The Firestone family name first became a household name in this country for their eponymous brand of tires. Then Andrew Firestone, great grandson of the founder of the Firestone company, became the third man to star in the ABC series The Bachelor, forever creating a new association for the family name in the mind of the public.

However, the Firestone name is also now a player in the wine industry. The Bachelor himself has starred in an instructional DVD titled “Wine Ways” and is currently the general manager of a Firestone winery. The family looks to expand the brand and the stature of the Firestone label. The upcoming sale of one of their vineyards is planned to do just that.

The Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos, CA, will be sold to Foley Wine Group. However, the Firestone name will remain on the label, despite the change in ownership, and it's expected the change will not impact the running of the vineyard or quality of the product.

The Bachelor star's father, Brooks Firestone, said, “The Firestone winery and brand kind of wanted to expand…Bill Foley has a number of wineries, and he is in the mode to take on that expansion and wanted to add Firestone and combine the brands.

“He makes good wine and will keep the Firestone legacy and tradition going.”

Andrew Firestone is not, however, getting out of the wine business himself. He's going to continue on in the new family business as general manager of the Firestone Vineyards in Paso Robles.

Despite this job, Firestone hasn't completely taken himself out of the reality world loop. The former Bachelor has also made appearances on Celebrity Paranormal Project and Charm School. He's also been able to capitalize on his love of fine automobiles, acting as host for a lifestyle series called “Billionaires Car Club.”

- Leslie Seaton, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Lompoc Record
(Image courtesy of AndrewFirestone.com)