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Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves: A Venetian Masterpiece in Napa

Experience the opulence of a Venetian estate in Napa Valley, where handcrafted wines meet breathtaking architecture and immersive barrel tastings in candlelit caves.

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Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves is a stunning Venetian-inspired winery located in St. Helena, Napa Valley. Founded by Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto, the winery pays homage to their family's Venetian heritage, dating back to 1150. Opened in 2007, the winery features opulent architecture, including Murano glass chandeliers, marble pillars, and intricate tile work crafted by Italian artisans. Visitors can indulge in unique barrel tastings directly from oak barrels in the candlelit caves, accompanied by opera music. The experience extends beyond wine, with food pairings that highlight the Del Dotto's olive oil and other culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a luxurious and immersive wine experience.

A brief summary to Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves

  • Monday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tasting in advance, as reservations are required and slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cave tour involves walking and standing for extended periods.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday for a less crowded and more intimate experience.
  • If you're a serious wine collector, inquire about the Private Connoisseur Cave Experience for access to exclusive wines.
  • Allow ample time for your visit, as the tasting experience typically lasts 90 minutes to two hours.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves is located on St. Helena Highway (Highway 29) south of St. Helena. From downtown St. Helena, head south on Highway 29 for approximately 2 miles. The winery will be on your left. Look for the imposing stone and iron gates flanked by large pottery amphorae. Parking is available on-site. Be aware that traffic on Highway 29 can be heavy, especially during peak tourist season. Consider allowing extra time for your journey. There is no fee for parking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Napa Valley. A ride from downtown St. Helena to Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on demand and traffic conditions. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves

Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves is more than just a winery; it's an immersive experience that transports visitors to the heart of Venice, all while showcasing the finest Napa Valley wines. Located on St. Helena Highway in Rutherford, the winery stands as a testament to the Del Dotto family's rich heritage and passion for winemaking. The story of Del Dotto begins in the late 1980s when Dave Del Dotto, a retired real estate and infomercial tycoon, and his wife Yolanda, visited Napa Valley and fell in love with a 17-acre property perfect for grape growing. Inspired by their family's Venetian roots, which trace back to 1150, they embarked on a mission to create a winery that honored their heritage. In 1990, they planted new rootstock of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sangiovese, laying the foundation for what would become a world-class winery. The construction of Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves was a labor of love, with no expense spared in creating a masterpiece of Venetian architecture. Italian stone masons were brought in to construct the 16,000-square-foot palace, complete with a marble exterior, fountains, statues, and olive trees. Inside, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking sight: a domed ceiling adorned with Murano glass chandeliers, soaring arches, marble pillars, and exquisite Venetian art. The attention to detail is remarkable, with intricate tile work and mosaic marble floors that tell the story of winemaking. The caves at Del Dotto are a highlight of the visitor experience. Lined with Italian marble and ancient tiles, the caves provide a unique and atmospheric setting for barrel tastings. Candles flicker, casting a warm glow on the walls, while opera music fills the air, creating an intoxicating ambiance. Here, visitors can sample red wine varietals directly from oak barrels, learning about the impact of different types of oak aging on the wine. The experience is both educational and indulgent, offering a sensory journey that engages all the senses. Del Dotto's commitment to quality extends beyond its architecture and ambiance. The winery is known for its small-scale wine production, allowing for meticulous attention to detail in every bottle. The Del Dotto family sources premium wine grapes from the region's best vineyards, including their own organically farmed vineyards in Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Spring Mountain, and the Sonoma Coast. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and several delicious sparkling wines. One of the unique aspects of Del Dotto's winemaking process is their use of clay amphora vessels for fermentation and aging. This ancient technique, dating back thousands of years, brings a certain earthiness and softness to the wine. Del Dotto even buried several of these vessels to represent historical duplication, adding another layer of depth to their winemaking philosophy. The tasting experiences at Del Dotto are designed to be both informative and enjoyable. The Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting, priced at $120 per person, is a signature offering that allows guests to sample wines directly from the barrel. The experience typically includes a side-by-side comparison of a single vineyard Cabernet aged in French Oak alongside the same Cabernet aged in American Oak, as well as a pour of featured bottled wine accompanied by a snack of house-made pizza. For those seeking a more elevated experience, the Private Connoisseur Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting offers access to VIP member-only wines from the bottle and from the barrels. This experience requires a $2,500 wine purchase minimum and is recommended for serious collectors and those who wish to purchase Del Dotto's best wines. Del Dotto also offers a Delicacies Wine & Food Pairing experience at their Piazza Del Dotto location, which embodies Dave Del Dotto's philosophy that wine tasting should be a complete sensory experience. This experience pairs Del Dotto wines with the finest ingredients from their gardens and world-renowned purveyors. Visiting Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves is an unforgettable experience that combines the best of Napa Valley wine with the opulence and artistry of Venice. From the stunning architecture to the unique barrel tastings and commitment to quality, Del Dotto offers a wine experience unlike any other.

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