FARMINGDALE, N.Y., January 19, 2005 – Stew Leonard’s of Farmingdale Wine Shop, located at 210 Airport Plaza (off route 110 around the corner from Home Depot) in Farmingdale, Long Island, is hosting special guest Andrew Firestone of Firestone Vineyards, for a wine tasting and bottle signing event on February 13 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Andrew will be available for pictures and will personally autograph bottles of Firestone Wines.

Andrew achieved notoriety as the star of ABC’s third season of “The Bachelor,” and has since returned to the family business, promoting Firestone Vineyard Wines, founded by his father Brooks in 1972 in Santa Barbara County, California. He is the great-grandson of tire entrepreneur Harvey Firestone. Firestone Vineyard is a small family business, producing approximately 100,000 cases of wine a year. Andrew’s brother, Adam is the winegrower and president of Firestone Vineyard, and Andrew serves as the sales manager.

“Many people feel intimidated by the wine experience, which is something that I would like to change. I want to make wine approachable and something to be shared,” said Andrew Firestone. “I encourage people to try different types and styles of wine, and experiment pairing it with foods. Chances are they will discover a wonderful new addition to the dinner table.”

Firestone Wines will also be available for tasting and purchasing at a special price, including:

• 2002 Merlot Santa Ynez Valley ($14.99/bottle): The 2002 Merlot boasts a complex bouquet of black cherry with accents of tobacco and spice. Supple flavors of plum, blackberry and dried cherry are at the core of a full, balanced palate. Integrated tannins and hints of mocha unfold into a smooth, lingering finish.

• In 2001, Firestone’s Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99/bottle) benefited from the convergence of an excellent growing season and new estate vineyard initiatives for the achievement of optimal fruit balance. The result is a wine of extraordinary depth and elegance. A complex bouquet of cassis, licorice and caramel reveals hints of chocolate and tobacco. The cassis and caramel notes continue into the palate with accents of black cherry and toasty oak. A gorgeously structured texture unfolds with balanced tannins into a smooth, lingering finish.

• 2001 Syrah - Santa Ynez Valley ($15.99): The Firestone estate in the Santa Ynez Valley enjoys optimal growing conditions for the development of complex, full-bodied Syrah. The 2001 Syrah boasts concentrated flavors of blackberry and mocha with accents of anise, violets and white pepper. A rich texture unfolds with balanced tannins across a supple, lingering finish Wine & Spirits magazine rates Firestone Vineyard’s new release 2001 Syrah at 92 Points.

• Firestone Estate Chardonnay ($12.99/bottle): The 2002 Chardonnay showcases Santa Barbara County as one of the world’s premier appellations for the varietal. A vibrant bouquet boasts notes of apple, honey and citrus. Exquisitely balanced flavors of pear and melon anticipate accents of toasted oak, vanilla and lemon zest. A full, creamy texture unfolds into a crisp, lingering finish.

• Firestone Estate Santa Ynez Sauv Blanc 2003 ($8.99/bottle) has racked up eight gold medals and broad wine media acclaim over the preceding three vintages. The 2003 advances this record of excellence, beginning with a bright bouquet of passion fruit, honeysuckle and lemongrass. Vivid flavors of melon, guava and green apple glide across the palate with enticing accents of grapefruit zest and gooseberry. A firm, exquisitely structured acid profile carries a crisp, quenching finish.

• Firestone Vineyard Select Riesling 2003 ($9.99/bottle) Crafted in the classic off-dry style, the 2003 Riesling begins with a vivid bouquet of honeysuckle and pear. The honeysuckle notes continue on the palate, anticipating bright flavors of apricot, melon and citrus. A subtle sweetness is balanced by crisp acidity on a full, lingering finish.

About Firestone Vineyard
Firestone Vineyard was established in 1972 as Santa Barbara County’s first estate winery by Andrew Firestone’s father Brooks and mother Kate, and his grandfather Leonard Firestone, a former Ambassador to Belgium. The estate now spans more than 30 years of Firestone family stewardship and a multigenerational commitment to fine estate-crafted wines. For more information, visit www.FirestoneWine.com

About Stew Leonard’s of Farmingdale Wine Shop
Stew Leonard’s of Farmingdale Wine Shop opened in October of 2002, and has quickly become known for offering great wine at a great value, along with having a knowledgeable and friendly staff. The wine buyers and managers have all obtained an advanced degree from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), with many working toward heir diploma degree in wine, a two-year program. Stew’s wine buyers personally visit wineries around the globe, including California, Spain, France, Chile and Italy to learn more about the wines and find the best values. As part of educating the customer about the latest trends in wine, Stew Leonard’s of Farmingdale offers free wine tasting on the weekends. For more information, visit www.stewleonards.com, or call the wine shop at 631-249-3611.

(Vineyards of Farmingdale LLC, d/b/a/ Stew Leonard’s of Farmingdale is independently owned and operated and is not part of a cooperative buying group, or affiliated with the Stew Leonard’s food stores.)