Editor: For further information regarding this press release, please contact Marika Rose at 916.601-9737, amcr@comcast.net.

NEWS RELEASE

Wine Buyer’s Long-Time Friendship Brings a Special Collection of Silver Oak Wines to the Firehouse Restaurant

SACRAMENTO, CA (March 11, 2003) - When he met Silver Oak Cellars’ Justin Meyer in 1979, Mario Ortiz was a young man working his way through the ranks at Old Sacramento’s Firehouse restaurant, developing a passion for fine wine along the way.

Over the next 20 years, Mario’s love of wine continued to grow, Silver Oak’s cabernets enjoyed tremendous popularity, and the men and their families became close friends, often getting together for dinners and racquetball games.

“We talked about wine, food, art – and soccer. Justin was a huge soccer fan,” says Mario, himself a member of a team in Sacramento. “We watched each other’s kids grow up.”

Mario, now general manager and wine buyer for The Firehouse, says he and Justin discussed for years the idea of putting together a special collection of Silver Oak cabernets for The Firehouse. They had just decided which bottles would comprise the collection in early 2002.

“Early last year, Justin called me, inviting me to have dinner with him and discuss the vintages for The Firehouse,” Mario says. “We talked at length and came up with a final list of vintages. We said we’d speak again soon about getting the collection to the restaurant.”

But in August 2002, before he and Mario had the chance to speak again about the wines, Justin passed away of a heart attack. Shocked and saddened, Mario forgot about the wine list they’d discussed until recently when Justin’s wife Bonny called Mario. “She knew Justin wanted me to have some special wines,” Mario said. “She told me that we would have the collection at The Firehouse.”

The list, which includes vintages from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s from Alexander Valley, Napa Valley and the famous Bonny’s Vineyard, is now available at the restaurant. Mario says he’s proud to bring Justin’s wines to the restaurant, and to be able to share the results of his friend’s great passion for wine – and for life – with others. He says he remembers his friend’s love of guitar, of singing in his church choir, and of telling stories.

“Justin always liked to have a story to tell and he was eager to hear one – especially funny stories. He enjoyed laughing very much,” Mario says. “At the winery, I always felt like I was part of a big family. I’m lucky to have been his friend.”

About The Firehouse

The splendid ambiance of The Firehouse is enhanced by its reputation for excellence in food, wine, and hospitality. It has received continued recognition over the years, including several recent awards. The Firehouse is located in Old Sacramento at 1112 Second Street.

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