My wine journey finds me here, at Back Room Wines, seven years old and going strong, and loving wine as much as I did the first time I appreciated its smell, flavor and texture.

And you may ask yourself, “well-how did Dan get here?”  I will tell you, from the beginning.

Started in the restaurant and hospitality business in high school. I flipped burgers and scooped ice cream in Willow Creek, California. Then, I tossed scampi prawns, Steak Diane and Cherries Jubilee in Eureka, California. Polyester was still allowed, all the way to the bow tie.

Attended UNLV (University Nevada Las Vegas) for Hospitality Management. Graduated in 1989.

Worked in San Francisco as an Apprentice Chef. Was certain, at this time, that restaurant ownership and chef was my future.

Went to Davenport, Iowa (Quad Cities) for a year. Spent time with family, worked as a Maitre’D at a Dining Club. Was my first sincere interest in wine.

1992, moved to Napa Valley. Immediately started working at All Seasons Bistro & Wine Shop in Calistoga, and started learning about wine as I served tables. By 1994, I was running the wine shop.

1998, Sommelier at The French Laundry in Yountville. Their first. Was there just over a year.

Then went to Dean & Deluca Wine Hall, back to All Seasons briefly… basically bee-bopped around for while, not sure where I would land.

Opened Back Room Wines in 2002 after a year of planning, funding, and writing. Was  just three blocks from where I am now, a bit tucked away. Truly a destination shop. Nevertheless, I did well. Strong mail order business and local support (just like now) allowed me to thrive and move to the bigger, better space you find Back Room Wines today.

Summer 2008: moved to the heart of Downtown Napa, First & Main Streets. Expanded from 1000 to 2500 square feet, separated the Wine Bar from the Shop, added spirits to my inventory, and doing better than ever.

WOOH! Get all that? Hope so.

The wine business has been very good to me. I live with my wife Holly (she’s an M.W.: Marketing Wiz) just outside Napa in the Coombsville area (Pinot Noir grows across the way from us). We both work hard and are passionate about what we do, and about each other.

I’ve been blessed with great mentors, teachers and opportunities along my wine path. I still remember taste awakenings: Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc 1992, Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Pride Mountain Cabernet Franc 1995. It’s a treat to taste great wines and work with great customers and wineries every day. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at Back Room Wines.