Sixth-generation family farmer to take the helm at acclaimed Walla Walla Winery
WALLA WALLA, Wash. (March 27, 2023) – Spring Valley Vineyard, one of the most storied and acclaimed wineries in Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, has announced that sixth-generation family farmer and winemaker Kate Derby will lead winemaking operations.
Granddaughter of Spring Valley Vineyard founders Shari and Dean Derby, Kate’s roots in the Walla Walla Valley run deep. She has worked at Spring Valley Vineyard for much of her life. Growing up she spent summers hoeing the vineyard rows with her grandfather and racking wine with Spring Valley’s first winemaker, her uncle Devin Derby. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she began her full time career with Spring Valley in the tasting room, then on the road representing the brand across the country and finally joining the winemaking team in 2011.
“Spring Valley has always been my home and I am beyond excited to continue the winemaking legacy my uncle Devin and Serge Laville have established for the winery,” said Kate Derby. “I will continue to make beautiful wines that are uniquely Spring Valley and lead us in telling the next chapter of our story. When it’s your family’s name on the bottles the stakes feel even higher, and I am more than up for the challenge.”
After 20 vintages with Spring Valley, Serge Laville has left the winery to pursue other ventures in winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley.
“We are so grateful for the 20 years Serge spent at Spring Valley and for making such consistent, acclaimed wines. Working alongside Serge for the last 10 years I learned so much from him as a mentor and a friend,” Kate said.
2023 will be Kate’s first vintage leading winemaking for Spring Valley Vineyard. “30 years after my grandparents planted our first vines,” she says with a smile.
About Spring Valley Vineyard
Spring Valley Vineyard is situated 12 miles northeast of Walla Walla, amid the picturesque wheat fields of southeastern Washington. The estate vineyard was planted in 1993 by the Corkrum-Derby family, who have farmed wheat and wine grapes in the Walla Walla Valley for more than 150 years. Spring Valley Vineyard was established in 1999 as a tribute to hard work, perseverance, love for the land, and strength of family.
Spring Valley Vineyard was the first Walla Walla Valley winery to be listed on Wine & Spirits Top 100. The Uriah Red Wine has been on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list five times since its inaugural vintage.
For more information visit springvalleyvineyard.com.
