CHICAGO | Today, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its new signature wine brand, Canvas, developed in partnership with Folio Fine Wine Partners, a Napa Valley, Calif.-based company owned by the Michael Mondavi family. To celebrate the launch, Hyatt debuted the wine last night during a tasting event with celebrated winemaker Michael Mondavi at the Grand Hyatt New York. Guests sampled the wine amidst original canvas artworks provided by the New York Academy of Art. Recognized as a leading innovator in hotel food and beverage, Hyatt is delighted to offer its guests three new handcrafted, artisan varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay – bringing added variety and excellence to the Hyatt dining experience.

Rob Mondavi, president of winegrowing at Folio Fine Wine Partners and Michael’s son, worked closely with Hyatt and acclaimed Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson Immer to develop the Canvas wines.

“Folio Fine Wine Partners and the Michael Mondavi name are synonymous with great wine,” said Paul Daly, assistant vice president food & beverage, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “In an effort to develop a wine that would impress the discriminating palates of Hyatt guests, Folio was a natural partner. With its dedication to local growers and the integrity of the wine, their vision aligns with Hyatt’s food and beverage standards of excellence.”

From left: Barry Prescott, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Corporate Beverage Director; Steve Enselein, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts VP Catering and Convention Services; Michael Mondavi, Folio Fine Wine Partners Founder & ''Coach''; Paul Daly, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Asst. VP Food & Beverage; and Matt Adams, Grand Hyatt New York VP/Managing Director.

“It’s an honor to develop a special blend for a hotel company of Hyatt’s caliber,” said Michael Mondavi. “Our goal for Canvas was to create three premium California varieties that could be enjoyed on their own by the glass or paired with a nice meal. The name ‘Canvas’ represents the ‘art of living,’ and also refers to the artisan approach we took when making the wine — from sourcing only quality fruit from the top growing regions in California, to the careful barrel-aging and blending process.”

Beginning today, Canvas varietals will be available at restaurants, bars and in-room dining at all Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Resorts in the United States. Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites properties will begin serving Canvas wines later this year. The Canvas varietals include:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – The 2004 vintage offers lush aromas of ripe, fruit-forward flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cassis layered with nuances of cigar box and tobacco. Soft supple tannins and toasty oak showcase the silky finish. Subtle hints of oak and spice, married with lively tannins, allow this wine to be enjoyed on its own or with a pairing.


  • Chardonnay – The 2005 vintage greets the nose with lovely apple blossom and honeysuckle aromatics. The wine then transitions into a pure varietal of rich orchard fruit flavors dominated by apple and pear, framed with well integrated oak and bright acidity.


  • Merlot – Crafted as a wine to be enjoyed on its own or paired with a favorite dish, the 2005 vintage is a wonderful balance of pure Merlot fruit and subtle toasty spice combined with rich, ripe tannins that give this wine elegance in the glass.

As part of the rollout, Andrea Robinson Immer will provide training for hotel staff and host wine tasting events at properties across the Unites States.

About Global Hyatt Corporation
Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, offers today’s travelers over 735 hotels and resorts (over 136,000 rooms) in more than 44 countries. The company’s affiliates own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt branded hotels and resorts under the Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Resorts®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Place™ and Hyatt Summerfield Suites® brands. In April 2007, Hyatt launched its newest global brand, Andaz™. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of the Hyatt Vacation Club and fractional residential properties and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc., which franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns and Suites.

From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto .

About Folio Fine Wine Partners
Founded in 2004 by the Michael Mondavi family, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world's premiere and emerging wine regions. Folio provides sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Argentina, Italy, Austria, Spain and New Zealand.

Lori Armon
Director Of Public Relations
(312) 750-8069
Hyatt