Wine Club of the Week

In the beginning there were some small, wooden tanks, an old barn and 30 acres of vineyards. Today, the expansive estate that is Ferrari-Carano now includes a Villa, vista and gardens that leave many people absolutely speechless. Don and Rhonda Carano also own a total of 20 vineyards in five appellations: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River, Napa/Carneros and Anderson Valley. While a visit to the winery is first and foremost about the wine, the grand centerpiece has to be the Villa Fiore, Ferrari-Carano's hospitality center and home to their tasting rooms. To get to the Villa, you first pass through five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. In the enclosed garden to the right as you walk toward the Villa, flagstone paths guide visitors along a small stream, past waterfalls and over footbridges. Situated throughout are gazebos and benches with hanging flower baskets filled with colorful annuals, providing a quiet spot to relax and appreciate what Mother Nature ' and creator and visionary Rhonda Carano ' have brought to this part of Northern California Wine Country. When you walk through the doors of Villa Fiore, the sense of wonder continues. The tall arched windows behind the black granite and carved mahogany tasting bar frame not just the vineyards and the hills beyond, but a reflecting pool, fountains and more gardens. Beneath the Villa is a vaulted underground cellar that would not look out of place in a Burgundian chateau. The Enoteca reserve tasting room, designed by Rhonda, is located here and features a tasting bar in the shape of a barrel, unique iron and crystal chandeliers, a dramatic glass-enclosed wine bottle cellar, a custom Italian tile floor and tasting tables with chairs for visitors to relax and indulge in Ferrari-Carano's exceptional Limited Release wines.