Sweet Valley Wine Partners
Kevin and Heather DeFord of Camas, WA realized their long-held dream of opening a winery when they formed Sweet Valley Wines. Kevin was born and raised in Walla Walla, WA, but has never lost touch with roots as his family still lives there including his sister’s family, the McDaniels. Outside of market and sales development for the winery, Kevin is a real estate investor and Heather is a realtor/partner with Keller Williams Realty .
Shane and Dawn Fischer of Camas, WA joined the Sweet Valley Family in 2008. Shane’s background in technology consulting has helped him take the winery forward by re-engineering Sweet Valley Wines web site and taking care of its online and technical functions. Dawn’s current career is as a pharmacist and she is hoping that this endeavor allows her to focus more on her artistic and creative sides and less on the medical side by developing winery newsletters and managing the SV Cork Club. Both enjoy the road owning your own company paves!
David and Karen McDaniels of Walla Walla, WA handle the day-to-day responsibilities of Sweet Valley Wines including overseeing the wine making performed by their son and winemaker, Josh McDaniels. In addition to the winery, the McDaniels own Fort Knox Pawn Shop and Crystal Clear Ice which they plan to remodel in the next few years to make additional space for the growing winery and a new tasting room.
Rory and Laura Schilling reside in Walla Walla, WA and have shared many memorable moments with David and Karen McDaniels and their family over the years. When the opportunity to be a part of Sweet Valley Wines under Josh's superb winemaking skills arose in 2006, they jumped at the chance. Since then they have enjoyed the hands on experience of producing some of the best wines in Walla Walla Valley. In addition to the winery, Rory supervises Child Protection Services of Walla Walla and referees football in the Fall. Laura is employed through Walla Walla County Court Services as a Juvenile Probation Officer and is also a Contract Professor with Walla Walla University.