The Borgias Wines

Showtime Signs Wine Licensing Deal With Votto Vines

Press Release: 7 September 2010 –

HAMDEN, Conn. – Showtime Networks Inc., in partnership with CBS Consumer Products, has entered into a licensing agreement with Votto Vines Importing (Votto Vines) for a line of Italian wines based on the upcoming SHOWTIME series The Borgias. This will be the first imported wine licensing venture for Showtime Networks and CBS Consumer Products.

“We are thrilled to be working with Showtime and CBS Consumer Products on this unique opportunity,” says Votto Vines President and CEO Michael Votto. He adds, “This is a tremendous opportunity, and we look forward to developing a successful initiative together.”

In keeping with the setting of The Borgias, the red and white varietals will be imported from the northern Italian region of Veneto. Each wine will retail for under $15/bottle and will be produced by an award-winning family winery located in the heart of the Bianco di Custoza zone, on the outskirts of the historic center of Verona. The target release date for The Borgias wines is the spring of 2011, in advance of the show’s premiere.

“In this economy, wine consumers are seeking high-quality wines at great price points,” says Votto Vines SVP of Sales Jeremy Jerome. “That is what The Borgias wine brand will represent. Traditional Italian varietals from the region of Veneto at a price point that will appeal to both the novice and experienced wine consumer alike. Having nearly finalized the selection process for The Borgias wines, we are confident that wine consumers will be very excited about these wines.”

THE BORGIAS, a one-hour drama series based on the infamous Italian Renaissance family, will premiere on SHOWTIME in spring 2011 with nine episodes. Oscar^®-winning actor Jeremy Irons will star in the epic drama as Rodrigo Borgia, the cunning, manipulative patriarch of the Borgia family who ascends to the highest circles of power within Renaissance-era Italy. Additionally, Academy Award^®-winning director Neil Jordan (“The Crying Game”) will create and executive produce the series and will direct the first two episodes. The series is currently in production in Budapest.