The Whirlwind Winery story begins not in Oklahoma but on the high seas in the early 1990s.  Brad Stinson and Dan Rhea meet as Pursers aboard the M/S Song of Norway.  At that time, as it is now, there were few American staff from landlocked states, so the two young men from Oklahoma and Wyoming found a common bond that would lead to friendship and on to many adventures and an equal number of misadventures.  Dan and Brad worked together on ships over two nine-month contracts, and separately they have over a combined twelve years of life at sea. 

In this time they have cruised the sunny Mediterranean, the North African coast, the great cities of the Baltic sea, the Asian coast from Singapore to Japan, the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific, numerous islands strung from the Eastern Atlantic to the Western and Southern Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal to Ensenada, Mexico, the jewel of the Mexican Riviera.  Add to that a month long sojourn to Australia for golf and good-times and these two have just about traversed the globe. During these travels they were exposed to rich cultures and deep traditions in wine.  In addition was the necessity of their positions aboard a luxury cruise ship to learn the role of wine in haute cuisine.  And most importantly, the many evenings shared with good friends and shipmates in the best learning environments possible, literally drinking in an appreciation for fine wines.

After their time on ships had passed, the two friends kept in touch throughout the years despite Brad going back to Oklahoma and Dan living in Arizona.  During an evening phone call back in 2005, Brad told Dan about his idea of starting a winery.  Dan jumped at the chance to be a part of the new adventure and so Whirlwind Winery was born.  For the first two years, the winery was located in Fay, near Brad’s home and vineyard.  But in the summer of 2008 opportunities arose that would allow the winery to move to main street Watonga, increasing the exposure of the Whirlwind Winery brand.

Another fortunate occurrence in 2008 saw the Whirlwind Winery LLC take on a new partner in Mark Berrong.  Mark is an accomplished businessman and respected leader in the Weatherford community.  He has been a customer of the Whirlwind since its inception, provides valuable business acumen, and most importantly, shares in the desire to produce premium Oklahoma wines. 

The Whirlwind Winery intends this brief history to be the foundation on which an excellent wine making tradition is laid.  The future of the Whirlwind Winery is committed to making Oklahoma a premier destination producing fine wines, supporting value-added agriculture products, and encouraging both tourism and Agri-tourism.  We thank you, the wine drinker, for your passion and support.