Dan has, perhaps unwittingly, found himself in the position of cultural authority for a new generation of both winemakers and consumers, leading by example with the enthusiasm and sincerity that we needed. During his time as Winemaker at Larkmead he demonstrated what was possible for legacy estates to achieve in progressive winegrowing and production, all while simultaneously developing Massican, a white wine brand focussing largely on Italian varietals that has become itself the near definition of a new domestic wine category. In 2023, E. & J. Gallo purchased Massican, allowing Dan to focus entirely on growing and developing the brand. As someone who sees value in a diversity of grape varieties, wine styles, and the importance of communicating with the consumer, his point of view on the problem is illuminating and inspiring.

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