Makers' Stories
Patrick O'Dell
— Warren Winiarski introduced me to the complexities of Napa Valley wines.
![Patrick O'Dell](https://media.napavintners.com/images/vintners/vignettes/patrick-o-dell--sq_lg.jpg)
What is your favorite memory as a vintner working in Napa Valley?
Community involvement in helping others to be successful, especially with our children and young adults.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
Best soil, best cultivation, excellent winemaking skills.
Name a Napa Valley vintner who has influenced you and briefly explain why.
Warren Winiarski introduced me to the complexities of Napa Valley wines at a private social event in the early '90s prior to my purchasing my first vineyard. My interest was piqued from that moment forward.
What's your all-time favorite food and wine pairing?
A New York steak with Turnbull Cabernet.
How did you get started in the wine business?
I met Gustav Dalla Valle in the early '90s as well at the Napa Valley Wine Auction. During our discussion I learned his son attended Humboldt University, and being from the area we agreed to have dinner on his next visit. We met shortly thereafter, enjoyed dinner and discussed life farming fruit and producing. Gustav told me about a property in Oakville east hills close to his vineyard; we joked about being neighbors at some point. The next time I saw Gustav I greeted him along with my realtors Jean Phillips and Ren Harris with a warm toast - “Howdy Neighbor." The rest is history.
![Patrick O'Dell](https://media.napavintners.com/images/vintners/vignettes/patrick-o-dell--sq_lg.jpg)
Est. 1979
Turnbull Wine Cellars
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03
The Makers