Published on 29-03-2023
Not-To-Be-Missed, Ferrari-Carano Has Surprises In Store
Capturing the Essence of Fine Wine and Fabulous Food
The picturesque backroads of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley lead to one of the area’s most elegant and stately wineries, gorgeous Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Just minutes from downtown Healdsburg but worlds apart, this beautiful winery perfectly captures the essence of fine wine and fabulous food, as well as five acres of lush gardens that are just beginning to pop with the first blooms of spring.
According to Cheryl Vellutini, Ferrari-Carano Brand Manager, the winery has recently opened previously private parts of the villa and surrounding gardens to the public for the first time. “We are excited to bring our new and returning visitors an intimate ‘peek behind the curtain’ by showcasing these formerly hidden areas of the winery and grounds,” said Vellutini. “These amazing areas are now not-to-be-missed parts of our guest experience that we are proud to offer.”
Plan a visit to experience one of the numerous guest tasting experiences that make Ferrari-Carano more special than ever before.
Here are a few highlights:
An Extra Special Experience: Sunday Wine and Brunch
A destination not just for acclaimed wines but also for delicious food pairings, Chef Alec Graham makes liberal use of the winery’s organic culinary gardens to create seasonal offerings in celebration of la dolce vita. Sunday Wine and Brunch is no exception. Served outdoors in the Sycamore Grove (or indoors in inclement weather), guests enjoy a flight of reserve limited-release wines and an incredible Italian-inspired menu.
Just in time for balmy weather is the Pergola Tasting Experience. This never-before-accessible area of the winery opened to the public for the first time last year. Seating up to eight in a private tasting and hosted in one of the stunning outdoor pergolas, guests will enjoy a flight of five reserve wines surrounded by towering olive trees, a burbling fountain, and landscaped gardens.
Classic and Reserve Wine Tastings: Classic Tasting
Relax and enjoy views of the vineyards, gardens, and fountains outdoors on Il Terrazo or inside the Villa Fiore Guest Experience Center. Learn about the winery’s winemaking philosophy and vineyard practices while sampling a flight of four award-winning wines.
Perfect for the passionate wine enthusiast, the intimate Reserve Wine Tasting comprises five vineyard-designate wines served in the Enoteca or, in the beautifully appointed Villa Salon. Hosted by an Estate Ambassador who will lead a discussion on vineyards and winemaking while focusing on the role each plays in the wine being sipped, these limited release wines are often not available anywhere but the winery.
No tasting is complete without a little nosh. For that reason, each of Ferrari-Carano’s wine tasting experiences can be elevated with an add-on of either cheese and salumi or chocolate bonbons. The satisfying cheese and salumi boards feature local artisans and are prepared by Estate Chef Alec Graham. The delectable Fleur Sauvage Chocolate Bonbon plates are handcrafted by local chocolatier Chef Robert “Buttercup” Nieto and are the perfect sweet addition to the wines (bonbons require a 48-hour advance reservation).
For all tastings, reservations are advised but walk-ins are also welcome as space allows. Whether making a reservation for a special event or just popping in for an impromptu tasting, Ferrari-Carano is one of Wine Country’s not-to-be-missed destinations. Make plans now to catch the spring blooms and/or balmy weather that comes with the season.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery
8761 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg.
For reservations, call 707-433-6700 or go to Ferrari-Carano.com.