MARVELS OF CONFECTIONARY CONSTRUCTION
For the wineries that participated, and the talented bakers, builders and makers who helped out, the annual Sonoma Valley Gingerbread Winery Contest is a true labor of love. Which is why, before you vote, you’ll want to take a moment to give them all a good long look, get the back story, and consider the time and tender loving care baked into each one. The best way to do that is to come see them in person. Like pretty much everything, they look even better with a glass of wine.
But if you can’t get here, scroll down to see each one and to read quotes from the wineries. Check out the fun time-lapse video from our friends at Deerfield Ranch Winery taken while putting the finishing touches on their creation. Then, once you’ve had a good look, go here to vote for your favorite. You could win a hand-selected case of Sonoma Valley wine.
“We like gingerbread, but we LOVE pasta!!! So we’re celebrating our Italian roots by using mama’s past to make a charming representation of our lovely tasting room and piazza.”
– Henry Belmonte, Proprietor
“We chose to celebrate our deep Sonoma Valley roots by replicating the winery that sits in what was once the Kenwood School house, dating back to the 1800’s.”
– Michael Muscardini, Proprietor & Winemaker
“The name “Meadowcroft,” literally means fertile field upon the meadow, so it was only fitting that we chose a honeybee to represent our winery.”
– Tom Meadowcroft, Winegrower
“Our historical barn turned tasting room has been recreated in gingerbread, complete with our three playful labs, bocce court and a look inside to a rice paper mural depicting the history of the property.”
– Becky Larson, Proprietor
“Inspired by the vision and pioneering spirit of past farmers, we call our house ‘The Ride’ as it takes you on a tour of iconic Sonoma landmarks situated on the Sonoma Plaza, home to our Tasting Room.”
– Paul Giusto, President
“We partnered with the Sonoma Valley Boys and Girls Club to create and decorate the gingerbread replica of every building on the 30+ acre GlenLyon/Two Amigos Winery Estate plantation.”
– Squire Fridell, Winemaker/Proprietor & Bob Briner, Proprietor
“Our deep Sonoma County roots are depicted by gingerbread winegrowers surrounding the winery, each one with a sign that shows the name of his or her vineyard.”
– Robert Rex, Proprietor/Winemaker
“Our gingerbread house features the iconic winery that was inspired by formal estate gardens in the south of France.”
– Margo Van Staaveren, Winemaker
“Our gingerbread house depicts a quaint Sonoma cottage near our Pinot Noir vineyards. The two linked wedding rings on the front symbolize the marriage of our owners, Bryan and Terin, hence BRYTER.”
– Terin Ignozzi, Proprietor
“Our historic Picholine olive grove, old vine Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard & rock and roll roots, are all highlighted in our “tree” gingerbread house.”
– Dan Cohn, President
Photography by Michael Woolsey
Video by Deerfield Ranch Winery