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 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 ten distinctly different sparkling wines and four Pinot Noirs. Executive Winemaker Bob Iantosca and Winemaker Steven Urberg use a gentle hand with Pinot Noir, carefully preserving the grape’s unique capacity for reflecting terroir. Through the years, this care has awarded Gloria Ferrer with more than 650 Gold medals in competitions across the country, and Bob Iantosca with the highly regarded André Tchelistcheff “Winemaker of the Year” Award from the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Special Notes
Scenic terrace, public tours daily, weddings and private events, educational seminars, wine club memberships
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 Tapas on the Terrace (August 24 and October 5) and the annual Catalan Festival (July 21 and 22), 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.