Posted on June 03, 2019

Thacher Names Daniel Callan Assistant Winemaker

Promoted from Cellar Master, Callan will continue working with Founder and Winemaker Sherman Thacher at the acclaimed family-run winery in Paso Robles.

May 30, 2019 (Paso Robles, Calif.) – Thacher Winery and Vineyard is proud to announce it has promoted Daniel Callan to Assistant Winemaker, effective immediately.

Thacher’s Cellar Master since 2013, Callan has become an integral part of the winemaking team, working alongside Founder and Winemaker Sherman Thacher.

Together, the duo has bolstered Thacher’s mission to work with diverse varieties from some of the Central Coast’s most exclusive sites, using a minimalist approach to winemaking. Additionally, Callan helped plant the winery's newest estate vineyard, located in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District AVA, in 2016.

“Daniel’s technical skills, energy and willingness to push the envelope have helped us get to where we are today,” says Sherman Thacher. “Despite his love of thrash music, we work extremely well together. We both love taking risks and experimenting, be it with winemaking methods, scouting vineyard sites or working with new varieties like Cinsault and Valdigué.”

Originally from Virginia, Callan, 30, already has 13 vintages under his belt, having worked on winemaking teams in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Virginia. Before joining Thacher full-time, he worked in South Africa at Alheit Vineyards and Dornier Wines, as a cellar hand and vintage assistant winemaker, respectively.

“I couldn’t ask to work for better people,” says Callan. “There are few winemakers who are as willing as Sherman to step outside their comfort zone, and push the boundaries. He’s been a great mentor, and extremely flexible and supportive in letting me go off to work harvests abroad. Now, I’m ready to step into this position, and to be in Paso full-time. Every year here gets more exciting, and I’m very much looking forward to being around for it.”