Piazza Del Dotto begins with an Italian-inspired barchessa, or barn, surrounded by 8.5 acres of cabernet sauvignon, al fresco tasting cabanas, vegetable gardens, 17th century fountains and an outdoor barn with turkeys, peacocks, and pheasants, resembling a Venetian village.
Founded by the noble family behind Champagne Taittinger, Claude Taittinger's search for a worthy U.S. counterpart began in the late 1970s. In 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley. Wisely choosing Eileen Crane to oversee the development of the Taittinger style in Carneros. Often referred to as America's Doyenne of Sparkling Wine, Eileen has spent roughly 40 years in the wine industry, which makes her the most experienced sparkling winemaker in the United States.
For more than 40 years Duckhorn Vineyards has been considered an icon in the Napa Valley. As the first winery in America to produce Merlot, Duckhorn played a key role in establishing Merlot as one of North America's great varietals.