the story
My name is Dan O’Brien. My journey into wine started in the restaurants of Providence, Rhode Island, where the food was salty and the people were saltier. Growing up in my family, the wine on our table either had a handle or came out of a box. To support myself through college, I juggled bartending with shucking oysters and stocking wine at local restaurants.
At the ripe age of 22 I became a sommelier, a career I am still recovering from. It took me from Boston to San Francisco where I built meaningful relationships throughout the industry. These connections ultimately drew me to Sonoma, where I began managing wineries in the neighboring Napa Valley. While navigating the realization that comes with going from buyer to seller, I found myself living amongst the backdrop of Sonoma’s rich history, yearning for the classic California wines I once served.
Today, with the support of my wife, Alison, and our reluctant vineyard dog, Alma, we make wines in celebration of my mother. From the simplicity of the label to the understated wines we produce, we have become deeply rooted in the unpretentious charm of Sonoma Valley—a place she would have considered paradise.
“Seeing Sonoma Valley through the lens of these wines feels like a shock: Suddenly, the landscape is more vibrant, more intensely colorful...”
the wines
I focus on making wines that are true expressions of the varietals I simply love to drink. We only source organically-farmed grapes from growers in Sonoma Valley. My approach in the cellar is centered around minimal intervention. Fermentations are spontaneous, and the wines age sur-lie in large puncheons and neutral oak barrels, building energy, aromatics, and texture without manipulation - the way I like it.
GAIL is the namesake. The wines highlight the vineyards, varietals and subregions of Sonoma Valley. Production is scarce and may vary from vintage to vintage. DORIS is an homage to my great Auntie Doris. They are table wines produced in more abundant amounts. We announce each release seasonally to subscribers of our FRIENDS & FAMILY list. Everything is sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
These wines are a reflection of my journey, my values, and my deep love for Sonoma Valley. The mission is to make wines that are both special and accessible. It’s not just a wine label; it’s a celebration of the people who have positively impacted my life and the simple, unpretentious charm of Sonoma Valley.
“An approach to winemaking that O’Brien seems to have settled into naturally as one might ease into a comfortable chair.”
the AVA
Gail Wines is deeply connected to Sonoma Valley, a region I have grown to love and respect. A hidden gem, nestled within the sprawling valleys and rugged hillsides of the Sonoma and Mayacamas Mountain ranges, encompassing four distinct sub-appellations: Bennett Valley, Carneros, the Moon Mountain District, and Sonoma Mountain. The wines I produce reflect the quality and potential of this unique area, and I am dedicated to representing Sonoma Valley authentically in every bottle.
My family’s connection to Sonoma Valley extends beyond winemaking. We are committed to supporting our neighbors and the businesses that make this place special, and we are proud to be a part of such a humble community.
From my upbringing to my journey into winemaking, my path has been marked by hard work and a profound respect for the process. GAIL represents my life’s work—a culmination of the decades spent in learning, traveling, drinking and making wine.
DOB.
“O’Brien has a pedigree beyond his sommelier experience worthy of the wine he is producing.”
