If you’ve been to Doffo Winery any time in the past decade, there’s a good chance you’ve seen or met Samantha Doffo. Marcelo’s oldest child, Samantha was instrumental in developing the winery as a premier events venue in Temecula Valley. From her famous themed wine club parties to elegant and memorable weddings and private events, Samantha helped extend the Doffo experience beyond the tasting room. Now in charge of the tours program, when she’s not taking tour groups around the winery she can be found helping out in the tasting room, hosting private tastings, and hosting her monthly virtual happy hour on Facebook Live! We caught up with Samantha to find out more about life as part of a winemaking – and motorsports – family.
Tell us more about the new Cork N’ Torque Tour
Absolutely! We just launched our new tour packages, which feature a guided tour and a food and wine experience. It’s fun because it allows me to meet visitors from other areas that are here for the first time as well as folks that have been here before and have never done the tour. We occasionally host wine club members that also are experiencing the tour for the first time.
When did you first take an interest in wine?
Wine has been at our family table since I can remember. I really took an interest in my later 20’s when my father really started to hone his skills as a winemaker. I was super proud and would share with my college roommates! Since I was in Northern California I was able to get to wine regions there and really start to develop my palate.
What is it like to work with your family?
Family businesses are tough but rewarding. I enjoy those super busy days when the whole family is onsite. It’s fun to greet new guests and then say “oh that’s my father, or brother, or sister over there.” I feel it’s a blessing that my father created this little gem that allowed all of us to come work together. We may have our bits of sibling rivalry or disagreements, but at the end of the day we have a lot of love and respect for each other’s unique talents. Like my father always said, “we come in a package of 4.” Although now we are more like 15!
When did you start riding motorcycles?
I can’t remember specifically what age, but definitely early on before 10 years old. We grew up going to Baja and always had some kind of motorcycle or ATC. Back then there wasn’t as much concern for safety; we would ride with no helmets and in shorts or bathing suits! Now it seems like we were nuts to do that and would not allow our kids to even think about riding like that. I also remember learning to drive standard at 10 or 11 years old in our Meyers Manx Dune Buggy.
What is your favorite bike to ride and where do you like to go?
This one is tough because the first motorcycle I bought myself was a 2013 Ducati Monster 696 in matte black. I fell in love, but my father was concerned that it was too much bike for me. After awhile it just had too many issues and one day I went to a dealer and fell in love with a 2019 Kawasaki W800. I took some time but I finally decided to give up the Ducati and get the Kawasaki. I just loved the styling, reminiscent of a cafe racer and the beautiful paint on the tank and the seat. I just had to have it. I knew it was almost like going against the family of Ducati-lovers but I couldn’t resist! I really enjoy riding it and usually I do back roads here in Temecula or San Diego. I am however definitely my father’s daughter and am already looking to add a new moto to my little collection.
Tell us about track days and getting into racing.
I am the newest addition to the family racing team, as my brother says, “she brings up the rear.” I am the slowest of the Doffos, but I am there for the fun and the experience. All I can do is practice more and challenge myself. I have actually only done a couple track days and I was hooked. I am super excited to race with the family as I have yet to actually race. I know my dad was working on a moto for me and I have my leathers that I should probably start to break in LOL!
What is your favorite Doffo wine?
I have two favorites. Mistura is the original, and since we came of age together I have a fondness for it. My other favorite is our Cabernet Franc. I just love it and always make sure that as it starts to sell out I have a few bottles at home. There are some wine club members who share my love for it and we alway have these little competitions to see who is holding more Cab Franc bottles. Usually they have more than me!
What is your favorite meal/Doffo wine combo?
Well, a good Argentine Asado always pairs well with Doffo wines. I like to mix it up, so I enjoy Indian food with our Cabs, Thai food with Mistura, ramen with our Syrah and of course Salute with short ribs and gnocchi.
If you weren’t working at the winery, what would you be doing instead?
Probabay teaching Yoga and who knows what else! I have had a great life, have lived in quite a few places and had different kinds of jobs. I really enjoy making a difference in someone’s life, whether as a yoga teacher or a mentor to at risk youth, and even through the charity events we have here at the winery. In the past I have been rewarded with seeing teens reach goals that we set together and then having them come back to say “thank you for encouraging me.” I think that’s why I am passionate about the charities we support and all the amazing people that have come into our lives as a result.
As our resident wine cocktail mixologist, any fun recipes to share?
I have been told that I have a flair for creating fun wine cocktails for our events and even my Virtual Happy Hours on Facebook Live. The recipe that members always ask me about is one that I created for my birthday a couple years ago. We did a Brasilian themed Samba Party. I may have a little obsession with Samba. I just love the rhythms and freedom of movement. I was lucky enough to travel to Salvador, Bahia, Brasil earlier in life for Carnival, and this cocktail is a staple in Brasil during carnival. It’s called a Caipirinha, and here is the Doffo version we made for the event:
Doffo Caipirinha
½ shot Doffo Grappa
½ shot Doffo Paulina
Squeeze of lime juice
Muddled mint
Muddle mint in the bottom of a tall glass or shaker. Add ice, grappa, Paulina and lime juice,
shake until it’s nice and cold, and strain into a small cordial glass or shot glass. It can also be served over ice in a larger glass and sipped. Salud!
