DaVinci® Wine Launches Second-Annual "Storyteller Experience," Inviting Creative Individuals to Apply for a Trip to Tuscany

Artists, Writers, Filmmakers and More are Encouraged to Apply for Four Coveted Spots

Applications accepted through May 4 to visit Vinci, Italy and help bring to life the people and place behind DaVinci Wine

HEALDSBURG, Calif., March 21, 2012 -- A week in Tuscany awaits four creative individuals as DaVinci Wine debuts its second-annual Storyteller Experience on the brand's Facebook page.

 

The program, which garnered over 200 applications last year, is designed to give artists, photographers, chefs, writers and other creative types a behind-the-scenes look at the people and place behind the brand's celebrated wines in the storybook Tuscan town of Vinci—birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and home to DaVinci Wine's thriving cooperative of over 200 growers.

"Last year's Storyteller Experience was such a wonderful way to invite the public into our world and offer a look at the detailed stories behind our wine," says Gabriela Becker, Assistant Marketing Manager for DaVinci Wine. "We were thrilled with the talented group of Storytellers that got the chance to tour Tuscany with us and get a first-hand look at the winemakers, chefs, artisans and growers that comprise the DaVinci culture."

Each of the 2011 DaVinci Storytellers—a writer, an artist, a culinary professional and a filmmaker—then created original work commemorating their weeklong experience in Vinci. Content included works of art, recipes, non-fiction narrative and short films that debuted on the brand's popular Facebook page.

This year, however, DaVinci is offering something new.

The public will still be encouraged to apply to one of three categories:

• Language Arts such as a writer, journalist or poet;
• Culinary Arts such as a chef, recipe developer or food stylist;
• Visual or Performing Arts such as a photographer, artist, videographer, musician or performing storyteller.

In May, the brand will announce three chosen Storytellers, one for each category. The fourth and final spot, however, will go to a public vote on the DaVinci Facebook page among the next top four applicants.

"We have so many enthusiastic fans; we would love to bring them all to Vinci," says Becker. "But by offering a Fan Choice category, we hope to give our Facebook community a chance to voice their opinion and tell us who they would like to see go on the trip."

Applicants will be judged in four areas: a personal essay, samples of work, social media influence and a summary of experience. DaVinci is looking for individuals who are not only talented in their chosen category, but also interested in wine and Italian culture and sharing their creativity and experience with others via social media.

DaVinci will cover the cost of air travel, hotel accommodations and meals while in Vinci for seven days; each DaVinci Storyteller, in turn, will express their experience using their creative talents. The resulting videos, recipes, stories, photography and art will be shared by the Storytellers as well as by the brand on the DaVinci website and Facebook page.

Initial applications are being accepted through May ON the DaVinci Wine Facebook page. To apply and view the official terms and conditions, visit www.facebook.com/davinciwine.*

About DaVinci Wines:
Nestled near the Tuscan hillside town of Vinci—historic home of Leonardo da Vinci—Cantine Leonardo da Vinci brings together 200 passionate local winegrowers, who contribute their finest grapes to an extraordinary collection of authentic Italian wines. Rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition, DaVinci wines embody the rolling hills and majestic vineyards of Tuscany. Learn more at www.davinciwine.com and at www.facebook.com/davinciwine.

*This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.

Italian Table Wine, ©2012 DaVinci USA, Healdsburg, CA. All rights reserved.
Campaign Funded Under the CE Regulation N.1234/07

SOURCE DaVinci(R) Wine