Sparkman Cellars THURSDAY AUGUST 8, 2024
WELCOME!
Tonight we recognize individuals and organizations who have given the best of themselves to ensure the on-going success of the Washington wine industry.
From those who have dedicated their life’s work and been instrumental in putting Washington state wine on the world’s stage, to new and diverse emerging leaders who will build on those successes and lead us into the future.
For 37 years, the Auction of Washington wines’ mission has remained committed to the growth and awareness of the state’s industry through celebrated events that support both the wine industry and community through its philanthripic partnerships.
Our honorees combine dedication, drive, and forwardthinking to keep our world-class wine region at the top of its game!
Thank you for joining us to celebrate them!
Jamie Peha, Executive Director
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM
TOAST! EMCEE: April Reddout
5:30 PM WELCOME RECEPTION
7:00 PM DINNER SERVICE
7:15 PM
OPENING REMARKS
Jamie Peha, Executive Director
Auction of Washington Wines
Stacy Lill, Board President Auction of Washington Wines
Washington Wine Industry Overview
Bob Betz, MW
7:35 PM
2024 HONOREES & TOAST! AWARDS
Honorary Vintner: Christophe Baron, Bionic Wines
Honorary Grower: Robert Rivera, Goose Ridge Vineyards
TOAST! Awards Ceremony
8:00 PM
TOAST! AWARDS CONTINUE
9:00 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
CATERED BY
RECEPTION
PASSED APPETIZERS
Asiago and Maytag blue cheese stuffed roasted baby potatoes
Sauteed white gulf shrimp, garlic butter, white wine
Kalbi pork tenderloin bites, Korean teriyaki
RECEPTION WINES
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE WINERY
2023 Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Heaven Hills
2023 Cold Creek Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
2018 Artist Series Red Wine, Columbia Valley
DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE
Sparkling NV, Columbia Valley
KIONA VINEYARDS & WINERY
2023 Estate Red Mountain Rosé of Sangiovese, Red Mountain
2021 Estate Red Mountain Merlot, Red Mountain
PEARL AND STONE WINE CO.
2023 Old Rickety Grenache Blanc, Yakima Valley
2020 Mailbox Peak Red Blend, Yakima Valley
MASSALTO
2020 Sauvalanche White Blend, Royal Slope
TRANCHE ESTATE
2023 Estate Pink Pape Rosé, Yakima Valley
VALO
2020 Right Bank Red Blend, Columbia Valley
DINNER MENU
FIRST COURSE
Chilled, Fresh Watermelon Soup Mint, honey, lime
FIRST COURSE WINES
2023 DeLille Cellars Métier Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley
2022 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Rosé, Columbia Valley
SECOND COURSE
Julienne Zucchini and Pear salad Meyer lemon-truffle vinaigrette, toasted pine nuts, olive oil, Italian parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano
SECOND COURSE WINES
2022 Browne Bitner Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2021 Sparkman Wonderland Grenache, Columbia Valley
THIRD COURSE
6-oz Fire Grilled Filet Mignon Yukon gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, Maitre d’sauce
THIRD COURSE WINES
2018 Spring Valley Frederick Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley
2020 Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
DESSERT COURSE
Lemon Panna Cotta Blueberry compote
DESSERT WINE
2021 DeLille Cellars Métier Red Blend, Columbia Valley
2020 Tranche Estate Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley
TONIGHT’S WINES PROVIDED BY
HOST VENUE
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
SELECT SPONSORS
CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS
MAGNUM DONATION
BARREL HEADS DONATED BY
2024 HONOREES
Since 1999, the Auction of Washington Wines has honored leaders for their contributions to the Washington wine industry. Each year, nominations for Honorary Vintner and Grower are made by members of the industry and considerations include service, leadership and overall contribution to the Washington wine industry and their communities.
2024 HONORARY CHAIR
LESLIE SBROCCO
LESLIE SBROCCO LIFE. DRINK IT UP!
An award-winning author, speaker, consultant, and television host, Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food, as well as inspiring others to live a life of passion. Voted as one of the Top 20 most influential people in the American wine business, Sbrocco’s engaging personality, humor, and ability to connect with the audience – whether on screen or on stage – are her trademarks.
Sbrocco is one of the country’s most sought-after wine speakers and an emerging talent speaking to groups on how to turn their passions into their careers. She has showcased her energetic style at hundreds of events including O Magazine’s Hi Gorgeous tour with Oprah Winfrey, and the Women of the Vine, and Women in Insurance Leadership Symposiums. Her portfolio of corporate clients lists Liberty Mutual Insurance, The Wall Street Journal, Mercer, Cisco Systems, myMatrixx, and AON to name a few. Within the culinary industry, Sbrocco has appeared on stage with a roster of celebrity chefs including Marcus Samuelsson, Carla Hall, and Jacques Pépin. She has been keynote speaker at high-profile events including Food and Wine Magazine’s Aspen Classic, the Boston Wine Expo, Pinot Noir New Zealand, Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, the Boardwalk Wine Promenade, Tulalip Resort’s Taste of Tulalip, and SF Chefs. Sbrocco is also a charity auctioneer helping organizations maximize their fundraising efforts.
2024 HONORARY VINTNER
CHRISTOPHE BARON BIONIC WINES
Christophe Baron is the vigneron of Bionic Wines. Baron was planning to plant a vineyard in the Willamette Valley, but fell in love with Walla Walla, and particularly the “Stones”, which later became the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. He was the first vintner to plant in the region and blazed a trail for other winemakers to follow suit. Baron now leads five wine projects under his overarching Bionic Wines label: Cayuse, No Girls Wines, Horsepower Vineyards, Hors Catégorie Vineyards, and Champagne Christophe Baron.
From the beginning of his career in Washington, Baron has always championed organic farming as he believes that the foundation of the terroir is something you have to protect. In 2002, he was the first in the Walla Walla Valley to implement biodynamic farming practices—a philosophy that focuses on the interrelationship of earth, plants, and animals as a closed, self-nurturing ecosystem—and has been using biodynamic techniques ever since. His meticulous craftsmanship of his wines have elevated the reputation of the Walla Walla Valley, earning worldwide acclaim, and he has been an outspoken advocate for the region. Baron has been a steadfast supporter of the Auction of Washington Wines for decades.
ROBERT RIVERA GOOSE RIDGE ESTATE VINEYARD
Robert Rivera manages over 2,000 acres of vineyards and 1000 acres of tree fruit at Goose Ridge’s estate vineyard nestled in the Goose Gap AVA. He started working in agriculture when he was 16 and was hired by the Monson family to oversee their Burbank farming operation in 1993. During his tenure, Rivera has overseen the growth and expansion of the vineyard operations by doubling the land under vine. His work ethic and passion have led to 31 years of working for the Monson family. Rivera’s skills and interest quickly led him to become their vineyard manager as well as orchard manager, overseeing the entire farm.
Rivera sees the property not just as land, but as a vast classroom where he can learn, experiment, and share his understanding with other vineyard stewards, and he has mentored many over his long career. In addition to his role as vineyard and orchard manager, Rivera has dedicated a decade of service to Rotary International. Rivera was recognized by the Washington Winegrowers Association as Grower of the Year in 2014, and was noted for his lifelong passion for viticulture, meticulous and dedicated farming, and his ability to fine tune crop quality through canopy management and irrigation.
2024 RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS
In addition to the annual chair, vintner and grower honorees, tonight we are proud to honor icons, innovators, and emerging leaders who have made an indelible mark in this industry as well as those who are paving the way for the future of the Washington wine industry.
Nominees were brought forward through an inclusive nomination process and a final selection was made by a judging committee of industry peers.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
The highest honor recognizing an individual whose extraordinary dedication, inspiration, and advocacy for the Washington wine community spans 25+ years in the industry.
RICK SMALL AND DARCEY FUGMAN-SMALL WOODWARD CANYON WINERY
Rick Small was raised in a fourth generation Walla Walla wheat farming family. He attended Washington State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture while also studing architecture, before returning to Walla Walla and the family business.
Beginning in the mid-70s he began planting the first of 35 acres of vines across his land in Woodward Canyon. He and Darcey Fugman-Small married in 1980 and in 1981 they founded Woodward Canyon Winery, which was only the second bonded winery in the Walla Walla area.
Darcey worked as a land-use planner for Walla Walla County for 22 years, working her way up to the county’s planning director position until she became general manager at Woodward Canyon. Darcey and Rick have since turned the operation of the vineyard and winery over to their children, Jordan and Sager.
The Smalls played a significant role in the local wine industry by leading the application process for the formation of the Walla Walla Valley AVA which was granted in 1984. They continue to be involved in the wine industry at both the local and state level as well as in local non-profits and educational institutions.
AWARD OF DISTINCTION
A winery, grower representative, or industry professional whose achievements have advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry.
DR. MARKUS KELLER
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Markus Keller is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Distinguished Professor of Viticulture at Washington State University’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center.
He received his MS in plant science and PhD in natural science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich. His research and teaching have taken him across North and South America, Europe, and Australia.
His research focuses on how environmental factors and management practices influence crop physiology and sustainable production of wine and juice grapes. He is the author of the textbook “The Science of Grapevines” and currently serves as the science editor for the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture.
WINE INDUSTRY CHAMPION
A professional whose cooperative support has positively influenced the success of the Washington wine industry, including members of the media, retail, wholesale, legislative/ regulatory, or hospitality sectors.
CHRIS STONE
WASHINGTON STATE WINE COMMISSION
Chris began his wine career in 1999 as the Food & Beverage Director for Seattle Golf Club. During the following six years, his love for Washington wine grew exponentially as he toured around wine country and volunteered at wineries during crush, at industry events, and at the Wine Commission on his days off.
In 2005, Chris joined the Washington State Wine Commission staff as Events Director to take over leadership of Taste Washington, the industry’s flagship festival. The industry would see explosive growth over the following 19 years, and Chris’ role expanded with it. He has risen from Events Director to Consumer Marketing Director, Marketing Director, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, and currently is serving as Deputy Director. Chris also served as interim Executive Director of the Commission on two occasions.
He credits his successful career to the amazing and inspirational people in the industry, and the extraordinarily talented colleagues he’s been blessed to work alongside.
AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES STAR AWARD
A donor, organization, or individual whose commitment significantly advanced AWW’s mission of uplifting the Washington wine industry and supporting the community.
RICHARD DUVAL DUVAL IMAGES
Noted wine photographer Richard Duval captures vivid wine imagery for regional and national wine media, wine marketing organizations, and an ever-growing number of wineries in the Pacific Northwest. He is entering his 15th year as photographer for the Auction of Washington Wines.
His work appears in Great Northwest Wine, Northwest Wine Report, Oregon Wine Press as well as being steady contributor to Wine Business Monthly, Good Fruit Grower, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and numerous blogs and wine sites.
Chateau Ste. Michelle selected his image of its iconic chateau for the cover of its commemorative 50th anniversary book. Signature Wines and Wineries of Washington chose his image of Sagemoor Vineyard for its cover. His images are frequently used by Washington’s state and regional wine marketing guides for Walla Walla, Woodinville, Yakima Valley, Lake Chelan and Red Mountain.
HEALTHY LAND, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Individuals or organizations who are looking at today’s environmental challenges and are developing equitable, viable, and responsible solutions. Examples: climate change, packaging, sustainable practices, etc.
KIONA VINEYARDS & WINERY
Red Mountain’s pioneering vineyard, now a three-generation family estate with over 270 planted acres, Kiona Vineyards is formed by five estate Red Mountain sites, all with their own distinct personalities and charisma. They are the essence of their family’s fifty-year tradition.
Kiona has two primary sustainability initiatives: one on the winery side that focuses on lighter-weight glass, and the other on the vineyard side that focuses on Sustainable WA certification.
One such practice they’ve eschewed is the use of heavy glass bottles as a means to signify quality or prestige. It’s what inside the bottle that counts, which is why they’ve completely moved away from heavy glass bottles. All of their products — regardless of price or style— now go into 470-gram “ecoglass” bottles. The move saves anywhere from 6-11 pounds of glassweight per case compared to the bottles they used to use. They choose to be on the forefront of taking a critical eye to the carbon footprint of their packaging.
Kiona Vineyards’ role as a beta grower for the Sustainable WA program afforded them the opportunity to formalize their commitment to sustainability. Transparency and authenticity are more important than ever when it comes to selling high-end wine and high-end grapes. Discerning customers want to know they are making responsible choices and supporting holistic farms, growers, and producers. This scientifically-based program with rigorous standard that was specifically designed for Washington vineyards, covers the pillars of sustainability: environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable.
VINE TO WINE
Individuals who are hands-on in the vineyard, including leading or collaborating with peers.
EDUARDO ENRIQUEZ CORLISS ESTATE
Eduardo began his career in viticulture as Assistant Manager at Blue Mountain Vineyard in Walla Walla for the 2004 vintage, cutting back vines by hand following a hard freeze.
Since the beginning, Eduardo has sought to earn the respect of his peers by working side-by-side with his crew, giving every row and vine his full attention. Over 20 years and countless hours honing his craft, Eduardo now stands shoulderto-shoulder with some of Washington’s most esteemed winemakers and winegrowers.
From those original 60 acres under management, Eduardo has grown in stature and scope to farm over 400 acres stretching from Walla Walla to Red Mountain and the Yakima Valley, all while maintaining his attention to detail and uncompromising work ethic. Never content to sit still, Eduardo continues to elevate his farming practices and fruit quality each year and has earned a reputation for going to any lengths to execute his plan in the field.
2024 EMERGING LEADERS
Emerging leaders whose contribution, service, or involvement are creating the pathway and/ or vision for the future.
EMERGING LEADER
STACY BUCHANAN BLOOD OF GODS
Part publisher, producer, and event promoter, Stacy Buchanan is a one-man hype machine, with a preacher’s passion to bridge not hearts to God, but wine to heavy metal music. His biannual cult heavy metal and wine publication, Blood of Gods, launched in Spring 2020, is his testimony—his Annual Merrymaking, a festival of art, music, and wine in downtown Walla Walla, Washington, the revival tent.
By any measure, he’s succeeding, with a gift for uniting people and ideas across backgrounds and industries, attracting awards, accolades, and pilgrims along the way.
Other buzz includes an induction to Wine Enthusiast’s “Future 40” and Imbibe magazine’s “Imbibe 75” lists, the latter dubbing Buchanan a person who “will inspire the way we all drink in the year to come,” among notable nods from Decibel, Somm Journal, SIP, and more. Also recent panel appearances at New Zealand’s ‘Super Wild‘ and Seattle’s ‘Taste Washington’, along with a book arriving in early 2025.
EMERGING LEADER
MATIAS KUSULAS
HEAD WINEMAKER, GARD & DESERT WIND
HEAD
VITICULTURIST, LAWRENCE & MLMG OWNER/WINEMAKER, VALO & MASSALTO
A Chilean with Greek roots, Matias was a Marine Officer and Naval Engineer for more than seven years when he realized that it was time to change the course of his career. In 2005, he started studying agricultural engineering at the University of Chile, where he graduated with distinction and a major in viticullture and enology. He worked in Chile for a few years and in 2011 he decided to start traveling the world on a quest to learn new winemaking techniques. After several harvests in Oceania, Europe, and Africa, he settled down in France to do his post-degree at the Universities of Bordeaux and Montpellier. He also performed for two years as a Maitre de Chai for one of the oldest and most reputable wineries in Condrieu and Cote-Rotie.
After years of traveling and over 15 harvests, he came to the United States and joined Gard Vintners as production winemaker & viticulturist and is currently head winemaker for Gard Vintners and Desert Wind Winery, in addition to consulting for other Washington state wineries. He’s also the owner/ winemaker for Valo Cellars, Massalto, and head viticulturist for Lawrence Vineyards and MLMG. Matias and his team are responsible for the production of over 100 wines a year, and he manages 1100 acres of vineyards across Washington state.
EMERGING LEADER
JORDAN SMALL WOODWARD CANYON WINERY
Born and raised in Walla Walla, Jordan grew up in the wine industry running around the dusty hills of the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard, washing glasses during event weekends, and spending summer vacations bottling at the winery. After graduating from Lewis & Clark College in 2006, Jordan returned to Walla Walla to start a career in the wine industry, working in many different capacities from managing sales at Tertulia Cellars to running the lab at Long Shadows Vintners.
She officially joined the Woodward team in 2013 and was promoted to director of direct of consumer sales in 2018. She took on the role of general manager in 2021. Continuing the family tradition of community involvement, Jordan was elected to the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance board of directors in 2019 and currently serves on the board’s executive committee.