2025 Women of Washington Wine

Director of Winemaking What led you into the world of wine? Arbor Crest was started when I was 12, so I grew up around the industry and fell in love with the hard work. What challenges excites you the most? I am passionate about creating a product that brings joy and comraderie to folks, as well as bringing friends and families together. I enjoy the constant challenges of … [Read more...] about Kristina van Loben Sels of Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Anne-Marie Hedges, Owner What has been your greatest achievement? Life in a small French village in the 1950’s meant that nearly all families grew their own produce from Spring to Fall. The gardens were organic since the thought of putting chemicals on our fresh produce was unthinkable. That strong belief in organic was transferred to my children who after joining our wine … [Read more...] about Sarah Goedhart & Anne-Marie Hedges of Hedges Family Estate

Winemaker What are you most passionate about? Mentorship and sustainability. As the leader of an all-female winemaking team, I take pride in creating opportunities for women to grow within this industry, whether you’re a full-time employee or harvest intern. To me, mentorship is not just sharing technical skills but also empowering my team to collaborate, think innovatively, … [Read more...] about Elizabeth Keyser-Hadley of Rocky Pond Estate Winery

Co-Founder What challenge excites you most? Getting the word out about Washington wines. Everyone knows of Napa and France, but Washington is still relatively new to the marketplace. But I think if you can get people to try Washington wines, they are impressed and a little shocked by the value for the price. As for the future, we were excited to open a new tasting room in … [Read more...] about Brenda Mercer of Mercer Wine Estates

Co-Owner / Wine Club Manager What area are you most passionate about? I am passionate about Washington wines because they come from a region of great ecological diversity. Unique characteristics show up in the myriad of wine styles produced in Washington state exhibiting the unique growing environments or “terroir” found within our AVA’s. I’m very excited here at C.R. … [Read more...] about Athena Sandidge of C.R. Sandidge Wines

General Manager What are the moments that define your work? I began helping Alphonse in 2006 when he was making wine with a group of friends on Bainbridge Island. As a graphic designer, I designed a label for our newly bonded winery in 2007. My tasks changed daily working in our small boutique winery. I have participated in all aspects of running a winery from production, … [Read more...] about Danna de Klerk of Rolling Bay Winery

Ashley Dunlap Co-Owner, Tasting Room & Events Manager Alana Mignano Co-Owner, General Manager Armathia Bolles Co-Owner, Winemaker What are you most passionate about? We’re passionate about crafting great wines, creating unforgettable experiences, and doing it all with sustainability at heart. As a winemaker, it’s about honoring the craft—selecting the best fruit, … [Read more...] about Ashley, Alana & Armathia of Eleven Winery

Owner / Winemaker What led you into the world of wine? Wine has always been fascinating to me. From my first taste of a Vino Verde in my teens, I’ve loved the complexity and differences between wines. I started learning to make wine in 2009 on Bainbridge Island and wanted to craft a product from the world-class grapes in Washington State. I am passionate about creating wines … [Read more...] about Emily Parsons of Eagle Harbor Wine Co.

Assistant Winemaker, Club & Tasting Room Manager What area are you most passionate about? I love to introduce our wines to new friends and share what makes us different. The care and thoughtfulness we take with each step shows itself in the finished product. I enjoy sharing the process and watching our guests recognize how the choices we make in the winemaking translate … [Read more...] about Hannah Lewis of Adams Bench Winery

Owners / Winemakers What area are you most passionate about? Our passion lies not just in wine, but in creating a safe space for our wine community. We certainly are not working miracles, or at the front lines of Doctors Without Borders, but we hope that in our small way, we can use our winery as a feeling of home; creating a place and wines that resonate with love, respect … [Read more...] about Anaïs Mera & Rachael Horn of AniChe Cellars

Owner / Tasting Room and Wine Club Manager Owner / Assistant Winemaker What are you most passionate about? As a small family-run business, we wear many hats. We are truly passionate about providing our customers and members with outstanding hospitality and award-winning wine whenever they visit the winery. Our happy place is when customers visit and then leave with a smile … [Read more...] about Tami and Lexi Garvin of Tipsy Canyon Winery

Head Winemaker What led you into the world of wine? My journey in the wine industry began with my parents, who founded Latah Creek Wine Cellars before I was born. My life is intertwined with the winery, as I grew up in the winemaking facilities we still call home. My passion for winemaking ignited in college when my dad, the winemaker, encouraged me to experiment with my own … [Read more...] about Natalie Conway-Barnes of Latah Creek

Owner / Winemaker What does your ‘happy place’ look like? It’s during harvest when the winery is full to the brim with grapes, the smells of active fermentations, new barrels arriving, long hours, sore backs and lots of laughter, loud music, late night punch downs, poor eating habits—all of it. Harvest is exciting and such hard work, and it’s also where all the main magic … [Read more...] about Lisa Callan of Callan Cellars

Assistant Winemaker What is your greatest career achievement? Making the highest scoring wine our winery has ever produced (alongside my father) relatively early in my winemaking career. Our 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Robert Parker 97.  As a second generation winemaker, I am honored.  I hope to someday make 100 point vintages.  The pursuit of excellence drives me … [Read more...] about Keely Newsom of Boudreaux Cellars

Co-Owner / GM What are you most passionate about? I’m passionate about creating lasting impressions for everyone who interacts with our wines. Whether it’s crafting unique releases, ensuring an amazing tasting experience, or sharing our story through our labels, I’m driven to build meaningful connections and support our winery’s growth. The best moments are when someone takes … [Read more...] about Kelsey Malm of Devison Vintners

Owner What area are you most passionate about? As a winemaker in Woodinville, WA, my passion lies in the art of crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of this incredible region. Over the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with local vineyards and fine-tuning the balance between nature and technique to create wines that are expressive and full of … [Read more...] about Lisa Warr-King Packer of Mana Vintners

Assistant Winemaker What led you into the world of wine? I grew up in a family of restaurateurs and gardeners that held a deep appreciation for the connections among food, community, and the land. I was drawn to winemaking for the same reasons. Wine brings people together, showcases the unique aspects of terroir, and its flavors and aromas have the power to evoke compelling … [Read more...] about Hannah Coulson of Gard Vintners

What has been your greatest achievement? For over 30 years, Camaraderie Cellars has been known for award-winning wine and superb hospitality in a beautiful garden setting on the Olympic Peninsula. This is due in large part to three key women on our team. Vicki Corson, co-owner with winemaker husband Don, keeps the winery running smoothly, organizing the tasting room staff and … [Read more...] about Mary Ann, Vicki & Amy of Camaraderie Cellars

Owner What are you most passionate about? My primary passion has always been hospitality at our winery. I enjoy creating an environment where our guests feel genuinely at home. It brings me joy to get to know our customers, many of whom have become lifelong friends. My other passion blossomed naturally. While my husband, Alan, and our son, Zach, are the skilled makers of … [Read more...] about Diane Holtzheimer of Silver Bell Winery

Winery Founder What are you most passionate about? As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I am grateful to everyone who has supported us on this incredible journey! Wine is a communal beverage, and I am passionate about sharing Dunham wines with the wonderful community of friends I have come to know through the winery. Cheers to 30 more years! Web: www.dunhamcellars.com … [Read more...] about Joanne Dunham of Dunham Cellars

Owner What led you into the world of wine? The beginnings of Karma, which is named after my children Karle and Matthew was founded in the spirit of sacrifice and hard work. Originally, our plan was to be growers while exposing our two young children to a new lifestyle. Working the vineyard while downsizing pretty much everything in our life, we enjoyed the work required to … [Read more...] about Julie Pittsinger of Karma Vineyards

Owner and Winemaker What are you most passionate about? At Elsom Cellars, Rebecca Weber and Jody Elsom embody passion and adventure in every bottle. Rebecca’s journey—from a Bordeaux harvest to mastering low-intervention winemaking—fuses science with soulful tradition, while Jody’s travels from Napa to Italy imbue our wines with old-world inspiration that captures the … [Read more...] about Jody Elsom & Rebecca Weber of Elsom Cellars