Rapazzini Winery
4350 Monterey Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 842-5649
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Open daily 9-5pm winter, 9-6pm summer
Tasting is complimentary
10% case discount
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Amenities:
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Chateau de Garlic wine
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Price Range:
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$6 to $22 per bottle
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Established:
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1962
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Description
This tasting room, with its grape-eating Bacchus icon, has been a fixture along Highway 101 for over 40 years. The metal-roofed building greets you with a pair of giant doors made from the staves of a huge wine barrel.
Inside the generously sized tasting room is an extensive gift shop with glassware, lots of wine accessories, garlic-related items (remember, you’re in Gilroy - the garlic capital of the world), olive oils, salsas, aprons, trivets, and a cooler filled with refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. The 40-foot-long tasting bar has a very cool hammered-copper-topped counter. A beautiful rock fireplace stands in the corner.
The mood here is kitschy and a bit worn, but the range of wines and the gift shop make it a stop well worth considering. The winery sources grapes from all over California and makes Gewurztraminer, Johannesburg Riesling, White Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Muscat, Malvasia Bianca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Apribella, Cream Marsala, Tawny Port, Berry Berry, Raspberry Delight and Chateau de Garlic. Most of their production is sold from the tasting room.
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