Carrying the Legacy: Will Camarda and the Next Chapter of Andrew Will Winery
As we kick off AAPI Heritage Month this May we got a chance to sit down with Will Camarda of Andrew Will Winery. The winery was named after Chris Camarada’s nephew Andrew and his son Will. Will is one of those people who makes talking about wine feel easy and genuine. Will’s story begins at an age when most children are still learning to ride bikes. “My journey into the world of wine started when I was three years old,” he shared, smiling. His father, Chris Camarda, founded Andrew Will Winery in 1989, and from that moment on, winemaking became part of Will’s lifelong journey. While he never initially planned to join the family business, Will found himself drawn back to the winery early in his career.. After graduating from the University of Washington in 2010, Will worked as a geologist in Seattle at an environmental firm before returning to the winery full-time in 2013. That move marked the start of a new chapter, eventually leading him to his current role as head winemaker. Last fall, he celebrated his 13th harvest, a milestone that reflects both pride and continuity.
A Philosophy Rooted in Simplicity & Excitement
When asked about his approach to winemaking, Will leaned into the philosophy that has long defined Andrew Will: balance, restraint, and respect for place. “I maintain a simple philosophy of picking fruit at a ripeness that represents the vineyard source,” he said. Native yeast ferments, minimal new oak, and no fining or filtering, all intentional choices to let the grape speak.
He believes in wines that evolve with time, allowing them to age gracefully in the bottle for at least a year until each component harmonizes into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Right now, he’s particularly proud of the 2023 Two Blondes Malbec. This is a new bottling that gives a varietal, one that’s long been used in blends, the chance to stand on its own. He’s equally devoted to Andrew Will’s single-vineyard blends, which he believes capture “the essence of the vineyard in a bottle.”
Building Community Through Wine
Beyond the cellar, Will is deeply connected to his local wine community. He regularly hosts tasting events at local restaurants and wine shops. He’s also having fun connecting online, bringing humor and authenticity to Andrew Will’s social media presence.
“I like combining humor, winemaking, and marketing all in one post,” he said, noting that it helps his brand stand out from the sea of sameness that often floods the industry. Offline, he’s active in tasting groups that focus on learning, collaboration, and support, all values that reflect his approach to winemaking itself.
Continuing Legacy, Shaping the Future
As for what’s next, Will remains steady: maintaining vineyard sources, case production, and distribution while thoughtfully exploring new markets across the U.S. and abroad. But his broader mission is larger than any one vintage.
“As a second-generation Asian American winemaker for a 37-year-old winery,” he said, “I hope to continue showcasing the quality of Washington wine while also promoting diversity in the wine industry.” Leaving the conversation, it’s clear that Andrew Will’s story, and Will’s own, is one of tradition meeting evolution. It’s about honoring where you come from while forging a thoughtful, inclusive path ahead. In every bottle, there’s a bit of that story waiting to be shared.
Meet Will, taste the wine and find out what the buzz is all about at WeRise Wine Bar on
May 14 th from 5:30-7:30pm.
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