Mike Miller
Owner & Grape Grower
Mike has been growing wine grapes in the Yakima valley since 1968. Over the years, he has learned invaluable lessons that only time can teach. By farming in one place for an extensive period of time, he has become familiar with many of the subtleties of the terroir. His experienced point of view gives Airfield Estates a more unique approach to viticulture.
Mike has always been driven to produce the highest quality product he can. He takes great pride in the steps Airfield Estates has taken to reduce chemical usage and increase water efficiency. Water a scarce resource in Eastern Washington. To help ensure it is managed properly, Mike serves on the Board of Directors for the Rosa Irrigation District.
Mike is extremely devoted to his family, which includes his wife Kristeen and two children Marc and Lori. When Mike is out in the vineyards, he is often seen in the company of his ill-behaved, overly spoiled pot-hounds (Brix and Trip).
Marcus Miller
Winemaker & General Manager
As a youth, Marcus spent many summers working in the family vineyards. In those days, he never would have imagined that working with the grapes would become one of his true passions and also part of his profession.
Marcus earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Principia College in Illinois. Then he worked for a small brokerage house in Plano, TX and completed an MBA in finance from North Texas University. Toward the end of his MBA program, he gained a newfound interest in the family business.
In early 2003, Marcus returned to Washington and attended several meetings and conferences dealing with the wine industry. He soon realized that he stood at the threshold of a burgeoning industry. Marcus enrolled in the Viticulture and Enology program at Walla Walla Community College. While there, he was exposed to hands-on programs developed by the late Stan Clarke and his staff, which allowed the students to make wines at the campus winery and also set up internships with many of the local wineries. Marcus did his internship with Canoe Ridge working with winemaker Kendall Mix.
Upon completing the program, Marcus was hired as the assistant winemaker for Tsillan Cellars in Chelan. The winemaker, Katie Smith, encouraged him to work a crush in the southern hemisphere, as it would introduce new ideas, philosophies, and perspectives of a different region. Marcus soon accepted the opportunity to work for Montana Brancott Winery in Marlborough, New Zealand. When he returned, he was appointed head winemaker in partnership with Peter Devison. Marcus worked with Tsillan Cellars through the crush of 2005 and then decided to join the family business as the head winemaker and general manager.
Lori Miller
Marketing Director
Lori also attended Principia College for her undergrad. After a few years of working in retail distribution management, she decided it was time to fine-tune her palate, enhance her appreciation for fine wine, and learn about wine marketing. She obtained a Masters in Wine Business from the University of Adelaide in Australia. While attending grad school, she also worked part-time for Kangarilla Road Winery in McLaren Vale. Lori returned to Prosser, Washington in July of 2007, just in time for Airfield Estate’s grand opening celebration!
Amy Sonnichsen
Assistant General Manager
Amy received her B.A. in Business Administration from Colorado Christian University, from where she went to work for Nordstrom. After several moves succeeding college, Amy, a native of Prosser, found her way back home. While looking for her niche´ in this pleasant little town, now re-declared as home, Amy bumped into the Miller family at a local coffee shop. After small talk of years gone by, (Amy and Lori grew up together in tutus and tap shoes) it became apparent that a newfound relationship was bound to form. With a strong passion for the region and a growing understanding and love of the wine industry, Amy jumped on board with Airfield Estates in full stride.
Ann Parlin
Bookkeeper
Ann has been working as our part-time bookkeeper, and we are absolutely thrilled that she just came on board full-time. Click here for a list of fun wine related questions that we asked Ann to get to know her better.
Kent & Chris Smith
Owners
Mike's sister Chris and her husband Kent are also partners. Kent runs the office for Airport Ranch and Chris is a reading specialist for a local elementary school.