Italian Stallion of Headlesburg, CA: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery

July 25, 2011

When wine tasting in Sonoma, California, do like House of Travel and make your way up to Headlesburg to frolic on five acres of Ferrari-Carano’s Italian villa-like, perfectly manicured gardens. Find yourself with a Pinot Grigio in your hand while exploring the Winery’s spectacular grounds reminiscent of the Italian countryside. While not Bologna, Ferrari-Carano’s Villa Fiore is a magical winery not to be missed. Ramona Singer, eat your heart out.

When passing through the large iron gates guarding the entrance to the estate, you know you are in for a true vineyard experience. Before entering the main house, you will glide through gardens complete with ponds, sculptures and gazebos perfect for photo-ops galore. You might even catch a proposal, as the flowers create the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable engagement. After waltzing through the gardens, you will be greeted by the winery’s infamous 1,300-pound boar (keep reading). Rub the bronze sculpture’s nose for luck … and a ton of germs.

Once you make your way past the boar, you will be able to gaze out over the property’s phenomenal hills of vines and hedges. To your right, you will enter the main house, where little Ferrari-Carano and wine-related gifts are screaming, “Buy me, buy me!” For a quick buzz, stop at the bar to taste some wines. But for the real deal, head downstairs to Enoteca – that’s where they keep the good stuff. Molte bene! (In case you don’t speak Italian, that means “very good.” It sounds so much fancier in Italian, right?)

We highly, highly, highly recommend (we mean business when we say “highly” three times), reserving a private Matchmaker tasting in the PreVail Room. There you’ll consume ungodly amounts of various wines, including high-end, PreVail wines, paired with delicious, seasonal plates from the winery chef. The best part, though, is your private educator (no final exam). The educator is your host for the afternoon and will walk you through all the intricacies of the wine pairings. Poof! You’re a foodie!

If sweets are your thing, request to taste Ferrari-Carano’s Eldorado Noir (a Black Muscat) with one of the chef’s mouth-watering desserts. We apologize in advance for increasing the chances of your large hangover from the extra sugar, but it’s so worth it.  We also suggest tasting Siena (blend of Sangiovese, Malbec and Syrah) and Tre Terre Chardonnay (just Chardonnay).

From Enoteca, the underbelly of Ferrari-Carano, you can see the Caranos’ (they are real people – Don and Rhonda) private collection. You can look, but you can’t touch. Turn 180 degrees and you will see barrels and barrels of that sweet nectar you just tasted. Although you’re surrounded by black granite, wrought-iron gates and crystal chandeliers underground, you can’t shake the thought of stumbling back upstairs to soak up the sun – and sober up – on the Winery’s gardens. Ferrari-Carano’s Villa Fiore is the perfect setting for wine tasting in Italy without leaving California.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery is located at 8761 Dry Creek Road, Headlesburg, CA, 95448. For information about tours, tastings and the Winery, visit www.ferraricarano.com.Call House of Travel to reserve your California Wine Country getaway today at 305.931.3002. Check back here for fantastic Wine Country hotel and restaurant recommendations.

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