Consider a Visit to Del Dotto on Your Next Visit to Napa!

Napa is filled with great wineries and great tasting experiences. Where to visit is really a question that is best answered by what type of experience you would like to have. There are over 400 wineries in the valley, and each offers something different to tantalize your palate and your mind.

Del Dotto is one of those fun and informational tours that I recommend to most folks who have the opportunity to visit the valley. There are two wine caves to choose from, and both offer tours of their caves where you taste from barrels along the way. The original location is in Napa in the south end of the valley. It’s been a few years since I’ve visited that location, but I’m sure you would not be disappointed. My most recent tours have been in the newer location in St. Helena. Del Dotto tours and tastings are by appointment only, and the cost is $50 per person. Trust me — You will definitely get your money’s worth!

The St. Helena location is situated on Highway 29 just south of St. Helena and has a lavish tasting room that you enter by descending a flight of stairs adorned with statues and a fountain. There is a bar that greets you to the left, and it’s there that you start the experience. Grab your glass, and you will be led into the caves which are set up for you to taste right from the barrel.

Your tour guide will provide a good overview of the barrels, as this is the key feature of your tasting experience. You will taste different wines that are crafted from the same grapes, and the only difference will be the type of oak barrels they’re aging in. You can test your palate to see if you can discern the difference that French Oak as contrasted with American Missouri Oak imparts to the wine. You’ll be surprised at the differences you can taste.

It will be fun, and you will get to taste and sample as many as 8 to 10 wines. The tour usually ends back in the entry tasting area where food will be served as you enjoy yet another wine. It’s fun, enjoyable, and worth a visit on your next trip!

Enjoy!