ABOUT DOCG IMPORTS

DOCG Wines (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita; Origin Controlled and Guaranteed)

DOCG wines are the top tier of the hierarchy of Italian Wines. The DOCG label is reserved for the highest quality wines in Italy. These wines are put through the same rigorous tests and criteria as DOC wines, plus stricter production rules and they must pass two organoleptic exams (sensory tastings geared toward identifying defects) prior to being put on the market.

This is the DOCG Imports GAURANTEE as well. The passion behind selecting the highest quality wines for our clients is the driving force of our business. It’s a process of elimination to find special Italian wines. The hidden gems from small-production, family-owned vineyards are our focus. Our certified wines ensure Italian winemaking tradition and quality in every glass.

With over one million acres of vineyards across Italy’s 20 distinct wine regions—producing more than 3,500 recognized wine types—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when searching for truly exceptional Italian wine. That’s where we come in.

DOCG Imports is your direct connection to the finest Italian wines in the world—bottles that most will never have the opportunity to experience.

We do the hard work for you—traveling the country, scouting vineyards, forging relationships with family winemakers, and participating in private tastings with producers who typically do not export. The result is a hand-selected portfolio of top-tier, small-production wines, available exclusively to California.

Founder Marina Elettra Snow (“Nina”) is the heart and soul of DOCG Imports.

A California native with deep Italian roots, she has lived in Italy for more than 15 years and is a certified second-level Italian sommelier. Her passion is singular: to uncover rare, under-the-radar varietals and bring them to a discerning California clientele. Her selections reflect a profound respect for regional identity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

Each bottle in our portfolio tells a story—of place, of people, of excellence.

These are not wines you’ll find on supermarket shelves or in mass-market wine shops. These are treasures:

Taurasi from the volcanic slopes of Avellino near Naples
Vermentino di Gallura from the rugged island of Sardegna
Metodo Classico sparkling wines from the alpine vineyards of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
And countless more—wines born from ancient soils, meticulous hands, and time-honored traditions.

Occasionally, Marina offers limited quantities of non-certified wines—wines so creative, so expressive, they defy rigid classification. These special bottlings represent the artistry and freedom of winemakers who choose expression over regulation. Alongside these rarities, you'll also find beautifully made classics like Chianti, Barolo, Amarone, and Prosecco—each selected for its integrity, elegance, and distinctiveness.

DOCG Imports delivers more than wine. We deliver stories in every glass—crafted by Italy’s best, discovered by Marina, and brought home to you. Let us elevate your table with wines that are deliciously Italian, passionately sourced, and undeniably world-class.