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Our People
Robert (Bob) Morus founded and serves as President and Director of
Winegrowing for the Mt. Defiance Wine Company. He moved to Hood
River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising wine grapes and kids.
Today, the estate vineyards consist of 20 acres planted to Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. Ten more acres of estate plantings are scheduled over the
next two seasons. Additionally Bob manages our stable of premium
vineyard partners. When not tending the vines or selling our wines, Bob
commands a Boeing 777 in international operations for a major airline.
phelpscreekvineyards@gorge.net
Heather Staten is Secretary of the Corporation and General Manager of
Operations. Blessed with relentless organizing ability and a distinguished
culinary background, Heather brings multi-talents to the team. Inspired
by the organic and local grown food movement, her culinary career
began at Oliveto in the Bay Area and culminated with appointment as
Executive Chef for Quartier Vert in Bristol England where she catered for
the Prince of Wales at his country house, Highgrove. The food affinity of
our offerings stems from Heather’s relentless encouragement in this
direction. heather@phelpscreekvineyards.com
Rich Cushman is Director of Winemaking. A Hood River native, Rich
returns home after over 25 vintages in the Willamette Valley. Classically
trained at UC Davis then apprenticing in Germany, Rich brings
experience and a passion for cool weather varietals to our team. Rich’s
extensive ties to the Northwest wine industry provides attention,
resources and credibility to our operations. He also crafts his own label,
“Viento,” in our facilities.
Winegrowing for the Mt. Defiance Wine Company. He moved to Hood
River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising wine grapes and kids.
Today, the estate vineyards consist of 20 acres planted to Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. Ten more acres of estate plantings are scheduled over the
next two seasons. Additionally Bob manages our stable of premium
vineyard partners. When not tending the vines or selling our wines, Bob
commands a Boeing 777 in international operations for a major airline.
phelpscreekvineyards@gorge.net
Heather Staten is Secretary of the Corporation and General Manager of
Operations. Blessed with relentless organizing ability and a distinguished
culinary background, Heather brings multi-talents to the team. Inspired
by the organic and local grown food movement, her culinary career
began at Oliveto in the Bay Area and culminated with appointment as
Executive Chef for Quartier Vert in Bristol England where she catered for
the Prince of Wales at his country house, Highgrove. The food affinity of
our offerings stems from Heather’s relentless encouragement in this
direction. heather@phelpscreekvineyards.com
Rich Cushman is Director of Winemaking. A Hood River native, Rich
returns home after over 25 vintages in the Willamette Valley. Classically
trained at UC Davis then apprenticing in Germany, Rich brings
experience and a passion for cool weather varietals to our team. Rich’s
extensive ties to the Northwest wine industry provides attention,
resources and credibility to our operations. He also crafts his own label,
“Viento,” in our facilities.
Alexandrine Roy joins us from Burgundy as Contributing Winemaker and Consultant. The fourth generation vigneron
continually amazes our team with techniques steeped in tradition. Originally tagged to produce a special cuvee from our
estate Pinot Noir, her role has expanded to contributions on all aspects of out 2007 crush. We look forward to a
continued relationship into the future.
Thayne Cockrum returns to the Gorge assuming the position of Director of Sales and Marketing. Formerly the
Marketing Coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association Thayne brings extensive marketing knowledge
and media experience to our team. She is tasked with outside sales, media relations and coordinating the projection of
our brands into the regional markets. thayne@phelpscreekvineyards.com
Irineo Magana is Operations Foreman. The quality in the bottle begins with hours of hard work in the field. Irineo’s
commitment to quality grape production grows from personal pride in witnessing vineyards developing from cuttings to
wines. He coordinates the efforts of three brothers and numerous other workers in the field and winery.
continually amazes our team with techniques steeped in tradition. Originally tagged to produce a special cuvee from our
estate Pinot Noir, her role has expanded to contributions on all aspects of out 2007 crush. We look forward to a
continued relationship into the future.
Thayne Cockrum returns to the Gorge assuming the position of Director of Sales and Marketing. Formerly the
Marketing Coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association Thayne brings extensive marketing knowledge
and media experience to our team. She is tasked with outside sales, media relations and coordinating the projection of
our brands into the regional markets. thayne@phelpscreekvineyards.com
Irineo Magana is Operations Foreman. The quality in the bottle begins with hours of hard work in the field. Irineo’s
commitment to quality grape production grows from personal pride in witnessing vineyards developing from cuttings to
wines. He coordinates the efforts of three brothers and numerous other workers in the field and winery.