Our
Story

Former Dolphins quarterback Damon Huard had to travel 3,000 miles from home to truly discover the fine wines of his home state, Washington. It was during the 1997 NFL season that teammate and Hall of Famer Dan Marino introduced him to Washington wines - pulling a bottle from his personal cellar and sparking what would become a long-standing passion. Over the next decade, their conversations about wine evolved into serious discussions about starting a winery, a vision that took shape after Huard’s retirement and return to Washington. Damon’s family has deep roots in the heart of Washington wine country, playing a key role in helping transform the valley into the agricultural powerhouse it is today.

“The vision of making a truly great Washington wine is one that Damon and I have shared for a long time,” said Marino, one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Although Washington now boasts over 900 wineries, we believe the industry is still in its adolescence - and we want to be part of its journey as it grows into one of the world’s premier wine regions.”

Passing Time launched with its inaugural 2012 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon, which debuted in the spring of 2015 to rave reviews from critics and customers alike.

While Passing Time might seem like an obvious name for a wine brand co-founded by two former NFL quarterbacks, Marino explained that the name carries deeper meaning. “There’s the subtle football reference—when it’s fourth down in the red zone, and you’re down by six with seconds left, it’s ‘passing time.’ But it’s also about savoring life—enjoying a bottle of wine with good friends. It’s both a nod to the game we love and a celebration of moments that matter. We think it’s the perfect metaphor for the wine, and we can’t wait to share it with others who share our passion.”