Erica Paolicelli, Chair

500 Technology Farm Drive,

Geneva, NY 14456

315-651-6289

www.fingerlakeswinealliance.com

Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Announces

Julie Caplan as New Program Director

Geneva, NY- [January 21, 2015]- The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Board of Directors are proud to announce the hiring of Julie Caplan as the new Program Director for the organization.

Julie Caplan is a dynamic marketing professional with extensive experience in brand development and social media. Most recently, Ms. Caplan has been Project and Operations Manager with Cognitive Marketing, Rochester NY. "I am excited to be joining the FLWA as Program Director and contributing to the future of the Finger Lakes wine industry by working with wineries to further the growth and visibility of Finger Lakes wine," says Ms Caplan. "I look forward to working with FLWA member wineries and our Board to execute our fabulous program of marketing activities in 2015."

The new FLWA office will be located in the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, Geneva, NY. According to Executive Director Bob Madill "With Program Director Julie Caplan situated in the Tech Park in proximity to the New York State Agriculture Experiment Station and the new facilities for the Finger Lakes Community College Viticulture Center, the FLWA is ideally situated to interact with our Member wineries and the Finger Lakes wine industry as we continue our mission to promote the Finger Lakes as North America's pre-eminent Cool-climate region."

"We're thrilled to welcome Julie to the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance and are confident that she will bring a new dynamic to the organization," said Erica Paolicelli, FLWA Chair. "We're really excited to see how Julie's marketing experience and new prospective can continue to support our mission and promote our world-class wines on a international level."

The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is an organization of Finger Lakes Wineries led by a board of winery principles whose mission is to increase the visibility and reputation of the Finger Lakes AVA, it's wines and wineries. The FLWA executes a program of work exclusive to its winery levy contributors annually."