February 17, 2005)- Trinchero Family Estates, producers of Sutter Home wines, has joined Colavita USA, distributors of Italian extra virgin olive oil, to sponsor the 2005 Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home Professional Men’s Cycling Team. The partnership commemorates the Italian-American heritage of both Colavita and Sutter Home, and aptly celebrates a great Italian sport, professional cycling. John Profaci, Vice President of Marketing for Colavita USA made the announcement.

Colavita returns to the cycling scene stronger than ever in 2005. Last year’s landmark sponsorship boosted the then-endangered domestic road scene. Following the announcement of Saturn s non-renewal of its major cycling sponsorship, Profaci made a risky decision to bolster the sport by upping his sponsorship, signing several high-powered former Saturn riders. For 2005, the team has re-signed the majority of its team and inked several new riders including Baby Giro D’Italia winner Davide Frattini of Varese, Italy. With this star-studded roster came a mandate for superior leadership, and accordingly, the signing of Frank McCormack, U.S. cycling legend, as the team’s Director Sportif.

With all of these elements – superior sponsorship, cyclists, and leadership in place, Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home is gearing up for the start of the racing season. The team will kick off their 2005 season at training camp hosted by the Sutter Home Winery in Napa, Calif., February 24  March 3, 2005.

“It’s very exciting to support such a renowned group of cyclists,” said Terry Wheatley, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Trinchero Family Estates. “Colavita has established their place in cycling, and we’re ready to help take the team to the next level.” The team will travel to Napa Valley as guests of Sutter Home Winery to train before the 2005 racing season kicks off in early March.

Additional food and beverage sponsorship for the team is provided by Amino Vital, The Olive Garden, Lavazza, and San Benedetto, along with media partner, Cooking Light. Equipment and wardrobe are supplied by Diadora, Giordana, Mavic, Maxxis, Rudy Project, Pedro’s USA, Felt Bicycles, and Shimano.

For more information on the Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home Men s Professional Cycling Team, please visit teamcolavita.com.




Colavita USA LLC, headquartered in Linden, NJ, is a leading marketer of
Italian specialty food products. A family-owned business, Colavita imports
and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra-virgin olive oil in the U.S.
as well as durum wheat semolina pastas, a full selection of balsamic and
wine vinegars, and many other fine Italian products. For more information
about Colavita USA, please visit our Web site at www.Colavita.com.





Trinchero Family Estates is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero
family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces the wines of
Sutter Home, Trinchero, Montevina, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Menage à
Trois, the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre, and imports Reynolds
Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia. www.tfewines.com