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Former Aspen columnist’s latest book is a wine tour of America

Patrick Fort
/
Aspen Public Radio News

Dan Dunn is a former Aspen Daily News columnist. He has since gone on to a successful journalism career, writing for Playboy and GQ. He is also the author of “American Wino,” which documents his time spent driving across the country to explore the world of wine, and cast away his demons.

 

In an interview with Aspen Public Radio, Dunn said his meeting with Kurt Russell was one of the highlights of his adventure.

“He knows wine,” said Dunn. “He’s very serious about it. He’s hands on...not just attaching his name to the product.”  

The trip was cathartic. Dunn said that he was never fully able to process or cope with the death of his brother. Dunn brought along his brother’s ashes to help him recover emotionally.

“I learned that I can do it,” said Dunn. “That’s one of the big challenges people have when they face a big challenge or adventure or ‘thing’. People don’t normally say they are going to pack up their life and hit the road and see what happens. There was a big deal of trepidation.”

Dunn’s book was released last week by Dey St. publishing.

 

 

Patrick Fort grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, nurturing a love for ice hockey and deli sandwiches. After moving to Colorado in 2010 to attend the University of Colorado to study music, Patrick discovered his love for journalism. In 2013, Patrick created and hosted the award-winning radio program Colorado Stories, a news program that covered CU and the surrounding community. An avid mountain and road cyclist, Patrick also referees youth ice hockey. He loves '60s pop bands and and trying new recipes ranging from milk-braised carnitas to flourless cakes.