Fernwood Cellars
Fortino Winery
T H E W I N E R I E S O F G I L R O Y
The Wineries of Gilroy
“ Life is good !” People who live in Gilroy and who like wine have ample opportunity to say this . Gilroy is a wine lovers delight and Santa Clara County is the oldest wine growing region in California . It might not have the status of Napa but some of the local wines are world class ; some of the wineries are picture perfect ; others are fun gathering places ; some host outrageously entertaining events ; some offer education in wine making ; and still others offer self-bottling opportunities . But most importantly , they are all in Gilroy !
Gilroy Today found ten wineries with a Gilroy address ; all producing award winning wines as well as novelty wines and outrageous brews like Garlic Wine .
Almost all of the local wineries have wine clubs and enough events to keep wine lovers busy on weekends . There are some people who have the sophisticated pallet and the knowledge to judge good wine but for most of us it comes down to a very basic , “ I like it .” or “ I don ’ t .” Whatever your level of wine sophistication , you bound to find a wine to enjoy right here in Gilroy .
D�sco��r
T�aditio�
Our Thérèse Vineyards and J . D . Hurley wines are crafted with a strong respect for the land , yielding fruit that becomes the heart of each wine we make .
P�s��o�
How we create our wines reflects how we live . . . . . . we chart our paths , yet give our creative passion free reign , rendering fine wines rich with character .
E�celle�ce
The natural chemistry between the craft and our love for making great wine results in award-winners sought after by both wine lovers and critics alike .
Martin Ranch - Thérèse Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains
� 93 Points � WINE ENTHUSIAST , APRIL 2007 Cellar Selection
� 91 Points � WINE & SPIRITS , DECEMBER 2006
NOW OPEN FOR TASTING 3RD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH 11am to 4pm
MartinRanchWinery . com 6675 Redwood Retreat Road | Gilroy | 408-842-9197
Fernwood Cellars
7137 Redwood Retreat Road 848-0611 fernwoodcellars . com
Wine Club : Yes Tasting Room : No Hours : By Appointment Only
Founded : 2000
“ We try to make the best wine possible . We only use grapes we grow so we have control of the whole process . Some think this area does not produce good wine … Fernwood is seeking to change that perception by making some great wines .”
Matt Oetinger Owner & Winemaker .
Most Celebrated Wine 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon garnered the most awards . The new 2005 Vanumanutagi Chardonnay received a gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle wine tasting and is in line to receive more awards .
Future Plans More great events like the recent Spring Release , which had over 400 people in attendance . Some great wines that are coming up are the Limited Release Estate Sirah which will probably only go to Wine Club members . In 2007 there will be three Cabernets from different vineyards , one of them Vanumanutagi .
Fortino Winery
4525 Hecker Pass Highway 842-3305 fortinowinery . com
Wine club : Yes Tasting Room : Yes Hours : Tues — Sat 10am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5 : pm
Founded : 1970
“ The winery has award winning wine and great customer service . It is home to a new generation of fun !”
Kit Ganz , Director of Events & Marketing
Most Celebrated Wine Burgundy Reserve has been around for 37 years and is a strong local favorite . Recently the 2005 Syrah and the 2004 Cabernet have garnered some serious attention and awards .
Future Plans The Winery and Event Center is home to numerous weddings , parties and events including the upcoming May 25 Relay for Life Fundraiser .
MAY / JUNE 2007 GILROY TODAY