Skip to Content

    Winemaker

    Jean-François Pellet

    Discipline
    Winemaker
    Portrait of Jean-François Pellet

    Portrait of Jean-François Pellet

    i. Biography

    The Climb

    Winemaking in Walla Walla has been shaped by Jean-François Pellet through both cellar work and regional organization. As a founding member and current vice-president at VINEA in the Walla Walla Valley, Washington, he has helped set an industry framework around the area’s viticulture with a long view rather than a short campaign. Since 1999, Pellet has directed winemaking and held a partner role at Pepper Bridge Winery in Walla Walla.

    Since 2001, he has also served as director of winemaking at Amavi Cellars. His approach is grounded in enology and viticulture, and in a close read of what the region can grow and sustain.

    The Sunday email

    Read about winemakers like Jean-François Pellet in the Sunday email.

    Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.

    See a sample of the Sunday email

    Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.

    Today

    At Pepper Bridge Winery, Jean-François Pellet has held the combined role of director of winemaking and partner since 1999. At Amavi Cellars, he has directed winemaking since 2001. The through-line is continuity: the same region, the same technical lens, and the same attention to how Walla Walla has evolved over time.

    Signature

    Cabernet Sauvignon sits among Jean-François Pellet's signature wines, reflecting the structure and precision his work is known for in the Walla Walla Valley.

    In Their Words “Walla Walla impressed me right away as an extremely unique grape-growing area.” “The AVA has changed so much since I started making wine in the area.”

    ii

    FAQ

    Asked of Jean-François

    • What is Jean-François Pellet's current role?

      As of 2026, Jean-François Pellet is Director of Winemaking/Partner.

    • What recognition has Jean-François Pellet received?

      Washington Wine Awards, Winemaker of the Year (2015).

    The Sunday email

    Read about winemakers like Jean-François Pellet in the Sunday email.

    Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.

    See a sample of the Sunday email

    Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.