Walla Walla, Wash. – April 11, 2016 – Tyler Tennyson has joined Walla Walla Valley’s Dunham Cellars as winemaker. Tennyson will oversee all winemaking operations, including working with growers, managing cellar staff, directing winemaking protocol, and overseeing sensory evaluation and blending.
Tennyson comes to Dunham Cellars from Gordon Estate Winery in Pasco, Wash., where he has served as winemaker since July 2014. Prior to joining Gordon Winery, Tennyson was assistant winemaker at Seven Hills Winery from 2011 – 2014 and worked as cellar lead at Dusted Valley Vintners from 2009 – 2011.
Tennyson is Dunham Cellars’ third winemaker since the winery’s founding in 1995. He follows Daniel Wampfler who took over winemaking responsibilities from winery co-founder Eric Dunham in 2008. “Tyler brings a strong winemaking background, a can-do attitude, and demonstrated leadership to our team,” said Dunham Cellars’ president John Blair. “He also had a connection to Eric and winery co-founder Michael Dunham that will allow him to build on their legacy.” Eric passed away in 2014, preceded by his father Mike in 2013.
“We are a close knit, family-owned and operated winery, and the fun, enthusiasm and pioneering spirit Mike and Eric brought to the winery defines Dunham Cellars today. Tyler knew both Mike and Eric and is committed to carrying forward the passion they brought to winemaking as well as the importance they placed on hospitality,” said co-founder Joanne Dunham.
Tennyson lives in Walla Walla with his wife Chelsea and their two children.
Dunham Cellars, one of the Walla Walla Valley’s earliest bonded wineries, quickly established a reputation for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is located in a World War II airplane hangar adjacent to the Walla Walla Airport and is known for its state-of-the-art production facility and eclectic tasting room open to the public from 11 am – 4 pm, daily.