Winemaking innovation

As General Manager, Danny oversees operations of the vineyards and wine program and drives the execution of Sagemoor’s strategic vision. For Sagemoor Vineyards, this includes a deeper integration into the business plans of its winery customers, helping wineries achieve their long-term goals and objectives with Sagemoor grapes. For Sagemoor Estates, this includes the business development of its custom wine, private label programs, and sale of Sagemoor wines. Danny has an extensive background in the wine industry with a 24-year history with Tamarack Cellars, a long-time customer of Sagemoor Vineyards prior to their acquisition by Vintage Wine Estates. Danny grew up on his family’s farm in Willamette Valley and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in General Agriculture and a minor in Soil Science.

Aryn has been in the wine industry since 2003, cutting his teeth on some of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley. Since arriving in Washington in 2007, Aryn’s modern approach to making wine has helped to define Washington winemaking, playing a vital role in bringing Napa Valley expertise to Washington. He is often referred to as being “the most prolific winemaker in Washington” by some of the most revered wine critics.

Victor grew up traveling abroad as a professional dancer and ended up in the wine industry “basically by accident, by being in the right place at the right time, and I can’t imagine doing anything else." Victor had the opportunity to work with Aryn early in his career in 2007 in Woodinville, before moving his family to Walla Walla where he has been the lead winemaker for a number of wineries, eventually starting his own wine label. Years later, the opportunity to work with Aryn presented itself again, Victor has been Production Winemaker working alongside Aryn to produce many premium wines. He says, “It's the challenges that excite and intrigue me the most in winemaking, figuring out how to create amazing wines from whatever conditions mother nature throws at us."

Tony’s first encounter in the wine industry was in 2010 working as an intern at J&S Crushing while taking a break from college. Within that first harvest he witnessed the dedication that goes into every step of the winemaking process, and the challenges each year can bring. He says, "The entire process is fascinating and keeps me engaged, keeps me learning.” While his family’s business grows and manages grapes in the Mattawa area, Tony has stayed true to his passion of winemaking.

Edith grew up in Napa Valley where “life revolves around good food and good wine.” Moving to Washington was the next logical step to explore new opportunities both in the wine and food industries. Edith is classically trained in the culinary arts and is WSET certified, she has been in the hospitality industry since 2014.