Korbel California Champagne Toasts Fabulous Friendship Of Five Military Friends

GUERNEVILLE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Korbel California Champagne has been a part of life’s celebrations for more than 132 years and has given a group of American soldiers and best friends the ultimate trip with the Korbel Mimosa Girls Getaway contest. Across the country, women submitted toasts about their friendships and explained why their group of friends should be chosen to win the ultimate getaway to the Korbel Winery in Sonoma County, Calif.

Of all the entries, Shannon Wilson, from Countryside, Ill., shared a toast about the special bond she has with her fellow soldiers and how deployment of a year together built their enduring friendships. She tells how being thrown into the very hectic and different situations of deployment can bond friends so easily just like with her group of now lifelong companions.

“My girlfriends and I toast life every day – and we have much for which to be thankful. I am thankful myself just to have them,” said Wilson. “Finally, a year is up, driving up to our Armory in Chicago while the Fire Department hoses our bus down to welcome us home and we are crying, laughing and hugging. We exit the bus and find three bottles of Korbel Rouge waiting for us! With our special Rouge, we toast to friends and life!”

Wilson and four of her fellow soldiers and girlfriends – Kawryne “Tilly” Tillman, Emilia Fernandez, Rhonda Anderson and Adrienne Dennis – received four days of VIP treatment at the Korbel Winery. The trip included airfare and accommodations along with behind-the-scenes winery tours, working the crush with the winemakers, and gourmet meals prepared by the winery chefs, as well as poolside spa treatments at the winery.

“This year is special because not only did we get to toast five great friends but three American soldiers whose service and dedication to our country makes us so grateful,” commented Gary Heck, owner and president of Korbel Champagne Cellars. “Korbel is raising a glass to the special relationships women share with one another and the celebrations they share whether large or small.”

Established in 1882 in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Korbel Champagne Cellars produces the United States’ most popular methode champenoise champagne. But the true measure of Korbel’s success during its 132 years can be seen in the impact it’s had on American consumers and its presence at various celebrations throughout the years. Owned and managed by the Heck family since 1954, Korbel currently makes eleven California champagnes and a limited amount of still wine. In a separate facility Korbel also produces one of the country’s most respected brandies.

Celebrate responsibly.