George W. was the first president of the Full-blooded Italians Club, popularly referred to around town as the FBI. Local families like the Puliafico’ s, the Reggiardo’ s and others joined the Guglielmo’ s monthly for authentic Italian cooking and wine. Another multi-generation agrarian family, the Chiala’ s, hosted an annual barbeque at their Fountain Oaks ranch( formerly the estate of Eastman Kodak heiress Gertrude Achilles).
Third and Fourth Generations
George W. and Madeline had three sons, George Jr., Gene, and Gary Guglielmo. All three joined their father in the family business after graduating from college. George Jr. focused on viticulture and winemaking; Gene focused on business, sales and marketing; and Gary focused on Accounting.
“ Our father retired but stayed involved in the winery until he passed in July 2020,” George recalled.“ We miss him, but we’ ll always value his hard work, incredible contributions and family legacy he carried on from his parents.” George is Winemaker and President of the winery.
Guglielmo Winery now produces over 15 varietals representing major regions of France and Northern Italy, from Merlot to Charbono and Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio. The winery’ s varietals have won gold, silver and bronze medals in prestigious wine competitions.
Over the years, George’ s daughter Cristina has been involved in marketing and promotion. Gene’ s daughters Gina and Angelia have helped in the business in customer service and sales.
“ We are forever grateful and proud of the contribution each generation has made to the sustained growth and success of the winery,” George said.“ We get a real satisfaction from knowing and welcoming families to come and enjoy our wines and our events.”
Gary, Gene and George with parents in wine tasting room
“ Each generation of our family has traveled to our native home land in Piemonte, and relatives there have visited us in California,” Gene said.“ We stay in touch, it’ s part of who we are.” Gene is Vice President of the winery.
Birth of the Santa Clara Valley APA
In 1986, Gene Guglielmo submitted a petition for U. S. government recognition of Santa Clara Valley as an American Viticultural Area( AVA), accompanied by his research, soil maps and proposed viticultural boundary maps. Santa Clara Valley was declared an AVA on March 28, 1989. Today, the Santa Clara Valley AVA is approximately 339,200 acres with more than 4,500 acres planted in vine. As of 2023, there are roughly 50 bonded wineries in the viticultural area.
Morgan Hill Community Gathering Place and Visitor Destination
Guglielmo Winery hosts everything from weddings and paint‘ n’ sip parties to community events throughout the year, some hosted by local nonprofits. George and Gene have been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce( George and Gene were each voted Man of the Year), and Leadership Morgan Hill( the three brothers were awarded the Leadership Excellence Award). The family is well-known and beloved by the Morgan Hill community.
Emilio and Emilia Guglielmo
Guglielmo Winery 100th Anniversary Main Event: Guglielmo Family Centennial Celebration Gala May 31st, 2025 5-9 pm: plated dinner and live music
2025 Event Schedule: https:// guglielmowinery. com / guglielmowinery-100th-anniversary-schedule-of-events /
Website: www. guglielmowinery. com Email inquiries: info @ guglielmowinery. com Phone: 408-779-2145
Italian Club picnic at Guglielmo winery
gmhtoday. com Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... SPRING 2025 21