Yesterday was a sad day in Dallas - Fort Worth wine circles as we learned of the passing of Ivan Thornton, founder of Grape Passion.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dfw/name/james-thornton-obituary?id=36123114
Ivan had a very successful career before moving back to Texas to start a little wine passion project that he quietly grew into one of the absolute premiere wine distributors in the regions, carrying nearly every major hard to find California cult wine. While wine was his business, it was also something he loved to generously share with anyone with the slightest interest and a glass in his or her hand. I became a member at Grailey’s as a broke 26 year old, a first year lawyer with a kid, and one more on the way. Ivan never hesitated to open incredible bottles with me and so many others, often just because he knew we’d be excited to try what he had in his locker. A fun personality with quick wit and a sharp mind. He’ll be missed.