The Esporão Group (TEG), a Portugese family-owned company that produces wines and olive oils, has selected New York-based full-service public relations and marketing agency – Cornerstone Communications – as its agency of record in the US.

The selection of Cornerstone is part of TEG’s expansion plan in the US as it celebrates 40th anniversary in 2013.

Cornerstone will use its media and trade relations, tasting experiences, interactive social media activities and consumer initiatives to showcase Esporao wines in the US.

It has also launched a new public relations and marketing programme designed to increase the awareness of Esporão’s portfolio of wines.

Established in 1973, Esporao has nearly 1,500 acres of vineyards, 200 acres of olive groves and 25 acres of vineyards at the Herdade do Esporão estate in the Alentejo region, which are planted with 189 different types of grape varieties from Portugal, Spain, France and Germany.

Esporao mainly produces Portuguese wines from its Herdade do Esporão Alentejo and Quinta dos Murças Douro estates.

Esporao’s portfolio of wines include Esporão, Defesa, Monte Velho, Alandra, Quatro Castas red, Duas Castas white, Verdelho, Assobio DOC Douro, Quinta dos Murças Reserva, Quinta dos Murças 10 Year Tawny Port and other mono-varietals.

TEG brand manager Blanche Orbe said, "With our increased distribution, we at Esporão believe Cornerstone Communications has the energy and vision to help reach our goals of awareness in the U.S."