Meet the Team
Mike
Martin
OWNER
Mike turned his passion for wine and curiosity about life into a second career by building The Walls. As a technology executive, he once focused on building great businesses. Now, his focus rests solely on bringing distinctive wines and great people together. He is committed to our team and supporting our efforts to produce wines that are true expressions of time and place.
Damon Lalonde
VITICULTURIST
Damon Lalonde developed a passion for wine as a youth while visiting his great uncle in the Napa Valley. He spent several years at Chateau St. Michelle as a Viticulturist and then struck out on his own, managing vineyards in various AVAs of Washington State. Damon brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, experience and talent to our vineyards and works closely with our winemaking team to ensure our vineyards are farmed at the highest level.
Suzanne Harryman
ASSISTANT WINEMAKER
A career in the hospitality industry would first introduce Suzanne to the world of wine. She was impacted by the unique ability wine had to bring people together; the right bottle could spark memories, drive conversation and mark the special occasions shared between friends and family. While working in Oregon wineries, she attended the Northwest Viticulture Center in Salem. In 2020, Suzanne joined the team at The Walls as a harvest intern and ended up staying on full time as our Assistant Winemaker.
Valerie
Kern
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Valerie has worked in the wine industry for several years and earned her Bachelor’s in Wine and Viticulture at Cal Poly. After working in wine regions around the world, she transplanted permanently to Washington state, which has allowed her to combine her love for wine with the beautiful PNW.
Serafin Saldana
VINEYARD MANAGER
Serafin has 15 years of experience with The Rocks District. His extensive knowledge of the viticulture in the Rocks District of Milton Freewater in particular is an enormous asset in the farming of our estate properties.
Kyla Haren Moye
HOSPITALITY MANAGER & CHEESE MONGER
Kyla Haren developed a passion for community as a youth in the Academy of Children’s Theater in Washington State. This laid the groundwork for her ability to do a bit of everything – and her DIY moxie. Kyla also previously managed a cheese shop. We are excited to have a Cheese Monger in our midst, adding a bit of food and wine pairing to our concierge offerings. Although her title is officially Hospitality Manager, Kyla lends her professional, dynamic and energetic personality to all sorts of roles at The Walls. We are fortunate to have her on our team!
Ben Kaehler
General Manager
After a career in Wine Importing and Distribution in Chicago, the allure of the Pacific Northwest proved irresistible. Ben and his family made the move to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where he assumed the position of General Manager at Lemelson Vineyards. Following 7 years immersed in Pinot noir, Ben transitioned from cool climate viticulture to the Walla Walla Valley where the Rhone and Bordeaux varietals thrive. He now leads the team at The Walls and PÁŠXA in their quest for inspired hospitality and exceptional wines.
Sally Johnson Blum
Consulting Winemaker
Brittnie Marick
SALES ASSOCIATE
A local to Walla Walla, Brittnie has been able to first-handedly observe the growth of the wine industry here. Having worked and managed in several service positions, her sense of hospitality and warmth is unparalleled and her knowledge of the area is thorough to say the least. Brittnie is happy to make insightful recommendations to your next visit and has yet to meet a stranger.
Alex Lasher
MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
Alex was born and raised locally, he began his career in agriculture performing research and field work studying soil and water conservation in Eastern Washington and Oregon. Later, he developed a passion for wine and began working in tasting rooms part-time. His love of wine and Walla Walla continues to how each year, “I’m so grateful to be born in an area that I love to live.” He is passionate about sharing the culture of the area and the excellent wines with everyone!