I have written many times that the best wineries I visit have the best vibes. Your wine experience must include a wonderful time to go with the wine.
You want to walk away from the visit feeling relaxed and chill – that’s what it’s about.
Del Valle Winery is one such place.
“We want to create an experience from the time you arrive until the time you leave,” said Celeste Cassa, the tasting room manager. “We want everyone to leave with a smile.”
And to think I nearly missed out on Del Valle. I had no idea Del Valle was owned by the Molinaro’s – they also own Garre, a winery we have praised and written about before.
The family purchased the winery in 2020 and for some reason, it slipped through the cracks. I had no idea who owned the winery.
In fact, when my wife and I walked in the door, we were met by Gina Cardera-Molinaro, the owner and a long-time friend. It was a pleasant surprise, and I instantly knew we were in for a great experience.
Garre was one of the wineries in the Livermore Valley that helped the region make the turn from an afterthought into a legitimate wine destination.
Cardera-Molinaro knew the ability resided within the Livermore Valley to make great wine, they just needed some direction.
“We needed something we could do well,” said Cadera-Molinaro. “We realized we were making good wines.”
Its owners like Cadera-Molinaro that have transformed the Livermore Valley from a place with 2-3 good wineries to a destination place worthy of a couple days of wine tasting.
Del Valle is one winery that must be added to your list of wineries to visit. Located near the front of Tesla Road, not deep into the wine region with the rolling hills.
But while the magnificent vistas may not be right out in front of the property, the Del Valle Winery evolves into its own little world once you pull in the parking lot and enter the winery.
There’s a front area with some vineyards and a covered gazebo type area. It has wine barrels at one end and leaves you feeling far away from the busy Tesla Road.
There’s a quaint inside tasting area and then there’s the expansive back patio/garden area that is covered as well. There are fire pits available in the back area and highlights their Fire Pit Fridays. Each Friday there is live music from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. with wine for sale by the glass or bottle, and of course there is a full kitchen that produces some amazing food.
The back garden/patio area is also used for weddings, and Del Valle features a bridal suite in the back of the parking lot, complete with a secret garden area.
Another thing I always look at is the membership program. Del Valle’s is as top notch as the facility, the wine, and food. Members get three bottles a quarter and the perks are solid.
In addition to complimentary tastings for the member and a guest, members can reserve the fire pits for Friday Fire Pit Nights. An added per for members is that on each visit, they get a complimentary member’s snack prepared by the kitchen.
The food? Amazing.
On our visit we enjoyed the Del Valle Charcuterie Board – it was plentiful and delicious.
In addition to starters like the Charcuterie Board, Del Valle offers salads, small plates, sandwiches, flatbreads, and desserts.
And the wines – they were great.
We started with the Sauvignon Blanc, a refreshing wine made for the hot, summer days. Next up was Grenache – I am fan of the Rhone varietals – and it was solid.
The Cab was solid as was the red blend Rosso Delight. The last wine on the tasting menu was the Petite Sirah, a bold wine with a smooth finish.
Two additional wines we tasted were the Cab Franc, the new varietal of the Livermore Valley and the wine did justice to the region.
Finally, it was a joy to taste the RJM blend, a wine named after Molinaro’s father and iconic winery owner Bob Molinaro. It was so good, I brought home a bottle to add to my portfolio.
Bob passed away in 2023, and I consider myself fortunate to have known him. He was an icon in the community, spending countless hours of his time working for local charities, often manning the grill along with long-time friend and business partner Tony Macchiano.
One day is all it took for the Del Valle Winery to move on to my list of “must-go” wineries. You know when you go there, a relaxing wine tasting experience is awaiting.
You’ve got every box checked it what makes for a great day – great vibe, great wine, great food, and great customer service!
For more information visit www.delvallewinery.com.
By Dennis Miller