John Salley Takes Ownership Position in New Wine Brand
Basketball Legend and Vegan Advocate Pledges to Educate Consumers

SAN MARTIN, Calif., May 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Vegan Vine Wines is pleased to announce a new partnership with former NBA champion, talk-show host and heath/wellness activist John Salley. Mr. Salley will be taking an ownership position in the brand with the goal to educate the vegan and wine drinking community about animal products that are often used in the production of wines.

Mr. Salley will also serve as an ambassador for the Vegan Vine Wines and the animal-free winemaking process. ”As both a vegan and wine lover, I was very surprised to learn about the use of animal products in the vinification process,” said Mr. Salley. ”I had no idea.”

The wines are produced by family-owned and operated Clos LaChance Wines. Via The Vegan Vine Wines, the winery has eliminated the use of animal products that are common in the wine filtration process. In addition, the brand seeks to educate vegans (and non-vegans) about the use of animal products in winemaking.

”Because the core ingredient in wine is grapes, many people do not realize that a number of animal products are often used in the winemaking process,” said Cheryl Durzy, co-founder of The Vegan Vine and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Clos LaChance. ”With John Salley’s help, we hope that The Vegan Vine can help answer some of these questions—and provide a viable option for vegans and non-vegans alike.”

”Making these wines Vegan does not mean a sacrifice in quality” adds Ms. Durzy.