The name “8 Years in the Desert” holds a significant meaning and tells the story of Dave Phinney's journey during his 8-year non-compete period. This period began in 2008 when he sold The Prisoner brand, which had gained immense popularity for its Zinfandel-based blend. The terms of the sale prevented Dave from working with or even mentioning Zinfandel, the grape that had become synonymous with The Prisoner.
During this exile from his beloved grape, Dave embarked on a new chapter in his life. He took the opportunity to explore different wine regions, experiment with various grape varieties, and expand his winemaking skills beyond Zinfandel. This period of exploration, growth, and reflection became the inspiration for the name “8 Years in the Desert”.
The term “desert” here metaphorically represents the barrenness or absence of Zinfandel in Dave's winemaking journey. Zinfandel had been his passion, his muse, and the grape that had brought him great success with The Prisoner. Being unable to work with Zinfandel for 8 long years must have felt like a desert, a void in his winemaking existence.
However, just like a desert can be both harsh and beautiful, this period of restriction presented Dave with an opportunity for personal and professional growth. He delved into the world of winemaking, exploring different grape varieties, regions, and winemaking techniques. This time allowed him to broaden his knowledge and expertise, pushing the boundaries of his winemaking skills.
The number “8” in the name signifies the duration of this period. Eight years is a significant amount of time, and it conveys the sense of patience, perseverance, and dedication that Dave exhibited during this time. It represents the long journey he undertook to reinvent himself and find new inspiration beyond Zinfandel.
The name “8 Years in the Desert” also has a poetic quality to it. It captures the essence of Dave's personal and winemaking pilgrimage, his struggles, his triumphs, and his resilience. It evokes a sense of anticipation and curiosity, leaving room for interpretation and allowing each individual to connect with the story in their own way.
“8 Years in the Desert” is a name that encapsulates Dave Phinney's transformative journey during his 8-year non-compete period. It symbolizes the absence of Zinfandel, the exploration and growth that took place during this time, and the resilience and determination that led him to create something new and exciting in the world of wine.