Don Armando Doffo

Feb 14th, 1915 – May 14th, 2015

Armando Doffo (1915-2015)

A bond between a father and his son is unlike any other. From day one of a son’s life, their father is their superhero. Don Armando Doffo was definitely a superhero to many, especially to his son Marcelo Doffo. Last month, Armando left us to join our Father in heaven. Marcelo remembers his father in this memoir.

“One memory of my father that will always stand out to me is how hard he worked on our farm before there were even tractors.  I was 5 years old when I really became aware of how hard he worked. At a very young age I began to participate in the labor of our family’s soybean farm in Argentina. I remember working long hours side-by-side with him learning how to maintain and care for the land. We started by getting the horses ready to plow the soil the night before. We needed two sets of horses ready to work from dawn until about noon. He would wake up before dawn to prepare the first set of horses to plow until 9:30. At 9:30 he would take his first break and prep the next set of horses to plow until noon. We would have to trade out the horses because they would not last more than a few hours.”

Marcelo recalls that his father would work from dawn to dusk. Armando taught him that without love, no man would dedicate himself to the long hours and personal sacrifice necessary to maintain a farm. He dedicated his life to loving and caring for his land. Even until his final days he would ask about the weather and how it was affecting the crops. Marcelo thanks his father for teaching him about dedication at an early age, because he knows that is the secret to his success with Doffo Winery.

He also taught Marcelo how to pay attention to the sky and how it would affect the farm. If there was a storm approaching he would be able to determine from the color of the clouds when the storm would arrive, how hard it would rain, if there was wind, or hail. Marcelo remembers this lesson well and applies it when farming on his own vineyard.

Marcelo adds: “I thank my father for teaching me everything I know about motorcycles.” Marcelo remembers when his father bought his first motorcycle from his uncle’s motorcycle dealership. After picking up the bike, Armando stayed in town to watch his nephews in a local motorcycle race. A passion was ignited within. When he finally returned home three days later, Marcelo remembers his mother being very upset with his father. But from there on out, the Doffo family became riders. He thanks his father for passing on this passion for motorcycles.

Marcelo recalls his dad being a man of great faith. One day, when Marcelo was a young boy, his father was caught in a terrible storm coming home on their horse drawn carriage. He took shelter in a dark, abandoned barn and prayed to St. Anthony for a light. As he did so, his hand came across a lantern and his prayers were answered! When he returned home safely, he told Marcelo about his experience and thanked God for returning him to his family. Armando taught Marcelo to remain strong in his faith in God in all of life’s circumstance, good and bad. In his final moments, Armando said a blessing for all his grandchildren.

Armando, Marcelo and Paulina stand atop the hill overlooking the early stages of Doffo Winery.

Marcelo thanks his father for shaping him into the man he is today. Without him, be believes that he would not be living in Temecula Valley, with a vineyard of his own, and a beautiful family of his own. Armando Doffo was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May he always be remembered as a kind, loving, and hardworking man.

Damian Remembers his Grandfather

“My grandfather was a man of few words, he let his actions and work ethic speak for him. During my childhood I used to love the months that my grandparents would come visit from Argentina. My grandmother would wake up before everyone and make fresh bread and my grandfather would already be knee-deep in tasks around the house before 8 AM. He was methodical in his work habits and in his daily routine. He was adored by all and he loved his grandchildren dearly. It is with great honor that my father and I were able to dedicate three vintages of Don Armando wine to this man who means so much to us. We worked very hard to create a wine that embodies and represents the patriarch of our family. I am eagerly anticipating the next release of our Don Armando blend as we have done something very special in honor of his 100th birthday.”