FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 3/26/08

Nebraska - Area Finalist Announced in Third Annual Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medel Awards Program

Sonoma, CA Two local food artisans are just one step closer to taking home the top prize as the Gallo family today announced the finalists in the third annual Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards. This nationwide search for the countrys top artisanal food producers was created by the Gallo family in 2005 to give back to the artisanal community by recognizing individual businesses who share their commitment to high standards of quality, traditional methods of artisanal food producing and sustainable agriculture.

After careful evaluation by an expert panel, the following producers within the state of Nebraska have met the judges qualifications and are recognized as top-quality food producers whose products adhere to artisanal means:

** Pastabilities Unlimited, Firth, Nebraska, Condiment;
** Rafter 7S, Paxton, Nebraska, Condiment;

From year to year, we have seen an increased excitement for the Gold Medal Awards program and were equally pleased to see the artisans of Nebraska participate for year three, said Gina Gallo, third-generation winemaker, Gallo Family Vineyards. This year marks the E. & J. Gallo Winerys 75th Anniversary, so we are even prouder to bestow this honor to deserving American artisans who started out just like my grandfather Julio and great-uncle Ernest did many years ago.

The finalists have been asked to submit their products to be judged by an esteemed panel of culinary experts who will determine the Grand Prize winners across seven categories. Additionally, a special All Artisanal Award will be presented to a family-owned business that exemplifies artisanal food production and stands as an inspiration for other food industry professionals.

The Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards means so much to our family and were extremely pleased to recognize another generation of exemplary artisans, said Stephanie Gallo, Senior Director of Marketing, Gallo Family Vineyards. As the countrys first family of wine, we truly understand the hard work and dedication that producing a quality artisanal product requires and we are privileged to honor those who continue to uphold the tradition.

All Grand Prize winners will each receive a $5,000.00 business development grant. In addition, winners will be flown to New York City in April for a celebratory luncheon with members of the Gallo family, an annual membership to the Chefs Collaborative and the Gallo Family Vineyards seal of excellence to display on their winning products. The winner of the All Artisanal Award, will receive a trip to Aspen for the Food and Wine Classic in June 2008 to showcase their winning product as well as an advertisement in a top national culinary publication touting the product and their prestigious title.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 2007

Nebraska Food company Places in National Competition

Rafter 7S of Paxton makes a variety of hot pepper jellies and glazes and entered Chile Pepper Magazines 2008 Fiery Food Challenge. The company's Holiday Habanero Glaze won second place in the dessert category and the firms Blazin' Hot Habanero won 3rd place in the jelly category.

"I started selling jelly simply to make a little extra money," said Sherri Seifer, owner of Rafter 7S. "We entered the competition to see how our products would stack up against other brands across the nation. It's very exciting to find out we are this competitive on a national scale."

The Fiery Food Challenge is the most recognized, prestigious competition of zesty products in the industry. Culinary experts judge every product through a series of blind tastings. Entrants vie for the coveted first place Golden Chile award in more than 80 categories from salsa to apparel.

Seifer has been making jelly for years. She started giving it as gifts to family and friends then expanded to selling at farmer's markets and craft shows. The firm's specialty is pepper jelly. The most popular way to serve it is over cream cheese with crackers, or as a glaze on meats. You can view the full product line, place and order and find recipe suggestions at www.rafter7s.com.

Rafter 7S products are made the old fashioned way, in small hand-stirred batches. Seifer is committed to a quality product and uses wild fruits and locally grown peppers to creat and authentic taste experience.

Rafter 7S, LLC, is located on a working cattle ranc 30 miles north of Paxton in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills. The entire Seifer family gets involved in the business, especially when it's time to pick wild fruit such as chokecherries, plums an sandcherries. The company has customers in countries across the world including Germany, England and Sweden.

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For additional information or to schedule and interview on Rafter 7S jellies, glazes and syrups, contact Sherry Seifer at (308) 726-2319 or visit www.rafter7s.com.