Media Contact: Krista Koster
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint Laurent Winery Owners Honored

Michael and Laura Mrachek Receive Alumni Achievement Award from Washington State University

WENATCHEE, Wash.—(November 7, 2008)—Co-owners of Saint Laurent Winery Michael and Laura Mrachek have plenty to be pleased about—not that they’re likely to rest on their laurels any time soon. The duo was awarded Washington State University (W.S.U.) Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Alumni Achievement Award, because of their significant and ongoing service to W.S.U. as well as their community and profession.

Only 469 of over 250,000 W.S.U. alumnae have received the prestigious award, which was established in 1970. The Mrachecks were further honored by the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences when they were also inducted into their Hall of Honored Alumni.

Fruit growers in Washington State for more than 30 years, the Mracheks are still hard at work furthering their century-old family history. When they added wine grape production to their farming operation, Lucky Bohemian Farms, in 1999, Michael felt it would ensure that venerable legacy. With this history, the Mracheks have always felt compelled to become ever more involved through leadership and stewardship.

Among their contributions, the Mracheks introduced innovations to the fruit industry that will benefit fruit growers and managers across North America for generations to come. Included among their material contributions are donations of winemaking equipment to the W.S.U. Viticulture and Enology Department.

Highly involved in all aspects of the industry, the Mracheks are also members and board members of numerous associations, commissions and committees relating to viticulture and horticulture. Michael is a board member and 2009 President for the Washington State Fruit Commission; Laura is a board member and 2009 President of the Washington State Horticultural Association, as well as founder of their horticulture awards program for women.

The Mracheks’ Saint Laurent Winery has already produced numerous award-winning wines and was named “Washington Winery to Watch” by Wine Press Northwest in 2007, the same year in which the Mrachek’s were named Good Fruit Growers of the Year by Good Fruit Growers magazine.

As it happens, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the vine: The Mracheks’ son Bryan graduated from W.S.U. in May 2008 with a degree in viticulture and enology, and is currently working in the wine industry.

Saint Laurent Winery is located at 4147 Hamlin Rd., Malaga, Wash. just outside of Wenatchee. Named 2007 Washington Winery to Watch in Wine Press Northwest, Saint Laurent is best known for its Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and premium Rosé. Owners Michael and Laura Laurent Mrachek, successful, quality fruit growers since 1978, first planted Merlot and Cabernet in 1999. Today the vineyards blanket 260 acres on the Wahluke Slope, producing wines which are artfully crafted by Winemaker Craig Mitrakul. The Mracheks’ vineyards are still considered strategic to the premium wine program for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and ten percent of the very best grapes are reserved for the fine wines at Saint Laurent Winery. Tasting room hours are every day noon to 5 p.m. from May through September and Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. from October through April, or by appointment. Saint Laurent’s picturesque grounds are also available for private events. For more information, call (509) 888-WINE or visit www.saintlaurent.net.

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Media Contact: Krista Koster
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757