Firestone Vineyard Merlot
Estate Merlot from Santa Ynez, poured in Commack for decades.
The story behind Firestone Vineyard
Firestone Vineyard planted its first vines in Santa Ynez Valley in 1972, the first major estate winery in Santa Barbara County. Leonard Firestone and his son Brooks chose elevated mesas near the Pacific, where 50 degree swings between day and night keep Merlot fresh. Since 2007, Bill Foley has owned the property, and the estate fruit still comes from those gravelly, limestone laced blocks.
We have sold Firestone Merlot for years, and it remains a benchmark for California Merlot at a fair price. The grapes are 100% estate Merlot, fermented with select yeasts and aged in oak barrels. The standard bottling sees a measured oak regimen, while the Chairman Series gets more new French oak for structure. That is the difference you taste between the two.
Explore the Firestone Vineyard range
Two Merlots from the same Santa Ynez estate: the everyday Santa Ynez Valley bottling and the reserve Chairman Series, both estate grown and oak aged.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firestone Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Merlot | Estate Merlot | 14.2% ABV | Plum, cherry, cocoa, soft tannins, oak spice |
| Firestone Vineyard Chairman Series Merlot | Reserve Merlot | 14.5% ABV | Blackberry, cassis, new French oak, firm tannins |
| Firestone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon | Estate Cabernet | 14.5% ABV | Cassis, cedar, dark chocolate, structured finish |
| Firestone Vineyard Chardonnay | Estate Chardonnay | 13.5% ABV | Apple, pear, vanilla, balanced oak |
| Firestone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc | Estate Sauvignon Blanc | 13.0% ABV | Citrus, grass, mineral, crisp finish |
| Firestone Vineyard Riesling | Estate Riesling | 12.5% ABV | Apricot, honey, lime, bright acidity |
WineFirestone Vineyard - Riesling 750mL$8.99Out of stock
WineFirestone Vineyard - Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL$14.99Out of stock
WineFirestone Vineyard - Chardonnay 750mL$12.99Out of stock
WineFirestone Vineyard - Merlot 750mL$14.99Out of stock
WineFirestone Vineyard - Sauvignon Blanc 750mL$10.99Which Firestone Vineyard is right for you?
Firestone Vineyard Merlot sits at $14.99 for the 750mL Santa Ynez Valley bottling, a fair price for estate grown California Merlot with real oak aging. The Chairman Series reserve runs higher, usually in the $50 to $60 range when we have it. For a Tuesday night filet or a Sunday roast, the standard Merlot does the job without fuss. Buy Firestone Merlot online or stop in Commack and we will walk you through the difference between the two bottlings.
Affordable estate Merlot that handles roast pork and tomato pasta without overpowering them.
Reserve Merlot with new French oak and tannin to age, for braised short ribs and special dinners.
A familiar California red for guests who want something bold and dependable at the table.
Firestone Vineyard cocktails and pairings
Serve Firestone Merlot at 60 to 65 degrees in a standard red glass. The standard bottling loves filet mignon, roast pork, and tomato pasta; the Chairman Series wants braised beef short ribs or roasted lamb.