Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves

Reserve your Cave Experience & Barrel tasting now! www.deldottovineyards.com.

Near the northeast corner of the city of Napa, just barely on the way toward Atlas Peak, awaits a special treat. In 1885, Chinese laborers dug a 350-foot wine cave, using only picks and shovels. This hand-dug cave and winery was one of the first wineries to appear in the Napa Valley during an era when most were in San Francisco for ease of transport; it is currently one of only six still in existence from that time. In 1997, Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto restored the original winery and began aging their red wines in the caves. These cave-aged wines proved to be more voluptuous and opulent than those aged in modern facilities, and they continue to age their wines in these historic caves, using them as a springboard for a range of experiments with oak barrels. The wines they produce draw on the best organic estate fruit from more than 120 planted acres in a range of a locations, including Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, Rutherford Bench, Sonoma Coast, Spring Mountain and St. Helena.

Today, you can come and experience wines which are thieved right out of the barrel in the Cave Tour and Barrel Tasting Experience. With up to forty-five different wines for your host to choose from, you are sure to get a customized experience on each visit. After you exit the caves, you will be offered a selection of cheese and salumi to cleanse your palate. Port accompanied by chocolate truffles will complete the experience. For a slightly less comprehensive experience, the Bar Tastings offers five wines and/or port accompanied by a selection of fine cheeses and breadsticks. Both are available by appointment only, so make sure you call ahead! Well-known for their hospitality, the Del Dotto cave experiences have been voted wine country “bests” time and again for a reason, and the historic caves are newly renovated with lighting, artwork and a new special VIP area with couches. Enjoy!

By Josh Stein

Cave-Aged Wines and Barrel-Tasting Fun in Napa!

Varietals
Bordeaux Blend, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grappa, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Port, Red Blend, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel

Fun facts
Del Dotto serves a cheese and meat tray with the tour at both wineries on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (everyday at the Venetian Estate winery).  At the Estate, they serve pizza as well on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, included with the tour.