Summer Splendor at Ferrari-Carano Winery and Gardens
An elegant wine tasting patio offers breathtaking views of the vineyard and surrounding formal parterre flower beds of geometric forms.
If you can’t make it to Italy this summer, a trip to Ferrari-Carano Winery is a wonderful substitute. The beautiful Dry Creek Valley is home to Ferrari-Carano’s Estate winery and Villa Fiore Wine Hospitality Center. This Italianate winery has incredible sweeping views of the vineyards, elegant gardens, and sparkling fountains. Ferrari-Carano has been producing world-class wines that delight and attract visitors from all over the world. They own vineyards throughout Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino Counties. Since 1981, the Estate winery focuses on producing renowned white wines. Ferrari-Carano Winery honors the Carano’s Italian heritage by evoking the spirit of Italy. The winery is special because of their dedication to creating stellar wines as well as creating a beautiful guest experience that celebrates La Bella Vita—the good life of Italy.
Iron gates, a grand fountain and the majestic villa announce the property’s grandeur and rich Italian heritage. Sweeping lawns and artful hedges lined with borders bursting with seasonal flowers lead visitors to the grand Villa Fiore Wine Hospitality Center. Its elegant classical balustrade wine tasting patio offers breathtaking views of the vineyard and surrounding formal parterre flower beds of geometric forms. The grand patio is a perfect place to relax under shade umbrellas and enjoy wine in a setting that is reminiscent of the timeless classical beauty of villas in Italy.
Villa Fiore Wine Hospitality Center and Winery are surrounded by five acres of spectacular gardens. Year-round, the gardens offer a variety of seasonal colors and plantings. Each year over 10,000 tulips and daffodils put on a colorful show to announce spring. Ferrari-Carano even has a “Tulip Hotline” (707) 433-5349 so garden enthusiasts and wine lovers can find out when the tulips will be in full bloom. Our visit was just at the end of the celebrated tulip display due to a rain. On our visit, bright and cheerful Icelandic poppies took center stage with their papery heads dancing upon wiry stems in the gentle afternoon breeze.
At the front of the property and hidden behind a sweeping manicured boxwood hedge is the Enclosed Garden. This enchanting hidden gem was a labor of love and the vision of Rhonda Carano, an extraordinary gardener who designed the garden in 1987. With over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, this secluded tea-like garden is the perfect place to escape the summer sun. Meandering paths lead visitors through a self-guided tour of labeled trees, shrubs, and plantings as well as to beautiful sculptures, gazebos, secluded benches, and a fish-filled lily pond. This serene setting filled with seasonal color, texture, and dappled light is a perfect place for meditation and romantic walks.
Enjoy the playful optics of the garden mirror ball in this secluded shady spot.
A wonderful organic kitchen garden is another feature of the Villa Fiori Hospitality Center and winery. Tall, manicured boxwood hedges surround the two large meticulously planted vegetable beds and fruit trees. Just beyond the boxwood fence lie the vineyards that produce grapes for white wines. An enormous wine press framed by a large wooden pergola draped in fragrant wisteria creates a thematic focal point. Organic heirloom vegetables grown in the garden are used in the many food and wine events hosted at the winery year-round. An outdoor kitchen and pizza oven also create another fabulous setting to enjoy wine tasting and outdoor events at the winery.
From world-class wine tasting experiences to stunning gardens, Ferrari-Carano is a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Be sure to check the website to make a reservation for wine tasting and coming events this summer. Garden enthusiasts, white-wine lovers, and red aficionados will find the "good life" year-round at Ferrari-Carano Winery and Gardens. Enjoy the brighter days of summer at Ferrari-Carano Winery along with more flowers and grapes.