Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, Josh McDaniels, Mary Derby elected as newest board of directors members for Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance

WALLA WALLA, WA — Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, Josh McDaniels, and Mary Derby were elected into the three open board seats for the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance (WWVWA) during their annual member meeting on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

Amy Alvarez-Wampfler joins the board with extensive experience in both large and small wineries; Amy has spent time in tasting rooms, out in the vineyards, and throughout the cellar, in positions of leadership and management. Amy is currently Associate Winemaker for Abeja and is passionate about utilizing her experience to fuel continued growth of the Walla Walla Valley wine region. “I hope to contribute to expanding the reach of our reputation for producing premium fruit and wines both locally and nationally among influencers and consumers” said Amy in a letter to the alliance members.

Born and raised in Walla Walla, WA and having found his passion for the wine industry at the young age of 15, Josh McDaniels has lived and breathed Walla Walla Valley wine for almost half his life. “I 100% believe in and love this town, the wine quality, and the people that live here,” said Josh McDaniels, Winemaker of Doubleback. “I hope that being part of the wine alliance board can help me pursue and help shape the future growth that this valley deserves.” In addition to Josh’s current position as Winemaker of Doubleback, his experience and education in the wine industry includes employment at Leonetti and FIGGINS Family Wine Estates, a degree in Enology and Viticulture Program from Walla Walla Community College, and starting a small wine label of his own.

Mary Derby, Owner and Associate Winemaker of DaMa Wines, came to the valley in 2000 to launch Spring Valley Vineyard. Like Amy, Mary has had a hand in all aspects of wine business; fruit selection, marketing, sales, and she even spent four years as a wine buyer in Chicago. With Mary’s background and energetic spirit, she hopes to contribute to the growth of the alliance’s newest event, Reveal Walla Walla Valley Wine—an auction for the wine trade. “I also believe in the entity of the wine alliance as a diverse member-based organization that continues to forward the branding of Walla Walla Valley Wines,” said Mary.

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance board of directors is organized by 9 directors. The board seats include a mix of large wineries, small wineries, an estate winery, and a grower. Amy and Josh fill two open large winery positions sand Mary joins in a small winery seat.

“I sincerely appreciate each of our members’ efforts and dedication to the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. Together, we will continue to move the valley ahead as a globally recognized and premier wine region of quality fruit and wines, and as an extremely united community,” said Corey Braunel, WWVWA Board President and Co-Owner and Winegrower of Dusted Valley.