Alex Fullerton is a young and extremely talented winemaker. We originally crossed paths in the Penner-Ash cellar, Willamette Valley Oregon, in 2009. On my tour of the facility that day I found an amazing conversation with a young and curious cellar worker. It was brief but we talked about life’s paths, pursuit of passion and wine; I hadn’t thought about that conversation again for thirteen years. Fast forward thirteen years to my brother's wedding in Hood River, Alex (the curious cellar worker) has since moved up to be the winemaker for his family's high-end pinot noir brand and facility, also my brother's best friend. While we’re clinking glasses of his newest vineyard designate at the rehearsal dinner Alex reminded me of that conversation and how much it meant to him. How it further inspired him and reinforced his passion for the pursuit of wine. That cut pretty deep. I let him know that I was getting back in the business and before I could finish describing my Big West vision he promptly asked, “How can I help?”. 

This is exactly what makes this wine project called Big West. It’s a culmination of vineyards and friendship.It’s bigger than a vineyard, deeper than a glass of wine, it has manifested over decades of experiences.