From Passion to Profession: Meeting Drew Damskey
From Passion to Profession: Meeting Drew Damskey
Every winemaker has a turning point; a moment when passion surges, and purpose crystallizes. For me, it was the day I met Drew Damskey.
My journey into winemaking did not come from a family legacy in the industry. It started with curiosity, experimentation, and a deep love for the craft, something I pursued both hands-on and through formal training at UC Davis, even while it remained a personal passion rather than a profession. Like many amateur winemakers, I learned through trial and error and countless hours of practice. But I knew that if I wanted to elevate Candia Cellars into something truly special, I needed guidance from someone who had lived and breathed wine at the highest level.
A Fortunate Connection
Meeting Drew marked an important transition point: the right connection arrived just when I was ready to take the next step. Drew Damskey comes from a long line of winemakers, starting with his grandparents and continuing through his parents. He carries forward this legacy, blending inherited knowledge with his own evolving style. Drew learned by observing his father and gradually refined his own perspective, drawing on his parents’ support and decades of experience. His father, Kerry Damskey, has 50 years of industry experience, providing Drew with a solid foundation.
From Amateur to Professional
Working with Drew was more than a milestone; it opened my eyes and my heart to a level of fulfillment I’d been chasing for years. I first started making wine in 2019 under the guidance of a homemade wine mentor, and I am very grateful for his guidance and knowledge. I always had a feeling this was more than a hobby; I wanted to become a professional winemaker, which led me to enroll in the winemaking certificate program at UC Davis. Balancing life, work, and school meant sleep-deprived nights and weekends filled with intense learning and constant pressure to keep up. However, when they called my name to get my first medal at the Winemaker Magazine International Wine Competition, pride and gratitude overwhelmed me. That and my wines were the validation I craved, the moment I fully believed in this dream.
At this stage, working with Drew made everything start to come together, connecting my earlier growth with new possibilities. What was once just an experiment is now becoming something deeply meaningful. Every decision now carries weight and excitement. With Drew’s guidance, anticipation replaced uncertainty, and my confidence in myself grew.
He pushed me to approach winemaking with precision and discipline.
To understand the reasoning behind every decision.
To balance technical knowledge with instinct.
With his guidance, I found not just sharper skills but a great pride in my process. Confidence bloomed, and I began to see Candia Cellars take on a spirit and story uniquely its own.
A Shared Vision
What makes this partnership profound isn’t just Drew’s expertise; it’s the passion and sincerity he brings into every conversation, every challenge, and every celebration. There’s a deep respect for the vineyard, the fruit, and the craft itself that comes through in everything he does. That philosophy aligns perfectly with my vision: creating wines that are intentional, expressive, and rooted in quality.
Looking Ahead
I’m filled with anticipation at the thought of what’s ahead alongside Drew. This isn’t just mentorship; it’s a bond grounded in mutual respect, fierce dedication, and shared dreams. Looking back, I’m moved by how far I’ve come, from anxious amateur to fulfilled winemaker. With Drew by my side, I feel invincible and know that our greatest vintages still lie ahead.
