Crafted by Tradition, Inspired by Life

The holidays are here and it’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s the season for gatherings of friends and family, tables overflowing with food and glasses filled as we clink a toast of good cheer and make way for the New Year.

Throughout the year, it’s easy to get in a wine rut—always choosing the same-old, same-old. However, the holidays are the perfect time to branch out and enjoy a variety of new labels. You’ll be surprised at what could be in store for your taste buds! Of course, the grocery shelf is teeming with hundreds of bottles to choose from, but here’s one to put on your must-try list this season: Delicato Family Vineyards’ HandCraft Artisan Collection.

HandCraft wines celebrate the California home and Italian heritage of the Indelicato family, handed down through the years. Representing her family’s third generation in winemaking, proprietor Cheryl Indelicato gives classic grapes such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon her own personal touch, crafting wines that honor the traditional, vineyard-to-barrel field selections, which have found their place daily at the Italian table.

Cheryl always knew when the time was right she would create her own wine label. Her parents insisted that all of her generation graduate from college and gather outside experience by working elsewhere for at least three years before coming back to the family business. She took this sage advice to heart and earned both a business and nursing degree. It didn’t take long for her to return to the winery, working across the board in the various facets of the business—sales and marketing to human resources. Meanwhile, she dreamed of creating her own brand.

“I grew up in a winemaking family and have always wanted to create my own wine with a style and flavor profile that appealed directly to women.” –Cheryl

Despite the constraints of work and family she never gave up on the idea that one day she would accomplish her goal. In early 2010, she approached veteran winemaker Alicia Ysais to collaborate. Alicia’s light touch in the cellar and gentle handling of the grapes honors and protects the delicate characteristic of the fruit, which was exactly what she wanted for HandCraft. Inspired by the blends common at her family’s farm table growing up, HandCraft wines are approachable, fruit forward and versatile across the menu. “Our family’s most treasured memories are the times spent around the table and in the kitchen over delicious food and a great bottle of wine,” said Cheryl. With this philosophy, she sought to create wines that pair well with food, as cooking and entertaining are two of her greatest passions. Since then, the collection of wine has grown to feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Malbec and a dark red blend.

Making a Difference: As part of her passion to make a positive difference in people’s lives, Cheryl created the program HandCraft Cares. HandCraft Cares supports breast cancer research, prevention and awareness with financial and in-kind contributions. To date, HandCraft has donated over $280,000 to partners like the Lynn Sage Foundation, a nonprofit providing funding to breast cancer researchers.  Cheryl is also personally involved in a number of initiatives at the community level to increase awareness and early detection of breast cancer, including her leadership of Team HandCraft in multiple breast cancer awareness walks across the country. This year the team participated in the New York City Avon 39, raising over $15,000 and walking 39 miles. “Walking and raising money for a cause that touches so many families is inspiring” says Cheryl, who personally has walked over 300 miles as part of HandCraft Cares.  She is definitely walking her talk!

For Cheryl, HandCraft wines express appreciation:
for her family heritage and for the everyday joys of life. Salud!

HandCraft Wines is a proud sponsor of the Pink Partini—a perfect example of women supporting women!