LEGACY WINE CLUB OFFERS AN ARRAY OF FINE WINE FROM AN UNEXPECTED SOURCE 1865 Co.’s new Legacy Wine Club uncorks the ever-increasing offerings from African American-owned vineyards

San Francisco, Calif., May 25, 2006 – Luxury e-tailer 1865 Co., formally launched the world’s first wine club dedicated exclusively to raising the public’s awareness about the expanding industry of fine winemaking among African Americans. Coined the Legacy Wine Club, after 1865 Co.’s historically-themed jewelry and gift collection, the new club makes hard-to-find wines from black-owned vineyards accessible to members from around the country—at the click of their mouse. Legacy Wine Club was created in partnership with leading wine sourcing company eWinery Solutions, and represents a significant milestone in 1865 Co.’s almost two-year history, signifying its evolution from a gift company to a lifestyle brand.

Beginning July 1, 2006, each quarter Legacy Wine Club will give members the opportunity to sample exquisite red, white and sparkling wines from an array of vineyards. The wide range of seasonal varietals, are hand-selected to help members extend their knowledge and experience of wine. “In doing our research, we found that very few Americans were aware that black-owned vineyards exist let alone produce fine wines,” says Patrice Davenport, 1865 Co. founder and president. Many featured wines come from smaller producers and cannot be found at local bottle shops. “Some of these winemakers are experimenting with high-quality blends creating explosive nuances that bring out the best elements in each wine.” says Davenport.

Wines through Legacy Wine Club are sold at a modest discount off the recommended retail prices. Additional member benefits include opportunities to participate in vineyard tours, tastings, food pairing sessions with winemakers and culinary instruction. Legacy Wine Club wine buyers travel several times a year and are continuously discovering fine wines primarily from California’s Sonoma and Santa Barbara regions. Wines that members can expect to receive include Sauvignons, Merlots, Pinots, Chardonnays, Syrahs, Gewurtztraminers, Rieslings and Cabernets, among others. Esterlina Vineyards and Winery vice president, Stephen Sterling whose family has been making wine for several generations explains, “We are elated about our affiliation with Legacy Wine Club as this is a great avenue for Esterlina Vineyards and Winery to expand our market-share to a very sought-after audience. I look forward to getting our wines in front of 1865 Co.’s clientele.” The company plans to profile each featured vineyard and winemaker on its website www.legacywineclub.com in coming months.

Members can specify their preference for red or white wine and qualify for discounts on individual bottle purchases, wine-related products, gifts and accessories sold at www.legacywineclub.com. "With holiday giving becoming ever more stressful, the gift of a wine club membership is an easy but high impact gift idea," states Marlen Foster, 1865 Co. vice president of sales and operations. Legacy Wine Club boasts 100% legal compliance for interstate sale and distribution of wine—-shipping directly to members in 36 states and tasting rooms in 43 states. There is no contract to join and membership can be discontinued at any time without penalty.

To become a member of the Legacy Wine Club or for more information visit the Web site at www.legacywineclub.com or call, toll-free, 1-888-333-1865.

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1865 Co. is a privately-held, historically-themed specialty retailer founded in 2005. The company’s mission is “to provide clients with superior customer service and offer unique and luxurious merchandise—crafted to be cherished mementos of the African American experience past, present and future.” The Web site www.1865Co.com features unique fine jewelry, gifts and keepsakes designed to encourage all Americans to celebrate and educate-themselves about the contributions of African Americans to the United States and abroad. Next year, 1865 Co. will add travel to historic travel destinations, a wedding registry and a current events web log to its expanding service offerings.