Old Town Cellars is a private label winery located in the heart of historic Park City, UT. Founder David Hildreth intuited the need for the tasting room experience of wine country in the mountain west while also making wine more accessible for beginners and oenophiles alike. Hildreth, along with friend Stephen MacKay, started Old Town Cellars with the goal of offering their patrons a selection of wines from a variety of growing regions while also keeping a more affordable model by acquiring the wine from the wineries before they are even bottled. OTC has set itself apart as a unique experience for wine lovers who crave atmosphere as well as accessibility.
We are thrilled to be partnering with Old Town Cellars for Savor Old Town.
In anticipation of Savor Old Town, PUREfourhundred spoke to Old Town Cellars co-owner Stephen MacKay about his passion for Park City, dinner party must-haves and, of course, an incredible glass of wine.
How did you get into the business?
I fell in love with wine partly because of my parents, partly because of the hospitality industry and also Ski Jumping in Europe. After college I moved to New Zealand and fell under the tutelage of Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas. His passion for wine inspired me and set me up for my hotel career helping run wine programs in New Zealand, California and Utah.
What is your favorite OTC wine?
Currently, I like our rosé that has yet to be released. We are still currently waiting on our government approval on the label but it should be ready to go in the coming weeks.
What wine should always be at a dinner party?
Champagne and whatever else is enjoyed by guests of the dinner party. Wine is purely subjective plus there is nothing wrong with a little local beer or whiskey at the dinner either.
How do you feel about the wine scene in Utah?
It’s lacking because Utah is not known for growing high quality grapes for numerous reasons including soil structure and choice of varietal planted. I left Utah to learn more about wine but have come back to hopefully demystify it further in a liquor-control state. Wine should be accessible to everyone and no one should be made uncomfortable by it. It is supposed to bring people together not alienate them.
What would you like OTC to be known for?
We have many goals but a few are: a fun place to taste wine, talk about it after your day’s adventures and then a place to purchase wine on Main Street that has a unique and unorthodox story. After all, we are the “Official Wine of Aprés.”
Join PUREfourhundred, Old Town Cellars, and Culinary Crafts for an exceptional evening of wine, food and atmosphere.
