People

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Julie came to the United States as an athlete and later met husband Bret while living in Portland, Oregon. The original vineyard was purchased 8 years ago, at the same time Julie went back to school in Viticulture at Washington State University. Responsible for overseeing the vineyards, tasting room and raising their two children with husband Bret, Julie still enjoys going for a swim, bike or run whenever she can!

Bret Pittsinger is a Wenatchee native.  Bret graduated from The University of Washington in 1986 and received his MBA from University of Oregon in 1989.  Returning to Wenatchee in 1992, Bret is currently the President and co-owner of the family business, Van Doren Sales.  While you won't see Bret at the winery on a daily basis, he is very involved with the financial and inventory aspects of Karma.  Bret is also involved with various youth activites in Chelan, including coaching the Chelan High School track throwers and is part of the Chelanman Multisport foundation. 

Ron joins our staff from Portland, Oregon.  Ron has jumped in with every ounce of energy to learn, and to manage our wines within the cave.  Don't be surprised to see unusually creative themes around the estate, or perhaps even your picture on our wall.  As a former photographer/videographer, Ron brings to Karma a wide range of creative abilities.  His ability to relate to customers while topping off barrels is truly unique and an inspiration for all of us working here at Karma.  Don’t miss his cave tours, they are certain to entertain.

Susan has worked in the wine industry since 1995, working first for Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Oregon and then for Ryan Patrick Vineyards here in Washington in 2003.  She received her training in Wine Club Administration at The Center for Enology & Viticulture in Walla Walla, Washington.  Susan looks after the administrative requirements of Karma Vineyards, where her strong work ethic, organizational abilities and attention to detail make her an asset to Karma.  A San Francisco Bay Area native, she has lived in Washington since the year 2000 and joined the Karma team in 2009.

Craig Mitrakul began working in the wine industry after receiving his Master’s Degree in Food Science with an emphasis in Enology from Cornell University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science from Rutgers University.  Craig’s career began back east in Lodi, New York at Lamoureaux Landing Wine Cellars.  He and his wife, Danielle, made the move out west when Craig took on the role of Assistant Winemaker at Ponzi Vineyards in Beaverton, Oregon.  Craig then went to work at the highly acclaimed Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla, Washington as Assistant Winemaker and joined Ryan Patrick Vineyards, as Head Winemaker, in 2004.  Craig made the move to Karma Vineyards in 2011.  Craig is one of Washington State’s most desirable winemakers, producing award-winning wines while maximizing efficiency within the winery.  

This classically trained chef from the Culinary Institute of America moved to Chelan in 2007 to be closer to his family. Brant brings his own creative style of global unification, bistro cuisine and culinary alchemy to the Karma family.