In the early Nineties, the public's attention was turning more and more towards wine and distributors were hard pressed to meet the new demands: high-quality varietal wine that was vintage dated and very affordable was needed. During those years, Howard Rossbach was visiting markets throughout the country, representing the interests of wineries from the Pacific Northwest. The plea from consumers for affordable wine could not be met by his producers who struggled to cover the overhead of vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms. Howard sharpened his pencils, picked up his telephone and set out to find the solution. It wasn't long before he located growers that were producing excellent grapes in Oregon. He found a winery that had more room than it needed, and a highly-regarded winemaker with time on his hands to consult. That was the genesis of Firesteed and the business strategy that continues to be successful today. If you attempt to call Howard a negoçiant, you'll see him positively bristle. Although a respected profession in France, the term "negoçiant" in the U.S. connotes a scavenger, opportunistically snapping up the unsold wines of dedicated producers and pasting on a pretty label. Firesteed wines are truly destined to be Firesteed wines, from the first raindrop that trickles off the leaves in Spring. Consistent quality is ensured by long-term contracts with carefully selected growers and with two designated wineries. Part of the secretr of success is that they are not confined to a growing region, and are free to explore the opportunities that interest our customers. When you are a 'virtual' winery, the world is your vineyard!
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