A soft, steady Carneros breeze often greets guests as they drive up the olive tree-lined entry road of Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. It was this breeze, along with the familiar Mediterranean climate and gently sloping hillside that first drew the Ferrer family to the Sonoma, California land.
Relying on their Spanish roots and more than 100 years of winemaking experience, the Ferrers planted three-quarters of the Carneros estate exclusively to Pinot Noir. Now more than 25 years later, Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine is defined by this commitment to Pinot Noir. The Gloria Ferrer portfolio includes nine sparkling wines, two Pinot Noirs, and other vineyard-designate estate varietals exclusive to club members. Executive winemaker Bob Iantosca and winemaker Steven Urberg use a gentle hand, carefully preserving each grape’s unique capacity for reflecting terroir. This care has awarded Gloria Ferrer with more than 500 gold medals in the last five years, and Bob Iantosca with the highly regarded André Tchelistcheff “Winemaker of the Year” Award from the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
The winery exudes Spanish charm. Inspired by the family’s 11th-century farmhouse in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, Spain, its architecture is a harmonious marriage of Catalan and California mission design. The grand and gracious tasting room is always festive and lively. Guests are invited to linger there, or meander out onto the terrace to admire the magnificent views. Tours that explain how sparkling wine is made are offered three times each day.
Every day is glorious at Gloria Ferrer, but events like the annual Catalan Festival (July), Paella & Pinot (August), and Three Kings Performance (January), are extra special ways Gloria Ferrer brings the feeling of Spain to Sonoma. The Catalan Festival, a celebration of the winery’s Spanish roots and the opening of the winery in July 1986, is simply not to be missed. It combines the unique spirit of Catalonia—music, dance, and sumptuous Spanish food—with the well-loved wines of Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards.
WHAT TO BUY
VA de VI – $22
Ripe peach, Meyer lemon, fresh berries, vanilla
’01 Carneros Cuvée – $60
Ripe apple, rich Asian pear, bright berry
’11 Chardonnay – $18
Ripe Gravenstein apple, rich lemon
’07 Blanc de Blancs – $32
Juicy pear, tangerine, crisp Granny Smith apples
CONTACT
707-996-7256; 707-933-1917
info@gloriaferrer.com
gloriaferrer.com
TASTING
Visitor Center Open Daily 10–5
23555 Carneros Hwy
Sonoma, CA 95476
SPECIAL NOTES
Scenic vista terrace, public tours daily, weddings and private events, educational seminars, wine club memberships.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
