Even though he doesn't have years of winemaking experience, Victor Palencia, who is one of the youngest winemakers in Washington, already has crafted several award-winning wines. Victor has been in the wine industry for over a decade, starting out in the vineyards at age 13, and most recently, as the winemaker for Willow Crest Winery. His winemaking philosophy is to try and be true to the grapes by staying away from too much oak.

2007 – Victor joined Apex Cellars as a winemaker, and now works closely with acclaimed winemaker Brian Carter.

2005 – After receiving an associate’s degree from the The Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture, Victor decided to return to Yakima Valley. He was the winemaker for Willow Crest, and also contributed to a successful custom wine program, making wine for Waddle Family Cellars, and Piety Flats Winery, among others.

2003 – Victor graduated high school and started college on a scholarship from Leonetti Cellar. Since he was too young to taste wine, he developed a great nose. While attending college, Victor worked as Assistant Winemaker at Saviah Cellars, and interned part-time at Ash Hollow, Bergevin Lane Vineyards, and Va Piano Vineyards. By learning many different styles of winemaking, he developed a style of his own.

2000 – At the age of 15, Victor met Dave Minick, the owner of Willow Crest Winery, who hired Victor to work in the vineyard part-time. As time went on, Victor became more involved in the winery.

1998 – Victor started working in the vineyard with his father and older brothers, helping to prune and pick grapes.

Victor’s family moved from Mexico to Prosser, Washington when he was two. He currently lives with his wife Maria in Grandview, and enjoys cooking and music in his spare time.