Episode 141: Danny Fay: Hill of Tara Wines

In Episode 141 of the Mr. Wine Guy Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Danny Fay, Owner and Winemaker of Hill of Tara Wines out of Sonoma, CA and GM of TOR Wines out of Napa Valley, CA.

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In this episode Danny talks about his life growing up in the West Cotswold's of Oxford, England in a small village called Ducklington before eventually moving to the Silicone Valley and then Sonoma, CA at the age of 12.

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Danny talks about how his plan growing up was to pursue a degree in aviation but was eventually altered to enrolling in an agriculture class in pursuit of a business degree instead.

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Danny shares a funny story about the late Dr. Keith Patterson and Dr. Patterson's equational philosophy on wine and how that philosophy changed the trajectory of his life!

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Danny talks about his "Envolve"ment with Envolve Winery, and his time at Kanzler Vineyards as GM as the first non-family hire and what it meant for his career to be part of both of these brands.

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Danny also goes into great length to talk about his personal brand Hill of Tara, a reflection of his families history going back to Oxford, England.

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The Hill of Tara, being the most sacred land of Ireland at over 5,000 years old and ruled throughout history by over 142 kings was purchased by his great grandfather in 1928 before selling back to the country in 1974. Danny's family was the last private landowners of this historical place.

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In addition Danny talks about his wines being Cabernet or Cabernet Franc and a blend of both varietals and how his wines are so exclusive that he only makes up to 3 barrels of each wine and considers himself a micro winery if there's such a thing.

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Danny also talks about what it means to be a pat of Tor Wines in Napa Valley and his love for mentorship; what it meant to him growing up and what it also means for him to be a mentor to others as well.

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Cheers 🍷

 

To watch on YouTube:

https://bit.ly/3SKKs3N

 

To follow Danny on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hilloftarawines/

https://www.instagram.com/winemakingnomad/

 

To sign up for Danny's mailing list, receive allocation opportunities, or to purchase wines:

https://members.hilloftarawines.com/signup/

 

To purchase Tor's book:

https://torwines.com/reflections-of-a-vintner/

 

To follow Michael on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Linkedin:

https://www.tiktok.com/@themrwineguy?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.instagram.com/themrwineguy/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQs2ckU2tCtHUuPL7fzV6eA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gallagher-70637b70/