Every year, Dan's grandfather Tudor used to make wine for his friends and family in Croatia. In the early 1900's the Tudors began growing grapes in California and continue to operate one of the largest table grape vineyards in the country.

Dan Tudor first made wine in 1982 while working for cousin Louie Lucas, the founding and managing partner of Tepuesquet Vineyards in the Santa Maria valley. There were 1700 acres of high quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Riesling to choose from. The 1982 and 1983 wines along with a 1983 sparkling wine all won 1st and 2nd place awards at the Santa Barbara County Fair and later at the Santa Cruz County Fair amateur wine competitions. Dan, inspired and encourages, began his lifelong goal to start a winery and make world-class wine.

In 1997, Dan begin his quest and discovered Monterey County's potential as top-flight winegrowing region. Its vast micro-climates and terroir allow for over 40 different grape varieties but it was Pinot Noir that Dan pursued. Dan's first cousin Christian Tudor, committed to preserving the family tradition, teamed up with Dan to start Tudor Wines and create handcrafted wines.