Dan Huddleston may have recently joined the Ridge team, but he’s long been a part of the wine industry. Most recently coming from the tasting room of Bay Area winery, Testarossa, Dan joined Ridge in January of 2020 as our new Retail Sales and Hospitality Assistant Manager. Since then he’s been able to make a large impact in winery operations in a post-COVID environment.
“I was looking to better leverage my business operations, change management and business process design, and improve my skillsets in a winery and tasting room operations environment. I felt that simply pouring wines and sharing my wine knowledge was underutilizing what I have to offer.”
“Ridge stays true to its roots and puts wine quality before any other consideration. Also, by not charging through the nose for world-class zinfandel.”
“The humility of the winemaking and vineyard management teams.”
“Rousten Cabernet Franc, Klein Cabernet Sauvignon, Geyserville, and Lytton Springs Zinfandel.”
“During the shut-down of the tasting room, we created ‘In-House Delivery’ and I was asked to take the delivering scheduling lead.”
“Slow down, enjoy the beauty of the Monte Bello property, focus on the complexity of the wines, and the unique nuance each wine has to offer.”
“I have to pick just one? Estate Chardonnay and Garlic Pasta Alfredo. Lytton Petite Sirah and my slow-smoked St. Louis Ribs with a proprietary rub. Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye and 2010 Estate Cabernet… or 2010 Monte Bello if you’re buying.”
“Tuscany. To explore more of my Italian roots. Then on to Austria for Grüner Veltliner.”