Acclaimed Winemaker Ali Mayfield Joins Mercer Wine Estates

With a passion for innovation and meticulous craftsmanship, Ali Mayfield teams up with Mercer Wine Estates

Ali Mayfield, an esteemed winemaker with a reputation for excellence, has joined Mercer Wine Estates, where she will work alongside Ashley Stephens to craft the winery’s renowned, elegant wines from the Horse Heaven Hills Estate Vineyards.

Ali is widely recognized for her meticulous attention to detail and refined winemaking approach, qualities that have earned her a prominent place in Washington’s wine industry. Her extensive experience with top wineries in the state, coupled with mentorship from renowned figures like Gilles Nicault, Kendall Mix, and French oenologist Claude Gros, has shaped her into a winemaker with a unique style. She began her journey in viticulture and enology at Walla Walla Community College and quickly rose through the ranks, building a reputation for her precision and thoughtful approach.

At Mercer Wine Estates, Ali will take the lead in the winery’s expanding custom winemaking initiatives, which involve creating bespoke wines for an array of private clients. In addition to leading custom projects, she will collaborate closely with Ashley Stephens, who oversees Mercer’s main wine tiers: Mercer RESERVES, Mercer Small Lots, the Mercer Brothers national brand, and the newly introduced Sonova Sage, a natural and organic line of wines.

Ali’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes constant growth and creativity. She is known for her careful oversight of each step in the process, from selecting vineyards to ensuring the highest quality production. “Constantly striving to be better, pushing your boundaries, taking risks… that’s how you create beautiful wines,” says Ali.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, with critics like Jeb Dunnuck praising her wines for their purity, elegance, richness, and depth. These are qualities she will undoubtedly bring to her work at Mercer Wine Estates.

Rob Mercer, owner of Mercer Wine Estates, shared his enthusiasm for Ali’s arrival: “Ali brings a fresh yet methodical discipline to her winemaking that is both distinctive and exceptional. Her passion for the craft, combined with her expertise and commitment to excellence, makes her a respected and innovative figure in the Washington State winemaking community.”

As Ali Mayfield steps into her new role, the future looks bright for Mercer Wine Estates, with exciting new offerings on the horizon that showcase the elegance and depth that have become the winery’s hallmark.