Dan Duffy
For Dan winemaking runs through his veins. Growing up in Wine Country Dan spent more than half of his life in the cellar learning all aspects of winemaking. His passion took flight when he produced his first commercial wine at the young age of 15 called “Project Fastback.” Dan was given the opportunity to take a ton of grapes and craft a Rosé from grape to bottle and then market and sell his first 100 cases. The proceeds went towards his first car which was a 1968 Fastback Mustang.
Dan knew at an early age his mind was Science driven like his father, combined with the artistic ability to create like his mother Tina. What better career for this young man to go into than Winemaking.
Through his younger years, Dan ran a Mobile Bottling Line and worked at several top wineries in the Valley. In 2016 Dan transferred to UC Davis to major in Viticulture and Enology. While at Davis, he was selected to take part in a fermentation pilot program where he excelled his passion and knowledge for the Science behind winemaking and his artistic ability to create wines.
We are excited Dan returned to his roots with Odin by his side and has taken the Assistant Winemaker position at Optima. He is looking forward to bringing his knowledge and passion to the team and learning from his father who has mentored many winemakers in the valley and crafted wines for more than 37 years.