Our Story

Craig Mitrakul, co-owner and winemaker of Crayelle, discovered a passion for winemaking while completing his Master’s Degree in Food Science from Cornell University. He worked directly with Cornell’s wine extension group that supported the New York wine industry. Interacting with area winemakers and learning the details and intricacies of the process sparked the desire to learn more.

Upon graduating, Craig traveled to various wine regions in the United States and abroad. He also worked at renowned wineries including Chateau Ste Michelle, Rosemount Estates and Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars.

In 1999, Craig and Danielle got married and decided to leave their East Coast roots and adventure to the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Craig worked as assistant winemaker at Ponzi Vineyards where he helped craft world class Pinot Noir.

After a long weekend of tasting wines in neighboring Washington State and visiting with former colleagues, Craig and Danielle’s interest in Washington’s growing wine industry was renewed. The diversity of grape varietals growing successfully, the varying growing regions, and consistent wine quality drew him back to the Washington wine industry.

In 2002, Craig and Danielle moved their new family to Walla Walla where Craig worked as assistant winemaker at Three Rivers Winery and in 2004, they relocated to North Central Washington where Craig worked as winemaker for Ryan Patrick Vineyard and Saint Laurent Winery. He also consulted with several wineries in the area.

In 2009, Craig and Danielle took a leap of faith and started Crayelle Cellars as a creative outlet to handcraft limited quantities of wines in a style that they particularly enjoy. Wine that is flavorful and distinct with elegance—wines with balance, character, and longevity! They continue to enjoy their winemaking adventure in crafting very limited quantities of Crayelle wines. Crayelle could quite possibly be one of the smallest wineries in Washington, but surely one you will want to seek out.

Craig continues to make wine for Karma Vineyards in Chelan and enjoys the details and challenges involved in crafting Karma’s méthode champenoise sparkling wines.

In their spare time, they love to spend time outdoors with their two kids, Neve and Gabe.