Graduate Spotlight

We're shining a light on the next generation of #WAwine.

Meet the Next & New Gen

Currents students from Walla Walla Community College’s V&E program interviewed 8 winemaker & winegrower alums to get a glimpse into their stories. Take a look below at the current future of #WAwine.

“We have a very special community.”

Daniel Eacrett (DE): Can you please update me on some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position, social media…

“Don’t be scared to be a little different.”

Gavin Shipman (GS): Can you please update me with some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position, social media…

“I enjoy how my job is constantly changing; it’s never the same or boring.”

Kelsey is the brains and the brawn behind Itä Wines. She is originally from Seattle but after living in many places and…

“We are all part of one industry together, and I just love it, I feel comfortable here. I feel a sense of family and community.”

Alix Amo (AA): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program, current…

“Washington does great helping those within the industry and sharing techniques.”

Patrick McKibben (PM): Can you please update me on some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position, social media…

“Don’t let old stereotypes don’t hold you back.”

I have to say, I am a huge Fiona Mak fan girl. My favorite city in the world is NYC, I am…

“If you think you can’t do something, do it anyway”

Shane Collins is a 4th generation farmer in the Lake Chelan Valley. Austin Wheeler (AW): Can you please update me on some…

“It’s this magical industry that mixes art and sales.”

Introducing Tyler Bender, current Director of Consumer Sales at Alexana Estate in Oregon. Discussing his journey through the wine world. Ways to…

2024 Next Gen Interviews

13 winemaker alums were interviewed in 2024. Read their stories below.

“Wine encourages me to pursue an untreatable dream and discover places I have never been.”

Juanita Diusabá Yusunguaira graduated as an honors student in 2023 and is now an assistant Winemaker at Lyme Bay Winery in Devon,…

“It’s a challenge… and I love challenges.”

Cory Vaughn (CV): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program, current…

“I really think we’ve just scratched the surface of Washington’s capability.”

Payton talks with me about the profound connection between people and wine, the joys of being stewards to the land, and honoring…

“I love creating something tangible that brings people joy.”

Loic Rhyne (LR): Can you please update me on some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position?Spencer Williams (SW):…

“Walla Walla strikes the perfect balance for me, the goldilocks of growing regions in the Pacific Northwest.”

As an alumnus of WWCC EV program and current Viticulturist at Les Collines Vineyard, Alex Mesick opens up about his journey into…

“I just believe in trying to work hard and not take anything for granted. Each day is a gift.”

JJ and his wife, Kelly, are both WWCC E&V alumni class of 2017 owners and winemakers for Aluvé. Andy Romo (AR): Can…

“I get the opportunity to meet all sorts of interesting people every day.”

Olivia Arellano (OA): Can you please update me on some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position, social media…

“People still go out of their way to help each other if something breaks down.”

Andy Romo (AR): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program, current…

“This transformative process is what brings me joy in winemaking.”

Nick Jackson is a 2017 WWCC EV Alumnus and the Laboratory Technician at Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, WA. He has…

“I find myself staying busy all the time, but it is always something different.”

Can you please update me on some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position?I graduated from the EV program…

“Washington is known for creativity and experimentation in wine production, and I find that exciting.”

Steve Ford (SF): Can you please update me on the date you graduated from the EV program, and your current position?Stacie Pike…

“I like to think that wine found me.”

Maxime Pellet (MP): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program, current…

“Push the envelope to untap our fullest potential.”

Adam Toliver started the EV program in the fall of 2011 and completed it in the Spring of 2013. He is the…

2023 Next Gen Interviews

13 winemaker alums were interviewed in 2023. Read their stories below.

“There is No Right or Wrong Way to Make Wine.” — Tyler Morrison

I interviewed Tyler Morrison, assistant winemaker at L’Ecole No 41. We discussed everything from what initiated him getting into the wine…

“(Wine) is a path, a lifestyle that you will meet some of the best people in the world on.” — Tabitha Crenshaw

Tabitha Crenshaw is an industrious mother of three. She has owned and operated several restaurants in Walla Walla and has now settled…

“Listen to what your gut tells you and do that.” — Steve Wells

Steve Wells lives in Walla Walla and is the owner and winemaker at Time and Direction. We will be talking about their…

“I love going to work every day.” — Salvador Jimenez

Rick Swanson: Can you please update me on some basic information: date of EV graduation, current employer and position, social media handles,…

“You need to be thoughtful about what you are doing, stay true to who you are, and be open about it.” — Matt Reilly

Matt Reilly is a WWCC EV Alumni and co-founder/co-winemaker at Prospice in Walla Walla, WA. This is our conversation on how an…

“Every day is different.” — Matt Huse

Five Star Cellars has focused on producing high-quality Walla Walla wines for more than 20 years. Matt Huse, a Walla Walla native,…

“We get to create something that is always evolving, and you only get to one chance a year to make it.” — Marcus Rafanelli

Marcus Rafanelli is a Seattle native, who had never been to Walla Walla before August of 2006. He has a B.S. in…

“The satisfaction of making good wine with good people in a beautiful setting is very real.” — Eva Hixson

Eva Hixon is a 2020 graduate of the EV Program at WWCC. Eva spent time after graduation working as an Assistant Winemaker…

“You have to be humble about it; nobody knows everything about winemaking.” — Elizabeth Bourcier

Elizabeth Bourcier is one of the most celebrated graduates of the WWCC Enology and Viticulture program. Recently, the resident vigneronne at Cayuse…

“I always feel that I can learn something useful from anyone and everyone.” — Doug Simmons

Doug Simmons, owner, and winemaker of Eleganté Cellars produces high quality, carefully handcrafted wines. His small lots showcase his wine making style,…

“The people you meet in this industry are fascinating.” — Devyani Gupta

Malachi Veal (MV): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program, current…

“Follow your heart-go do what makes you happy.” — Dana Lammers

Dana Lammers is a 2014 graduate of the WWCC EV program. He was the Vineyard Manager at Eritage Vineyards for nine years…

“There’s room for everybody” — Beth Law

Tom Lubbesmeyer (TL): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program,…

2022 Next Gen Interviews

20 winemaker alums were interviewed in 2022. Read their stories below.

“Don’t be afraid to get as much experience as you can.” — Toby Turlay

An interview with Toby Turlay of Ducleaux Cellars. Tryg Dukelow: How did you get into wine? Toby Turlay: It started with enjoying…

“Keep learning, take risks, and leave the land better than you found it.” — Sager Small.

An interview with Sager Small of Woodward Canyon by Brook Browning. Sager Small is half of the second generation, along with his…

“What excites me the most is the future.” — Robert Gomez

The below interview is a part of our Alumni Series, featuring winemakers who graduated from the Walla Walla Community College V&E Program.

“I like that we are setting ourselves apart.” — Rob Wohr

Supporting Diversity: an interview with Rob Wohr of Explohr Wine Company by David Perlman. Rob Wohr, lives in Walla Walla and…

“No two days are the same.” — Meghan Fitzgerald

An interview with Meghan Fitzgerald of Precept Wine, contributing author for Edible Inland Northwest, by Shawn Smith. SS: How did you get…

“I admire all the female winemakers in Walla Walla who came before me.” — Laura Detwiler

Walla Walla’s Bubbly Monstera: an interview with Laura Detwiler of Garrison Creek Cellars by William Stewart Laura Detwiler is the Production Winemaker…

“I don’t ever feel like I’m working.” — Kevin Masterman

Grind Till Ya Shine: An Interview with Kevin Masterman of Rotie Cellars, Proper, Proletariat Wine Co. and House of Bones by Heather…

“It’s a never-ending learning opportunity.” — Ken Jones

The Wine’s Fantastic: an interview with Ken Jones of Abeja by Stacie Pike. Ken Jones grew up and still lives in Walla…

“Winemaking isn’t so much a job, but a way of life.” — Keith Johnson

An interview with Keith Johnson of Sleight of Hand and Devium by Payton Frantzen Keith Johnson makes wines with soul. The Walla Walla…

“Sparkling wine is hot and is something I’ve always wanted to do.” — Josh McDaniels

The Ambitious Love a Challenge: an Interview with Josh McDaniels of Bledsoe Wine Estate by Leopold Frokic In this interview, we chat…

“Be generous with your abilities and resources.” — Joseph Czarny

Taking Flight: An interview with Joseph Cznary of Canvasback Wines by Michael Matthewson Mr. Czarny and I managed to find some time…

“I came in through food. I used to be a sous chef in Indiana.” — Jason Fox

In It Together: an interview with Jason Fox of Lagana Cellars by Alicia Mehling Jason Fox, co-owner/winemaker of Lagana Cellars in Walla…

“Walla Walla has been an incredible place to raise my three daughters.” — Jake Kotzman

An interview with Jake Kotzman of Artifex by Ivan Ramos Jake Kotzman, a man of many talents, working and living out of…

“We don’t have many rules here and the sky is the limit.” — George-Anne Robertson

An interview with George-Anne Robertson of Yellowhawk Resort and Sparkling House by Beck Barrouk I had the pleasure to interview George-Anne Robertson…

“There is always a risk, and to take that leap was a hard thing to do, but worth every second.” — Forest Rogers-Phillips

An interview with recent grad Forest Rogers-Phillips of August Forest Wines by Skip Watson I would like to introduce you to Forest…

“It doesn’t get boring.” — CJ Augustine

The below interview is a part of our Alumni Series, featuring winemakers who graduated from the Walla Walla Community College V&E Program.

“Know who your leaders are, and also know when it’s appropriate to lead others.” — Christopher Castillo

An interview with Chris of Castillo de Feliciana vineyard and winery by Alberto Robles-Ramos Christopher Castillo is the proud owner of Castillo…

“I got into wine through cider.” — Chad Honsinger

The Rhizosphere: An Interview with Chad Honsinger of RYZO Wines by Alec Anderson Chad Honsinger is a graduate of the Enology and…

“I love what I do.” — Blake Hintz

An interview with Blake Hintz of Saviah Cellars by Gustavo Ortiz In this interview, I got in contact with Blake Hintz a…