What’s to Expect
At Del Dotto, the winemakers place significant emphasis on the barrel, and its tour revolves around that concept. This experience is available across its three Napa Valley locations.
During a Del Dotto tour, you won’t sample fully aged wine from a bottle; instead, expect to taste directly from the barrels. You may even experience the unique aroma of an empty barrel. Your knowledgeable guide will utilize a wine “thief” to draw samples from the barrels for you to enjoy.
Depending on the guide, your exploration might differ. You may taste various fermented grape juices aged in different types of oak, uncovering the flavor distinctions contributed by the wood. Alternatively, you could compare different base wines (same grape, different year) aged in identical wood, highlighting the grapes’ influence.
Why You Should Go
This tour invites you to delve into the world of winemaking, understand the intricate process, and appreciate how it affects the final product. If you have a penchant for chocolate, you will particularly relish the combination of wine and chocolate pairings, an art form that’s not easily mastered.
The Wines
Del Dotto is renowned for producing port wine, alongside varietals such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sangiovese. Noteworthy recognition includes a 93-point rating from Wine Spectator for Del Dotto’s 1999 Cabernet, and a score of 92 for its Cabernet Franc. In a standout moment for the winery, Robert Parker rated both the 2012 Del Dotto St. Helena Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Del Dotto The Beast Cabernet Sauvignon at an impressive 98–100 points in 2014.
Know Before You Go
Be aware that the tour and barrel tastings are exclusively by appointment. Del Dotto’s locations each offer a distinct atmosphere. The historic caves, hand-dug in 1885, are nestled within the Hedgeside Distillery Building, located just outside Napa. Meanwhile, the Piazza Del Dotto, found off St. Helena Highway, is the winery’s newest venue, complete with a barn set amid 8.5 acres of cabernet sauvignon and flourishing vegetable gardens.
The St. Helena site evokes the charm of a Venetian palazzo, complete with marble floors, while hosting larger groups within its expansive caves. Notably, this tour does not include glimpses of the crushing machine, fermentation tanks, or bottling area.
Important Note: During this wine tour, you’ll partake in several generous wine samples. It’s effortless to become intoxicated more so than at other wineries. Therefore, consider appointing a designated driver, hiring transportation, or arriving with a full stomach to ensure safety.
Additionally, remember that the wines you’ll taste are still maturing and not the refined, ready-to-drink selections typically found in other locations. Don’t let this deter you from attending—the journey is part of the experience and enjoyment of wine.
The Basics
Del Dotto’s grapes flourish in various viticultural areas, allowing them to produce a broader selection of wine varietals than many other wineries. Their annual output ranges between 400 to 500 cases.
Addresses
Historic Del Dotto Winery & Caves
1055 Atlas Peak Road, Napa CA 94558
Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves
1445 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena CA 94574
Piazza Del Dotto Winery & Caves
7466 St. Helena Highway, Napa CA 94558
