Photo Credit Dan Campbell
he sidewalks are
covered with a new
snowfall; it looks like
icing on a cake of artificial streets and brightly colored buildings. Halfway up the mountain town street iconically called Main Street in Park City, Utah, is an elegant yet unpretentious black and white sign with three beckoning words: Old Town Cellars. Opening the heavy door and immediately delving downward into a stonewalled staircase one story beneath the bustling street, stands a live-edge wood bar and a bartender to greet you with a warm smile. I felt as if I had walked back in time or on to a movie set. Cozying up to the bar and doffing my coat, mittens, and hat after a 4-mile mountain hike, I was ready for my apres ski (hike) experience at Old Town Cellars.
Stephen MacKay, owner and founder of the unique wine venue now in existence for 8 years, sat down with me to talk about the ups and downs of creating what will likely become the place every skier, boarder, biker, or tourist will visit in Park City. MacKay, a former competitive ski jumper with a background in environmental science, considers himself more of a “wine marketer than a winemaker.” Touring the world and becoming a level 2 Certified Master Sommelier, as well as working for prestigious companies, MacKay came to a crossroads in life; continue his wine mastery or become an entrepreneur. He decided to return home to Park City to share his passion for wine amidst the steeping mountains, and create Old Town Cellars.
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