Dan Panella, Co-Owner and winemaker at Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California, has a long-standing love for agriculture and farming. Dan is a third generation American farmer; his agricultural roots trace back to the days of riding a tractor through his family’s cherry and walnut orchards. Dan spent time exploring other vocational fields, but his attraction towards growing and harvesting fruit consistently led him back to agriculture, and he later began harvesting and farming his family’s grapes.

After growing a foundation and love for the industry, he blended his passion for wine with a desire for involvement in the end result. In pursuit of that goal, Dan began training under highly regarded winemaker Chad Joseph and took classes at UC Davis’ winemaking extension. Over the years, Dan has gained a deeper understanding and passion for the artistic sector of the winemaking process. Dan states, “It’s really a fusion of agriculture and art that has allowed me to be creative and allow the grapes to show their strengths.”

When Dan isn't working at Oak Farm Vineyards, he loves spending time with his family, first and foremost. He is an avid movie fan, loves to travel, and also enjoys music, having played the guitar since grade school. He resides on property at Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi with his wife and Co-Owner, Heather Panella, and their four kids.