Our Story
The Debevino story traces back more than a half century to the Boston neighborhood of Roslindale, where three families – related by ancestry and bonded by friendship – learned the art and science of making wine in their cellars. They are the sons and grandsons of Italian immigrants who brought the craft of winemaking from Italy, where wine is a staple at every meal. Their history originates in rural southern Italian towns, where volcanic soil and long sunny days nurture the grape vines planted on the rolling foothills of the Apennine mountains.
The three families
For Al DeNapoli, John, Rich and Paul Bevilacqua, and Dom Arpino, wine has been a part of their lives almost forever. These brothers and cousins worked with their grandfathers and grandmothers, fathers, uncles and paisans to make wine with crude but effective equipment.
What’s in a name?
DeNapoli, Bevilacqua, Arpino – three family names whose letters compose the brand name “Debevino.” Loosely translated from Italian to English, it means drink of wine. (Debevino is pronounced “dee-beh-vee-no”)
The tradition
As young boys, they made the annual pilgrimage into Boston on Columbus Day to help carry 36-pound boxes of grapes. They happily worked with family members in the wine cellar before finishing the day’s final chore – a few more pulls on the cast iron handle of an ancient press to squeeze precious drops of claret juice into a metal pot. Their wine is defined by Italian influence and inspired by the love of family. Three generations and three families offer their expertise and share their rich tradition.
The team
Debevino Winery is owned and operated by Al DeNapoli, John, Richard and Paul Bevilacqua, and Dom Arpino.
Then | 1977, Roslindale family basement
Now | Italian American homemade wine competition
Our mission
We pledge to
Establish long-term relationships with our customers through co-operative memberships, shared winemaking experiences, tastings and social events in a fun, interactive and educational environment.
Produce the finest selection of red, white and rose’ wines using premium grapes sourced from fertile Northern California vineyards – crushed, fermented, aged and bottled locally at Debevino Winery in Walpole, Massachusetts.
Use the most modern equipment and viniculture techniques available, combined with a process that minimizes the use of chemical agents and additives, embraces traditional time honored winemaking techniques, and maximizes the natural properties of the fruit.
Debevino – from vine to fine wine.
Award winning
We are proud of the awards won by Debevino wines prior to establishing a commercial winery. Our wines have been fortunate enough to receive “Best Of” awards at amateur winemaking competitions. Our five winemakers were recognized by the judges and the voters at the annual Italian American San Giovanni Annual Homemade Wine Competition.