By Kaylee Arca

Casa de Fruta became an official bonded winery in the late 60s. Joe Zanger, vintner and family partner, took over the winemaking from his Uncle George Zanger in 1983. Almost 42 years later, Zanger has decided to step back from daily management but continues to create new fruit wine flavors and vintages. Annually, Casa de Fruta produces over 12,000 cases of different varietal and fruit wines.

His latest creation is Mango Fruit Wine, a sweet, light, tropical taste with undertones of citrus, pineapple, and banana. Zanger got the idea for a mango wine from his cousin Gene Zanger about 2.5 years ago. Dried mangoes are one of Casa de Fruta’ s most popular items and the family members wanted to create more with the tropical fruit for their guests.

When Gene proposed the idea Zanger exclaimed,“ Why didn’ t I think of that?”

Zanger grew up interested in wine, but his passion blossomed when he took an introduction to winemaking class at UC Davis.

Mangoes are not native to this region; therefore, Zanger had to source mango juice from a location closer to the equator, where the climate is more conducive to cultivating tropical fruits. That ended up being Ecuador.

“ Sourcing the mangoes was challenging because we usually get our fruits from local neighbors,” he said.“ It was a unique idea. We knew theoretically that mangoes could ferment but we didn’ t know if it would work or taste good.”

After many trials and problem-solving, Mango Fruit Wine hit Casa de Fruta’ s shelves and online store in February. This innovative wine is a testament to Casa de Fruta’ s commitment to excellence and passion for exploring new flavors. The guests’ response to the unique tropical fruit wine has been positive and it is selling fast. Dan Valles spent 44 years as a local bartender and now pours wine as a parttime retirement job at Casa de Fruta’ s Wine Tasting.“ The guests have had a great reception to the Mango,” Valles said.

Valles recommends enjoying Casa de Fruta’ s fruit wines with vanilla ice cream.

The Mango Fruit Wine joins Casa de Fruta’ s line of Gourmet Fruit Wines including Pomegranate, Blackberry, Raspberry, and Plum, all produced from locally grown fruit.

This refreshing and tropical mango delight promises to elevate any occasion with its unique blend of fresh, sun-ripened mangoes and time-honored wine-making expertise.

Guests can taste the Mango Fruit Wine for free at Casa de Fruta’ s Wine Tasting inside Casa de Wine & Deli. Wine can be purchased at Casa de Fruta or online at www. casadefruta. com.

16 SPRING 2025 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com