A third generation is making award-winning wines
By Staff Report
In 1925, Emilio and Emilia Guglielmo, immigrants from the Piedmont region of northern Italy, used their life savings to purchase 15 acres of land in Morgan Hill. They planted grapevines and from the fruit, they produced wine to supply the restaurants and families in San Francisco where they lived. Today, Guglielmo Winery is a Morgan Hill tradition for local wine enthusiasts, billing itself as “the oldest, consistently operating, family-owned winery in Santa Clara Valley.”
The vintner tradition continues in the third generation with grandsons George, Gene and Gary Guglielmo growing grapes on more than 70 acres and creating vintages that have won many awards over the years.
Their vineyard produce’s Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Carignane, and Grignolino grapes. Guglielmo Winery has become a destination for wine lovers who visit the tasting room and gift shop or enjoy music and cultural performances held throughout the year in winery’s events center.
“We put a lot of our emphasis in getting people here,” said Gary Guglielmo, the winery’s general manager. “Our tasting room has grown significantly in the last two to three years. And our events center where we do weddings and private parties has grown quite a bit. So we’re getting the exposure.”
The Santa Clara Valley region is growing a reputation where people can find quality wine that’s considerably more affordable than that produced in the Napa Valley, said George Guglielmo, the winery’s winemaker and president. He encourages people to overcome any reluctance to exploring the South Valley wine-making region and discover wines that they might enjoy. “That’s why we have a tasting room. That’s for you to come in and try our wine,” he said. “We don’t tell you ‘We have the best wine in the world.’ And if you try it and like it you can purchase it.”
One of the more popular events at Guglielmo Winery is its “Bottle Your Own!” family-friendly celebration of wine which takes place four times a year. The next event is scheduled for Aug. 3. “We have a lot of people who come in and bring their kids,” George said. “The kids fill the bottles. You can bring your kids and they can help bottle the wine – not drink the wine,” he emphasized with a chuckle. “You get to watch it get corked. We have people now lining up in a line 100 yards long. That shows the success that it is. You can come here and relax and enjoy the event.”
“We put together a very, very splendid blend of wine,” Gary added. “Each time it’s a little bit different. It’s a good bottle of wine for $5. We try to give you your money’s worth.”
Morgan Hill and Guglielmo Winery has built up a good relationship since Emilio and Emilia arrived here in 1925. “We’re proud to be part of the community, not only because it’s a great place to live, but a great place to grow award-winning wines,” said Gene Guglielmo, director of sales. “A lot of people are not aware there’s a lot of heritage of great wine-making in this region. Our feelings are that our customers are not just customers, they’re also friends. And that goes back to our grandparents.”
Guglielmo Winery
Location: 1480 East Main Ave.
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Call: (408) 779-2145
Visit: www.guglielmowinery.com
