If you frequent the Doffo Tasting Room, then you might recognize Alex Tomazin. As Doffo’s Tasting Room Manager, Alex oversees the staff and works to ensure that all who enter feel welcome and enjoy their tasting experience. Alex is a tremendous asset to the Doffo team and one of our favorite people! We caught up with Alex and asked him a few questions about his history with wine and coming to work at Doffo Winery. We hope you enjoy getting to know him a little better, and next time you visit be sure to say hello to him!
Where are you from?
I was born in Newport Beach, California. My parents lived in Argentina, just like the Doffo family, so we have a lot of the same traditions and customs as the Doffo Family. I speak Spanish fluently and usually speak it with the Doffo family. Many times in the tasting room guests ask me where I’m from because they detect a slight accent.
When did you first become interested in wine?
Wine was part of our upbringing in our family. I remember, during dinner time, having about an inch of wine in a glass blended with club soda. It was very common in Argentina and also with our family here in California. In a way, it was good because alcohol was never considered a taboo for us at such an early age. I only started appreciating wine in my late twenties…
Describe your first experience in the wine industry.
My first experience in the wine industry was in 1997, working with my uncle at a liquor store that sold a lot of wine. In those days, grocery stores didn’t sell a large selection of wines like they do now, so most customers went to wine stores or liquor stores that specialize in wine. We had a very large selection of wines and I learned a lot from working there. My wife and I moved to Wine Country in Temecula in 2006, where we built our home and planted a vineyard. It was always my dream to have a vineyard, and now we currently have 4 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon.
How did you start working at Doffo Winery?
I met Marcelo Doffo in 2008. Someone told me there was an Argentine who had a small winery but they didn’t know the name. There is a saying in Argentina that goes, “Argentines are like dust, they are sprinkled all over the world.” One of my helpers in the vineyard remembered the name and I realized Doffo Winery was only 4 miles away from our home! Since 2011, Doffo Winery has been farming our vineyard as part of a co-op agreement. I started working at the winery in 2015.
What is it like working so closely with the Doffo Family?
Like I said previously, I’ve known Marcelo since 2008. I first met him a week before he officially opened in 2008. I’ve seen how they have slowly grown to what they are now. They are a great family to work with and they all treat me like if I was part of their family. They have been generous to share their viticulture knowledge and help us improve our vineyard.
As tasting room manager, I’ve noticed how all our employees have their own unique passion for selling wine. The Doffo Family has let us express that passion for their wines, their farming, and winemaking techniques.
What is your favorite part of what you do at Doffo Winery?
I love making guests feel at ease, smile and feel welcome! Our guests are here for a great experience and it is our job to create an ambiance which they expect. When I hear our guests tell us that they’ve enjoyed all the wines on our tasting menu and I see them leave with a smile and a bottle of wine, I know we did a good job.
Do you ride motorcycles?
I rode dirt bikes during my early teens at my Uncle’s ranch in Orange Park Acres, but not the hardcore bikes that the Doffo collection has.
What are your favorite Doffo wines?
I love the 2012 Zinfandel Reserve, the 2014 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Don Armando Cent’anni.
What is your favorite meal / Doffo wine combo?
A great Argentine BBQ with Flanken Ribs, thick cut Skirt Steak, Sausages, and a great Doffo Reserve Cab, preferably 2014!!
