Dan Marek of Georgetown Winery Winemaker Profile

Dan Marek is the winemaker not only at Georgetown Winery, but also Thirsty Mule Winery & Vineyard. If you read any wine competition results, Georgetown Winery is always listed winning medals in the competitions they enter. We are happy to feature Dan Marek this month.

1. What did you do before becoming a winemaker (if anything)?

I served in the U.S. Navy from 1990-1994 (Desert Storm – Disable Vet). I also owned several Storage Facilities, a Sign Shop, RV Park, Irrigation Business, and multiple commercial rental buildings.

2. What is the toughest challenge about being a winemaker in Texas?

Trying to prove to others that Texas can make top quality wines to compete with California wines.

3. Is winemaking an art or a science or both?

I would say both as each are needed for the desire to make quality wines.

4. What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

I am definitely a steak and big red wine lover. Pairing is an art and a passion to explore and share with your family, friends, and customers.

5. If you didn’t make wine, what would you do?

I couldn’t see my life as it is now without making wine. It is something I grew up with as a child seeing my family make wine and I feel it is a tradition to carry on for years to come.

6. What first attracted you to winemaking and how long have you been doing it?

I have been helping my dad make wine since I was as young as 6-8 years old. I have an old 8mm film to prove it. I have made everything from Jalapeño wine and Salsa wine to your traditional Reds, Whites, Ports, and Sweets.

7. What is the most common question you are asked as a winemaker?

That would have to be, “How did you learn to make wine?” I recently released a wine with my father’s picture on it and a short story of my growing up with winemaking in my family.

8. After a long day in the winery or vineyard, what do you do?

Well, what else other than getting a glass of wine and socializing with my friends, neighbors, and many other winery owners.

9. What’s the greatest part about being a winemaker?

The best award is hearing from others such as customers and friends enjoying the wine you make, and encouraging you to continue to do so to make Texas known for such great wines.

10. What is your winemaking philosophy, that is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?

You always want to achieve the best wines ever, and to blend and make something that is new and exciting for the wine enthusiast.

11. Anything else you would like to add?

We have been in the business now for 10 years and have enjoyed it very much as this industry is like no other. You can ask the biggest guy in the wine business or the smallest, and we all are there to help each other continue to grow. It is a family that we cherish, and we look forward to many more years in the business. We also enjoy the passion that Texas wine lovers have for the business, and their continued support for all wineries in Texas.