My story started back in 1993 with my first taste of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon at the Harvest Inn, in St Helena. It was the wine that got me hooked.

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My career path was already well established, following in my dad's footsteps as a Firefighter at Alameda Fire Department. I visited Napa Valley frequently on my off days, hoping that someday a possible second career could happen in the wine country I'd fallen in love with.

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In the spring of 2004, I met Deborah, a Napa Valley native. Go figure, the new dating site EHarmony.com would take our interests and match us up. That is where our Destiny together begins. Two years later we were married and started our life adventure together.

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While exploring the Napa Valley, we came across a nice property for sale. Two weeks later, we purchased it: one acre at the foothills of Mount George in the Coombsville AVA. Getting to know every back road, hidden tasting room, and family-run winery in the area became part of daily life, and that firsthand knowledge is what Destiny Wine Tours is built on today.

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Knowing retirement from the Fire Department was about five years away, we decided to start a wine tour business that has truly flourished. Destiny Wine Tours has created many experiences meeting new clients that have become great friends. I retired from the Fire Department in 2013 after twenty-nine years of driving a firetruck, and took a giant leap into this new venture full time.

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Over the years we've built relationships with the winemakers, vintners, and vineyard owners across the valley, giving our guests access and stories you won't find on a typical tour. While I was busy with Destiny Wine Tours, my wife Deborah found a 1929 fire engine. In 2017, we converted it to a mobile bar truck and launched Napa Valley Cocktail Company. "Drinks to the Rescue!"

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We are looking forward to sharing our treasured Napa Valley with you soon and asking my Dad's favorite question, "Would you have it again?" — Ray Hanson Sr.