Photos by Scott McDermott
40 Under 40 Tastemaker 2018
Ashley Trout, 37, Walla Walla, WA
Owner/Winemaker, Brook & Bull Cellars; Head Winemaker, Vital Wines
Strong Vital signs
Trout founded Walla Walla’s Flying Trout Wines more than a decade ago, determined to produce the best Malbec in Washington after a stint making the stuff in Argentina. She’s continued this quest at her latest winery, Brook & Bull Cellars, where she also plays with other varieties. Additionally, Trout is head winemaker at Vital Wines, an operation that dedicates all sales proceeds to support SOS Health Services, which provides emergency healthcare for vineyard and winery workers in the surrounding area. She and her winemaker husband, Brian Rudin, are the parents of two young children.