JF Named 2025 Honorary Vintner of AWW

Auction of Washington Wines announces the 2025 honorary vintner and honorary grower for its 38th year of fundraising events. Tickets are now available for TOAST!, a wine industry celebration, on August 14 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington. Guests will honor these distinguished individuals and eleven others who have contributed to the advancement of Washington wine. 

“The auction has been recognizing individuals who have made a difference in the wine industry through their contributions and leadership since its inception in 1988,” said Jamie Peha, Executive Director of the Auction of Washington Wines. “This year, we’re proud to honor these two people who have such profound legacies in Walla Walla, and who have helped shape the perception of Washington wine.” 

The Auction of Washington Wines congratulates 2025 honorary vintner Jean-François Pellet of Pepper Bridge Winery, the founding winemaker at the winery in 1999, and who later became a partner. A third-generation winemaker from Switzerland, Pellet worked in vineyards alongside his father before earning degrees in enology and viticulture, and then worked as a winemaker in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and Heitz Cellars in Napa Valley before moving to Walla Walla. Pepper Bridge Winery founder Norm McKibben recruited Pellet in 1999. He continues to be the creative force behind both Pepper Bridge and Amavi Cellars, crafting Bordeaux-style wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Pepper Bridge estate vineyards. Pellet is deeply involved in vineyard management and is known for his hands-on approach and sustainable practices. In addition to Pepper Bridge Winery, Pellet is also a partner at Octave Vineyard, Artifex Wine Co., and a mobile bottling line. 

Read the full Press Release here.

These honorees and eleven other industry leaders to be announced in June will be celebrated at this year’s TOAST! Awards on August 14 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville. The event is open to wine trade and the public alike, and tickets are available here.

The Auction of Washington Wines promotes awareness and growth of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the community, with ongoing contributions to three beneficiaries: Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department, and the AWW Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines. The auction raised $4 million last year with a full slate of in-person events. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised more than $68 million.