Inspired by the natural beauty of Northern Sonoma County, Rhonda and Don Carano first bought land in the Alexander Valley in 1979, and founded
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in 1981. Since then, their conviction that grape source and terroir are paramount in creating quality wines has led them to acquire 19 distinct estate vineyards in five separate appellations. As a result, the Ferrari-Carano portfolio is a true testament to the region, expressing the aromas and flavors of Dry Creek Valley, California and beyond.
It’s only fitting that such an iconic list be presented to wine tourists in a gracious setting. Ferrari-Carano’s spectacular Italianate hospitality wine center, Villa Fiore, provides this and more. Situated in the heart of the winery’s picturesque 70-acre Dry Creek Valley vineyard, there are plenty of ways to while away an afternoon. Guests are welcome to stroll through five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens (famous in their own right); take a free tour through the tank room, barrel cellars, crush pad, and nearby vineyards; and reserve a private tasting.
The Villa Fiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room is an elegant Italian-influenced marketplace, with unique wine country gift items, and a dramatic curved mahogany and black granite tasting bar overlooking the sweeping vineyard. Here, guests may sample new release wines and a host of others, like Bella Luce, Ferrari-Carano’s unique refreshing white blend featuring Chardonnay, Moscato, and Sauvignon Blanc; many distinctive Chardonnays; food-friendly and luscious mountain reds; and decadent dessert wines. Guests wishing to take their tasting to another level may literally do so by descending the curving stone staircase to the cellar and sampling Limited Release and Reserve wines in the Enoteca.
Known for its impeccable ability to craft high quality wines year after year, Ferrari-Carano has earned its place on every wine tourist’s “must-visit” list.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 Bella Luce – $16
Honeydew, lychee, pineapple, peach, vanilla, lemon
’12 Fume Blanc – $15
Orange blossom, quince, Meyer lemon, mango, guava
’10 Siena – $25
Blackberries, cola, clove, vanilla, butterscotch, strawberry
CONTACT
800-831-0381
customerservice@ferrari-carano.com
ferrari-carano.com
TASTING
Dry Creek Valley
707-433-6700
Open Daily 10-5
8761 Dry Creek Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Healdsburg
707-431-2222
Open Wed-Sun 11-6
113 Plaza St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
SPECIAL NOTES
Five acres of gardens, private tastings and tours by appointment, gift shop, wine club discounts and events.
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.
