Based from Echolands’ new winemaking facility in the Blue Mountains, Bicknell brings years of experience in Walla Walla hospitality and wine management to her customer-centric role
WALLA WALLA, Wash., Sept. 13, 2023 — Echolands Winery has announced that Jenna Bicknell will be their Director of Hospitality overseeing all aspects of customer experience. Informed by 16 years of working in the Walla Walla hospitality and wine sector, Bicknell aims to create a curated, engaging and environmentally-focused approach for all Echolands visitors. Among her first priorities, Bicknell will develop the customer experience at the new Echolands Mill Creek winery and visitor’s center; scheduled to open to the public in 2024, the new Mill Creek facility is located at the highest elevations of the Walla Walla Valley AVA in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Bicknell will also develop online education, virtual events and engagement for Echolands’ growing national audience.
“Walla Walla has always felt like home, a place where people can work together to make a difference. What resonates with me about Echolands is their focus on the specialness of the Walla Walla Valley — not just on the wines they create, which are truly unique, but on respecting the land and honoring the history and tradition of agriculture here,” says Bicknell. “The Echolands hospitality experience emphasizes education, community and making wine approachable, as well as connecting with the land. My vision is to build on these values to create something remarkable and special for consumers that honors one of the most beautiful places in the country.”
“From my first days as a kid in the restaurant business, I always believed that the customer experience, making sure everyone felt welcome, was what really mattered,” shares Echolands co-owner and co-founder Doug Frost, Master of Wine and Master Sommelier. “Jenna is a kindred spirit who shares the Echolands team’s passion for kindness and hospitality, and our desire to celebrate everything from the Walla Walla community to environmental stewardship. We’re excited to see Jenna’s vision for the Echolands wine journey come to life in-person at our hospitality center and through virtual connection.”
Bicknell studied politics and environmental studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla. Prior to joining the Echolands team, Bicknell was a project manager for Cayuse Vineyards; a general manager for Whitehouse-Crawford and Walla Walla Steak Company; and executive director for Walla Walla’s Sustainable Living Center. Bicknell also founded Curated Walla Walla, a leading tour and hospitality operator.
Echolands recently appointed Winemaker and General Manager Brian Rudin. Together, Rudin and Bicknell will leverage their expertise to elevate the various ways in which consumers can experience Echolands’ wines.
About Echolands Winery
Echolands Winery was founded in 2018 by renowned wine expert Doug Frost, one of only three people in the world to hold both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, in partnership with investor and conservationist Brad Bergman. Winemaker Brian Rudin manages vineyard relations and winemaking, working with Vineyard Manager Sadie Drury and North Slope Management to operate the 50-acre Taggart Vineyard within the SeVein Water Project, located on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley. The team is currently developing a 341-acre site in the Mill Creek area of the Walla Walla Valley AVA in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, one of the highest elevations in Washington State. Scheduled to be operational by fall 2023, Mill Creek will house a dedicated winemaking, hospitality and barrel facility. Visitors to Walla Walla are currently welcome to taste the full portfolio at Echolands’ downtown tasting room (7 West Alder St.) Read more and connect with Echolands: echolandswinery.com or on social @echolandswinery (Facebook & Twitter) and @EcholandsWine (Instagram).
