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Auction of Washington Wines Announces New Executive Director Katie Maltais

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 19:41 GMT by Toronto Star
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Washington’s Premier Wine Auction Announces New Executive Director, Katie Maltais

The Star – Globe Newswire – In a move that underscores the region’s growing influence in the global wine market, the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) announced today the appointment of Katie Maltais as its new Executive Director. The change, effective immediately, marks a strategic pivot for the auction house, which has long been a cornerstone of Washington state’s viticultural heritage.

A Proven Leader Steps In

Katie Maltais brings over two decades of experience in the wine and auction industries, most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the Pacific Northwest Wine Exchange, where she spearheaded a 35‑percent increase in online sales and forged partnerships with boutique vineyards across Oregon and Washington. Prior to that, Maltais held senior roles at the prestigious New York Wine Auction House and the Wine Institute of California, where she developed marketing strategies that elevated regional wines onto the international stage.

“I am truly honored to join AWW at a time when the Washington wine sector is experiencing unprecedented growth,” Maltais said in a statement. “Our region’s terroir, the ingenuity of its winemakers, and the passion of our collectors create a unique narrative that I am excited to amplify worldwide.”

Maltais, a native of the Palouse, earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business and has been a vocal advocate for sustainable viticulture, a value that aligns closely with AWW’s mission to promote responsible wine production.

AWW’s Legacy and Future Vision

Founded in 2002, the Auction of Washington Wines has grown from a modest local event into a national platform that attracts collectors, investors, and connoisseurs from across the globe. The auction house has built a reputation for showcasing rare vintages from Washington’s iconic regions—Columbia Valley, Walla Walla, and the Columbia Gorge—while also serving as a launchpad for emerging wineries.

Under the stewardship of the former Executive Director, Mark Jensen, AWW successfully organized the 2023 “Washington Wine Harvest Gala,” which drew more than 600 attendees and raised over $1.2 million for local vineyards. Jensen’s tenure also saw the introduction of a digital bidding platform that expanded the auction’s reach beyond Washington’s borders.

Maltais will inherit these accomplishments and is poised to build on them. In her announcement, she outlined a multi‑pronged strategy that includes:

• Digital Expansion: Leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the online bidding experience, including live streaming of auction events and an AI‑driven recommendation engine for collectors.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Partnering with vineyards that practice regenerative agriculture to highlight eco‑friendly wines.
• Community Outreach: Establishing a scholarship fund for aspiring sommeliers and winemakers from underrepresented communities in Washington.
• International Partnerships: Negotiating joint auctions with European wine houses to broaden the audience and diversify the portfolio.

“These goals reflect AWW’s commitment to innovation and stewardship,” Maltais added. “We want to preserve the heritage of Washington wine while also shaping its future.”

Industry Reactions

The wine community has responded enthusiastically to the announcement. “Katie brings a depth of expertise that is unmatched,” said Emily Hart, a senior editor at Wine Spectator who attended the 2022 AWW auction. “Her track record suggests that the auction house will elevate its offerings and deepen its engagement with collectors worldwide.”

Local vineyard owner and AWW client, Daniel Ruiz of Ruiz & Sons, shared his excitement: “The Palouse region has been thriving, and having someone like Maltais at the helm will amplify Washington’s wines on the international stage. I look forward to the innovations she will bring.”

A New Chapter for Washington Wines

Beyond the leadership change, AWW is slated to launch its 2024 auction line-up in early March, featuring a curated selection of rare 1960s and 1970s Bordeaux, a “Washington Legacy” series showcasing the state’s most celebrated vintages, and a “Future Forward” segment that highlights emerging Washington labels poised for global recognition.

The organization’s headquarters remain in Seattle, where AWW’s staff of 25 curators, marketers, and logistics professionals coordinate events that attract an estimated 4,000 attendees annually. The auction house’s annual revenue, which reached $4.5 million in 2023, is projected to grow to $6 million by 2025 under Maltais’ leadership.

The appointment of Katie Maltais as Executive Director signals not only a leadership transition but a clear direction toward embracing technology, sustainability, and inclusivity. As Washington state’s wine industry continues to flourish, AWW’s new vision positions it to capture a broader share of the market, nurture emerging talent, and deepen the cultural significance of Washington wines both domestically and abroad.

For further details about AWW’s upcoming auctions, or to explore how to participate in the upcoming events, visit the auction house’s official website at www.awwauction.com or contact their office directly at (206) 555‑0198.

This article is based on a Globe Newswire press release and includes statements and information provided by the Auction of Washington Wines and its new Executive Director, Katie Maltais.