A Winemaker’s Story
The Brady family roots are in Texas; prelude to California.
Winemaker Don Brady and his wife Catherine are the progeny of a rich farm and ranching heritage that stretches back to the earliest Texan settlers. Their ancestry is intertwined with the values of hard work, determination, and a deep connection to the land. It was fate that brought them together during Don's pursuit of a horticulture degree at Texas Tech University. Immersed in his studies, Don discovered the world of winemaking, a passion that would become his life's calling. This fortuitous collision of events occurred at the perfect time and place - the University of Texas had just established its pioneering wine and grape growing program. Don seized the opportunity with unbridled enthusiasm, delving into the intricacies of viticulture and honing his skills as a winemaker. Days were spent amidst the flourishing vineyards, cultivating the finest grapes, while nights were dedicated to conducting meticulous sample tests in the hallowed halls of the university's chemistry lab. It is through these experiences that Don Brady's journey in the world of winemaking truly began to blossom, laying the foundation for the exceptional wines that bear the Brady Vineyard name today.
Unwavering Determination
In the early 1980s, Don Brady, founder of Brady Vineyard, became one of the pioneering forces behind the resurgence of the Texas wine industry. Embracing the challenge with unwavering determination, Brady played a vital role in reestablishing a flourishing wine growing community in the Lone Star State. His unwavering commitment to excellence resulted in the production of some of the most acclaimed and highly regarded wines in the entire region of Texas. Such was his dedication and skill that in 1991, Brady was bestowed with the prestigious "Louis F. Qualia Award" by the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, a recognition reserved for individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership and made outstanding contributions to the Texas wine industry. Don's wines exuded such exceptional quality that they were even honored with a place at various White House functions, served to esteemed dignitaries including Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, as well as English royalty like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. This acknowledgment from world leaders and prestigious figures solidified Brady Vineyard's reputation as a beacon of excellence in the winemaking world.
Journey to the epicenter of the American wine industry, California.
The next chapter in Brady’s winemaking odyssey took him to Robert Hall Winery. In 2001, he joined Hall’s start-up winemaking venture as Winemaker and Director of Operations. From the beginning, the wines crafted at Robert Hall have earned their place at the forefront of Paso Robles offerings. So much so that in 2006, Brady was named the “Central Coast Winemaker of the Year” by the California Mid-State Fair. Following this honor, in 2010 Robert Hall Winery bested more than 600 wineries with over 3,000 entries and became the first Central Coast winery ever to be awarded the “Golden State Winery of the Year Award” by the California State Fair, the oldest and most prestigious wine competition in North America.Presently, Don Brady continues to reside in Paso Robles, leading the team at Robert Hall with his goal of “capturing the essence of the vineyard and fashioning quality wine by coaxing the best product possible out of each vine.”
Blazing his own Wine Trail
Armed with this wealth of knowledge and truly inspired by his own unique and forward-thinking vision, Brady eagerly seized the golden opportunity to embark on a remarkable new venture – the beginning of Brady Vineyard. Unwavering in his conviction and fueled by the unwavering support and boundless encouragement of his beloved family, he passionately set out on an incredible journey to handcraft exceptional wines that would artfully capture the very essence and soul of the enchanting Paso Robles. With every bottle, Brady's unyielding passion for winemaking and deep-rooted love for the region he now proudly calls home permeate through, imparting a sense of unparalleled character, flavor, and terroir.
