Excellent wine, magnificent location, Specially during spring when the creek has running water Beautiful ambiance and excellent service read more

This winery is amazing. They have red bold wines. The staff is very friendly and educated on how the wine is made. This winery has amazing views, and makes you feel like you're in a whole Nother world. read more

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A very pleasant surprise. This place is tucked away down redwood retreat road underneath some beautiful evergreen trees that keep the place nice and cool even on hot days. The winery features a beautiful layout with plenty of sitting arrangements all around the garden and you'll definitely be receiving the five star treatment. Im fact, I am surprised that Fernwood's operation isn't way bigger because the price is right and the wine is unparalleled. Definitely try the mirepoix while you're out here. It's my favorite. read more

Fernwood Cellars - Mirepoix - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Gilroy, California

Been a member for several years. Love their wines, staff & multiple tasting areas. The grove is a lovely place to chat & sip with friends or family! read more

First off I want to say to say that the service here was impeccable. John was our main server and he went above and beyond, he really made us feels like family. His knowledge about the winery and wine in general was good, he taught us a lot about the different wines and where they originate and come from. Come and try this winery out, you will not regret the scenic drive and peaceful experience here. Bring cash for tips! They deserve every penny. Their wines are so tasty. we will definitely come back read more

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Ferwood is absolutely beautiful, spiritual and inviting. The wine is delicious! My favorite is the Chardonnay. The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. My favorite spot to sip my wine is beneath the redwood trees listening to the creek below. They have recently built an outside bar that is gorgeous! I highly recommend!! read more

First off, I am disappointed in myself I've never left a review, shame on me. I've been a member at Fernwood since Fall of 2021, and every single time I visit by myself, with friends, pick up my wine order, etc. I always leave with the biggest smile on my face knowing I picked the best winery in the area to be a member of. From the impeccable service, ALWAYS delicious array of wines, and the most beautiful setting in the redwoods, it truly is a beautiful experience each time. While Fernwood does produce some great white wines (I'm very particular on my Chardonnays, but Fernwood's is delicious and never disappoints), Fernwood's big bold red wines are what keep me coming back for more and continue to be a member. I just want to say a huge thank you to the entire team for always going above and beyond with service and making the environment feel incredibly welcoming whether I'm with a group of friends or finding myself needing some time alone. Seriously, being able to disconnect and be in the moment in such a beautiful place while having no service is one of the highlights for me personally. If you're looking for A+ service, a picturesque place to have fun with friends, and some amazing wine, I urge you to put Fernwood on your list! read more

Beautiful winery we bike to regularly during covid, while I've been out of work the place is beautiful. Would be nice to check it out sometime read more

Fernwood Cellars - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Gilroy, California

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We love everything about Fernwood Cellars, from the exquisite wines and the friendly staff to the gorgeous venue. We've been members for several years, and finally went to one of their fun events, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and wine pairings in the Redwood Grove. Matt and Tiffany and all the staff really made us and our guests feel welcome. We love to share our Fernwood wines with our friends, and we're adding more Fernwood events to our bucket list! read more

Hidden gem. Great wines, great service. You should make a reservation because it is pretty tiny read more

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Few things in life are as enjoyable as wine. Even to a novice such as myself, I can appreciate the effort it takes to produce a good wine. But I never considered how the experience at a winery can add to the enjoyment. We didn't stumble on Fernwood Cellars by accident. Our visit was prompted by a recommendation from family who live nearby. The area surrounding Gilroy and Morgan Hill is beautiful countryside! Prepare to be impressed as you take a short drive off the beaten path which takes you into a canyon where the scenery is even more spectacular. And the icing on the cake is losing cell coverage. Put down your device and focus on the wine. Fernwood Cellars has been around for almost 25 years, but the vineyards have been in the family for well over a century. While I don't frequent wineries often (I'm from Arizona, so really, like never) I still enjoy learning about wines and how they are made. There are multiple wine tasting rooms on site and a venue for weddings plus accommodations for private group events. You can stroll around and take in the setting, play games or just sit by the stream that crosses the grounds. Gina served our flight of wines, starting with their Chardonnay and ending with my favorite, a Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room was pretty busy but she was friendly and handled the crowd well. Fernwood Cellars doesn't sell their wine in stores. Trust me, this is a good thing. Their product is uniquely different. The aromas are familiar, but they don't compare to the stuff you can easily access anywhere. Comparatively speaking, every other wine I've tasted previously, seems homogenized. They all smell and taste the same. If you want to taste distinction, drive past all the winery signs on the way to Fernwood Cellars. And if you don't want to take the word of this novice, ask the folks at the competing wineries which grapes they purchase from Fernwood. Then you will know. read more

Fernwood Cellars - The Chardonnay and the vines that produced it. - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Gilroy, California

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My husband and I, along with two other couples went to the Lobster Boil last night! The setting was beautiful! Matt and Tiffany, the owners were so welcoming and put forth an incredible event of great food, wines and service! I really cannot say enough about what they both generously provided for everyone, to make sure it was a perfect evening! And it was Perfect!! Thank you Fernwood Cellars! read more

Nestled among the redwoods and in a remote part of Gilroy is this wonderful winery that has six generations living right on the property .The Ambience, wines, and history will leave you wanting more and telling friends. Fernwood is a true labor of love in every way. It's a must!!! read more

Fabulous wines, venue and overall tasting experience! We've been members at many wineries, but this one takes the cake for overall "fabulousness!" The tasting venue (outside under a canopy of coast redwoods on a hot summer day) is second to none. The wines are exquisite, tasting pours are generous, hosts are warm and welcoming, and the special dinners/events are over the top! If you can belong to only one wine club, this might very well be the one! We love the reds, the bolder the better! read more

"The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It's not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time." -- John Steinbeck Hard to believe that another 1/4 mile drive brings you to even more spectacular scenery than what we saw at Martin Ranch Winery but it does. Another beautiful tree lined stretch that ends with a gorgeous Redwood Grove and the small Fernwood Cellars. Fernwood is a family owned operation that has been living and working the land out here for six generations. Starting in 1999, winemaker and owner Matt Oetinger has crafted a variety of Reds and whites that strive to reflect the essence of this lovely area. Now Matt was formerly Vineyard Manager for that Pretentious Winery That Shall Be Named, but, we were two stops away from that awful place so I could not hold that against him at this time. We were a week too early as the Chardonnay was not ready to taste. i will come back for that as I usually enjoy Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnays. We tasted a few reds with the Zin and Syrah not really standing out for me but the Cabernet Franc they made was outstanding! Balanced, with lovely fruit and woody notes, this was an excellent representation of what California could do with Cabernet Franc. In fact, I first cut my teeth on Cabernet Francs from Reverie, Savannah-Chanelle, Robert Sinsky, Pride, Lang & Reed and others when I first started getting into wine. I thought it was poised to really take off but it never did. Although Fernwood's was pricey at $37.00, it still was my one purchase here. The less said about their Late Harvest Riesling the better. Too sweet, cloying and pandering. Service was excellent here, everyone very nice and friendly in spite of the weekend crowds. Like Martin Ranch, they are open the Third Weekend of every month. Their website also mentions a service where they will create a custom vineyard for you. Hmmm, if I win the lottery for sure I will have a custom vineyard ;) We were not planning on stopping here until we saw their road sign by Martin Ranch winery. With the gorgeous scenery and excellent Cabernet Franc, we are glad we did. I will be back for sure :) Recommended! read more

We visited on 10/31/2021. What a beautiful place in Gilroy. We sat outside and enjoyed the ambiance and the wines. The seating is spread out amongst the Pine and Oak trees. This was just what we needed after a long drive. Side cut is a red blend that I would highly recommend. We loved the Rose and that is not a wine we usually enjoy. The staff was so knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed so many of the wines that we will be back next time we are in the area. read more

Fernwood Cellars - a table with wine glasses on it - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Such a great place! So friendly and peaceful! Be ready - you will not want to leave. We'll come back here to stay longer. read more

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This is by far one of the best wineries in the bay area. First the wine is just consistently good which is rare in the bay area. Clos Las Chance and other wineries have their moments but I feel like I am rolling the dice everytime I open a bottle. If you get a chance to meet Matt, the wine maker and owner you'll quickly understand why the wine is great. He can tell you exactly what went into the making of each release and what you are tasting. It's not an experience you often get when visiting Napa and meet the snobs that often run those tasting rooms -- he cares about each grape, every bottle, every sip it would seem. Also, If you haven't visited them you must and be sure to put their Lobster Boil and Oktoberfest events on your calendar. My wife and I have been wine club members for over a year now and highly recommend a visit or tasting with Matt and the Fernwood Cellars team. The Petit Sirah and his Cab's are big reds and some of my favorites but my wife is nuts about the Chardonnay as it has that great buttery start with a strong fruit finish, well balanced of course. She puts it close to another fav - Rombauer. Hope this sends you his way - you won't regret it. Cheers, RG read more

My wife and I have visited more than a dozen wineries in the Morgan Hill/Gilroy area during the past year. The people pouring the wine at Fernwood were nice, the little tasting room inside a plain metal building was okay, but there are no views to speak of, and it's a ways down a curvy little road, albeit a pretty little road. Our experience here, and at the nearby Martin's Ranch indicates that the location (soils and micro-climate) of the vineyards results in wines with relatively high acidity, with inadequate flavor development before frost or too much moisture forces the harvest. We tasted 5 wines at Fernwood, and the only one that was ready to drink was a 5-year old Zinfandel, and that's a bit old for most Zins. The acidity was in control, but the aspects of a good Zin were muted by the extra age. Given the harsh acidity and other problems with the wines, I really wished there were some crackers available to mute these problems between tastings. I understand that different people enjoy different aspects of wine, and I suspect that Fernwood's relatively small volume gets sold out, regardless of its quality and surprisingly high prices, so that's fine for them. We were offended that this place charges $10pp for tasting only 4-5 wines, and for wines of this quality. We were glad that we shared a tasting because the wines are not especially well-made, and at $35-$40+/bottle they are among the most expensive in the area. We buy wine at 80+% of the wineries we visit, but Fernwood was not one of them. read more

Fernwood is a pretty great winery on a few levels. First, it's in a gorgeous area. A few people specifically call out that it's in Gilroy (and Gilroy is awesome, BTW), but this isn't what you'd expect from the area-it's tucked away in a pretty cool wooded area and feels pretty lush. Second, the wines are great. Yes, they're not cheap. But they taste great, they generally age well and if you think they're expensive you don't even want to think how much you'd pay for similar quality wine in Napa. Third, they do all sorts of cool events. Whether it's a chocolate tasting or their Lobster Boil they do it up right. Go there and taste for yourself--that's really the only way you're going to know for sure whether you like it or not. read more

I happen to have an opportunity to attend one of their wine release parties and boy was it a good time. I absolutely adore their wines especially their Chardonnay. I don't believe they have a tasting room yet, but if you check out the website under Events you'll find them somewhere nearby. My first opportunity having their wines was at a pouring Vino Locale put on showcasing these wines. You have got to try them. You have to check these guys out when you have a chance. It's in the middle of never neverland but definitely a great time. They really know how to throw a party. Thanks Matt for all the good food and fun people. read more

Beautiful winery! Had a nice visit on Memorial Day holiday. The wine tasting was great. Greeted by a couple and were very friendly. Would visit again. read more

Fernwood Cellars offers several wine options, and naturally not everyone will love every wine. Our personal favorites are their Cabernets and Zinfandels, though the Chardonnay found it's way into our latest purchase. The owners are actually involved in the entire process from growing to picking, crushing, blending, bottling, promoting, everything. They're very creative about showcasing their wines at special events, such as their dinners in the vineyard. And we can't say enough great things about those dinners! The most recent event, catered by La Papillon in Santa Clara, paired each course with a different wonderful wine. Imagine a long table set with linens and crystal, beautiful flowers and nice china, arranged at the top of a hill in the vineyard at sunset. A musician is playing guitar music, waiters serving delicious appetizers while diners are sipping the Chardonnay, and sipping, and sipping, you get the idea. Each course came with a different wine, generously poured. At the end of the dinner, the owners personally shuttled everyone safely down the hill in their vehicles. We recommend taking the drive to the winery or enjoying the new tasting room in Los Gatos.....or even better, try the wine with food at the next event. We'll be back! read more

This is another small Santa Clara Valley winery right down the road from Martin Ranch, so we decided to pop in and check it out. I don't think they really have a tasting room per se, as they were pouring in the barrel room during the Spring Passport '10. There was nothing that really tickled my fancy here. Their chardonnay had a weird clove and pine nose to me, which was off-putting. I didn't like the earthy character of the Zin and Merlot I tried either. They were nice and freindly, but I just didn't like the wine very much. read more

Fernwood is our favorite winery not only in Gilroy but one of our top ones worldwide. My husband and I are big fans of Napa and Sonoma wines especially chardonnay and big reds. I promise you Fernwood does not disappoint. What sets Fernwood apart from other wineries is that the winemaker personally handles every step of the winemaking process from planting the vines to caring for and harvesting the grapes to producing, barreling and bottling all of their wines. Not only is their wine amazing, Fernwood has a lovely, intimate tasting room with knowledgeable, welcoming staff who offer up generous pours. It's located just outside Gilroy. Driving down Redwood Retreat Road is beautiful and well worth the drive to their gorgeous property. Throughout the year, Fernwood offers up a lot of fun events including Oktoberfest, art and wine event, farm to table dinners and our personal favorite - their Lobster Boil. Fernwood is a can't miss stop if you are planning a visit to South County. read more

My wife and I have been Fernwood wine club members for over 7 years and absolutely love their wines. I personally like heavier reds so their Zinfandel and Cabs are right up my alley. They also make several great blends, I am a huge fan of the Sidecut. The winery itself is very cool, located down a beautiful country road. We have attended many winery events over the years, the Lobster Boil is my favorite...looking forward to getting back to their events when our kids get a little older for Oktoberfest and the winemakers Dinner in the Vineyard! I highly recommend checking out Fernwood Cellars and some of the other great wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. read more

First of all, this is not a review of the wine. Several months ago, we purchased a deal voucher purchased from Living Social thru Amazon Local. The vocher was ot nearly worth the $50 we paid, nor the $100 it was "worth". Once we were finally able to book the tour (a different issue), we only received a tasting worth $10 each and a short tour by an uninformed employee; that was it. After complaining, we were told that we could repeat the tour on am event weekend, but was reminded that "[The tour guide] will clearly have a lot going on that day, but would be happy to take the time away to give you the tour." Clearly an indication of another pending dissapointing tour. Lucky for me, Amazon Local stands behind their "Value" promise and immediately gave me a refund when I complained. read more

Very friendly staff and a beautiful location! Can't wait for their new tasting room that's opening soon in the middle of Redwood trees! Really enjoyed their Chardonnay and Rhône blend. read more

This winery is top-notch, with a hands-on winemaker and staff. But I would like to comment to Cortney Dedham, MA - why would you even BEGIN to diss a winery because they have $40 wine and they are not from Napa? You show extreme ignorance and smirtch an otherwise great site (yelp) with your ridiculous review. read more

Wow! What a beautiful winery and a fabulous winemaker! Matt is a super chill guy who knows his stuff! Try the 2009 Mirepoix... so tasty. At first I thought we were lost on the drive out- but nestled away back in the hills is a gem! Worth the visit! Wonderful people! Kudos! read more

I cannot say enough amazing things about Fernwood and the family that owns it. We had a Celebration of Life memorial there and not only is the place stunning, Tiff and her entire family were so generous, helpful and accommodating. They made the experience during a hard time in our lives seamless and less stressful. We are so thankful for their help and happy how beautiful it all was. read more