Our Winemaking Team
At Passing Time Winery, our sporting roots have always emphasized the power of a great team, and our winemaking crew is no exception. Led by Head Winemaker Chris, alongside his skilled assistants John and Jared, this trio brings passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their dedication to every detail—both in the vineyard and the cellar—ensures that every bottle reflects the highest quality and craftsmanship. Thanks to their expertise, Passing Time wines continue to reach new heights, embodying the spirit of teamwork and the pursuit of perfection.
Chris Peterson
Head of Winemaking
We are proud to have Chris Peterson as our consulting winemaker. After spending eight years as Assistant and Production Winemaker at DeLille Cellars, he co-founded Avennia in 2010. Peterson’s wines have found considerable acclaim from critics, both locally and nationally.
Before his Woodinville career, Chris was one of the first to graduate from Walla Walla’s highly regarded School of Enology and Viticulture, where he also taught a Wines of the World class. His travels to and study of Old-World wine regions have informed his desire to make unique and compelling wines using traditional techniques. His years in the Washington wine industry and the quality of his work have allowed us to partner with premier sites to fulfill the Passing Time vision.
John Sigmar
Assistant Winemaker
John keeps the winery running smoothly, managing day-to-day production with a hands-on approach and an eye for detail. His passion for wine began around the family table and deepened through travels in Europe and time spent in Walla Walla, where he immersed himself in the region’s rich winemaking culture. A graduate of Western Washington University and the Walla Walla Community College Winemaking program, John honed his skills at Dunham Cellars, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside seasoned vintners. Today, he combines his technical expertise with a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking, ensuring each vintage reflects both precision and personality.
Jared Schmick
Assistant Winemaker
A 2017 Washington State University graduate in viticulture and enology, he honed his craft through hands-on harvests in New Zealand, Australia, and Washington, gaining a global perspective on winemaking techniques and styles. Passionate about the balance of science and art in winemaking, he approaches each vintage with curiosity, precision, and creativity. His experiences abroad deepened his appreciation for regional expression and inspired a commitment to highlighting the unique character of Washington wines.