A Century-Long Journey from Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition, Upholding Family Tradition and Excellence in Winemaking
NAPA, Calif., January 9, 2024 – In 1924, Gaspare Indelicato, a 30-year-old immigrant, was captivated by the landscape of California which closely resembled that of his Sicilian homeland. This inspiration led him to acquire 68 acres and an old hay barn in the central California town of Manteca, and to plant three small plots of Carignane, Mission, and Zinfandel vines. A century later, this humble beginning has flourished into Delicato Family Wines, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing family-owned and -operated wineries.
For 100 years, Delicato has been a family-owned and family-run winery, spanning three generations of leadership by Indelicato family members. Today, brothers Chris Indelicato, Chief Executive Officer and Jay Indelicato, Chief Operating Officer, are at the helm, with cousins and extended family members holding positions throughout the business. “It is a great milestone for the entire family that the company can celebrate its 100th anniversary. Continuing a business through 100 years is a privilege that only few will experience, and we are very proud that the company my grandfather founded in the early part of the twentieth century is still going strong,” reflects Delicato Family Wines CEO Chris Indelicato.
Continued Indelicato, “This achievement is far from coincidental. During the company’s 100-year lifetime, different generations of employees have continually reinvented the business and its products in order to maintain our market leading position, while always respecting the trade and our roots. So far, we have been successful in doing so, and that is a big acknowledgement to those past and present, who have invested their energy and passion in our company through the years.”
As Delicato celebrates a century of winemaking, they take a moment to reflect on their unwavering commitment to hard work, integrity, and relentless pursuit of wine quality, which has been the cornerstone of their journey. This significant milestone is not just a testament to Delicato’s storied past but also a beacon illuminating their path forward. Driven by a blend of tradition and innovation, Delicato maintains a distinguished position in the wine industry. This is particularly evident with the success of Bota Box, which leads the U.S. market in both sales and growth within the premium 3-liter box wine category. Notably, Bota Box has achieved a significant milestone, selling more than 10 million cases, making it the U.S.’s 5th largest brand in dollar sales. The acquisition of Black Stallion in 2010, which recently earned the title of American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, along with the iconic Francis Ford Coppola Winery brand in 2021, has solidified their reputation in the industry. Delicato’s strategic vineyard acquisitions in Monterey, Lodi, Napa, and Sonoma have further strengthened its position. These areas, known for their premium wine growing conditions, contribute significantly to the company’s diverse and high-quality wine portfolio. Currently, Delicato is ranked as the sixth-largest wine supplier in terms of overall dollar sales, and the fifth largest in terms of volume in the United States, continues to be a driving force behind some of the fastest growing wine brands in the nation.
Delicato proudly shares this significant milestone with their extended family – their dedicated employees, whose contributions to the strong family-culture have been pivotal to their century-long success. Reflecting on this achievement, CEO Chris Indelicato notes, “As Delicato observes this remarkable 100-year journey, the team’s commitment to the family values stands out as the key to longevity. Their dedication and hard work have established Delicato as a leader and preferred winery in the industry. It’s this fusion of family spirit and a passion for excellence that positions Delicato to continue thriving for the next century, and the family look forward to celebrating the employees in various ways in the coming months.”
Commemorating its centennial throughout 2024, Delicato has developed a series of videos to share the celebration with its employees, growers, customers, and partners. A special website, www.delicato.com/100years, invites everyone to explore the company’s 100-year evolution.
For more information, visit www.delicato.com.
ABOUT DELICATO FAMILY WINES
Delicato Family Wines is a fourth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1924 and ranks among the largest wine companies in the U.S. Delicato’s diversified portfolio of leading wine brands includes Bota Box, Coppola Diamond Collection, Noble Vines, Gnarly Head, Z. Alexander Brown, Coppola Director’s Cut, Black Stallion, Three Finger Jack, Sofia, 1924, and Schmitt Söhne Family Wines (Germany). Transcendent Wines, Delicato’s fine wine portfolio, includes such luxury brands as Black Stallion Limited Release (Napa) and Diora (Monterey, Calif.) in addition to imported luxury estate wines such as Stoneleigh (New Zealand) and Torbreck Vintners (Australia). For more information, visit www.delicato.com and follow on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/delicato-family-wines) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DelicatoFamilyWines).
