We knew we enjoyed cycling. We knew we loved to travel as a family. We also knew we loved spending time with our friends and enjoying wines together. Little did we know that we would have the opportunity to combine all of these blessings. During family bicycle trips in France and Italy, we were honored to be invited into the homes of families where wine-making had been handed down for generations. We could taste the passion in every glass they shared, as they told of how they respected their vineyards, and the meticulous care they used to produce their amazing wines. What a gift that was!
It was during one of those trips that we were given wonderful advice:
The Dufenhorst Family, Proprietors
One month later we were digging test pits for soil content. Next we hired a vineyard consultant to determine where to plant our favorite wine varietals. Then working with a consulting winemaker he told us that our instincts had been right; namely, that the soil around us was both unique and amazing. So we bought more.
And so, with the acquisition of the amazing Clos CheValle as well as our DD Vineyard, Rocky Pond Estate Winery came to life, born of love, dedication, and maybe a little inspired madness.
As a family, we are grateful for all the talented professionals who came into our lives to develop our vineyards and to help us create truly great wines. With all these miracles sent our way, we need to celebrate! It was an experience we didn’t know to ask for, and yet a gift we were given.
And, keeping with the advice we were given – that wine is meant to be celebrated with family and friends – we are excited and honored to share this gift with you.
We will be forever grateful to all of our team for both their expertise and dedication.
ELIZABETH KEYSER | CO-PRESIDENT, WINEMAKER
Elizabeth joins us from Napa Valley where she most recently held the title of Assistant Winemaker at HALL Family Wines where she crafted wines for the famed California producer’s three-brand portfolio (HALL, Walt, and Baca).
Before working at HALL Family, Keyser had key winemaking positions with California’s Cliff Lede in Yountville, A to Z Wineworks in Newberg, Oregon, and Hardy’s Tintara in the McLaren Vale region of Australia and obtained her master’s degree with a concentration in enology from Cornell University.
Her deep understanding of multiple varietals and styles ensures that she will be the ideal fit when working with Rocky Pond’s portfolio of premium wines.
Elizabeth is no stranger to the intricacies of making wine in an emerging AVA such as the Columbia Valley. Having earned her stripes early on in New York’s Finger Lakes, she is inspired by the community spirit and forward-thinking that is often found in up-and-coming wine regions.
“I look at this as a challenge to think creatively and perhaps step out of some preconceived notions about Washington wine,” says Keyser. “Making wine in an up-and-coming region is an incomparable opportunity to push boundaries.”
JONATHAN KACZMAREK | CO-PRESIDENT
Previously the winemaker at Soos Creek Wine Cellars, Jonathan has eight years of wine making experience. After visiting numerous wine regions throughout the world, Jonathan decided to leave corporate finance to pursue the science and art of wine making. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin and has completed numerous courses at the Northwest Wine Academy.
Email: jonathank@rockypondwinery.com
Washington Tasting Room Magazine named Jonathan Kaczmarek as one of the 2019 Movers and Shakers in the Wine Industry.
HOLLY LA PORTA-JONES | WOODINVILLE TASTING ROOM MANAGER
Holly La Porta-Jones joins Rocky Pond as our Woodinville Tasting Room Manager. Born in Hawaii, Holly is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and worked as a Restaurant Manager at the Four Seasons Hualalai before joining Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as a Fine Wine Specialist. Holly holds her Level 2 Certified Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and her WSET Level 2 Certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Email: holly@rockypondwinery.com
ALISON WITHROW | OFFICE MANAGER
Alison was born and raised in Washington. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Journalism and went on to spend almost a decade in the corporate world. It was there that she learned how to best support senior leadership, while also taking on additional accounting and aviation department duties.
Her desire to grow and expand into a new industry is one of the things that brought her to Rocky Pond, where she uses her keen eye for detail, past experiences, and office savvy to keep the day-to-day office duties running smoothly.
Email: alisonw@rockypondwinery.com
BRIANA HASTINGS | ROCKS SOCIETY MANAGER
Email: wineclub@rockypondwinery.com
DANIELLE ‘DUFENHORST’ DEBOE | OPERATIONS CONSULTANT
Danielle joins Rocky Pond after working in the start-up real estate technology industry for five years. After receiving her degree in Business Administration and Marketing at Pepperdine University and working in Los Angeles, Danielle returned home to Washington where she could apply her customer service experience and operational expertise to elevate the Rocks Society membership. Danielle recently completed the WSU Viticulture and Enology certification programs. She also holds a WSET Level 2 designation.
“I am extremely excited and honored to join this amazing team. Having been able to be exposed to many different wines, foods, and cultures throughout my life, I want to create memorable experiences for our members and guests. We want to have every person leave our doors with a 6-star experience.”
DAVID AND MICHELLE DUFENHORST | OWNERS
While biking through old world vineyards, the European devotion to family, dedication to the land, and pride in their wine resonated with David and Michelle. David’s business savvy in connection with the land, coupled with Michelle’s talent for bringing people together shine through in their passion for wine.
Together they bring a beautifully balanced “blend” to their winery.
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