WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OR, MARCH 3, 2004 – SCENE: A couple gracefully sweeps down the mountain on skis. At the base, the skis are placed in a storage locker and retired for the day. CUT to crowds scurrying along snow-packed walkways. The camera finds the couple from the mountain and ZOOMS in. A bartender hands them two glasses of wine which they raise in a toast. Follow the couple as they weave through the festival goers and make their way to a theatre. PAN OUT to show the full theatre building including the marquee. CUT to close-up of couple in their seats, holding hands. The lights begin to dim as the film premier begins….FADE TO BLACK.
Van Duzer Vineyards, an Oregon family winery, has added its support to the inaugural year of the Vail Film Festival presented by the Vail Film Institute April 1-4, 2004. As exclusive wine sponsor of the festival, Van Duzer joins Vail Resorts and other sponsors in helping launch an event they hope will attract visitors to Vail year after year. The festival will feature the premiers of 25 feature films, 25 short films, 20 television pilots, 10 documentaries, and 10 student films.
The owners of Van Duzer, Carl and Marilynn Thoma, are part time residents of Vail and dedicated movie buffs. “We’ve seen how film festivals enliven the cultural scene in ski towns like Telluride and Sundance,” said Marilynn. “The festivals in turn draw visitors to the mountain towns. Once visitors have experienced the beauty and warm hospitality of Vail Valley, they are likely to come back and tell their friends about our ski valley.”
Van Duzer Vineyards is located in Oregon in the Willamette Valley, an area that is known for its Pinot Noir. The film festival will feature the winery’s Estate Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine. Van Duzer wines will be poured at the Thursday Opening Night Party, the Friday VIP Party, the Saturday Awards Ceremony and the Sunday closing brunch.
Festival goers can also find Van Duzer wines at local restaurants in Vail including Larkspur, Montauk, Terra Bistro, Game Creek Club, May Palace, Sapphire and Sweet Basil. Additional restaurants in the Vail Valley include Golden Eagle Inn, Zack’s Cabin at Beaver Creek Resort, Splendido at the Chateau, Cranberry Isle Seafood, French Press, and Juniper. Van Duzer wines can also be found in the following stores: Alpine Wine & Spirits, Grappa Fine Wine & Spirits, Lionshead Liquor, Peregrine Wine & Spirits, and West Vail Liquor.
About Van Duzer VineyardsVan Duzer Vineyards is an Oregon family winery and 100% estate fruit operation in the Willamette Valley. Its vineyards in the foothills of the Van Duzer Corridor are the first to benefit each summer evening from maritime breezes. The cool microclimate stamps Van Duzer wines with a bright fruit character, generous complexity and pleasing balance. The Thoma family practices sustainable farming on the vineyard and has been endorsed by internationally recognized LIVE (Low Impact Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe.
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