Contact: Brenda Peterman Phone: 707.224.1668 Artesa Continues Growth New Winemaker Joins the Napa Valley Winery December 9, 2004 (Carneros, CA) - Artesa Winery, producer of premium wines from Napa Valley, has appointed Dave Dobson as Vice President of Production / Winemaker, effective December 27, 2004. Dave will continue to develop the high-quality standards the winery has already established. Under Dave's direction, Artesa will launch a new line of estate wines. Current Winemaker Don Van Staaveren is stepping down from his winemaking role at Artesa to spend more time with his family. Dave Dobson brings many years of experience in California winemaking to his new position at Artesa. Previously he was a key member of the winemaking team at Kendall-Jackson Winery for six years, and currently he is the head winemaker at Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley. At Artesa, Dave will spearhead the development of Artesa's future releases from the vineyard's own estate holdings in both Napa and Sonoma. These vineyards are going to be the focus of Artesa's estate-based and single vineyard offerings. Dave will be responsible for all winemaking and production processes. "Artesa is excited to have a winemaker of Dave's experience and accomplishments," said Michael Kenton, Artesa's President. "We look forward to working with him for many years in the growth of Artesa's ultra-premium reputation. We look to Dave to develop special and small lots of single-vineyard wines from the best blocks of our ranches, as well as some exciting experimental varietal programs." Artesa Winery, located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, is owned by Codorníu of Spain. Artesa, which means "craftsman" in the Catalan language, celebrated its inaugural release of 8,000 cases in 1999. Since then, Artesa has capitalized on its vineyard holdings and state-of-the-art winemaking equipment to build its critically acclaimed reputation in just over five years. Artesa is marketed nationally by W.J. Deutsch and Sons, Ltd.