Bringing in the Next Generation Earlier Through High School Viticulture Program

Doffo Winery 2020 Yote 980

The Doffo story began back when Marcelo Doffo emigrated from Argentina to the United States, settling on a piece of land in Temecula. In homage to his Italian roots, he became a garagiste, a home winemaker producing wine out of his garage. In 1997, he purchased an old cattle ranch, installed trellis and irrigation systems by hand, and planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with some Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc as well. Four years later, he released “Mistura”, a blend of all four varieties.

Today, his son Damian has taken the helm as the general manager and has made Doffo Wines a truly family affair: his sisters Brigitte and Samantha are the tasting room director and events director, respectively.

Taking over for their father wasn’t an insignificant task. Damian recalled all the excitement and dedication for wine and for family Marcelo showed. In addition to being a winemaker, Marcelo was also a single father.

“We want to exude passion in wine and most everything we do,” Damian stated. “We don’t know any other way—that’s how we were taught by Dad.”

It’s a mindset that has carried through the generations, and even Damian’s nephews have started to become involved in the business, serving as bussers or hosts until they reach legal drinking age. The family takes pride in their work.

“We want everything to be well-manicured and taken care of,” Damian said. “It speaks to our quality mindset—even our crews take pride in what we do. It’s all in the details and the details carry through to our winemaking.”

After all, he said, it’s his family’s name on the bottle.

But the Doffos are also committed to Temecula Valley, supporting the community and trying to raise the profile of the region as a place for premium wines.

“We are adamant about using local fruit and showing that you can make good wine from it,” Damian said. “There’s a concerted effort among wineries that really care to change the stereotype of Temecula Valley. Several are taking the right steps to make change.”

As part of that change, Damian knows that it’s essential to keep talent local. Inspiring the next generation to become viticulturists or start a career in wine has been a challenge in regions across the country—agriculture isn’t nearly as glamorous and certainly does not pay as well as many other positions. Many children watched their parents push through the back-breaking work and decided it wasn’t for them.

Damian wants to change that perception, and he knew that he would have to introduce this career path to young adults much sooner than in college.

The 2020 Val Verde Yote 980 is the first vintage of wine produced from vines tended to by students at Orange Vista High School. Working with the Val Verde School District to launch a viticulture program, Damian and the Doffo team mentored students through a growing season, teaching them how to grow the best Cabernet Sauvignon possible.

Fifty percent of sales will go directly to the Val Verde Viticulture Program, ensuring the continuation of the course.