by Robin Shepherd

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Guglielmo Winery, recognized as the oldest continuously operating family winery in Santa Clara Valley.

The historic property, located at 1480 East Main Avenue, boasts vineyards, the family’ s original home, winemaking facilities, a tasting room and an event center.

When visitors struggle to pronounce the classic Italian name, long-timers in Morgan Hill come to the rescue.“ It’ s gool-YELL-mow,” they’ ll say with a smile.

Vineyards looking West to El Toro

First generation

In 1909, Emilio Guglielmo came to America by boat. He was in his late 20s. Originally from the Piemonte area of Northern Italy, Emilio came through Ellis Island and made his way across the county, working in coal mines and whatever gainful employment he could find. Once in San Francisco, Emilio sent for his hometown sweetheart, Emilia Tournour, and the two married. He hauled hides to the local tannery by a horse-drawn wagon. She worked at a French laundry.

Despite the Prohibition years( 1920-1933), demand for wine was strong among many European immigrants in San Francisco. It was ingrained in their culture. Emilio and Emilia got involved in wine sales. Eager to make their own wine, they bought land in Morgan Hill in September of 1925. It was 15 acres with a house, tank house and barn. The previous owner had made his own wine. A basement dug out under the house provided storage for the wine. Originally, the only access was through a trap door in the main bedroom.

Guglielmo Winery event center

For a time, the Guglielmo’ s employed local caretakers to manage their vineyards while they remained in San Francisco. With the end of Prohibition in 1933, they began building winery structures on the Morgan Hill property. Back then, families in the wine business knew each other and helped each other out, lending a piece of equipment, sharing supplies or helping in the fields in time of need.

Emilia’ s relatives, the Tournour’ s, also immigrated from Italy during the early years to help the Guglielmo’ s establish the winery business.

Second generation

Emilio and Emilia celebrated the birth of their son, George Guglielmo, on Feb 22nd 1923, the anniversary of George Washington’ s birthday. Inspired by the achievements of the first U. S. president, they gave their newborn the middle name of Washington.

The growing Guglielmo family moved from San Francisco to Morgan Hill in the 1940s. When World War II broke out, George W. joined the Army Air Corps and was assigned to refurbish military aircraft.

Emilia was the first president of the Italian Mother’ s Club, which brought local Italian families together for traditional meals and fellowship.

After the war, George W. and his wife Madeline( Sordello) Guglielmo came into the family business. The Sordello’ s were family friends and fellow immigrants who had also purchased land and settled in Morgan Hill, just down the street from the Guglielmo’ s. George and Madeline carried on the family tradition— a strong work ethic and passion for the wine business— and would soon pass it on to their own children.

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