Monterey, California native Dave Coventry has dedicated his career to producing some of the finest wines available and plans to continue showcasing the deliciously unique flavors that can only come from his new adventure at Mountain Brook Vineyards in Western North Carolina. Coventry has worked at some of the most famed, award-winning wineries in California, including Chalone Vineyards, Morgan, and, most recently, Talbott.

In 2005, two of his wines ranked in the top 10 wines of the year lists in Wine & Spirits magazine. The same year, he was the only Monterey winemaker to make the top 100 wines list in Wine Spectator magazine.

“The opportunity to shift my focus from the West Coast to North Carolina is just stunning. Having the opportunity to work with Mountain Brook Vineyards is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Jonathan and Vickie Redgrave are completely dedicated to writing and rewriting what can be accomplished in the area, and working with them is an honor and pleasure. Together, we are envisioning, executing, and laying the groundwork for the future of this region, building on the work started by others. Although the history of winemaking and winegrowing in the area is historic, our future achievements will truly prove the provenance it so richly deserves.”

Coventry’s winemaking philosophy puts the vineyards first, maximizing vineyard expression. “It takes great vineyards to make great wine,” he said. He added that although the winemaker skills and tools he’s acquired are important, he largely considers himself a custodian of flavor and a translator of the vineyard.