The Light of Harvest: Spotlight on De La Luz Wines
A conversation with Victor and Serena of De La Luz Wines about heritage, harvest, and crafting wines with purpose.
As September ushers in harvest season across Washington’s vineyards, WeRise Wines is shining a light on one of our newest partners: De La Luz Wines. Based in Walla Walla, WA, De La Luz is more than a winery. It is a living celebration of heritage, mentorship, and the joy of creating wines meant to be shared. Their winemaking style can be summed up in three words: Tradition. Boldness. Precision.
Meet Victor & Serena
Victor’s story begins far from the cellar but on the stage. A professional folk dancer from Mexico, he spent years representing his country around the world before a car accident shifted his path. In the U.S., he started in hospitality as a dishwasher, where he met winemaker Matthew Loso, founder of Matthews Cellars in Woodinville. Recognizing Victor’s work ethic, Loso “pulled him out of the dish pit” and into the cellar, giving him his first winery job. The two worked closely until 2012, when Loso introduced Victor to a new winemaking role in Walla Walla, a move that would define the next chapter of his career. Over the years, Victor worked his way through every facet of winemaking, from boutique 500-case operations to large-scale million-case productions, bringing relentless dedication (and a dancer’s sense of rhythm) to each harvest.
Serena grew up surrounded by Washington wine. While her early career path led her to an MBA and law degree, her heart never strayed far from the vineyard. She started her own small vineyard in Olympia and worked across every segment of the industry including production, distribution, import/export, retail, and as a sommelier. Beyond wine, she is passionate about photography, horses, and adventure.
The two first met while judging wines together at the Seattle Wine Awards, discovering a shared passion for craftsmanship and a mutual respect for each other’s skills. Their skill sets are complementary. Serena’s broad industry oversight pairs with Victor’s deep winemaking instincts, creating a partnership built on trust, communication, and shared purpose.
The Story Behind De La Luz
De La Luz Wines began in 2015 when Victor’s mentor Chris Camarda (founder of Andrew Will Winery) encouraged him to start his own label after a job layoff. Camarda offered fruit from his vineyard and the simple directive: “Pay me when you can.” By 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, the winery became official.
The name De La Luz, meaning “of the light” in Spanish, carries personal and cultural resonance. Its logo, inspired by the Aztec calendar, was drawn by Victor’s son and symbolizes the belief that grapes, like people, need light to thrive.
Heritage in Every Bottle
For Victor and Serena, wine is a bridge between culture and community. Their events, from Cinco de Mayo celebrations with traditional dance to Día de los Muertos gatherings, infuse Mexican heritage into Washington’s wine scene.
They envision a future where the Latino community plays a central role in shaping wine culture, as the children of vineyard workers grow into leaders, winemakers, and connoisseurs. To that end, they are committed to keeping their wines accessible, both in price and in spirit, while proudly featuring Spanish-language names like El Rey, La Razon, and Mero Mero.
Winemaking Philosophy & Style
De La Luz focuses on Washington’s Bordeaux varietals while adapting to vintage conditions with creativity and respect for the land. Victor’s mentors instilled in him the value of working with nature, even in challenging years.
One standout example is La Razon, a co-fermentation of Malbec and Gewürztraminer born from the smoke-affected 2020 vintage. Rather than abandoning the fruit, Victor leaned on experience and experimentation, creating a wine that is as unexpected as it is memorable.
Pairings that Speak to the Soul
Summer Favorite: Aguachiles with Rosé. Victor’s version includes avocado for extra creaminess, paired with chips and salsa for a refreshing, vibrant bite.
Holiday Comfort: La Razon with tamales, mole, or roast turkey. Perfect for dishes with a touch of spice.
Celebratory Elegance: Letter to a Friend. A Merlot tribute to Victor’s mentors, perfect with beef Wellington or a premium steak.
Harvest Traditions
For De La Luz, harvest is “early Christmas,” a season of long days, shared meals, and community spirit. The crew toasts with sparkling wine at the first and last fruit of the season, and Victor personally cooks for the harvest team at least once a week, making sure every hand that helps feels appreciated.
The WeRise Connection
The partnership with WeRise began serendipitously. A friend in Walla Walla connected them for a tasting just weeks after Serena had discovered WeRise online. The chemistry was instant, and a shared commitment to inclusivity made the collaboration feel, in Serena’s words, “meant to be.”
Looking Ahead
The future for De La Luz includes the launch of a sparkling wine program using Serena’s vineyard fruit and the possible creation of a second label highlighting Western Washington grapes. Through it all, their mission remains clear: to craft wines that inspire, honor tradition, and reflect the communities they serve.
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