Meet the Team: Dan Huddleston

Blog Post

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.

1. What made you want to join the Ridge team?

“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.”

2. How do you feel Ridge differs from other wineries?

“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.”

3. What are some of your fondest memories while working at Ridge?

“The humility of the winemaking and vineyard management teams.”

4. What are your favorite Ridge wines?

“Rousten Cabernet Franc, Klein Cabernet Sauvignon, Geyserville, and Lytton Springs Zinfandel.”

5. How has your role or responsibilities changed in the time you’ve been here?

“During the shut-down of the tasting room, we created ‘In-House Delivery’ and I was asked to take the delivering scheduling lead.”

6. If you could make one recommendation to our guests, what would that be?

“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.”

7. What’s your favorite food and wine pairing?

“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.”

8. If you could go wine tasting anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

“Tuscany. To explore more of my Italian roots. Then on to Austria for Grüner Veltliner.”