Seattle, WA — Auction of Washington Wines announces the 2025 Honorary Vintner and Honorary Grower for its 38th year of fundraising events. Tickets are now available for TOAST!, a wine industry celebration, on August 14 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington. Guests will honor these distinguished individuals and eleven others who have contributed to the advancement of Washington wine.
“The auction has been recognizing individuals who have made a difference in the wine industry through their contributions and leadership since its inception in 1988,” said Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines. “This year, we’re proud to honor these two people who have such profound legacies in Walla Walla, and who have helped shape the perception of Washington wine.”
The Auction of Washington Wines congratulates 2025 honorary vintner Jean-François Pellet of Pepper Bridge Winery, the founding winemaker at the winery in 1999, and who later became a partner. A third-generation winemaker from Switzerland, Pellet worked in vineyards alongside his father before earning degrees in enology and viticulture, and then worked as a winemaker in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and Heitz Cellars in Napa Valley before moving to Walla Walla. Pepper Bridge Winery founder Norm McKibben recruited Pellet in 1999.
Pellet continues to be the creative force behind both Pepper Bridge and Amavi Cellars, crafting Bordeaux-style wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Pepper Bridge estate vineyards. He is deeply involved in vineyard management and is known for his hands-on approach and sustainable practices. In addition to Pepper Bridge Winery, Pellet is also a partner at Octave Vineyard, Artifex Wine Co., and a mobile bottling line.
This year’s honorary grower is Tom Waliser, a lifelong resident of the Walla Walla Valley. Waliser was raised on his family’s farm and started his career as a horticulturist supporting apple, cherry, and plum growers throughout the region. In the late 1980s, he transitioned to independent farming, partnering with Norm McKibben to manage vineyards. His partnership with McKibben led him to be influential in the development of some of Walla Walla Valley’s most celebrated vineyards, including Pepper Bridge Winery vineyards and Waliser’s own Yellow Jacket Vineyard and Waliser Vineyard in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. In 2001, Waliser founded Beresan Winery as a family-run winery. He was the vineyard manager for Pepper Bridge Winery until his retirement in 2023. He sold Beresan to Balboa Winery in 2017, and sold Waliser Vineyard to Leonetti Cellar in 2022. His vineyard management company was acquired by Atlas Vineyard Management in 2021. Waliser continues to consult for Atlas, Waliser Vineyard, and Beresan Winery in his retirement, lending his expertise to the stewardship of premier vineyard sites in the region.
These honorees and eleven other industry leaders to be announced in June will be celebrated at this year’s TOAST! Awards on August 14 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville. The event is open to wine trade and the public alike, and tickets are available here ($200 per person).
TOAST! Award categories include:
Lifetime Achievement, the highest honor recognizing an individual whose extraordinary dedication, inspiration, and advocacy for the Washington wine community spans 25+ years in the industry
Vine to Wine, for an individual who is hands-on in the vineyard, including leading or collaborating with peers
Healthy Land, Healthy Communities, for commitment to addressing today’s environmental challenges and developing equitable, viable, and responsible solutions
Wine Industry Champion, for a non-industry professional whose cooperative support has positively influenced the success of the Washington wine industry including members of the media, retail, wholesale, legislative/regulatory, or hospitality sectors
Award of Distinction, for a winery, grower representative, or industry professional whose achievements have advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry
Auction of Washington Wines Star, for a donor, organization, or individual whose commitment significantly advanced Auction of Washington Wines’ mission of uplifting the Washington wine industry and supporting the community
Emerging Leaders, for those whose contribution, service, or involvement are creating the pathway and/or vision for the future
The Auction of Washington Wines promotes awareness and growth of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the community, with ongoing contributions to three beneficiaries: Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department, and the AWW Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines. The auction raised $4 million last year with a full slate of in-person events. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised more than $68 million.