Wine, Work, and Walla Walla: Kelsey Itämeri's Inspiring Path to Itä Wines
Explicit content warning
01/08/24 • 83 min
In this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, host MJ Towler welcomes Kelsey Itämeri, the owner and winemaker of Ita Wines. Kelsey shares her fascinating journey from political campaign manager to reality TV production assistant, sales manager, and bartender before finding her passion for winemaking.
From challenging work environments to finding joy in making wine, Kelsey's story is one of resilience and determination. She discusses her experiences in the wine industry, including her decision to make six different wines at a custom crush facility and her unique approach to wine production.
Listeners will also hear about her time in Burgundy, France, and how she brings her diverse experiences and palate to craft exceptional wines. Tune in to learn about Kelsey's compelling journey and her philosophy behind designing a life filled with passion and purpose.
A Massive THANK YOU to KELSEY ITÄMERI!!!
This episode’s wine: 2022 Itä Semillion No.1
To learn more about Itä Wines, click the link!
Follow Kelsey on IG!
____________________________________________________________
Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophiss, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!
Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.
For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Thank you to our sponsor,Walla Walla Wine . The primary mission of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and members of the trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
Find out more at Walla Walla Wine!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, host MJ Towler welcomes Kelsey Itämeri, the owner and winemaker of Ita Wines. Kelsey shares her fascinating journey from political campaign manager to reality TV production assistant, sales manager, and bartender before finding her passion for winemaking.
From challenging work environments to finding joy in making wine, Kelsey's story is one of resilience and determination. She discusses her experiences in the wine industry, including her decision to make six different wines at a custom crush facility and her unique approach to wine production.
Listeners will also hear about her time in Burgundy, France, and how she brings her diverse experiences and palate to craft exceptional wines. Tune in to learn about Kelsey's compelling journey and her philosophy behind designing a life filled with passion and purpose.
A Massive THANK YOU to KELSEY ITÄMERI!!!
This episode’s wine: 2022 Itä Semillion No.1
To learn more about Itä Wines, click the link!
Follow Kelsey on IG!
____________________________________________________________
Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophiss, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!
Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.
For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Thank you to our sponsor,Walla Walla Wine . The primary mission of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and members of the trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
Find out more at Walla Walla Wine!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Devyani Gupta's Story: From Multiple Jobs to Making Waves in Winemaking
In this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, host MJ Towler sits down with the inspiring Devyani Gupta, a remarkable figure in the wine industry. Devyani shares her journey, from working multiple jobs while pursuing her passion for winemaking in Walla Walla to her current role as a winemaker and viticulturist at Valdemar Estates.
Throughout the episode, she discusses her experiences, including her internships, mentorship programs, and dedication to making the wine industry more inclusive. With an in-depth look at her winemaking philosophy and personal connections to the industry.
Devyani's story is one of determination, passion, and a deep love for wine. Stick around to hear about her favorite wines, her role in the Washington State Wine Commission, and her fascinating journey into winemaking, all on this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience.
A Massive THANK YOU to DEVANYI GUPTA!!!
This episode’s wines: 2020 Valdemar Estate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon
To learn more about Valdemar Estates, click the link!
Follow Valdemar Estates
Follow Devyani on IG!
____________________________________________________________
Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!
Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.
For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Thank you to our sponsor,Walla Walla Wine . The primary mission of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and members of the trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
Find out more at Walla Walla Wine!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
Understanding Wine, Sports, and Psychology: Unveiling Owen Bargreen's Multifaceted Journey
Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience, where captivating conversations about wine, music, and life take center stage.
In this episode, host MJ Towler welcomes Owen Bargreen. A clinical psychologist by day, Owen is a Level 2 Sommelier. He is the creator of OwenBargreen.com, where he exhibits his deep expertise in California, Oregon, and Washington wines.
Together, MJ and Owen dive into a wide range of topics, from the intriguing world of wine tasting and criticism to candid discussions about their personal backgrounds and experiences.
Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of wine, sports, psychology, and the human experience with our insightful guest, Owen Bargreen.
A Massive THANK YOU to OWEN BARGREEN!!!
This episode’s wines: 2021 Holocene "Memorialis" Pinot Noir
2022 Woodward Canyon “Washington” Chardonnay
For more information about Owen Bargreen click the link!
Follow Owen on IG!
To learn more about Holocene Wines, click the link!
Follow Holocene Wines on IG!
To learn more about Woodward Canyon Wines, click the link!
Follow Woodward Canyon on IG!
____________________________________________________________
Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!
Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience a 5-star review on whichever platform you listen to.
For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Thank you to our sponsor,Walla Walla Wine . The primary mission of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and members of the trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
Find out more at Walla Walla Wine!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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