WWI Welcomes Our Newest BOD Members, Nicole Arnold and Joe Pfost

July 24, 2026 - Member Only, WWI News

Please join us in welcoming the Washington Wine Institute’s newest Board of Directors members, Nicole Arnold of RM Wineries and Joe Pfost of Mark Ryan Winery. We are humbled and excited to have both Nicole and Joe on our leadership team.

Nicole Arnold serves as Director of Operations and Winemaker for RM Wineries and Evergreen Family Wines in Quincy and Mattawa, Washington.

Nicole began her wine industry career in 2011 and gained experience at several of Washington State’s largest wine production facilities, including Goose Ridge Vineyards and Columbia Crest. In 2014, she joined Milbrandt Vineyards, where she played a key role in establishing and developing the Ancient Lake Custom Crush Facility in Quincy, Washington.

In 2020, Nicole was promoted to Head Winemaker of the Ancient Lake Facility. There, she focused on crafting premium white wines that showcase the distinctive character of the Ancient Lakes AVA, earning recognition for producing wines of exceptional quality. In 2025, Nicole became Director of Operations for RM Wineries and Evergreen Family Wines, overseeing production and operations across both winery facilities.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Washington State University, bringing a strong scientific foundation to her approach to winemaking and winery operations. Passionate about the Washington wine industry, Nicole is dedicated to showcasing the quality and diversity of Washington-grown wines and helping elevate the region’s reputation on both the national and international stage.

 

Joe Pfost is the CFO of Mark Ryan Winery and has worked in the PNW wine industry since 2004. Over the past two decades, they have managed financial and operational strategies across the industry’s production, wholesale, and retail sectors, with a career that includes roles at Winebow, garagiste, Precept Wine, and Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Joe holds a B.S. in Mathematics from The Evergreen State College and earned an MBA from Seattle University in 2013.

We are very appreciative of all our Board Members for their dedication to serving the Washington wine industry in a voluntary capacity. We look forward to our continued work together as we collectively strive for a better future for Washington wine.