WeRise Blog

Welcome to the WeRise Blog. Meet the people and passion that goes into every bottle. Every month we sit down with one of our winery partners to learn their story and share with the world. Enjoy.

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The Light of Harvest: Spotlight on De La Luz Wines

As September ushers in harvest season across Washington’s vineyards, WeRise Wines is shining a light on one of our newest partners: De La Luz Wines. Based in Walla Walla, WA, De La Luz is more than a winery. It is a living celebration of heritage, mentorship, and the joy of creating wines meant to be shared.  Their winemaking style can be summed up in three words: Tradition. Boldness. Precision.

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Sip Happens: How Marissa Dineen Swapped Wall Street for Wine Rows

From Wall Street to Washington wine country, Marissa Dineen of Dineen Vineyards is redefining what it means to grow with purpose. After 20 years in global finance, she returned to Yakima Valley to craft Rhône and Bordeaux-inspired wines like Grenache Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier — all rooted in sustainability and community. Discover how her story, her vines, and her partnership with WeRise Wines celebrate mission-driven winemaking in Washington State.

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PEOPLE BEHIND THE POUR: INSPIRED BY AFRICA, MADE IN WASHINGTON — MVINYO WINERY

To spotlight the vibrant spirit of our community, WeRise is thrilled to welcome Nelly Some of Mvinyo Winery. A Kenyan-born entrepreneur and culinary force, Nelly is blending African flavors and Washington terroir to craft wines that pair beautifully with African cuisine, like her bold Gogo Merlot and refreshing Rafiki Rosé. From caregiving to wine-making, Nelly’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Meet Nelly and taste her wines at our upcoming African wine and food pop-up on August 16.

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People Behind the Pour: Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusive Community with August Forest 

Welcome to Pride Month! To celebrate this June, we caught up with C.J. Augustine of August Forest in Walla, Walla, Washington. Learn how C.J. co-founded his winery with friend and business partner, Forest Rogers-Philips, and how together they build community through shared values of inclusivity, authenticity, and celebration of diverse identities in wine.

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People Behind the Pour: Samā Cellars Blends Science, Soul, and Story in Every Bottle

To celebrate AAPI Month, WeRise is proud to shine a spotlight on Samā Cellars, a boutique winery reimagining what it means to make wine with both precision and passion. At the helm is Chaitanya “Chaz” Bangur, a winemaker whose journey — from India to the Pacific Northwest, from biochemistry to barrels — embodies the beautiful intersection of science and art.

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People Behind the Pour: Crafting Wine with Intention and Impact at RAM Cellars

We’re springing into April, and to help celebrate Earth Month, we’re spotlighting Portland-based winery RAM Cellars and winemaker Vivianne Kennedy. Vivianne has carved out a unique space for RAM in the heart of Portland’s robust wine scene, and we recently caught up with her to learn more about how she started RAM Cellars and the intention and sustainability behind the wine.

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People Behind the Pour: The Vibrant Vision of Saanj Winery

We caught up with Saanj Winery to learn more about their inspiring story to realize their dream of creating a space where people can be themselves, a space where everyone could just be fun and vibrant, and one doesn’t need to have all the knowledge attributes toward wine to enjoy it.

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