For Coventry it’s not just art or science ... it’s a craft

In the world of North Carolina winemaking, Dave Coventry, the mastermind behind Mountain Brook Winery, is a name that commands respect. His journey, which began in the prestigious vineyards of California, including the renowned Chalone Vineyards, Morgan and Talbott, is a testament to his dedication and passion. Inspired by the rich traditions of Burgundy, Coventry’s expertise is evident in his exceptional vino creations—a testament to his commitment to his craft.

Coventry’s pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. He’s had a couple of wines ranked among the Top 10 selections by Wine & Spirits magazine, a testament to his exceptional quality. His prowess has also earned him a coveted spot among the top 100 winemakers recognized by Wine Spectator magazine, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in North Carolina’s winemaking landscape.

Now, in the serene vistas of Tryon, North Carolina, Coventry embodies a balanced blend of art and science. He draws complex realms of biology, chemistry and physics to infuse his winemaking process with meticulous precision and unwavering passion.

Coventry’s devotion to his craft manifests in an exquisite array of wines that captivate the senses. The luscious Chardonnay, with its hints of oak and butter, the velvety Merlot, with its rich berry flavors, and the robust Cabernet Sauvignon, with its bold tannins and dark fruit notes, each sip unveils a tapestry of flavors meticulously crafted to perfection. These are just a prime example of Coventry’s skill and dedication.

Coventry offers a refreshing perspective on the intricate dance of winemaking: “It’s not just artistry or science—it’s a craft,” he asserts. For Coventry, crafting exceptional wines is a delicate balance between the rigors of science and the intuitive strokes of artistry.

Reflecting on his approach, Coventry emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection as he molds each batch into his vision of excellence. As he aptly puts it, “If you are purely scientific about it, you are going to have a lot of failures. If you are pretty artistic, you are going to have a lot of failures.”

Indeed, Coventry sees himself as a “craftsperson” adept at transforming raw materials into the sublime. His dedication to his craft is evident in every glass of Chardonnay, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon produced at Mountain Brook Winery.

In pursuing vinous perfection, the marriage of chemistry and biology holds sway, shaping each sip of wine into a symphony of flavor and complexity. While some may argue that a polished appearance

Mountain Brook Winery’s winemaker David Coventry begin his carreer in California before moving to North Carolina and a penchant for hospitality can enhance the experience, Coventry reminds us of an age-old adage: “God makes vinegar. Men make wine.”

Coventry’s philosophy is a guiding light in the winemaking world—a philosophy that reminds enthusiasts that true mastery lies not in adherence to rigid formulas but in the alchemy of passion and the skills of divine inspiration.

Below are a couple of excerpts from Screw it Wine’s conversation with David Coventry.

In our culture of local wine events: Wine is a luxury mindset. And what does luxury mean? For me, it is having the time to enjoy things. Luxury is not being in a hurry and doing the things you love. It is also about abundance—don’t run out of food or wine at an event you are charging people money for.

On Mountain Brooks Merlot: Cabernet Sauvignon is a great grape, but Merlot does so well in this area for a whole bunch of reasons—from how it ripens to how ripe it gets. People might want a Cabernet Sauvignon, but the Merlot tastes tremendous, if not better and more consistent.

People say you can’t get that consistency of Merlot here, but I like that challenge. Our Merlot proves that these things can be done, but you have to have the vision as you set out at harvest to build that wine.