Walla Walla, Wash. — September 20, 2018 — L’Ecole N° 41, one of the Walla Walla Valley’s early founding family wineries, announced today that experienced hospitality professional Alyson LaVarnway has joined the winery as its new tasting room manager. L’Ecole’s previous manager, Ben Dimitri joined their production crew to work the 2018 harvest.
LaVarnway joins L’Ecole from Dunham Cellars where she served as the hospitality and events manager for more than three years. Prior to that, she held hospitality management positions at both Pepper Bridge Winery & Charles Smith Wines/K Vintners. She began her wine industry career at Waterbrook Winery in 2010.
“Alyson brings valuable experience to L’Ecole N° 41, having worked with some of the most important producers in the region. Her strong local relationships and friendly leadership style point to a great fit,” said L’Ecole general manager Constance Savage. “Her expertise in professionally welcoming visitors to the Walla Walla Valley will enhance our efforts to provide optimal wine experiences for our guests. L’Ecole’s recent recognition by USA Today’s readers as one of the country’s Top 10 Tasting Rooms creates an excellent momentum on which Alyson will certainly build.”
“Dimitri’s eight-year tenure at L’Ecole saw significant development of wine tourism in the valley, which L’Ecole embraced. Ben’s focus on wine education for guests and staff has become a L’Ecole hallmark,” said Clubb. “His leadership has ensured visitors enjoy a great experience at L’Ecole.”
LaVarnway holds an associate of arts degree in psychology from the Walla Walla Community College and has made her home in Walla Walla since relocating from Alaska in 2005.
Housed in the historic Frenchtown schoolhouse depicted on its label, L’Ecole has earned international acclaim for producing expressive, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards. In 2014, London’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) named L’Ecole’s Ferguson Best Bordeaux Blend in the World over £15. In addition to Clubb, wife Megan Clubb and their children Riley Clubb and Rebecca Olson serve on L’Ecole’s board of directors.