3.28.2008 - 08:23am ET

(CSRwire) NAPA, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Beringer Vineyards, Napa Valley's celebrated winery raises its glass to top design with its sponsorship of DIFFA's (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) DINING BY DESIGN events kicking off in New York on Sunday, March 30th. The multi-city events, which in past years have raised more than $12 million for AIDS related charities feature awe-inspiring dining installations by design luminaries such as architect David Rockwell, fashion designer Vivienne Tam and tabletop designer Marc Blackwell who has been tapped to create the Beringer table.

"We are delighted to be working with renowned tabletop designer Marc Blackwell," said Beringer spokesperson Elizabeth Hooker. "His accessible, elegant and modern American style is similar to how we approach our wines," she adds. The award winning California winery is known for its cutting-edge quality and contemporary elegance. Blackwell's creation for Beringer, which is themed on the essence and beauty of the Napa Valley lifestyle will be unveiled at the New York event. "I was inspired by the beauty of Napa Valley, the rich history of Beringer and the passion and honesty in winemaking," says Blackwell.

The festivities take place at New York's Skylight Studios with three days of wine and food tastings/public viewings, a cocktail party and VIP Gala. Guests at the gala dinner on Tuesday, April 1st will dine within the design installations, making the event a truly unique experience for all who attend. Following DINING BY DESIGN New York, the installations will travel across the country to various cities including Kansas City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston.

"We are honored to have Beringer Vineyards on board for DINING BY DESIGN 2008," said David Sheppard, Executive Director of DIFFA. He continues "It's only with the help of such generous and committed sponsors that DIFFA will be able to raise significant funds to grant to worthy organizations nationwide providing preventive HIV/AIDS education and direct care services."

The featured wines at DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN will include Beringer's newest and most exciting collection Third Century, recently released in commemoration of the winery's Third Century of winemaking. The collection features varietals from the highly regarded central coast and north coast appellations including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and sirah all offering great structure, wonderful aromas and flavors.

About Beringer Vineyards

No winery more thoroughly embodies the timeless appeal and seductive flavor of Napa Valley than Beringer Vineyards, Napa's benchmark producer since its establishment in 1876. Now in its third century of crafting classic wines from Napa's finest appellations and vineyards, Beringer today is guided by Winemaker Laurie Hook, with the supportive collaboration of celebrated Winemaster Emeritus Ed Sbragia. Their wines speak eloquently of Beringer's rich heritage while offering cutting-edge quality and contemporary elegance. www.Beringer.com

About DIFFA

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Since being founded in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $35 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide. For more than 23 years, DIFFA has been one of the country's largest supporters of both direct care for people living with AIDS and preventative education for those at risk. For more information visit diffa.org.

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