NORWALK, Conn., February 1, 2010 – Stew Leonard's wine experts searched all of Italy to find trendsetting wines at great values and came back with more than 60 gems that will be showcased at this year's annual food and wine tasting event to benefit United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. The event takes place on Thursday, February 11th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Stew Leonard's food store, located at 100 Westport Avenue in Norwalk. The goal of this seventh annual food and wine tasting hosted by Stew Leonard’s Wines of Norwalk is to raise $10,000 for United Way.

"Our annual food and wine tasting to benefit United Way is one of our most popular events and sells out every year," says Stew Leonard, Jr., President and CEO of Stew Leonard's Wines. "This year we are featuring an outstanding selection of wines from Italy and all money raised goes toward people in need in United Way's twelve town region. For $50.00 this is the best value in town."

"We are so grateful for the support of Stew Leonard's each year. Their commitment to community is impressive and through their support, thousands of individuals and families benefit from United Way initiatives," stated Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., President & CEO of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. This year when individuals purchase a ticket to the Wine Tasting, they are not only supporting the work of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County locally but $10 of each $50 ticket to the Stew Leonard's Wine Tasting will go to United Way Worldwide's Disaster Fund to support families in need in Haiti."

Stew Leonard's Wine specialists have hand-picked this year's selection of wines from Italy, including these best bang-for-your-buck selections:

• Ornellaia La Serre Nuove 2006 ($64.99) 94 pts RP - Robert Parker says this is a "MUST BUY" in comparison to its flagship red, Ornellaia, retailing for over $200 per bottle! Structured, with mineral and blackberry-laden fruit, this wine is completely seductive.
• Antinori Tignanello 2006 ($99.99) 94 pts WE - The flagship Super Tuscan in one of the most historic vintages of the century! Intense aromas of ripe blackberry and flowers, with rosemary and coffee hints. Full-bodied, with chewy, polished tannins. Excellent fruit concentration and a flavorful aftertaste.
• Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 ($29.99) 93 pts and #35 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of the year! Fabulous aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with super silky tannins and amazing richness and subtlety. Goes on for minutes on the palate.
• Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello 2004 ($69.99) 95 pts WS and #15 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of the year! Shows a complex nose of blackberry, tanned leather, sandalwood and cedar. Fascinating. Full-bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Concentrated yet balanced. Beautiful and complete.

Stew Leonard's team of chefs has prepared a menu of international foods to complement the variety of wines being served, including:

• Mini Brochette of Filet Mignon in Stroganoff Sauce;
• Chicken Satay;
• Bruschetta Napolitano;
• Pita Point with Eggplant Caviar
• Canape of Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Sauce;
• Strawberry with Chocolate.

About United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County's mission is: "Together, we mobilize our communities to improve people's lives". Our vision is to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Working with many partners, United Way is focused on the building blocks that we all need for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and good health. Find out more by visiting www.unitedwaycfc.org.

About Stew Leonard's Wines of Norwalk
Stew Leonard's Wines of Norwalk is known for the personal service it provides to customers and its knowledgeable staff, many of whom are certified wine professionals. The store carries 2,600 wines from around the world, including more than 200 bottles of hard-to-find, highly rated wines in the fine wine cellar. Sign up to be notified of future events via email by filling out a form at the store. Visit www.stewswines.com for more information.