Sip Happens: How Marissa Dineen Swapped Wall Street for Wine Rows
At WeRise, we believe every bottle tells a story — and sometimes, those stories span continents, careers, and generations. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Marissa Dineen, the spirited force behind Dineen Vineyards, to talk about her journey, her vines, and what community means to her.
From Wall Street to the Vineyard Rows
Marissa’s path to wine wasn’t traditional. It was a twisty, curious, and courageous one. Born and raised in Washington, she’s a self-described “peer product” of the local community, with roots in Washington State University (WSU) and a close-knit family that shaped her worldview. After earning her MBA, she jetted off to New York, then Europe, where she spent 20 years working in financial services across London and Amsterdam.
It was during that time that her love for wine — and the culture surrounding it — blossomed. “Art, food, wine… it’s all storytelling,” she says. So when her parents asked in 2020 if she’d consider returning to help run the family’s vineyard, she didn’t just say yes. She dove in headfirst — enrolling in WSU’s viticulture program to learn the science of growing grapes from the ground up.
A Philosophy Rooted in Care
What makes Dineen Vineyards unique isn’t just that they grow and produce their own wines (a rarity in Washington). It’s the values behind the process.
“We’re growers first,” Marissa explains. “We focus on quality at every level — from the soil to the people.” With a deep commitment to sustainability, skill-building, and long-term relationships, the vineyard operates on a philosophy of continuous learning. “Our team brings incredible tenure and talent,” she says. “We foster a safe, joyful environment that honors their craft.”
When asked to describe Dineen’s winemaking style in three words? Purity of fruit. Precision. Classic.
Dineen’s portfolio draws inspiration from the Rhône and Bordeaux regions of France — with grapes like Grenache Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier playing star roles. But Marissa is quick to note: “It depends on what I’m having for dinner.”
Her personal favorite? Cabernet Franc — “the mother of many grapes” — especially when paired with a Thanksgiving feast. But lately, in the warmth of summer, she’s been loving the citrusy brightness of Grenache Blanc alongside lemony chickpea and arugula salad.
Building More Than Wine
Marissa’s vision for Dineen is bigger than the glass. “Wine connects us to the land, but also to each other,” she says. Whether it’s welcoming guests into the beauty of the vineyard or supporting local alumni groups like Wine by Huskies (UW) and Wine by Cougars (WSU), she sees community-building as central to her work.
That’s why her partnership with WeRise Wines felt like fate. “Jamila and I met at Taste Washington. She was looking for women winemakers and people aligned with a mission of uplifting one another,” Marissa recalls. “At GE, I led the Women’s Network — supporting each other to be our best selves. That’s exactly what WeRise is about: amplifying underrepresented voices, celebrating mission-driven makers, and creating spaces where people connect through great wine and shared purpose.”
Marissa is most excited about hosting guests at the vineyard and connecting over delicious wines, hospitality, and shared values. “We want people to come, feel something, and recreate that joy at home.”
You can find Dineen wines at WeRise and at their vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Stay tuned for a special WeRise x Dineen event this August, you won’t want to miss it.
Follow Dineen Vineyards:
Website | Instagram | Visit them in Yakima Valley
Shop Dineen at WeRise Wines:
Stop by the bar or browse our bottle shop to explore wines from mission-driven makers like Marissa. Want first dibs on new arrivals and exclusive events? Join our newsletter to stay in the loop.
