The epitome of entrepreneurial spirit and family tradition, Firestone Vineyard was the first major estate winery founded in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was established in 1972 by Leonard and Brooks Firestone, the son and grandson of legendary tire innovator Harvey Firestone. Through the years, Firestone became a Santa Barbara County icon, producing a splendid portfolio of world class wines.
In 2007, when the family decided to sell the winery to focus on other family businesses, they turned to a friend and fellow Santa Ynez Valley winery owner, Vintner Bill Foley, to further the Firestone winemaking tradition. Two years later, Winemaker Paul Warson came on board. “Firestone has amazing vineyards, a great facility, and a climate that is incredibly hospitable to both grapes and people,” Paul says. The wines Paul and his colleagues have since produced have been described as “uniformly spectacular,” earning high scores and praise. These new Firestone reds show deep, intense, luscious,and balanced characteristics, while the whites are crisp, concentrated, and delicious.
The estate vineyard is planted in a unique cusp region of the valley: warmer than areas to the southwest (Santa Rita Hills) and to the north; yet cooler than the eastern areas of the AVA. Consequently, the grapes enjoy a long growing season that allows a wide range of varieties to thrive. Vineyard Manager Richard Camera, who came to Firestone one year after Paul, says he was amazed by the property’s acres of ancient vines that were still producing incredible wines.
Located at the foot of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Firestone is a popular wine touring stop. The gorgeous tasting room features an island bar with vineyard views, old family photos, and other memorabilia to honor the Firestone legacy. But the greatest tribute to the Firestone clan is found in the portfolio of concentrated, ripe, and beautifully balanced wines which all carry the distinctive imprint of their unique terroir.