Martin Fujishin brings years of experience as a winemaker, industry consultant and educator
WALLA WALLA, WASH. – Martin Fujishin will become Director of College Cellars and the Enology and Viticulture Program at Walla Walla Community College on June 3.
Fujishin brings extensive experience as a winemaker, winery founder, and college educator in Idaho. After spending his youth working on the family farm, Fujishin began his career in the wine industry in 2003, starting in the tasting room and, later, becoming Assistant Winemaker at Koenig Winery.
In 2009, he co-founded Fujishin Family Cellars and its sister brand, Free Dog Wines, in the Snake River Valley AVA wine region of Idaho.
From 2009 to 2013, Fujishin taught the entire viticulture and enology course catalog at Treasure Valley Community College, covering everything from winemaking and vineyard management to regulation and wine history. He has also worked as a consultant for numerous wineries and vineyards in the Snake River Valley and has contributed to the production of more than 1,500 wines across the West Coast.
“Martin Fujishin’s experience at a community college, coupled with his years as a winemaker, winery owner and industry consultant, make him the ideal fit for Walla Walla Community College and the Walla Walla Valley wine community,” said WWCC President Chad Hickox.
Founded in 2000, the WWCC Institute for Enology and Viticulture has graduated more than 400 winemakers, grape growers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs, who have shaped the growth and reputation of the Washington wine industry. The program, which operates a bonded winery, College Cellars of Walla Walla, frequently earns accolades in competitions and from industry critics alike.
“As a long-time member of the Northwest wine community, I’ve had the good fortune to see its growth and development over the past two decades. It’s been a great adventure,” Fujishin said. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter and to educating and informing WWCC students on every aspect of our industry.”
Fujishin’s candidacy for Director of WWCC’s Enology and Viticulture Program was endorsed by a search committee that includes local wine industry leaders.
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Founded in 1967, Walla Walla Community College’s mission is to inspire all students to discover their potential and achieve their goals by providing relevant, equitable and innovative learning opportunities and services.
