Avenue Vine

In May of 2006, Clos LaChance signed on as a Corporate Level Sponsor of The Hummingbird Society, assisting with the organization’s preservation efforts. This partnership included the creation of a special blended wine released each vintage named after individual hummingbirds on the Threatened Species List. The first of these wines, named for the Juan Fernández Firecrown, was a unique red Bordeaux blend from the winery’s San Martin Estate Vineyard. With proceeds from the sale of this wine, Clos LaChance raised nearly $20,000, which have gone directly towards The Hummingbird Society’s efforts to save this rare bird.

The Juan Fernández Firecrown, found only in Chile on Robinson Crusoe Island, is on the verge of becoming the first hummingbird since the 1800s to go extinct. The money raised by Clos LaChance will go towards researcher and project coordinator Erin Hagen’s efforts to better understand why this beautiful bird has declined. Hagen, a University of Washington doctoral student, will travel to Chile in 2008 and work with the local government to create a conservation plan in hopes of saving the species from total extinction. Hagen will survey the landscape and bird population and determine what factors are minimizing the bird’s ability to reproduce. Hagen will then create and assist in implementing programs that will cultivate breeding and increase the number of these birds.

“We are very proud to work alongside The Hummingbird Society to help save the Juan Fernández hummingbird from extinction,” says Bill Murphy, owner of Clos LaChance Winery. “We would like to personally thank every one of our customers that purchased a bottle of the Juan Fernández Firecrown, because without your support we would not be able to contribute towards this great cause.”

With a funding and a plan in place to save the Juan Fernández Firecrown Hummingbird, Clos LaChance has now set its sights on a new bird. This Fall, Clos LaChance will offer the second release of the “Threatened Species” Series, named after The Honduran Emerald

The Honduran Emerald Hummingbird is a critically endangered hummingbird species found only in the Central American country of Honduras, in a small, highly fragmented range. The species is considered the most threatened of all hummingbirds. Between 1950 and 1988 it could not be found and was believed by some to be extinct. The primary cause of its high-risk status is the active destruction of its habitat for grazing and agriculture. A system of protected areas, coupled with managed adjacent lands is immediately needed to save critical habitat.

The Honduran Emerald “Threatened Species” wine will be priced at $25 per bottle. A percentage of sales on each bottle sold will be donated to The Hummingbird Society for preservation of the Honduran Emerald hummingbird. Please send an email to admin@clos.com or call (408) 686-1050 ext. 113 to reserve allocations of this wine.

Hummingbirds have been a part of Clos LaChance lore since the winery’s inception in 1992. Vintners Bill and Brenda Murphy chose the hummingbird as the symbol for the winery due to its territorial nature and ability to chase away other grape-eating creatures from the vineyards.

About Clos LaChance Winery:
Clos LaChance (www.clos.com) is a family-owned winery located in San Martin, California, 30 minutes south of San Jose and 45 minutes north of the Monterey Peninsula. Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy strive to provide customers with high quality, stylistically consistent wines that are varietally distinct. Clos LaChance takes its name from the small fenced-in area encompassing a vineyard (Clos) and from co-owner Brenda Murphy's maiden name.

The Clos LaChance Winery features a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, estate vineyards and hospitality center. In addition, the winery promotes sustainable farming practices in the vineyards and the winery. For further information, please visit www.clos.com.

About The Hummingbird Society:
The Mission of the Hummingbird Society is to promote the understanding and conservation of hummingbirds. In pursuing its mission, The Hummingbird Society will:

● Develop, implement, and/or support activities to protect hummingbirds, particularly those threatened with extinction

● Develop and implement educational programs to promote greater public understanding and appreciation of hummingbirds — their characteristics and the risks they face

● Support wildlife art as a means of stimulating awareness and appreciation of hummingbirds and wildlife in general

● Support scientific research as a means of expanding the breadth and depth of knowledge about hummingbirds

● Seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations, individuals, and agencies that will enhance our ability to achieve our mission

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SAN MARTIN, CA–September 25, 2007

Additional Articles:
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January 11, 2007
New Tasting Room In Los Gatos

May 09, 2006
Clos LaChance Winery Sponsors Hummingbird Society; Winery Will Produce a Special Wine Annually to Benefit Hummingbirds Threatened with Extinction

March 29, 2006
Hummingbird Preservation Seminar Hosted by Clos LaChance Winery