Family plans agricultural tourist destination
Gilroy – The owners of Guglielmo Winery can proceed with plans for a farm park in north Gilroy now that Santa Clara County supervisors have taken the unusual step of approving a single-parcel amendment to the county’s general plan.
Earlier this week, supervisors unanimously approved changing the designation of the family’s 30-acre parcel south of Masten Avenue and immediately west of Highway 101 from open space to agriculture use. The change clears the way for the Guglielmos to develop an agricultural tourist destination featuring a farmer’s market, orchards, wine tasting, a child-sized rail system, an education center and man-made lakes.
Gary Guglielmo, who’s heading up the project for his family could not be reached for comment Friday. In a previous interview, he said his family wants to create a new community center that celebrates the South Valley’s agricultural heritage.
“With everything covered in asphalt and concrete, a lot of people forget about the history of the valley,” Guglielmo said. “We want an attraction that will not only take care of the kids that will provide education and enjoyment for everyone who comes.”
The Guglielmo family has been growing grapes in Morgan Hill since 1925. Guglielmo owns the winery with his brothers, George and Gene. He said the family has been looking to develop the property for several years.
“With our family being in wine, we wanted to look at a use that would promote agriculture in this valley,” Guglielmo said. “Not just a farmer’s market, but an education center for kids to come by and see what different crops look like, see how they grow.”
