Apr 15, 2021

Washington Winegrowers elects board, officers

Becca de Kleine and Carrie Arredondo were elected to the Board of Directors of the Washington Winegrowers Association (Winegrowers) during its annual meeting last month at the Convention in Kennewick, Washington.

De Kleine earned a bachelor degree in viticulture and enology at Washington State University, where she also worked at several large-scale wineries while attending class. In 2012, she was hired to help develop Four Feathers Wine Estates, where she currently serves as General Manager and Director of Winemaking. De Kleine also serves as president of the Washington Wine Technical Group. She lives in Prosser with her husband Mark, and twin daughters.

Arredondo started in the wine industry as a youngster, planting her first winegrapes in 1980 in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA and later, working as tasting room staff in her family’s first winery, Champs de Brionne. She earned her bachelor degree from Boston College and is a certified pastry chef.

Since 2000, her passion for wine led her to numerous positions at her family’s second winery, Cave B Estate Winery where she is Marketing, Branding, and Events Manager. Arredondo and her husband, Freddy Arredondo who is winemaker at Cave B Estate Winery, live in Quincy, and have two children.

Shane Collins was elected chair of the Winegrowers board. Collins, from Chelan, is winemaker at Rocky Pond Winery. Dustin Tobin, of Prosser, vineyard manager at Precept Wine Brands, was elected vice chair.

Jeff Andrews, of Coyote Canyon Vineyards in Prosser, was re-elected secretary/treasurer. The remaining board includes: Patrick Rawn of Two Mountain Winery, Zillah; James Mantone of Syncline Wines, Lyle; Scott Williams of Kiona Vineyards, Benton City; Mike Means of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Paterson; John Derrick of Mercer Canyons, Prosser; and Steele Brown of Golden West Vineyards, Royal City.

The Washington Winegrowers Association serves as the synergistic leader and unifying voice – through advocacy and education – for growers, vintners, partners, and policymakers.