Jean-François Pellet

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.

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.”