About

In 1929, 13-year-old Michele came to the United States from his hillside home in Casabaciana, near Lucca, Italy. At the time, Michele's father and grandfather were both working in the Northern California wine industry. Michele's dad became an American citizen as soon as he could, and saved enough money to send for his family.

In 1938, Michele met Lucille Del Carlo at a Fourth of July picnic. Lucille was born on her family's grape ranch in West Dry Creek, where her parents, Albert and Gemma Del Carlo, operated a bonded winery. The Del Carlo's roots go back to an area of Italy near the Teldeschis. Michele and Lucille were married in 1941, just before Michele joined the Navy.