New York, NY., March 14, 2008 – Jerry Martellaro, Director of Wines for Stew Leonard's Wines of Farmingdale, was honored last night with The European Wine Council's 2008 Wine Ambassador Award at their Twelfth Annual Dinner Gala held at New York's Le Cirque restaurant.

Dr. Lucio Caputo, Chairman of the European Wine Council, bestowed the award to Mr. Martellaro at the Gala, an invitation-only black tie gathering for approximately 100 representatives of the Council and members of the wine and culinary press.

"This is a special award given every year to a wine retailer who demonstrates a commitment to and enthusiasm for European wines," states Dr. Caputo. "Mr. Martellaro joins an esteemed group of wine retailers who distinguish themselves through their knowledge and promotional efforts on behalf of European wines."

"I am thrilled Jerry is being recognized by the European Wine Council," said Stew Leonard, Jr. "Over the past six years, he has been integral to the success of our wine business and, particularly, to promoting and educating consumers about European wines. He truly deserves this award."

Mr. Martellaro joined Stew Leonard's in 2002 to help open and manage Stew Leonard's Wines of Farmingdale, and in just six years has grown it to become one of the largest wine stores on New York's Long Island. He provides leadership and strategic direction for the purchasing, merchandising and store operations for Stew Leonard's Wines' five independently-owned locations in Connecticut and New York.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the European Wine Council," states Jerry Martellaro, 2008 Wine Ambassador Award recipient and Director of Wines for Stew Leonard's of Farmingdale. "We committed to increasing European wine sales a few years back and knew that educating consumers would be key to meeting our goals. In our efforts, we realized the best way to educate our customers is by inviting wine makers and owners to our stores to interact with them."

About The European Wine Council
Formed in 1992, the European Wine Council was chartered to enhance knowledge and appreciation of European wines in the U.S. and to promote a spirit of good will among wine professionals in Europe and the U.S. For more information, visit www.europeanwinecouncil.com.

About Stew Leonard's Wines of Farmingdale Opened in 2002, Stew Leonard's Wines of Farmingdale is known for offering great wines at competitive prices and providing knowledgeable and friendly customer service. Stew Leonard's wine shop managers are all Certified Wine Experts, having completed the Wine and Spirits Education Trust course, regularly attend wine trade shows and personally visit wineries around the globe. The Farmingdale shop carries 3,000 wines from around the world, including more than 400 bottles of hard-to-find, highly rated wines in the fine wine cellar. Stew Leonard's Wines of Farmingdale offers free wine tastings and other events on a regular basis. Sign up for future events by filling out a wine e-line form located at the wine shop entrance. For more information, visit www.stewswines.com or call the wine shop at 631-249-3611.

*Stew Leonard's wine stores are individually owned and operated. They are not a cooperative buying group and are not part of the Stew Leonard's grocery chain.