Our Team

Founded by Jim and Betsy Dolphin, Delaplane Cellars began in the late 1990's as a simple dream to create fine wine in Virginia.  Fast-forward 12 years and the dream is a reality.  Today, Delaplane Cellars is producing some of the finest wines in the state, thanks in large part to our growers who, like us, are passionately obsessed with quality. 

We have deep commitments to both our winemaking and social philosophies. Learn more about them here.

Jim Dolphin - Co-Owner, CEO and Winegrower

Betsy Dolphin - Co-Owner and President

Dominick Fioresi - Vineyard Manager and Cellarmaster

Dominick joined the winery as Vineyard Manager and Cellarmaster in April 2011.  He has completed a two year apprenticeship program at Linden Vineyards, Linden, VA, under the tutelage of Jim Law, widely regarded as the premier vigneron in the Eastern U.S.  Prior to joining Linden, Dominick completed the two and a half year viticulture and enology certification program at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, VA. He also worked the 2008 harvest and crush at Domaine Dubl'ere in Burgundy, France.

As Vineyard Manager, Dominick is responsible for overseeing the vineyard operations at Delaplane’s seven acre, 11,000 vine estate vineyard as well as its expansion to 10 acres in 2012 and 2013.  In addition, he is the winery’s liaison with the seven other growers who either lease a portion of their vineyard or sell grapes to Delaplane Cellars.  As Cellarmaster, Dominick assists in all aspects of the winemaking operation.

Beth Phillips - Operations Manager

Beth joined the winery as Operations Manager in November 2011. She previously worked as a Senior Editor at PR Newswire in Washington, DC. During her four year career with PRN, she completed a culinary program at L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, MD. Beth also authored a local food and wine blog, Dining and Dishing and worked as a tasting room associate at Hume Vineyards in Hume, VA.

As Operations Manager, Beth is responsible for overseeing tasting room operations, including human resources, strategic planning, external communications, marketing and public relations. She is working closely with the wine team to establish Delaplane Cellars as one of the premier wineries in Northern Virginia.