Vince Indelicato of Napa’s Delicato Family Vineyard dies

Born at San Joaquin County Hospital on 2 September in 1933, Vince spent his childhood working in the Manteca cellars and vineyards of Delicato Family Vineyards, which was founded by his father Gaspare Indelicato and his uncle Sebastiano Luppino, who started growing grapes in 1924.

After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley in 1955, Vince and his brothers Frank and Anthony took over the family business in 1960. Vince spent his life working for the family-owned company, rising through the rank from a sales position to become its CEO, alongside Dorothy, his wife of 62 years, who passed away in May of this year.

Today, the The Delicato portfolio includes brands such as Bota Box, Gnarly Head, Noble Vines and Black Stallion Estate Winery in the Napa Valley.

In April the company announced it had acquired the Blossom Hill Winery on California’s Central Coast from Treasury Wine Estates, excluding any brands. The winery, which will now be called Alba Coast Winery, is located in the Paicines AVA in San Benito County.

Up until his death, Vince served as chairman of the board, advising his nephews Chris Indelicato, president and CEO and Jay Indelicato, COO, on the company strategy.

“My Uncle Vince has guided the family and Delicato Family Vineyards into the company it is today,” said Chris Indelicato, president and CEO of Delicato Family Vineyards. “We will miss his unparalleled experience, gentle spirit, and fierce independence.”

Vince is survived by his children Marie Mathews and husband Kim, Robert Indelicato and wife Leslie; and grandchildren Stephen Mathews, Mollie Bloudoff-Indelicato, Katie Bloudoff-Indelicato, and Kyle Bloudoff-Indelicato.