On May 30, the Washington Winegrowers Association and Yakima Valley College proudly celebrated the certification of ten professionals from the 2025 Winery Cellar Leadership Program – Level I. Hosted at YVC’s Grandview Campus, the event marked a meaningful milestone in workforce development for Washington’s wine industry.

 

This year’s Level I certified students are:

· Joel Ambriz

· Yesenia Bautista

· Jonathon Carrasco

· Carlos Hernandez

· Noe Hernandez

· Ricardo Mora

· Raul Morales

· Salvador Pereyra

· Angel Sanchez

· Octavio Zamudio Garcia

 

These individuals completed eight weeks of intensive afternoon sessions, balancing work and study in pursuit of personal and professional advancement.

 

The program’s success is built on deep partnerships. Special thanks were extended to YVC faculty for their ongoing leadership, and to industry partners like Columbia Crest, Col Solare, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, RM Wineries, and Four Feathers Wine Services for supporting employee education.

 

As one of Winegrowers’ cornerstone education initiatives, the Winery Cellar Leadership Program helps ensure that our industry’s next generation of leaders is equipped with the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive.