Ecosystem
Connected By The Heartbeat of the Earth
The estate was founded with an eye on generational continuity and long-term sustainability. Our commitment has not wavered. Our holistic ecosystem ensures we are living in harmony with and protecting the natural environment and conserving resources. Just as important as mother nature are our people and community. We respect and take care of the people who work across the Gloria Ferrer estate and the broader community to which we belong.
No matter what we are doing we are ever mindful of our impact on mother earth; the indigenous flora and fauna, the soils, the air we breathe, each vine, each person in our extended family and the community beyond our estate’s gates.
A Full Circle Ecosystem
At Gloria Ferrer, nourishing the land, our people, the community we are a part of isn’t a trend… it’s a tradition we live by.
People are the Heart of Gloria Ferrer
Our people are at the heart of everything we do, from vine to glass to guest. In the vineyard, cellar, or tasting room, each team member plays a vital role in bringing our story to life.
Everyone who works at our estate is an employee. We are diligent about helping them grow and finding the best position for their passions. Many of them have worked at the estate for many years, and grown as we have grown.
Our Vineyard Team
Led by our Vineyard Director, Brad Kurtz, our vineyard team are the hardest working people at the estate. Today’s environment brings new challenges, new diseases and weather events. Given our vineyard team have worked this land for many year they have the knowledge to spot little things before they become a problem. Problems and opportunities a contracted crew might miss.
Our Winemaking Team
Kyle Altomare leads the winemaking team at Gloria Ferrer with a philosophy rooted in his Italian upbringing. The son of a chef, Kyle was raised to “pursue flavor”—to break it down, understand its nuances, and seek balance. This foundational lesson continues to shape his approach to sparkling wine, a category he describes as “crafted, not prescribed—there’s no recipe, only a series of choices. The real work happens in the bottle, not the cellar.”
Our Gardener
Samantha started working with Gloria Ferrer in the tasting room, but always had a passion for gardening. 25 years ago she transitioned to follow her passion. She grows the vegetables and herbs used in the dishes we serve to our guests, tends to the pollinating garden to attract butterflies and humming birds, the insectary that attracts “good bugs” and the other gardens that add to the beauty of our estate.
Sustainability is our Soul Mate
Our estate was founded with an eye on generational continuity and long-term sustainability. This commitment continues today. We live by a holistic sustainable business model. This model is a framework that integrates social, environmental, and economic considerations into our strategies, operations, and core activities.
Sustainable and Organic Certifications
Our Caves and Vineyards implemented the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices and became certified in 2017. And we didn’t stop there.
After a nearly five-year journey marked by grit, innovation, and deep respect for nature, every acre of our 338-acre estate has officially been certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
Gloria Ferrer is now the largest certified organic vineyard in Sonoma County and the only sparkling winery in California with 100% certified organic estate vineyards.
Climate Positive Resource Management
Carbon-Free Electricity
100% of the electricity used at our facilities is generated from carbon-free sources.
100% Recycled Water & Green Waste
All of our green waste is recycled on-site and produces 300+ tons of compost a year, which fertilizes our vineyards. All water is recycled and used for vineyard irrigation.
Gifts for Good
At Gloria Ferrer, we’re proud to partner with Gifts for Good to bring purpose to every pour. For every select online purchase, a $10 donation is made in your name to a nonprofit in need—turning your gift into meaningful impact. Aligned in our values of sustainability and social good, this partnership helps us extend our legacy of responsible winemaking beyond the vineyard.
The First Sparkling Winery in Carneros
Carneros Valley
Well before it became an established AVA, José and Gloria Ferrer (whose Spanish winegrowing experience went back generations) identified the Carneros climate as ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – and thus the perfect terroir for brilliant sparkling wines.
Spanning both Napa and Sonoma, Carneros is defined by maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. These influences create cool summer temperatures and moderate winters. The resulting long growing season coaxes the grapes to maturity slowly and consistently, and provides the perfect setting for the craft of sparkling wine.
Clonal Pioneers
From 1984 to 1986, the winery had only one clone of Pinot Noir and one clone of Chardonnay planted. To produce the complex sparkling and still wines José envisioned, the vineyards required greater variety. If this were a European vineyard, the knowledge required would have been passed down through generations.
Today, we have 17 Pinot Noir clones and 4 Chardonnay clones. Our grapevines genetic diversity came after many years of research and experimentation. 25 years of experimentation to be exact.
The Pursuit of Perfection
Our Take on the Traditional Method
Our intentional style of sparkling wine is rooted in a dynamic blend of innovation and consistency. Our winemakers use creativity, ingenuity, and a gentle hand to reveal the distinctive Carneros terroir through our Pinot Noir-dominant sparkling wines.
The Harvest: The Season of Abundance
Once our winemaking team determines the grapes are at their optimal ripeness and ready to pick, we treat them with the utmost care. Grapes are harvested at night to ensure quality and to conserve energy.
We pick whole clusters by hand and set them in small bins to avoid bruising and oxidation. Using membrane presses to ensure the fruit’s integrity, the juice is transferred into stainless steel tanks to settle for 12–24 hours.
Discover the unique Carneros terroir, our winery, cultural history, sustainability, and our distinct style for award-winning traditional method wines.
Our Commitment to Community
Community is woven into everything we do
As proud stewards of Sonoma County, we believe in supporting the people, organizations, and landscapes that makes our region thrive. We actively partner with groups such as Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers, and other regional leaders to strengthen our industry and protect the heritage of this extraordinary place.