Great Northwest Wine: Young winemaker makes most of American dream

Victor Palencia holds a bottle of his Palencia Wine Co. in front of his Walla Walla winery. The drawing on the label depicts his father with a shovel as he works the fields of Yakima Valley.

Born in 1985 in Michoacán, Mexico, Palencia emigrated to the United States when he was 2 years old. His father wanted a better life for his family and came to the Yakima Valley, where he picked up a shovel and began working in the region’s mint fields. Eventually, the elder Palencia moved into orchard and vineyard work.

While most high schoolers fill their after-school hours participating in sports, working at fast-food restaurants or playing video games, Victor Palencia headed to the vineyards with his father to help support his family. This is where his love for wine began.

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By Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue
Published by Tri-City Herald
- As of Tuesday, February 10, 2015