Travis J Maple: Winemaker for Sun River Vintners
Sun River Vintners is now sourcing grapes and producing wines under the vigilant eyes and gentle hands of Travis Maple. Travis is a versatile winemaker having extensive experience and establishing a well deserved reputation while working with notable wineries and vineyards in the State of Washington.
In 2002, at the early age of 19, Travis began his career, passion and love for winemaking at Chateau Ste. Michelle. While working and learning the trade full-time, Travis also dedicated his time to perusing a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University. Travis quickly became an important asset at Chateau Ste. Michelle and in 2004 was picked up to be the Assistant Winemaker for J. Bookwalter, where he spent the next 10 years working with some of the best winemakers in the industry.
Travis spent 6 years training and learning high-end winemaking and vineyard management under world renowned winemaker Zelma Long. “Zelma taught me things that you could never learn in a text book, how to be amazingly passionate about the wines I produce and that there are never any shortcuts in making the perfect product.” says Travis.
In 2010 Travis began working under Claude Gross, considered to be one of the premiere consultant winemakers in the world. Travis and Claude have created amazing wines together, and this amazing duo will continue as Claude remains an integral asset to Sun River Vintners. “Claude didn’t teach me how to make wine, knowing I was solid on that aspect, but he really wanted me to focus on the science behind the wines, which in turn opened a whole new world for me as far as making exceptional quality wines go.” Together, Claude Gros, John Bookwalter and Travis Maple made some of the highest scoring wines in the history of J. Bookwalter Winery.
Working with Sun River Vintners and continuing to work with Claude Gros is the next logical step in Travis' career. “I believe in the philosophy at Sun River Vintners and the wines that are being produced here are a true expression of the quality that Washington wines are meant to deliver. My goal is to make wines that force you to reconsider your preconceptions about fine wine,” he says. “For me, this means crafting a wine that is inventive, distinctive, and true to its terroir. The varietals that I’ll be creating at Sun River will allow me to express my passion, extreme attention to detail and creativity in making exceptional wines.”
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We at Sun River Vintners are thrilled to open this new chapter and welcome Travis Maple to our team. We welcome his experience and dedication to sourcing our grapes and creating excellent wines!
Feel free to contact Travis if you’d like more information on our wines or to schedule a private tour and tasting: travis@sunrivervintners.com
Cheers!