The Vine
Written By Bev Stenehjem
The Guglielmo Winery ' s Family Legacy
Gene and George Guglielmo
As one of northern California ’ s wine pioneers , the Guglielmo Winery holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operated family winery in Santa Clara Valley . The winery was founded in 1925 by Emilio and Emilia Guglielmo – two Italian immigrants . After their arrival to the United States , the young couple toiled and saved their money for fifteen years before purchasing acreage and a home in Morgan Hill . It was then that they also started their winery . Their son , George W ., along with his wife , Madeline , joined the family business in 1945 . By the 1980s , the winery was passed on to their three sons — the third generation — George E ., Gary and Gene .
Today , the house where Emilio and Emilia began is still standing and has now become offices for the winery . A fourth generation is in the early stages of being groomed with Angelia Guglielmo , Gene ’ s newly hired daughter .
Guglielmo Winery produces a wide variety of award-winning varietals from more than 80 acres of Santa Clara Valley estate vineyards , as well as from other premium winegrowing regions within California . The winery is rich in the charm and tradition of Italy . Beyond iron gates and a cobblestone courtyard lie a tasting room and a covered lawn area popular for weddings , concerts and corporate events . gmhTODAYrecently caught up with George and Gene
Guglielmo for the following interview :
The first question that most people wonder about , is how do you pronounce your last name ? Gool-yell-mo – with the accent on the second syllable .
Since your grandparents founded your winery in 1925 , it is been regarded as one of one of the region ’ s oldest and best wineries . What is the secret of your continued success ? Perseverance , dedication and passion . This is where we grew up and it ’ s our family name that is out there . So whatever we do , we want to uphold our family ’ s traditions and reputation for making quality wines . The reputation we ’ ve achieved over three generations reflects our commitment to wine and the community . It also helps that we are willing to improve and change with the times . We have had to morph into other arenas such as with our event center and the distribution of our wines .
Growing up , you were very close to your grandparents . What were some of the most important lessons that you learned from them ? For a time , we all lived in the three-bedroom house that now serves as our office here at the winery . Our grandparents slept in one room , my parents in another and two of us boys in the third bedroom . We ate all our meals together . Mainly by example , they taught us the value of hard work and respect for each and every individual . Never run away from your commitments and always treat people right .
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN APRIL / MAY 2018 gmhtoday . com