A Father’s Day Homage to Big Papa
This Father’s Day, we’re paying tribute to our very own Big Papa, Daniel Ferrelli, and legacy of the moniker that means so much to us here at EFESTĒ.
Our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon was named Big Papa in tribute to Daniel Ferrelli’s grandfather, but the name itself details more tradition, legacy, and family lore than can be held by one person alone. A title passed down to the eldest Ferrelli patriarch, “Big Papa” embodies the strength, determination, and perseverance of the Ferrelli family, from Calabria, Italy, to Chicago, Illinois during the Great Depression, and now in Seattle, Washington.
Summer, 1959
Russell Salvatore Ferrelli’s (the original Big Papa) family emigrated from the Calabrian village of Cotronei in the early 1900’s, quickly finding themselves struggling to survive in Prohibition Chicago during the Great Depression. To make money, the family sold jug wine out of their brownstone basement; the only depression-proof profession during Prohibition, and a tradition the family had long employed back in the old country.
In the summer of 1959, Russell travelled from Chicago to Seattle with the intention of continuing the family’s winemaking traditions with his son, Joseph, and young grandsons, Daniel and Russell. One borrowed 1940s wine press, a train full of Californian Zinfandel grapes, and a couple of months of hard work later, and the men were sharing a toast and, for Daniel and Russell, the reignited flames of passion for this Ferrelli family tradition.
And Now…
Over the years, Daniel Ferrelli continued to make wine using this same 1940s press, which now sits, proudly retired, in the EFESTĒ Woodinville Tasting Room. It was during these summers, as a young man himself, that Kevin Taylor joined the family winemaking efforts; he and Daniel’s daughter, owner Angela Taylor, were young Redmond High School sweethearts. After 20 years, and a particularly long night of tasting for Kevin and Daniel, while Angela and mom, Helen, were out of the country, the concept of EFESTĒ was born. And, in only a few short years, the brown jugs they drank from that night would be replaced with beautiful bottles and labels, just like you can find them today.
For many years after the founding of EFESTĒ and the opening of the Woodinville Tasting Room location in 2005, Big Papa Daniel Ferrelli could be found within its unique charm of part tasting room and part production facility, recounting his family story to new friends and patrons alike, or teaching eager EFESTĒ employees the nuance of appreciating really good wine. These days, the day to day operations have been passed to daughter Angela Taylor, and Daniel and wife Helen enjoy their time visiting by sipping on their favorite wines and reminiscing with members who have become more like family.
Celebrate Your “Big Papa”, Whatever You May Call Him!
This Father’s Day, we invite you to celebrate your “Big Papa”, whether he’s known to you as Dad, Pops, Uncle, or any other name, by treating him to a special Cabernet Trio Tasting, chef-curated brisket sliders, or our 6/12 bottle sale of our most-loved Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our limited quantity library Cabernet Tasting Trio is available only in our Woodinville location and features:
2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Taylor Mag Cabernet Sauvignon
This library trio will also be able to purchase while supplies last!
