A Delicious Irony
BY BARBARA DALY
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It is here that we learn about and experience the essence of this San Joaquin County winery. “The tasting room is the face of Delicato,” says Marie Mathews, tasting room director and granddaughter of Delicato founder, Gaspare Indelicato.
In 1924 the Indelicato family planted their first vineyard in Manteca. A little more than a decade later they built the winery, and today Delicato boasts fine wines at obtainable prices.
As one of the largest family-owned-and-operated wineries in the United States, Delicato values family. “Our tasting room is not a place to be intimidated, but a place to have fun,” says Marie. “We treat everyone like family.”
Delicato’s strong family culture nearly came to an end when the third generation of Indelicatos each decided not to work in the family business.
According to Marie, the Indelicato children were working on the farm, in the winery and in the office since they were old enough to recite the alphabet. They each turned toward corporate life as a diversion. It wasn’t long before it became clear that the responsibility and freedom that comes with owning and operating Delicato was a blessing. Eventually they all eagerly returned to the family business.
“We really like working together,” says Marie. Today, Gaspare Indelicato’s seven grandchildren proudly work in the Delicato vineyards, marketing, winery, tasting room and office. They relish the opportunity to put their own twist on the product, and have flourished as they continue to build on what their parents and grandparents started. “My parents are still involved and come to work every day. We learn from their experience, but it has been fun adding our own touches,” says Marie.
Their own touches have included award-winning wines like Delicato’s Shiraz, which garnered “Best Shiraz of California” three consecutive years at the California State Fair. Delicato makes wines under nine different brands including Gnarly Head, Gnarlier Head, 337, Loredona, Irony, Brazin, Clay Station and Twisted, and are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Wanting to share their love of the business, the latest generation of Indelicatos launched the popular home winemaking seminars. Resident wine guru Richard Foote holds the free workshops during crush in August and September each year. Small presses, fermentors, barrels, oak chips, corkers and other winemaking supplies are available in the gift shop.
The ironic twist that led the Indelicato grandchildren to return with more exuberance and appreciation was not lost on them. In tribute, they created one of their most delightful additions – the whimsical brand, Irony. According to Irony’s own label, it has been “vinted and bottled by Life’s Strange Twists Wine Co.” Now that is something we can all toast to when sipping Delicato’s fine wines.
Here’s to life’s delicious ironies!
Delicato Family Vineyards
Complimentary tastings 9 am to 5:30 pm
12001 S. Highway 99
Manteca, CA 95336
(209) 824-3500
www.delicato.com
In 1924 the Indelicato family planted their first vineyard in Manteca. A little more than a decade later they built the winery, and today Delicato boasts fine wines at obtainable prices.
As one of the largest family-owned-and-operated wineries in the United States, Delicato values family. “Our tasting room is not a place to be intimidated, but a place to have fun,” says Marie. “We treat everyone like family.”
Delicato’s strong family culture nearly came to an end when the third generation of Indelicatos each decided not to work in the family business.
According to Marie, the Indelicato children were working on the farm, in the winery and in the office since they were old enough to recite the alphabet. They each turned toward corporate life as a diversion. It wasn’t long before it became clear that the responsibility and freedom that comes with owning and operating Delicato was a blessing. Eventually they all eagerly returned to the family business.
“We really like working together,” says Marie. Today, Gaspare Indelicato’s seven grandchildren proudly work in the Delicato vineyards, marketing, winery, tasting room and office. They relish the opportunity to put their own twist on the product, and have flourished as they continue to build on what their parents and grandparents started. “My parents are still involved and come to work every day. We learn from their experience, but it has been fun adding our own touches,” says Marie.
Their own touches have included award-winning wines like Delicato’s Shiraz, which garnered “Best Shiraz of California” three consecutive years at the California State Fair. Delicato makes wines under nine different brands including Gnarly Head, Gnarlier Head, 337, Loredona, Irony, Brazin, Clay Station and Twisted, and are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Wanting to share their love of the business, the latest generation of Indelicatos launched the popular home winemaking seminars. Resident wine guru Richard Foote holds the free workshops during crush in August and September each year. Small presses, fermentors, barrels, oak chips, corkers and other winemaking supplies are available in the gift shop.
The ironic twist that led the Indelicato grandchildren to return with more exuberance and appreciation was not lost on them. In tribute, they created one of their most delightful additions – the whimsical brand, Irony. According to Irony’s own label, it has been “vinted and bottled by Life’s Strange Twists Wine Co.” Now that is something we can all toast to when sipping Delicato’s fine wines.
Here’s to life’s delicious ironies!
Delicato Family Vineyards
Complimentary tastings 9 am to 5:30 pm
12001 S. Highway 99
Manteca, CA 95336
(209) 824-3500
www.delicato.com