Del Dotto Vineyards

 

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Amanda E.

Los Angeles, CA

This was my first time wine tasting and for that extremely fun! The wine we tried was amazing and I loved how we got to tour the actual caves and drink directly from the barrel.

I think that we pissed off our group though, getting way too drunk, asking stupid questions... but thats Napa.

This is go-to spot for the most incredible Cabernets, Merlots, Pinots and Ports.

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8

L T.

Fullerton, CA

For starters, there are TWO Del Dotto vineyards to tour around.  One costs $10 bucks more, but you get more appetizers at the end.  The other (located in Napa, CA) is older and has more history behind it.  Don't get confused!  I did and unfortunately ended up on the wrong one.  As a result, I came late to my 330pm appointment.  The staff, though, was kind enough to let me sneak into the next group.  As it turned out, my group was more intimate, smaller, quieter, and more informative than the other rowdy 50 somethings from the other groups.

The new cave for Del Dotto was a treat and the host was very kind to let us sample pretty much to our hearts content.  They specialize only on reds (a plus for me) and in the end, I think I had close to 10+ glasses.  The new cave looks amazing and the lobby is something to behold.  When I opened the door to the concierge, I think I got transported to The Versailles.  From the imported stone from Italy to the crystal chandeliers, every detail in this place has been accounted for.  I can only wonder what the older "grotto" feels and looks like compared to this.

But is it worth the $50 bucks?  For the people that travel to Napa Valley on a budget (like myself), this one was a little out of my league.  The wines were great and I did get that wine buzz in the end, but there was a great wine lounge in downtown Napa that can get you in the same buzz for half the cost.  Basically you're paying for the atmosphere and the name.   Also, keep in mind the bottles that are extracted directly from the barrels you tasted don't go cheap.  The prices range from $80 to $120 bucks per bottle...so be sure that you get those barrel info cards in order.  

5 stars for the atmosphere.  4 stars for the service.  4 1/2 stars for the host.  And unfortunately, 1 1/2 stars for the cost.   Maybe if I'm on a date, I'll pay a visit to the older, more homely cousin and see if maybe $40 bucks for the tour will justify my wallet.

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19

Kacey H.

San Francisco, CA

This is the new second installment of Del Dotto that recently opened, just to clarify.  This location is quite a bit different then the first in terms of the building and caves but the wine is still amazing.  

The new locations building has marble and tile imported from Italy and when you enter one of the first things you notice is how grandiose the interior is. From the giant marble pillars, to the skylight showcasing their imported Italian tile to the beautiful wood tasting counter.  At the counter we sampled one of their wines then it was off to the caves.

Unlike the first location these caves are more showy and not "natural" however the floor is intricate and the design detail is impeccable.  We had a great guide, Steve who honed in on our families tastes and selected several great barrels for us to try.  One of the great things about the tour is the education, from the history of wine (is short pieces) to how toasting and where the barrel is from effects the way the wine tastes it's definitely worth the money.  We tasted French Oak Cab's, American Oak Cab's, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cave Blends, Italian Blends, Cab Franc, Bordeaux Blends and even wine from the clay pot (the very old fashioned way, think Egypt).  After the caves we headed to the main area for a charcuterie plate, chocolate, cheese and port.

All in all the tour is fantastic as is the wine.  It can be a little pricey especially after collecting a stack of cards from all the barrels we wanted a bottle or 6 from but it's worth every dollar!

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