STEW LEONARD’S UNITED WAY BENEFIT EXPLORES FOODS AND WINES OF FRANCE FEATURING 60 WINES AND NEWLY RELEASED 2005 BORDEAUX VINTAGE

NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 5, 2007 – Stew Leonard’s hosts the fourth annual food and wine tasting to benefit the United Way of Norwalk and Wilton and the United Way of Westport-Weston. The theme of the tasting is from Bordeaux to Burgundy: The Foods and Wines of France, featuring 60 highly-rated French wines. Guests at the event will be among the first to taste the 2005 Bordeaux vintage along with top-ranked wines from five of France’s most distinguished wine tasting regions, paired with regional foods. The event will take place Friday, March 9 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Aitoro Appliance, located at 401 Westport Avenue.

“The 2005 Bordeaux encompasses exceptional quality from the top first growth,” said Amy Dixon, Stew Leonard’s Fine Wine Specialist.  “This is the year where there will be something for everyone, since there will be affordable Bordeaux’s as well as those to cellar. It’s also an incredible value to be able to taste 60 wines for $50.00.”

The Bordeaux region is the largest wine producing region in France and the second largest wine growing area in the world. Befitting of this, the majority of wines being poured at the tasting will represent this region.  Along with Bordeaux, other regions being featured at the event are Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley and the Rhone Valley.  Some wine highlights include:

• Smith Haut Lafitte 2003: Rated 93 Points Wine Spectator and placed  no. 58 “Top 100 Wines of 2006” 
• Dom Perignon 1998: Rated 92 Points Wine Advocate
• Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape 2004: Rated 94 Points Wine Advocate
• Piper Rare 1990 Champagne: Rated 95 Points Wine Spectator

“We’ve hosted the United Way benefit for the past three years and the event always sells out,” said Stew Leonard, Jr., president of Stew Leonard’s.  “So this year, Aitoro has opened up their kitchen show rooms for us to hold the event in, enabling us sell up to 350 tickets, and help raise even more money for our local United Way chapters,” said Leonard.

Stew Leonard’s executive chef George Llorens, will showcase his French culinary background at the event. Click here to see Chef George’s French Inspired Menu. Guests will have the opportunity to dine on his signature filet mignon with cognac and black peppercorn, Provençal shrimp, French cheeses and pates, as well as a variety of decadent desserts such as crème puff pastries and strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. 

Attendees are automatically entered into a raffle drawing featuring prizes such as collectible wines and magnum bottles, as well as other wine related items.  Fifteen percent of the wine orders taken at the event go towards the United Way. 

Tickets are available for $50.00 per person and can be purchased in advance at:

• The United Way of Norwalk & Wilton at 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk; 203.847.7281  
• The United Way of Westport-Weston at 489 Post Road East, Westport; 203.227.1743
• Stew Leonard’s Wines, 55 Westport Avenue, Norwalk; 203.750.6162

If paying via check, please make checks out to the United Way.

About United Way
The United Way of Norwalk & Wilton and the Westport-Weston United Way work to improve the quality of life for people in our communities by mobilizing people and resources.  For additional information, please visit www.uwnw.org and www.wwunitedway.org.

About Aitoro Appliances
Aitoro was established in South Norwalk on Ely Avenue in 1948 by Anthony, Vincent and Rudy Aitoro to sell and service appliances, TV’s and radios -- back then, basic washing machines, ovens, refrigerators and black & white sets. Over the years, the family-owned business expanded to keep pace with the growth of Norwalk and the appliance and electronics industry. In 1963, a larger building was needed, so the company opened a new store at 401 Westport Avenue, just a ½ mile from Stew Leonard’s. 

About Stew Leonard’s Vineyards
Stew Leonard’s Wines in Norwalk opened seven years ago, and in June 2006 underwent a complete remodeling. In addition to new hardwood floors, oak ceilings and easy-to-navigate aisles, the fine wine room, which carries hard-to-find, highly rated wines, has tripled in size.