The Karma Team

Without education, connection, and collaboration there is no service. Our company is based on the principle of team. We strive to deliver not only a great product, but hope it is received from a knowledgeable and many times entertaining pro. We hire a certain attitude, knowing that many times, aptitude can be trained. For this reason the Karma staff has been together for many years and we are so thankful to know your name and what food and wine you might choose before you’ve even taken your seat!

GO TEAM!

Craig Mitrakul
2011 – Present
Wine Maker

Craig has a master’s degree in food science from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s degree from Rutger’s University. He has over 20 years of winemaking experience from several wine regions including the Hunter Valley in Australia, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and the Finger Lakes of NY state. Washington’s unique growing conditions and consistent grape quality attracted him to the state where he’s worked with various sized wineries including Chateau Ste. Michelle, Three Rivers Winery, and Ryan Patrick Vineyards. In 2011, Craig joined Karma Vineyards and has become passionate for the intricacies and nuance of Method Champenoise sparkling wine production. Don’t let Craig’s youthful appearance and understated demeanor fool you… he’s a rockstar winemaker!

Alicia Alvarez
March 2009-present
Executive chef

The humble beginnings of Alicia began with doing janitorial work here at Karma. As we added the restaurant, Alicia became our first sous chef in 2011. Working under our former executive chef for six years, she learned the inner workings of our 18 Brix Restaurant and the production expertise to cook for 3-400 customers a day, followed by a wedding. Courage and respect sum up this one of a kind person, friend, and co-worker. Alicia prefers a direct approach when communicating; even in stressful circumstances, rarely do we see her without a smile.

Theodoro Nunez
Vineyard manager

Theodoro has been with Karma for many years and brings a wealth of experience in keeping our vineyards incredibly prosperous, healthy, and beautiful.

Message from Karma Founder Julie Pittsinger

Where We Started...

The genesis of what is now called Karma Vineyards began in 2002 when Julie and Bret were visiting their timeshare in Manson. After a beautiful Thanksgiving at Lake Chelan, they thought it might be a place they could raise their children. With the strong belief system that hard work and sacrifice are imperative to forming strong character, they knew they wanted to farm with their children. The day after Thanksgiving, Julie and Bret found a realtor, who toured them around the lake in search of orchards, as Bret grew up on an apple, cherry, and pear orchard. To their surprise, they were shown a vineyard on the south shore and fell in love with the land. Selling their home in Wenatchee and placing a doublewide trailer in the middle of this beautiful land turned into what you see now. After nineteen years of hard work, attention to detail, strong conviction, and integrity built the Karma product and sustains it today.

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