Along the Wine Road - aMaurice Cellars, It's a Family Affair

Tom Schafer and his family are the founders of a'Maurice Cellars in Walla Walla. As fifth generation Washingtonians, the Schafer family embodies many things in their winery, the least of which are dedication, family and sustainability.

Maurice Schafer was Tom's father and due to his family and community loyalty, the Schafers have named their wines and winery for him. This is their dedication to not only a family legacy, but to the very values they place on winemaking. The Schafer ancestors were in the timber industry which began an early belief in sustainability, a principal Tom and his family use in their vineyard as well. a'Maurice is a charter member of Vinea, an alliance of Walla Walla wineries and vineyards that adhere to the strict guidelines of sustainable viticulture. http://www.vineatrust.com/

With a background in Real Estate, Tom used his knowledge, along with two years of research, to purchase what he believes is the best land in Walla Walla. This land, a south facing parcel south of Mill Creek, is the site of their newly planted and of course, sustainable, vineyard.  At the helm of winemaking is Tom's daughter Anna and winery partner, Rich Funk. As co-winemakers Anna and Rich are the talent and passion behind the wines themselves.

Tom's wife Kathleen, their son Nicholas and daughter Stephanie are all involved in the winery in one way or another as well. From providing a discerning palate at blending time to technical support to winery decor and design, a'Maurice truly is a family affair.

"As a sustainable winery, we're always thinking about the future," says owner/winemaker Anna Schafer. "The future of our vineyard, our wines and our family."

To learn more about a'Maurice Cellars, such as tasting room hours and winery location, go to their Web site at http://www.amaurice.com/.

From Juice, The Latest on Washington Wine Country, January-February 2007

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