Today it is my pleasure to share an interview with Jade Porubek, assistant winemaker at Walla Walla Vintners. Jade is helping craft some beautiful wines at the winery -- everything from crisp Rose and Sauvignon Blanc to inky Syrah. Jade has aspirations to own her own winery someday. She has a biochemistry degree from Western Washington University and she shares her journey in wine. Here is my interview with Jade Porubek.

OB: How did you decide to study wine and learn about wine?

JP: Truthfully, I fell into wine by accident. I had always been interested in wine, however after graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Biochemistry, I was looking for a job that would allow me to employ my love of chemistry and my agricultural work experience. To my delight, I found that winemaking is a career with tons of variety. Every vintage introduces new challenges to solve and decisions to make, which in turn keeps the work fresh.

OB: Did you have some inspirations in the wine industry prior to landing at Walla Walla Vintners?

JP: I did not have any particular wine inspirations before joining the industry in 2019 as a harvest intern at Walla Walla Vintners. I was interested in trying a wine harvest for a season, but I never would have guessed that I would fall in love with the winemaking process and industry the way I did!

OB: What is it like working with Derrek Vipond at Walla Walla Vintners? What do you like about your wine program in particular? Anything particularly challenging?

JP: I enjoy working with Derrek Vipond because of his well-rounded approach to winemaking. It’s a nice balance of artistic, analytical, and “go-for-it” mentality. Over the past five years he has pushed me to be more confident in my own palate and winemaking ability. In regards to the wine program at Walla Walla Vintners, I most appreciate that we get to work with many great sources of fruit. It’s very educational to receive cabernet from a variety of different sites and be able to assess them throughout their little wine lives. In addition, I personally enjoy working with Sangiovese, as I think it is an interesting varietal and one of my favorites to drink.

OB: What are some of your dreams and aspirations in the wine industry? Do you want to start your own winery someday?

JP: One day, I think I would like my own winery. However, right now I am focused on learning and gaining more experience in making wine from my wonderful mentors. I am continuing to hone my palate and develop my own style of winemaking.

OB: Do you have any favorite wines that you have tasted over the years or any epiphany wines?

JP: This is a hard question…I am fortunate to have tasted many delicious wines so far in my life. Although, I do have a favorite wine related memory. On the day of my 21st birthday I walked down to a bakery in Bellingham and ordered the biggest slice of chocolate cake and a glass of red. The first of many great memories that involve a great glass of wine, some great company, and something to smile about.