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Santa Clara Valley » Fortino Winery

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Fortino Winery
4525 Hecker Pass Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 842-3305

Tasting:   Open daily 10 to 5pm
Tasting is complimentary
10% case discount
Tours:
  Tours by Appointment
Amenities:
  VIP Barrel Bottling Party
Price Range:   $10 to $30 per bottle
Established:   1970
Vineyards:   68 acres
VIP Tasting:   Yes

Description

Fortino Winery is nestled in a valley laden with ancient oaks, redwoods, and mustard seed plants. Surrounding the winery are 70-year-old dry-farmed grapevines nurtured by hot sunshine as well as a cool Mediterranean climate. Reminiscent of his native Cosenza, Italy, fourth-generation Winemaster Ernest Fortino fell in love with the Hecker Pass region and settled here over 35 years ago. The fifth generation is now working in the vines, carrying on the tradition of handmade winemaking in the Italian style.

There are three vineyards that produce an assortment of grapes for Fortino’s wines. They pride themselves on making drinkable red wines, as well as a handful of white and dessert wines. Their Burgundy Reserve is a special blend that has been handed down through generations and is made from Cabernet, Carignane, and Grenache. They also produce Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, White Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Charbono, Cabernet Sauvignon, two Champagnes and an apricot wine.

The facility consists of a group of beige stucco buildings with a large tasting room and an outdoor event center. The wine bar is some 35 feet long and made from pecky cypress wood. There is a full gift shop with picnic baskets, painted glassware and wine accessories. For a special treat grab some friends and make an appointment for Fortino’s VIP Barrel Bottling Party, where you bottle and label your own wine. (A barrel fills about 22 cases of wine!)

Features
Ambiance Types of Wine Amenities
Kid Friendly
Off the Beaten Path
Family Run
Country Charm
Casual & Relaxed
Sparkling Wines
Bordeaux
Burgundy
German
Italian
California
Estate Grown Wines
Tours Available
VIP Tasting
Picnic Sites
Event Space
Catering
Gift Shop
Member Reviews
Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Nothing but Red
Javier, Portland
January, 2008

The exceptional reds that I found at the Fortino Winery surrounded by mustard fields and vineyards was what left me wanting to return to Gilroy, that and the fact that Gilroy is the garlic capitol of the state and I simply love garlic. The tasting hall is elongated by the bar and accentuated by the luminous lighting. The 2000 Merlot caught my eye by the artistic value upon the bottles label, although once I sampled the Merlot I found it was layered in savory flavors.

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The above reviews are the subjective opinion of Winery Advisor members and not of Winery Advisor LLC.

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