(May 14, 2008) - The stars have aligned for the 2nd Annual Niagara Wine Weekend & Auction (NWA) with the announcement of JUNO Award-winning songstress Jann Arden as Host of the three-day epicurean event happening June 13 -15, at Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“I am always honored to be part of an event that raises awareness, and of course much needed funding for such wonderful charities,” said Jann Arden. “The Niagara area is so beautiful, the Ontario wines and cuisine will be amazing, and the entertainment will make going over The Falls look like nothing!”

Arden joins an exceptional coterie of celebrities who will be lending their talents in support of SickKids Foundation and the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation. Previously announced participants at this year’s Niagara Wine Auction include Celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini, Peller Estates Executive Chef Jason Parsons, and Grammy Award-winning soul sensations The Temptations and The Pointer Sisters.

Preparations are well underway for the spectacular weekend that includes an intimate and refined VIP Reception; exclusive Winemakers' Dinners hosted by select wineries; Wine Garden Party; Gala Dinner & Dance and the Wineries Showcase Sunday.

The benevolent focal point of the weekend is the Live, Silent and Barrel Auctions happening Saturday, June 14th which features prized collections of award-winning barrel lots, exclusive merchandise and getaway packages to raise money for the NWA’s two charities of choice.

Jann Arden is a steadfast supporter of various charities including World Vision and is the national spokesperson for Kids Help Phone. She continues to be an icon of the Canadian entertainment industry with nine albums, 17 Top 10 singles, a substantial collection of industry-related awards and honours including a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and eight JUNO Award wins.

Tickets to experience the Niagara Wine Weekend & Auction are now on sale at $1000 per person and can be purchased online or by cheque. For more information on the Niagara Wine Weekend & Auction, please call 1-866-946-3593 or visit www.niagarawineauction.com.

About Niagara Wine Weekend & Auction
In conjunction with the Wine Council of Ontario and in partnership with DundeeWealth, the 2nd Annual Niagara Wine Weekend & Auction (NWA) will take place at historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, June 13-15, 2008. Ontario’s finest winemakers and celebrity chefs come together for this premier event that spans three days to deliver an epicurean experience like no other. Founded in 2007 by John Peller, President & C.E.O., Andrew Peller Ltd., the NWA is dedicated to supporting SickKids Foundation and the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation, two valuable organizations that are helping to improve the health and well being of children and patients across the region and throughout the world. For more information on the NWA and its benefactors, visit www.niagarawineauction.com.