E
very now and then in life we get to know someone
who might be really rich, a corporate kingpin or
a powerful political figure. More rarely, we might
get to experience someone or something that is a legacy…
Guglielmo Winery and the three brothers, Gene, Gary and
George (photos above) might just fit that legacy ID!
Three generations of the Guglielmo family have been
producing wine at this Morgan Hill winery since 1925…90
years! Emilio Guglielmo was bon in northern Italy in 1883. He
arrived at Ellis Island in 1909 and by 1910 had worked his way
to San Francisco. By 1925 he and Emilia, his hometown sweet-
heart and wife, had saved enough money and purchased fifteen
acres in Morgan Hill, to establish Guglielmo Winery.
In 1945 when Emilio’s son, George W. Guglielmo returned
from World War II, the second generation took charge of
the winery. These were years of growth, maturation and
modernization. By 1969 the winery released its first premium
varietal wine, an estate-bottled Petite Sirah. Until then the
winery produced mostly jug wine that was distributed to Italian
friends and families all over the Bay Area. At fourteen years of
age, George W., even got a driver’s license to deliver wine with
his dad. Some of the family’s old photos show bottling lines
with gallon jugs.
Today, George E. Guglielmo is the Winemaker/President.
He completed a Fresno State University’s Viticulture and
Enology program to supplement his knowledge gained from
two generations of traditional winemaking. Gene Guglielmo,
the middle son, is the Director of Sales. Gary Guglielmo, the
youngest, is the General Manager.
The Guglielmo Winery owns about 100 acres and bottles
150,000 cases a year. About 40,000 cases bear the Guglielmo
name under three different labels: Guglielmo Private Reserve,
TRÉ, and Emile’s, their oldest label.
A walk around the Guglielmo Winery with one of the
brothers is an adventure, full of stories and history. The
G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E
brothers have memorialized some of this history with displays
of early wine- making equipment and plaques dedicated to
family achievements. The winery office building was once the
original home of the first generation of Guglielmo’s. The large
magnolia tree was planted by family. The basement houses
massive vinage oak barrels, mementos of probation days and
early winemaking adventures. The winery’s buildings show a
progression of winemaking technology and growth. The
wine tasting room, shop and heritage room are welcoming
and historical.
With the growth of California wineries and
large distributors, it is more challenging for wineries to be
profitable. Gene estimates that when he started working at the
winery there were 200 wineries in California. Now there are
5,000! Each generation has looked for ways to adapt. These
days, Guglielmo Winery has a large wine club and has become
a very successful event center. Cindy Adams, Director of
Communications & Retail Operations, notes that the winery
is booked ahead 52 weeks for weddings! The tent structure
and stage east of the office has become a major event venue for
private, corporate, community and wine club events. The gift
shop is open during the year and turns into a winter wonder-
land boutique during the holidays.
Locals are treated to a wonderful Wednesday night music
series. Wine club members have lavish and fun filled events.
The Winery will celebrate the 90th anniversary with a Black
Tie Gala on September 12, 2015. Between now and then staff
are planning something special each month. Check the website
for details.
A 90-year history through three generations is a unique
and legendary story…and Guglielmo Winery is a community
treasure. Thank you Emilio and Emilia, George W. and
Madeline, brothers George E, Gene and Gary…and all the
other family, friends and supporters who have made this
legend a reality.
MAY / JUNE 2015
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