Meet the Next & New Gen

Currents students from Walla Walla Community College’s V&E program interviewed 20 winemaker alums to get a glimpse into their stories. Take a look below at the current future of #WAwine.

Story

“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…
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“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…
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Story

“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.
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Story

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

An interview with recent grad Forest Rogers of August Forest Wines by Skip Watson I would like to introduce you to Forest…
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“It doesn’t get boring.” — CJ August

The below interview is a part of our Alumni Series, featuring winemakers who graduated from the Walla Walla Community College V&E Program.
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“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…
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“I got into wine through cider.” — Chad Hosinger

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