Angela Estate Winery Unites a Natural Fit with TRG-Aston Martin Racing as its Largest National Sponsor For Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona

A natural fit of expertise, pedigree and prestige united when small Oregon winery, Angela Estate, signed on as the largest national sponsor for the TRG-Aston Martin Racing Line-Up for the renowned Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona – a riveting and enthralling 24 hour marathon endurance race.

I love this photo I snagged off of the TRG-AMR Twitter page. Bottles of Angela Estate Pinot Noir line the Aston Martin 007 hood. | photo: @theracersgroup via Twittter

Angela Estate is a boutique, family-owned craft winery with an international pedigree.  Owned by native South African wine producer, Antony Beck (son of legendary South African winemaker Graham Beck), Angela Estate (named after Antony’s wife Angela), was created in 2006 with a focus on family and a passion for Pinot Noir.  Angela Estate Pinot Noirs are crafted by Oregon wine pioneer and legendary winemaker, Ken Wright.  The winery produces just two wines per year, each from single-vineyards owned by the Beck’s and made at Wright’s facility in the charming, wine-centric town of Yamhill-Carlton. Wright and his vineyard manager, Mark Gould, tend the Yamhill-Carlton properties with meticulous care and expertise, resulting in wines that are continuously gaining attention by the press and in competitions. Recently named one of eight “wineries to watch” in Oregon by Wine Spectator, I’ve been enjoying each and every sip of the 2012 Angela Estate Abbott Claim Vineyard Pinot Noir as I write this piece. Lush layers of bright cherries, pie spice, cedar and earth flow in silky waves from front to an everlasting finish.  Captivating acidity gives way to blissful balance that’s pure, fresh and focused with delicate, elegant tannins – truly an unforgettable Pinot Noir.

The 2012 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir – one of the finest Pinots I have ever had.

Antony, Angela and their five children reside in Lexington, Kentucky, on their Thoroughbred farm, Gainesway – purchased by Antony and his father, who have carried on its original owner’s reputation as a major force in the international horse breeding and racing industry.

Another cool shot taken from @theracersgroup TRG-AMR Twitter page. Lars Viljoen helmet

Angela Estate’s sponsorship stemmed from Antony and Angela Beck’s longtime friendship with newly-joined TRG-Aston Martin racing team driver, Lars Viljoen.  Viljoen, along with his teammates, will be driving the 007 Aston Martin car (for the Rolex 24 Hours Endurance Race at Daytona), conveniently on the release of new Bond film, “Spectre“.

“Lars is a gentleman who is passionate about both endurance racing and wine,” said Antony Beck.

Photo Courtesy of Angela Estate

“It is a pleasure and a dream come true to have the chance to race with Kevin Buckler’s TRG-AMR team and at the biggest sports car event in North America,” said Viljoen. “I have to say a massive thank you to my sponsors Angela Estate and Gainesway for supporting me for the Daytona 24 and for the Intercontinental GT Challenge 6 Hours of the Americas race. With the amazing record TRG-AMR has at Daytona I am confident of a great result and I know I am learning from the best in the business. This is definitely a bucket list tick and I just want to enjoy every minute of this once in a lifetime experience.”

A screen shot from the TRG Aston Martin website announces the addition of Lars Viljoen to the racing team |photo: trg-astomnartinracing.com

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the Oregon wine industry at such a prestigious event and on a national level,” said Angela Estate General Manager, Jessica Endsworth. “I don’t know if another Oregon winery has attempted a sponsorship of this size before, but we are certainly excited for the challenge. The connection between Lars Viljoen and the Becks is a grand opportunity to showcase Oregon wines to a new audience in a new media. The demographic for the high-quality wines at Angela Estate is the same for Gainesway farm and Aston Martin. We all come from a place of expertise, pedigree and prestige. It was a natural fit.”

The event will commence on January 30, 2016 in Daytona, FL