculty and staff,” said Bryan Avila, wine maker.

The public is invited to celebrate this event at the Napa Valley Vintners’ Teaching Winery, on Monday, Nov. 16, between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Wine samples of the following Napa Valley College Estate wines will be poured: 2008 Estate Chardonnay, 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, and 2008 Estate Sauvignon Blanc. Rose of Cabernet is a special release from the student label series and will also be poured. Light refreshments will be served.

No wine will be for sale at the event. All of the wine available for sale will be pre-sold online, and pre-sold wine can be picked up at the event. Wine quantities are very limited this year and college wine will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sale proceeds will be used to help support the program.

The wine recently received high marks in a double blind tasting. A panel of senior college staff and professional winemakers from Napa Valley wineries tasted college wine with wine from three other prominent wineries. The Sauvignon Blanc was voted first and the Chardonnay tied for first.

“I am very happy with the quality of the college wine. While I provide the recipe, the students maintain the quality and are doing an excellent job,” Avila said.

For more information on the release event or about ordering, please call the winery at 707-253-3049 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The winery is on the south end of campus, just off of Streblow Drive.

The long-established Napa Valley College Viticulture and Winery Technology program is headed by Dr. Stephen Krebs, program coordinator, who also serves as vineyard manager. Bryan Avila is wine maker and Greg Siewert, assistant wine maker. Greg Miraglia is dean, Career Technical Education.