Marilyn Wines to Be Displayed at Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit at The Queen Mary

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Collection to Feature More Than 40 Bottles of Rare Marilyn Wines

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 11, 2005, "Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit," will make its debut aboard the Queen Mary. This exhibit will feature the world's largest private collection of Marilyn Monroe artifacts ever assembled. Part of this collection is the more than 40 bottles of rare Marilyn-monikered wines, which have been collected since the year of their inception, 1985, by collector Robert Otto.

Wines bearing the names Marilyn Merlot, Norma Jean (A Young Merlot), Marilyn Chardonnay, Marilyn Champagne, Marilyn Cabernet and the Velvet Collection will be on display, along with some of Marilyn Monroe's personal property, including sweaters lingerie, evening gowns jewelry, and much more. Items featured are from the extensive collection of Robert W. Otto, chairman and CEO of Marilyn Monroe Exhibits, who is a renowned and widely acclaimed international collector, curator and historical expert on Marilyn Monroe. "Marilyn Merlot, Cabernet and the Red Velvet Collection are items that Marilyn Monroe collectors drool over. The bottles are truly works of art that commemorate the legend," said Robert Otto.

The latest in the collection, Velvet Collection 2003, is a tempting blend of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines made under the direction of noted winemaker John McKay. What makes this wine unique is the label, which has a nude photo portrait of Marilyn Monroe reclining on red velvet taken by Tom Kelley in 1949. Fledgling publisher Hugh Hefner utilized this photograph as the Centerfold for the very first issue of Playboy magazine in December, 1953. The resulting wine is as silky, smooth and seductive as the star on the label. The wines are produced and bottled by Marilyn Wines, a division of Nova Wines, Inc., of Oakville, California.

Marilyn Wines owner Robert Holder commented, "Our customers often buy three bottles at a time: one to drink, one to cellar and one for investment," Holder said. "And, of course, a person always needs one bottle to look at."

Fans of Marilyn Monroe and wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample these wines at the Gala being held aboard the Queen Mary on November 18th. The proceeds from all activities will benefit conservation and restoration of the impressive collection of original art aboard the 1936 ocean liner as well as the Hollygrove Child & Family Services, a child-centered, family-focused community organization serving abused and neglected children and those at risk of abuse. Hollygrove held a special place in the life of Marilyn Monroe; she spent two years of her early life there and it remained one of her favorite charities until her death. For more information about this event, please call 562.499.1650.

Marilyn Monroe: The Exhibit will run through February 18, 2006. Presented in the Sundeck Exhibit area aboard the historic ocean liner, the exhibit will be open daily from Noon to 8 p.m. and tickets are $22.95/Adult (exhibit only) or $33.95/Adult (includes the Ghosts & Legends of the Queen Mary show, two guided tours, and admission to the Russian submarine).

For more information about the Queen Mary the public may call (562) 435-3511. Please contact our Attraction Group Sales office at (562) 499-1728 for group tour rates. For information about the November 18 Gala Event, please contact 562.499.1650.

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