Vincent DeDomenico

Vincent Michael "Vince" DeDomenico, Sr. (September 29, 1915 – October 18, 2007) was an American entrepreneur, one of the inventors of Rice-A-Roni, and a founder of the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Biography DeDomenico was born in San Francisco, California and raised in the city's Mission District. sold both companies to the Quaker Oats Company in 1986 for $300 million.

The next year, Vincent DeDomenico, at the age of 72, DeDomenico and his wife had ridden the Orient Express, and had a vision of creating a comparable level of wine, food, and luxury for rail passengers in California. He took over the project and won approval to use the line for the new tourism venture, the Napa Valley Wine Train, after years of local opposition. DeDemenico was described by friends and adversaries as a persistent and tough businessman, but quiet and courteous in private.