Mercer Wine Estates has announced the addition of the distinguished winemaker Ali Mayfield, who joined the Mercer team in the summer of 2024.
“Ali brings a vibrant enthusiasm for Horse Heaven Hills fruit and a deep commitment to creating the elegant New World wines for which Mercer is known,” says winery owners Rob and Brenda Mercer. “Her extensive experience with premier Washington State wineries, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail and the influence of her esteemed mentors, uniquely qualifies her to enhance and elevate our winemaking standards.”
Ali’s career is deeply rooted in Washington State, beginning with her education in Viticulture and Enology at Walla Walla Community College. She rose through the ranks of enologist and winemaker over the past several years, refining her craft working with notable enologists and winemakers that include Gilles Nicault, Kendall Mix, and French oenologist Claude Gros.
In her new role at Mercer, Ali will collaborate closely with the current winemaking team. In particular, Ali leads winemaking for a growing list of custom-clients. “With her respect for the fruit, clear winemaking talents, and organized style, she is in the perfect role at the perfect time for Mercer,” says Brenda Mercer.
In addition, Ali will work with Ashley Stephens, current Mercer brands winemaker producing four distinct wine tiers: Mercer RESERVES, Mercer Small Lots, Mercer Brothers (national brand), and Sonova Sage (a new line of natural, organically produced wines).
Ali Mayfield’s wine journey began with mentorship under the late Stan Clarke, which provided a solid foundation for her career in viticulture and enology. After completing her studies in 2007, she quickly garnered attention in the industry—wine critic Jeb Dunnuck has praised her wines for their unique character, highlighting their purity, elegance, richness, and depth.
“Her winemaking philosophy is marked by an uncompromising dedication to excellence,” comments Brenda. “Her approach, characterized by a meticulous attention to every detail of the winemaking process—from hand-picking vineyards to the thoughtful care of the fruit—reflects her commitment to continuous improvement.”
Ali says, “Constantly striving to be better, pushing your boundaries, taking risks… that’s how you create beautiful wines.”
Rob Mercer remarks, “Ali brings a fresh yet methodical discipline to her winemaking that is both distinctive and exceptional. Her passion for the craft, combined with her expertise and commitment to excellence, makes her a respected and innovative figure in the Washington State winemaking community.”