These three family-owned wineries in Gilroy, California, are celebrating a remarkable milestone – 100 years of operation. Besson Family Vineyards, Kirigin Cellars, and Guglielmo Winery are not just beloved landmarks; they are irreplaceable regional assets whose value extends far beyond the vineyard.
- Besson Family Vineyards
- Kirigin Cellars
- Guglielmo Winery
These wineries are recognized for their contributions to agriculture, science, tourism, culture, history, and small business operations. Their impact on the region has been profound, enhancing our collective image, supporting the local economy, and establishing Gilroy as a destination of lasting significance.
| Contribution | Examples |
| Agriculture | Besson Family Vineyards uses sustainable farming practices and provides grapes to award-winning wineries throughout California. |
| Tourism | Guglielmo Winery offers immersive tastings and seasonal events, drawing visitors to the region. |
| Culture | Kirigin Cellars supports local youth soccer and has been a long-time member of the Gilroy community. |
“The Besson family is honored to be receiving this proclamation. For five generations, we have been an integral part of the Hecker Pass corridor and farming community, selling grapes to award-winning wineries throughout the State of California,” said Denise Besson, proprietor of Besson Family Vineyards. “At Kirigin Cellars, we are proud to be one of the oldest, continuously operated wineries in California,” said Dhruv Khanna, owner of Kirigan Cellars. “We are grateful to the City of Gilroy for this recognition. As we mark 100 years of winemaking, we are proud to celebrate with our community.”
“Our family’s roots in this land go deep, and so does our commitment to the future,” said George Guglielmo, president and winemaker at Guglielmo Winery. “We’re not just celebrating 100 years of making wine, we’re honoring a legacy of innovation, resilience and stewardship.”
These wineries embody the fusion of centuries-old farming tradition and modern-day innovation, drawing on deep knowledge of viticulture and enology to craft wines of exceptional quality. They are more than just beloved landmarks; they are irreplaceable regional assets whose value extends far beyond the vineyard. “These wineries have been more than winemakers, they’ve been stewards of tradition, innovation, and community,” said Kim Engelhardt, president of the Wineries of the Santa Clara Valley. “Their enduring passion and commitment to quality continue to define and elevate our region.”
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce is proud to commemorate this remarkable milestone in the region’s rich agricultural and cultural legacy. “The next chapter starts now, and it’s more than just winemaking. It’s a vision, forged over a century, that continues to shape the identity of a region and inspire the generations to come.”
Visit Gilroy and The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce invite you to raise a glass to the past, present, and promising future of Gilroy’s wine country. With more than 30 wineries now dotting the scenic Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, Gilroy continues to evolve as a premier wine destination, where heritage meets innovation and every pour tells a story.
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