About Us
Small Groups. Powerful Experiences. Lasting Perspective.
We are storytellers, lovers of wines, and stewards of memory. At Vintage & Valor, we design journeys that explore the soul of a place—through its history, its food, and the people who shaped it.
Why we do what we do...
"History shows us how to behave. History teaches, reinforces what we believe in, what we stand for, and what we ought to be willing to stand for. History is...the bedrock of patriotism, not the chest-pounding kind of patriotism but the real thing."
David McCullough
Joe Dowdy: Founder, Leader, Storyteller
Joe Dowdy, a retired Marine Corps Colonel, is the founder and principal of Vintage & Valor. A lifelong student of history and a natural storyteller, Joe curates transformative travel experiences for discerning guests who seek more—they seek meaning. His journeys bring history to life in the very landscapes where it happened, blending refined hospitality with rich cultural insight.
As an infantry officer, he led Marines in combat and command roles around the world. After retiring from active duty, he went on to apply his leadership expertise as an executive in the defense industry and as a senior leader at NASA, including serving as Chief of Staff at Kennedy Space Center.
In 2025, Joe launched Vintage & Valor to combine his love of history, storytelling, and immersive travel—bringing small groups of curious, discerning travelers into iconic landscapes with fresh insight and unforgettable purpose.
He holds a B.A. in History and Political Science, an M.A. in Management and Human Resources Development, and an M.S. in Strategic Studies.
