How do you make sure you’re dad’s favorite child this father’s day? Easy, give him what he really wants…wines and spirts.

This morning I shared some of my favorite wines from winemaking dads on KXAS/NBC DFW, along with a few spirits if dad prefers a dram instead of a glass of wine. See the segment here, more on each of the wines and spirits below. Happy Father’s Day!

Julien Fayard of Covert and Azur, as well as making wine for six other brands. In the past five years he (and his lovely wife Elan) have had three kids, built a winery and he got his MBA. Julien joined us recently for our Dallas Uncorked 13th Anniversary dinner, sharing these beautiful wines, along with those of Nicholas Jones and Cultivar. Each unique, telling the story of their estates and Napa Valley. Available via their website.

One of my long time favorite Napa Valley wines comes from Dave Miner of Miner Family Wines, who is dad to two beautiful, growing girls while producing stellar wines. His Emily Cabernet blend was created in honor of his late wife Emily, who lost her courageous battle with cancer a few years ago. Miner Wines are carried at Sigel’s.

Rene Schlatter of Merryvale, dad to three tennis playing girls,  following in dad’s footsteps as the Swiss born Proprietor of Merryvale Family Wines was quite the tennis star in his youth, coming to the U.S. to play Division I tennis at Trinity University in San Antonio, where he and his team were ranked among the top 20 schools in the country. Their historied Merryvale Winery in St. Helena celebrates a sense of place, producing robust, earthy, Napa Valley Cabernet. Merryvale wines are available at PK’s and Goody-Goody locations.

One of my favorite people in the world is Pierre Seillan of Arcanum in Tuscany, Chateau Lassegue in Bordeaux and Verite in Sonoma. Gracious, talented and passionate, his dedication to the grape, and his beautiful family, should be celebrated (preferably with one of his wines.) He is also a lover of Cabernet Franc, one of my favorite varieties especially when handled with care, as Pierre always does. His daughter Hellen, is following in his footsteps with Ceynth Wines. All available via their websites.

From Texas, our dear friends, the great Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars and Adam Lee of Siduri.

The son of a moonshine maker in East Texas, Mac fell in love with Pinot Noir through some of the great Burgundies of the world. Always with a focus on finess, and approachability, keeping alcohol levels in check while making a food friendly, luscious Pinot Noir is much of what drives Mac in making simply stellar Pinot Noir for Vision Cellars. (Available via his website.)

Adam Lee and his wife Dianna founded Siduri over 20 years ago, after moving to Sonoma from Dallas with the hope to make great Pinot Noir wine. He sold the company to Jackson Family Wines a few years ago, but has stayed on to ensure Siduri maintains the quality, and story of passion, the couple always dreamed of. Their new Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir from Willamette is fast becoming a favorite. Spec’s carries several of Siduri’s wines.

Father and grandfather, Pat Stotesbery of Ladera, built a passion for wine with his wife, Anne, so much so that they decided to sell their family ranch in Montana to buy their Howell Mountain winery. Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the earthy, volcanic soils of Howell Mountain, melding with freshness and structure, thanks to the high elevation of their vineyards. Available at Dallas Fine Wine.

If dad prefers spirits, Texans are making some of the best, from the first legally bonded whiskey producer in Texas, Garrison Brothers in Austin with their “Texas Straight Bourbon” ($100); to Fort Worth’s whiskey distillery, Firestone and Robertson ($40); to award winning vodka producer, Duckworth Distillery, started by Dallas’ Lee and Julia Fuqua, producing a variety of vodkas including their award winning truffle flavored vodka! ($42) If dad loves a Bloody Mary, this is the vodka to include in the cocktail.

Hacienda patron

If dad prefer’s tequila, you have to go south of the border as legally Tequila has to be made in Mexico. Patron was one of the first premium-quality tequila producers from the Highlands of Jalisco. My story on DSideDish highlights more on their process from my recent trip to visit their Hacienda. Their classic silver, ($50) available now in a heritage tin designed by Mexican artist, Adrian Dominguez, The 2017 Mexican Heritage tin was inspired by Aztec and Mayan cultures and includes a bottle of Patrón Silver. Or the traditional Tahona method produced Roca Patron, my favorite is the Reposado, aged 5 months in oak ($80). All

Their classic Silver Tequila, ($50) available now in a heritage tin designed by Mexican artist, Adrian Dominguez, The 2017 Mexican Heritage tin was inspired by Aztec and Mayan cultures and includes a bottle of Patrón Silver. Or the traditional Tahona method produced Roca Patron. My favorite is the Reposado, aged 5 months in oak ($80), adding texture to the tequila without making it to overpowering, ensuring it will blend nicely in your favorite cocktails. All spritis widely available at your favorite liquor shops.