Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery — Attraction in Cloverdale

Summary: Amazing wines, fantastic service, beautiful grounds, and an excellent reserve tasting experience. It's really sad to see such negative reviews about some of the staff, and I hope that the management will investigate such disconcerting claims, but the experience I had with my wife in the special private tasting (the food pairing option) was one of the most amazing wine experiences we have ever had. A huge variety of wines and all were fantastic.

My wife and I were brought here by her parents after they had had an amazing tasting experience a number of months ago themselves. They had gotten a tour of the winery and done a tasting in the reserve room. As a birthday present, they reserved my wife and I a private tasting in a room for just the two of us and one staff member, Kate. We had elected for the food and wine pairing, but there were around 10 options total.

When we first arrived, we walked through the grounds toward the tasting building. The grounds are beautiful. Lots of green, flowers, statues, and an amazing view of the vine-covered hills in the back. We took some pictures and made our way inside to the air conditioned, but bustling, tasting room and shop on the first floor. After checking in, we were escorted downstairs to the reserve tasting area. This is where the bathrooms are, a wine barrel storage area is located, and where the reserve and private tastings are held.

We were escorted through and then my wife and I were guided to our private room where we met Kate and she explained that we would be watching an informational video to get familiar with the winery, and would be enjoying their new pinot grigio while doing so. She then left us to get educated while we sipped on the best pinot grigio we had ever had (we don't like this varietal much typically, but it was so well balanced and not overly citrusy or tart that we couldn't help but really enjoy it) in two soft, cushy chairs. Soon she returned and we were asked to have a seat at the table where 4 empty Riedel glasses of different shapes and sizes sat behind a plate of beautifully constructed tiny food dishes for each of us.

From there, we were lead on a culinary journey. We tried a sausage and mushroom ravioli in a lemon cream sauce, chilled sweet corn soup with shrimp, a duck meatball with confit, braised chunks of lamb over creamy polenta, and a chocolate shortbread cookie with chocolate compote. Each dish was paired with an amazing wine that either complemented or contrasted with the dish to highlight various flavors. They were all so well crafted...I mean, amazing for every sense. We tried the pinot grigio again, reserve chardonnay, a zinfandel, a pre-vail cab, and a black muscat with each of the dishes.

Kate was one of the main contributors to the amazing experience. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, generous, etc. We asked lots of questions and got back some great information, but we also just had some nice casual conversation about wines throughout California. It was very fun and laid back.

After that, we went back into the reserve tasting room and joined my wife's parents where they were still doing their tasting. Their server was bringing lots of wines to try and even brought us the other dessert wine to sample. We ended up purchasing a half case of wines that we thoroughly enjoyed, and we really can't wait to come back again and try another selection from the private...

Welcome to the enchanting world of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, where wine enthusiasts and nature lovers unite in pure bliss. Prepare to be captivated by the countless wonders this exquisite estate has to offer. Let's embark on a journey through the vineyards, gardens, and flavors that make Ferrari-Carano truly extraordinary.

First, let's talk about the vineyards themselves. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Sonoma County, the meticulously maintained vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. With lush, green vines and breathtaking views, it's a sight that instantly transports you to a wine lover's paradise. Every step through the vineyards is a testament to the dedication and passion that goes into creating their exceptional wines.

Speaking of wines, Ferrari-Carano is renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship and a portfolio that caters to all palates. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, each sip is a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual wine lover, their extensive selection is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

But the experience doesn't end with the wines alone. The winery itself is a sight to behold. With its charming architecture and inviting ambiance, it's a haven where relaxation and indulgence meet. Stroll through the stunning gardens, where vibrant blooms and aromatic herbs create a sensory wonderland. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and let the tranquility wash over you.

And let's not forget the warm hospitality that awaits you at Ferrari-Carano. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide you through tastings, sharing their expertise and passion for their craft. It's an experience that leaves you feeling like a cherished guest, eager to learn and savor every moment.

So, whether you're a wine enthusiast seeking the perfect vintage or simply in search of an unforgettable escape, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery is the destination for you. From the vineyards to the winemaking expertise, the gardens to the warm hospitality, every aspect of this exceptional estate leaves an indelible mark. Embrace the magic and let Ferrari-Carano whisk you away on an extraordinary...

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery is somewhat difficult to rate due to it really being about what you are looking for in a winery. To sum it up, if you are looking for views alone, this is a great place. If you are looking for amazing wine and hidden gems off the beaten path, not so much. I will break down what I feel are the pros and cons of this winery in the Dry Creek Valley.

Pros: *The views are stunning. With that being said, many Dry Creek Valley wineries have stunning views. *You can walk around the property and enjoy the gardens and beauty of it all. *The property is immaculate and the vineyard views of Dry Creek Valley are amazing. *It's a great opportunity for photos since this place is beautiful.

Cons: *The cheapest flight is $40 per person and goes up from there. While I feel this is reasonable for a flight of wine and I have paid much more than this at other wineries, I felt that it wasn't really worth it because the wines are mediocre at best. *The prices go up from there for their different tasting offerings, although I couldn't justify paying more than $40 pp here due to the wine not being great and all the wine seeming overpriced for what it is, so it isn't worth it in my opinion. *The wine is mass produced and is owned by the Foley Family. They have several wineries owned by them and I haven't been impressed with any of them that I have tried thus far. *It has a more commercial feel to it. Some people don't mind this, although if you are looking for a small family owned hidden gem winery with exceptional wine, this winery is not for you.

At the end of the day, you can decide weighing the pros and cons if it's worth it. I personally have tried many Dry Creek Valley wineries so this one is much lower on the list simply because the wine is mediocre at best and the experience here and wine feel overpriced for the quality. I suggest doing your research because if you are wanting an incredible view, there are plenty of incredible wineries that fit this description in the area and even more hidden gems with...