CRAIG MITRAKUL
With nearly 15 years in the wine industry, the young and talented winemaker, Craig Mitrakul, is making his dreams of hand-crafting his own wines into a reality. His impressive training, varied experiences, and family are the driving force behind Crayelle Cellars.
Craig earned his Bachelors degree in Food Science from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He did not grow up in a wine drinking family and had no connection to the wine industry until he was a graduate student at Cornell University. There he completed his Masters Degree in Food Science with an emphasis in Enology. At Cornell, he studied under the direction of Thomas Henick-Kling, the Director of Wine Extension for New York State and now the current Director of Enology and Viticulture at Washington State University.
Immediately after completing his Masters degree, Mitrakul began working as a harvest lab technician for Chateau Ste. Michelle at the red winemaking facility in Patterson, Washington. There he gained valuable experience working with several of Washington States top winemakers Charlie Hoppes, Mike Januik, Kendall Mix and Holly Turner. Next, he traveled around the world to work a harvest at Rosemount Estate in Australia. It was there that he developed a love for Syrah (Shiraz) and was exposed to the diversity of winemaking styles for this varietal. The experience of working with grapes grown in various regions of Australia, clearly demonstrated the diversity of wine styles based on growing conditions.
When Mitrakul returned to the states, he began working as a winemaker at Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars in New York State. Riesling is the most widely planted vinifera varietal in the Finger Lakes Wine Region. It is considered to be one of the top Riesling producing regions in the world. The knowledge he gained working in this region, is what is propelling him to make exceptional Riesling in the state of Washington, the largest Riesling growing region in the United States.
Wanting to further his wine experience in another cool climate region, Mitrakul left his east coast roots with his wife Danielle. They began to build their new life out west and never looked back. In 2000, he took the position as assistant winemaker at Ponzi Vineyards in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. At Ponzi, he enjoyed helping make world class Pinot Noir. Being so close to Washington and after working in various wine growing regions, he realized there was something very unique about Washington State. He returned to Washington as an assistant winemaker at Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla. In 2004, he moved to the Wenatchee Valley and began making wine for the areas industry visionaries Ryan Patrick Vineyards and Saint Laurent Estate Winery. There he has compiled an impressive list of awards and critical acclaim.
With a growing reputation, Mitrakul established a wine consulting business and has been asked to consult with many local area wineries.
Craig and his wife, Danielle, live in Wenatchee, WA. They have two children, son Gabriel and daughter Neve. They spend their free time together enjoying Washingtons natural beauty by bicycling, camping, hiking, and skiing.
DANIELLE MITRAKUL
Danielle received her Bachelors degree from Rutgers University and her Masters degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University. Before coming a full-time mom, she spent most of her career working in higher education administration. Danielle is Director of Sales and Marketing for Crayelle Cellars, while Craig works his magic in the winery. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at her children's schools, cooking, gardening, hosting friend and family gatherings and outdoor recreation.
the collection
2008 Dry Riesling $16
Our dry Alsatian style Riesling displays bright flavors and aromas of apricot, guava, and star fruit. It is a well-balanced wine, with lively acidity, a beautiful silky texture and underlying hints of mineral and grapefruit on a long, lingering finish. Mixed case discount- 5% half case, 15% full case.
RECOMMENDED! "One of Washington state's most talented young winemakers, Craig Mitrakul, is pursuing one of his passions - Riesling - on a personal level. And this debut of his new label is for those seeking serious Riesling. Lemon cream pie, white peach, Asian pear, apple blossom and rosewater aromas dive into bone-dry flavors of more apple and lemon. There's a bright sheen to acidity and a finish of peach and peach pit." ~ Wine Press Northwest Magazine
2008 Syrah $26
This is an elegant wine made in a Northern Rhone style. The nose is fragrant with ripe raspberry accented by floral and smoke aromas. The palate is bursting with raspberry and boysenberry flavors leading to a supple texture of refined tannins. The finish is long and evolving. Mixed case discount- 5% half case, 15% full case.
RECOMMENDED! "Craig Mitrakul made award-winning wines in the Columbia Basin for Ryan Patrick and St. Laurent. Here marks the debut of his project with his wife, Danielle. The equivalent of three barrels produced notes of blueberry, cherry cola, chocolate, chalkboard dust and bacon. The structure is framed by lip-smacking boysenberry acidity and a good grip from tannins." 2007 SYRAH
~ Wine Press Northwest Magazine
2008 Dry Riesling $16 per bottle
Buy Now! Click Here to ship in Washington State
Winemakers Notes:
2007 SYRAH
- 100% Syrah
- Barrel Aged, 18 months
in French Oak barrels
- 14.3% Alcohol
Click Here to ship to other states
2007 Syrah $26 per bottle
Buy Now!Click Here to ship in Washington State
Click Here for a list of our retailers
EVENTS
Grand Opening of our new Cashmere Tasting Room coming soon!
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Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on our upcoming events!
WENATCHEE BUSINESS JOURNAL
Craig & Danielle Mitrakul to open wine tasting room in cashmere June 2010.
Click here to read the article
WINE PEEPS BLOG
Wine writer Kori, with the widely popular blog - WinePeeps.com, posted a great review on Crayelle Wines! Click here to read the article
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WINE PRESS NORTHWEST MAGAZINE
In the Spring issue of Wine Press NW, both the Dry Riesling and Syrah received a Recommended score! Click here to read article
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THE OREGON WINE BLOG
The popular "Oregon Wine Blog" gave a rave review on Crayelle Cellars.
Click Here to read the article!
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THE TASTE OF SUCCESS
In the Wenatchee World newspaper. Craig & Danielle will be having their launch party of their new wines December 5th. Click here to read article.
SEATTLE EXAMINER.COM
Award winning winemaker, Craig mitrakul launches his own label. Click here to read!
VISIT US!
207A Mission Ave - Cashmere, Washington
Our Tasting Room is open Saturdays from 12pm-5pm and by appointments. More tasting room hours coming soon. Follow us on Facebook for updates!
CONTACT US!
info_CrayelleCellars.com
ph #509.393.1996
Drop us a note, we'd love to hear from you. Cheers!
"Craig Mitrakul is one of the up and coming winemaking stars in Washington." ~ Wine Press NW
TastingRoom
open
Saturdays
12-5pm!
Balance, Character and Longevity is not only our philosophy for hand-crafting wines of superior quality and distinction, it is also the motto which guides us in our daily lives. Our small family winery was created to showcase our passion for two wine varietals we especially enjoy drinking and producing, Syrah & Riesling.
Enjoy our wines with family and friends and think about creating a life of "Balance, Character and Longevity"
We Do! ~ Craig & Danielle Mitrakul
