RICHLAND, Wash. — Growing up on a small farm, Washington State University senior Madison Shaw has loved agriculture from an early age. Her passion for wine science developed later, during an internship her first year of college.
“I was interning at Merry Cellars in Pullman, and I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe this is even a job!’” said the Gig Harbor, Washington, native, who will soon graduate with a bachelor’s degree in viticulture and enology (V&E) and a minor in horticulture. “It’s such a cool industry to be part of. And I get to work with plants, so it’s a win-win for me.”
Shaw quickly impressed Merry Cellars assistant winemaker and WSU alumna Maureen O’Callaghan with her positive attitude and passion for the job, even during times when the work was repetitive and physically demanding.
“Winemaking isn’t very glamourous during harvest,” said O’Callaghan, who worked closely with Shaw for two growing seasons. “But Madison stayed enthusiastic and curious about what we were doing and why we were doing it.”
Shaw spent two years on WSU’s Pullman campus, then transferred to WSU Tri-Cities for her junior and senior years. She has since added to her industry experience with internships at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Results Partners, an Oregon-based vineyard development and management company.
“Through it all, I’ve felt very supported by the industry,” Shaw said. “Any time I’ve had a question, there’s always been someone to help. Many of my mentors have already completed WSU’s V&E program, so it was beneficial to have that education prior to even entering some of my classes.”
In the classroom, Shaw has found a sense of community among her fellow students and many opportunities to interact with industry members from diverse backgrounds.
“In this program, everyone has each other’s backs,” she said. “It’s interesting to learn how we all ended up here, and to see where our degrees will take us. We’ve met guest lecturers from both industry and research, and I’ve enjoyed hearing all the different perspectives.”
Shaw also appreciates the V&E program’s integrated approach, noting that her winery-focused courses always tie back to the vineyard, while her vineyard-focused classes are all applicable to winemaking.
“I’ll be able to apply the knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios,” she said. “There isn’t anything we’ve learned that’s not relevant to the industry.”
Outside of class, Shaw is gaining valuable skills as a technical assistant for Professor Michelle Moyer, helping with vineyard management and processing wine grape berries for phenolics, compounds that contribute to a wine’s taste and color.
She is also conducting her own research project, which examines how different types of grow tubes affect grapevine cold hardiness. The findings could offer growers a way to protect their vines when outdoor temperatures plummet.
Shaw, who was named an Outstanding Senior in the V&E department, will receive her diploma this Saturday, May 3. Post-graduation, she will head to Lodi, California, to work as a grower relations/viticulture research intern at wine and spirits producer Gallo. Those who have worked alongside her know the future is bright.
“Madison has already contributed so much to the wine industry,” O’Callaghan said. “I’m so proud of her, and it feels amazing to be a steppingstone in her career path.”
“Anyone working with Madison quickly recognizes and appreciates that she has major gumption,” added Moyer. “She is a thoughtful, hardworking, team-oriented individual. Her can-do and collegial approach to work will see her excel in any career she steps into.”
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