Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Renews Official Sponsorship of Elton John AIDS Foundation

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Company, a leading producer of premium wines, and a sponsor of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, will provide wines by Sterling Vineyards for the EJAF gala dinner and Academy Awards Viewing Party for the third consecutive year. Additionally, for the 6th consecutive year, Sterling Vineyards will be the featured wine at the Academy Awards' Governors' Ball, the celebration that follows the Oscars' telecast.

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines will continue to provide wines for all EJAF annual fundraising events in the United States in sponsorship of the organization's global efforts to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs. Through successful fundraising, special events and voluntary contributions, the EJAF has raised over $150 million to provide grants to worthy HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 55 countries. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wine brands have shown consistent commitment to similar goals with support of the Human Rights Campaign, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Dining Out for Life and regional AIDS support groups.

"We are proud to continue our alliance with the Elton John AIDS Foundation," said Tom Scott, Vice President of Communications & Corporate Relations for Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines. "EJAF is tireless in the critical fight against AIDS and at DC&E we honor that commitment. As for Sunday's Viewing Party, we are delighted to participate in an event that does so much good, with so much glamour."

Established in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. Focusing on the support of community based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to those living with HIV/AIDS, the organization's outreach efforts include physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, food distribution, assisted living services, social services and volunteer recruitment and support. For more information about EJAF, log onto to www.ejaf.org.

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines is part of Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets Sterling Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vintner's Collection, the Chalone Wine Group brands, Rosenblum Cellars, Solaris, and Blossom Hill, as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier.

DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux in the U.S. and F.E. Trimbach wines from Alsace. A collection of Burgundy estate-bottled wines and several other fine European wines complement the selection. Diageo's broader business includes Smirnoff Vodkas and flavored malt beverages, Guinness, Bailey's Irish Cream, Crown Royal, and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, as well as many other of the world's leading premium drinks brands. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).