About Us
Production Manager/Winemaker/Labels
Alan
Taking the step from ordinary citizen to learning winemaking is both exhilarating and troublesome. Troublesome in that it tends to be an all-consuming endeavor. It initially seems like a simple process, and then the many layers of knowledge and understanding - mixed with chemistry and artful decisions - stretch out endlessly in front of you. Exhilarating because a year or two or three after being in the vineyard selecting grapes at what you or the vineyard manager decide is the perfect moment, you finally get to swirl the beautiful liquid in a glass and find out exactly what you created. To be honest there’s a lot of sampling before then to get an idea of how things are progressing. Though frankly, that is also part of the troublesome side (you can end up late for dinner a bit too often.)
Winemaking is quite different from the gymnastic coaching, furniture making, windsurfing, and home-remodeling of my past. It has been a hard-earned skill, but one that has enriched my life immensely. I have connected with so many wonderful people who have put their hearts, passion, and time into some part of the process until finally pouring you a glass of the glorious final product to enjoy with your special people. And what else really matters in life but your special people.
And I have an accent from that small but charming wine district around Cape Town South Africa—Cheers!
General Manager
Alexa
Alexa Anderson was born in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Later, moving to Brooklyn. While living in New York, Alexa’s eyes opened to Old World wines. She became infatuated with grape varietals, wine history, and culture. While working at an Italian Bistro and wine bar in Greenwich Village, Alexa’s wine interest and knowledge grew. She then decided to move back to Washington state to pursue wine studies. Alexa enrolled in Central Washington University’s Global Wine Studies program. She took courses in viticulture, enology, wine regions, sensory analysis, wine marketing, and wine history.
Following her studies, Alexa interned at Spoiled Dog Winery on Whidbey Island. Here she learned the operations of the tasting room. Alexa learned to harvest estate grapes, participated in the winemaking processes, and worked at various wine events. Alexa fell in love with the wine industry and went on to work at Market Vineyards and Blooms Winery before landing at Fletcher Bay.
Alexa has a three-year-old daughter Penelope Quinn and husband Leif, who serves in the Coast Guard. Her future goals are to become a certified sommelier and continue to grow in the Washington Wine Industry.
Operations Manager
Dawn
Dawn is originally from Florida and moved to Washington with her family in December 2015. Coming from the sunny, beach lined east coast, she was not excited about moving to the gloomy, rainy weather of Settle. However, having a growing interest in wine, Washington’s booming wine industry made the transition easier. She was thrilled when she began working at Fletcher Bay in November 2016.
Despite lacking any wine experience, as a former fitness instructor and personal trainer, she convinced Jim that she could easily talk to people and wanted to learn more about winemaking. Dawn’s real interest in wine is in its production. Her first day was helping to press the final grapes of the 2016 harvest. The Cabernet Franc that she pressed that day (not released until 2018) went on to win medals not only as a single varietal but also was used in a blend of Tara Rouge--also a medal winner! Dawn is now a certified WSET Level Two with Distinction and currently pursuing level three.
Dawn is our Operations Manager at Fletcher Bay. She touches nearly every part of our business. Besides her roles as a tasting room attendant and production liaison, she oversees shipping, Wine Club billing, and merchandise. You may also cross paths with her at the local pet mercantile store, ZBones, where she is the general manager. Currently, she attends Olympic College taking classes towards degrees in Organizational Leadership and Business Management.
In-House Sommelier
Mariann
Mariann leads somewhat of a double life. A Bainbridge Island resident for the past 28 years, Mariann has been actively practicing as an eye doctor at her clinic in Poulsbo. Along with her husband, she raised two children who are presently attending college. With the extra time that comes with an empty nest, Mariann decided to study wine by obtaining globally recognized certifications in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, known as WSET.
Her WSET studies brought her to Vancouver B.C., London, and Napa Valley. During this wine education journey, neighbor and Fletcher Bay Winemaker Alan Vogel asked Mariann if she would be interested in working for the winery. Of course, she was not able to say no to such a great opportunity. She is presently WSET Level 3 Certified and is now working on her final Diploma Level in Wines. Mariann currently pours wine at the Tasting Room and Winery, compiles tasting notes for the wines, and assists in wine production. Her favorite wine at Fletcher Bay Winery is Tara Rouge, a right bank Bordeaux style wine.
Pourer/Production
Nathan
Nathan Christopher - Born and raised in South America. I finished my studies in the U.S. and have been a nomad ever since. While working and traveling through New Zealand’s beautiful Suav Blanc country I began developing a palette. For now, the PNW is home where I build and design furniture.
My interest in the art of winemaking primarily began with the communal aspect of wine culture. Winemaking/Fermentation, being one of the oldest traditions and commonalities shared around the world, brings family and friendships together. It’s a binding agent for cultures around the world. Not only is it an economic opportunity for communities, but most importantly, it is a chance for people from all walks of life to share a moment, raise the cup and connect.
After being a part of the whole process of winemaking with Alan and Jim who have guided the helm of the ship, I have the utmost respect for the amount of work that goes into each bottle. Fletcher Bay Winery has offered more than just a job but rather an experience of invaluable human connections with farmers, migrant workers, winemakers, tourists, and locals.
The winery and tasting room are full of many different varietals, I would love to connect with you and recommend the perfect bottle. Salud!
Pourer
Christine
Christine is pleased to be part of the Fletcher Bay team and excited to expand her food and wine pairing knowledge. Although she has lived in the area for over 35 years, she was blessed to be born of Italian heritage in one of the valleys which our winemaker sources our grapes - the beautiful Walla Walla Valley! Born into a restaurant family, she has always treasured the innate link between food, wine, and good friends and family. She also currently works as an interior design consultant in the surrounding area but loves pouring wine and learning more about viticulture on the weekends. They are a wonderful compliment to each other and help her create a welcoming home for her clients to enjoy our wines and delicious food with the ones they love!