Introducing a Russian River Valley gem to Pinot Noir lovers

Client: Balletto Vineyards

Goal: Raise Profile of a Pinot Noir Specialist
Balletto Vineyards, a respected and established grower in Russian River Valley, retained Benson in 2015 to hone messaging around its emerging wine brand. The project evolved into a national PR campaign for the winery, wines and family owners.

Brand Messaging Plan
The Plan aligned the whole team under one core message: a family-operated Pinot Noir specialist in Russian River Valley.

PR Actions

• Story placements raise awareness of the family’s compelling transition from row crop farmer to grape grower and winemaker (John Balletto, pictured)
• Strategic press sampling of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs
• On-site and in-market press meetings around U.S.

Results 2016-2017

100+ media placements, 19 million impressions

• Food & Wine: RRV Pinot Noir named a “Bottle to Buy”
• Wine Enthusiast: Rosé, 2016 Top 100 Wines List
• Sunset Magazine: Brut Rosé named a “New Favorite”