Getting to Know: Vital Wines, Sip Magazine

Sip Magazine
March 2016

In Walla Walla, winemaking was a pretty small industry in 1999, when Ashley Trout started as an assistant winemaker at Reininger Winery. But since then, the valley has exploded with vineyards and wineries, and now boasts 140 wineries, tap rooms, tasting rooms, and vineyards. And alongside the economic growth for the region, Trout and others noticed a less savory trend: a lack of healthcare for employees in the area.

The intersection of seasonal employment and a lack of full-time work during the key months contribute to the issue, which is especially important because of the physical nature of the work, says Trout. So, the winemaker for Flying Trout Wines decided to do something about it, teaming up with winemakers, growers, and other industry pros from around the state to start a new winery called Vital Wines. The difference? Everything that went into it, from grapes to bottles, was donated, and all proceeds will go to fund healthcare for workers in the industry in Walla Walla.