How One Manteca Winery Has Flourished for Nearly 100 Years 

Third-generation family business is ideally situated in the fertile Central Valley.

By Amy Antonation on December 20, 2023

Delicato Family Wines

Delicato Family Wines was founded in Manteca, CA, when Sicilian immigrant and patriarch Gaspare Indelicato planted his first vines in 1924. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Delicato has 35 core brands – some of them household names like Bota Box and Francis Ford Coppola Winery – that collectively produce 16 million cases each year. 

While the winery has expanded across Northern California, Delicato still maintains a tasting room and state-of-the-art bottling, warehouse and distribution facility in Manteca that employ over 500 people. Here’s what a Delicato spokesperson has to say about the family’s history and success at the Manteca winery. 

How would you describe the grape-growing regions in San Joaquin County? How do they compare to other regions in California? 
Delicato’s Manteca winery facility is in San Joaquin County, which is part of the Central Valley wine-growing region. The primary wine-producing areas within the Central Valley include Lodi, CA. Situated in the northern part of the Central Valley, Lodi has a long-standing wine-growing tradition and is especially known for old-vine zinfandel, but it also produces high-quality cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and other varieties. 

For many years, the Central Valley was primarily known as a source of bulk wines and jug wines, especially given its vast production capacity. However, areas like Lodi have helped reshape the region’s reputation, emphasizing sustainable practices and producing wines that express varietal character and regional distinctiveness. The region offers a value proposition, with many wines offering great quality for their price point. 

To what do you attribute Delicato’s longevity? 
The simple yet profound maxim, “It takes hard work.” This isn’t just a saying for us; it’s an ethos. As we approach our 100-year anniversary as a family winery, it stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the craft. We also hold a strong belief in continual evolution and innovation to remain relevant and successful in the wine industry. For us, stagnation isn’t an option. This commitment is encapsulated in the adage, “Grow in the wine industry so as not to fall behind.” 

How would you describe changes to Manteca and the surrounding area in the last few years in terms of the business and winemaking environment? 
The broader San Joaquin Valley, including Manteca, has seen increased urban development due to its relatively more affordable housing compared to the Bay Area. This also includes the development of warehouses due to proximity to major highways. Otherwise, the surrounding area is still recognized and viewed as an agricultural community. 

Where can folks who want to take a deeper dive into the region’s wine history and culture visit? 
Delicato’s facility includes a tasting room where guests can engage in different experiences, tasting wines sourced across California. In addition to Delicato, located just north of Manteca, Lodi is renowned for its old-vine zinfandel. Many wineries in the region have tasting rooms where you can not only sample their wines but also learn about the history and terroir of the area.