CELEBRATING 30 VINTAGES WITH THE 2022 VINTAGE!
Our story began on our Rutherford Estate back in 1989. Over the last 30 years we have expanded and procured seven specially hand selected vineyard sites in six appellations located primarily in Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast.
We are known for our rich, luscious, silky smooth style of winemaking that is a common thread through all the wines made here at Del Dotto. We showcase in our caves and on our barrel tasting experiences the incredible flavors our hand selected French and American oak barrels impart onto the wines while still maximizing the terroir flavors that each single vineyard has to offer from the various appellations. To our knowledge we are the only winery in the world that offers current vintages on a futures program and bottles single vineyards cabernets out of single barrels which results in an array of flavors to choose from. Dave Del Dotto coined the phrase, “The wine is the reduction sauce, and the barrel is the spice rack.”
This program results in extremely limited production, with some wines with only one barrel made for the world. Essentially, we are creating what we call “Liquid Art”! Very rare and unable to duplicate again. It is like a rare work of art or painting but instead of hanging them on your wall you pull them from your cellar, drink and consume them.
Currently our footprint consists of 67 planted acres in Napa Valley and 41 planted acres on the Sonoma Coast. Varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and of course Cabernet Sauvignon. It took the last few decades for our family to find the ideal sites to produce world class wines with the goal to create a portfolio of wines that represent Napa Valley’s very finest.
We are certified as a California Sustainable Winegrower and although not certified, we practice organically farmed principles like no chemical sprays or fertilizers, and all weeding performed by hand or by our resident sheep. The plants are meticulously cared for by professional vineyard workers to maintain the quality of the crop that defines the Del Dotto style and reputation.
Our History
With a family name rooted in winemaking since the 1400s, wine was in Dave’s veins. He started collecting bottles in the late ‘80s. In 1988, he was on a wine-buying trip in Napa Valley with his wife Yolanda when they stumbled upon a beautiful 1912 Frank Lloyd Wright craftsman house located in the desirable Rutherford appellation. Dave had a palate for fine wines and a love for real estate, and he knew the Rutherford property had the potential to produce some remarkable grapes. He and Yolanda purchased the 17-acre property on the spot after falling in love with the view. Shortly after, our family moved from Kona, Hawaii, and in 1990, continued the 800-year old Del Dotto legacy by planting new rootstock of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese.
The Family & Team
Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto, along with their two children, Desiree and Giovanni, live and work in Napa Valley, overseeing the operations of their three wineries: Historic Del Dotto, Del Dotto Estate and Piazza Del Dotto. The family’s impact is noticeable across all aspects of the business—from the vineyards to the tasting rooms and caves—the wine, the food pairings, the architecture, ambiance and décor are all influenced by the family’s desire to offer every guest the best winery experience in Napa Valley.
