Tradition at its best.

Alex was our wine pourer at Doffo. When he moved to Temecula 2 years ago, there were 25 wineries. Now there are 50+. Doffo offers a visual experience — with vintage motorcycles, vespas, and exceptionally manicured vineyards. Doffo employs a method of harvesting from the lower 1/5 of the vine, choosing to toss the upper fruit. Thus, the grapes when harvested have the benefit of all the nutrients.

Things I learned at this winery:

Grapes are always harvested at night.

A smokey flavor occurs due to toasting or charring inside the barrel.

Most blends are blended in separate barrels after fermentation. Riskier but sometimes more interesting, blends are aged together for 16-18 months.

Watch Temecula wine labels. If it says California vs. Temecula, the grapes are not estate or from the region.