MOST FOOTBALL FANS know Vince Ferragamo as the NFL quarterback who led the Los Angeles Rams to Super Bowl XIV in 1980.
But what many don’t know is that Ferragamo is a licensed wine expert and owner of a family-run vineyard in Orange.
“After my football career, I started in the real estate business and am the broker for Ferragamo Real Estate, a residential real estate sales company,” he said.
“While most of my attention was on real estate, a part of me was interested in the wine industry.”
So, he went on to get his sommelier license, completing his studies at the Greystone Institute in Napa, part of the California campus of the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE NFL, VINCE FERRAGAMO (RIGHT) EARNED A SOMMELIER LICENSE AND FOUNDED A FAMILY VINEYARD. PHOTO COURTESY OF VINCE FERRAGAMO
A sommelier is an elite, highly trained professional wine expert, specializing in all aspects of wine service, including food pairings, wine cellar management and wine selection to create a cohesive, balanced and appealing menu.
“I guess being of Italian descent, food and wine has always been part of our daily routine,” Ferragamo said. “My mom was a great cook, and my Sicilian wife Jodi has followed in her footsteps.”
His family comes from Bonito, Avellino, near Naples, and his wife Jodi’s family is from Palermo, Sicily. His favorite wines, of course, are all Italian: Super Tuscan Tignanello, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano, Rosso Piceno, Nero di Troia, and Barolo.
In regard to the 10 or so distinct wines that come from the Vince Ferragamo Vineyards, “The ‘Caressa J’ stands above the rest,” he said.
The name is derived from Vince and Jodi’s three daughters: Venessa, Cara and Jenna. It is an award-winning Sangiovese- blend Super Tuscan with Cabernet and Cabernet Franc, grown in the family vineyard.
When people think of California wines, Napa is what usually comes to mind, not Southern California. “Our vineyard is in Orange Park Acres,” he shared. “We have a semi arid Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, slightly wetter winters. It cools off in the evening and warms up during the day, which is a good contrast for the grapes.”
The weather is similar to Tuscany; however, Tuscany receives double the annual rainfall.
“You must have faith,” shared Ferragamo. “Mother Nature controls the weather and God willing, we will have a good harvest.”
Aside from the real estate and wine ventures, he is the founder and chairman of the Vince Ferragamo Foundation, founded in 1996, that supports children’s groups, sports programs and families in need throughout Southern California. Initiatives include an annual Celebrity Golf Classic for over 30 years that has benefited Special Olympics and other charities advocating for those in need, especially children. The Foundation also supports breast cancer research and other causes.
And, when he’s not involved in all these efforts, he teaches a class at Santiago Canyon College in Orange called “Vines to Wines,” an eight-week course offered during the fall semester.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Ferragamo added with a smile.
He and his wife Jodi are parishioners at La Purísima Catholic Church in Orange.
Ferragamo expressed his gratitude for being raised in the Catholic faith.
“While football was a significant part of my life, it was never the foundation of who I am.”
He added, “Today, when I reflect on my life, I am grateful not only for the opportunities football gave me, but also for the spiritual foundation that sustained me through every season. I believe the Lord has been with me every step of the way, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”
For more information on the Vince Ferragamo Vineyards, go to: vinceferragamovineyards.com