“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 working a wide variety of jobs, she settled down here in Walla Walla with her husband. If you get an opportunity, go check out her winery currently in the incubators! 

Addison Davis (AD): Can you please update me on some basic information, including your date of graduation from the EV program, current employer and position, and preferred contact information? 
Kelsey Itameri (KI): I graduated from the program in 2019. I am the owner and winemaker of/at Ita Wines, and I can be contacted at Kelsey@Itawinery.com  

AD: How did you get into wine? 
KI: I originally was working in the restaurant industry and ended up curating the wine selection; I also enjoyed drinking wine, obviously. I have traveled a bit as well, which helped expand my interest in wine, and then my parents moved to Walla Walla and I enjoyed visiting there.  

AD: Is there someone in the EV world that you admire, including fellow alums? 
KI: It’s hard to narrow it down, but I have two people who have really helped me in the industry: Brad Sorensen at Les Collines Vineyard and John Abbott at Devona Winery. While they might not agree with me on everything, they both have guided and supported me so much. 

AD: What is special to you about working in the wine industry? 
KI: The connection between us and nature is unique in this industry; we get to work with the seasons.  

AD: What’s your favorite part of the job? 
KI: I enjoy how my job is constantly changing; it’s never the same or boring. One day I’m a winemaker; the next day I’m an accountant. 

AD: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the industry? 
KI: There are quite a few, but some would be the competitiveness of the wine industry, finance, and the many hats I have to wear as owner and winemaker. 

AD: What do you think differentiates and excites you about WA state? 
KI: I like how Washington is an underdog state in this industry; the people are a lot humbler but also make amazing and unique wine. 

AD: How do you foresee climate change or social issues affecting the local industry in the next few years? 
KI: Oh, I don’t know; the increased immigration enforcement is definitely a concern, as well as intense weather events like freezes and smoke that we are already experiencing. 

AD: What are some up-and-coming trends in wine that you’re following? 
KI: I’m not sure if these are current trends, but I support low alcohol wine production, wine geared towards the newer generation of wine drinkers, and I love seeing more women in the industry. 

AD: Finally, what advice would you share with future EV graduates? 
KI: This doesn’t only apply to this industry, but learn from everything; no matter what the job is, even if it’s not your ideal situation, you can always find a way to benefit from it.