Alumni owners of Upsidedown Wine supply new CWU Wine Club shipment

The CWU Wine Club is back this fall with another exceptional shipment made and hand-selected by Wildcats.

This fall's shipment will be fulfilled by Upsidedown Wine, co-owned by Central Washington University alumni Seth and Audrey Kitzke. The winery is known not only for its award-winning vintages and sustainable practices but also for the Wildcats behind every pour.

“It means the world,” Seth (‘12) and Audrey (’11) said when asked what it’s like to partner with CWU for this fall’s wine club selection. “We first met and fell in love at CWU, so it will always be a special place for us. It’s also where Audrey first started her education in wine. We are thrilled to have our wines showcased for the CWU Wine Club. Especially with our tasting room just the next town away, we’re excited to bring in more alumni to our place and enjoy great wines together.”

The CWU Wine Club partners with a different winery for every shipment, giving members a one-of-a-kind experience.

Members receive two exclusive shipments per year, and each bottle reflects the talent, craftsmanship, and Wildcat connections that make Central truly special. This fall’s lineup from Upsidedown Wine is no exception.

On July 11, members of the CWU Wine Club, CWU Foundation Board, and CWU Alumni Association Board attended a special tasting event in Cle Elum to preview what they will receive in their next allotment.

“This event was hosted by the CWU Alumni Association and participants were able to taste and select the featured wines for the upcoming Fall Wine Club shipment,” Associate Director of Alumni Programs Casey Ross said. “While there, Upsidedown winemaker and Central alum Seth Kitzke shared about his experiences at CWU and his journey in the wine industry.”

The Kitzkes launched Upsidedown Wine in 2014 with their first Rhône varietals. The operation really took off in 2018 when they opened their tasting room in Hood River, Oregon. In 2022, they brought the experience closer to their alma mater with a second location in Cle Elum.

The couple’s approach to winemaking is rooted in deep respect for the land and the legacy they want to leave behind.

“We really believe great wines start in the vineyard,” Seth and Audrey said. “Upsidedown Wine prides itself on high-quality, sustainable farming practices. As vignerons, we are only here for a short time, but we carry a large responsibility to cultivate healthy soil for generations to come.”

Seth and Audrey farm two small estate vineyards called Dead Poplar and Candy Ridge, both located in the greater Tri-Cities area. Seth helped plant Candy Ridge Vineyard with his father and now, 20 years later, still tends the grapes.

Over the last decade, the Kitzkes have transitioned to a combination of organic and regenerative farming, minimizing their impact on the environment at every step.

“We do all our work by hand while staying conscious of every tractor pass and herbicide that was once said to be safe,” they said. “Our belief is we can encourage native flora throughout the estate, which, in turn, will help create a natural healthy environment for biodiversity and bring balance to the vineyard. Heavy hands in the vineyard and light hands in the cellar is our approach.”

This hands-on philosophy reflects a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond the bottle. At Upsidedown Wine, farming isn’t just a step in the process; it’s a way of life.

Every decision in the vineyard is made with intention, guided by a desire to restore balance and cultivate long-term health in the soil. That same care and attention continues into the cellar, where minimal intervention allows the fruit, and its story, to come through.

“We feel each vineyard has a unique personality, and it is up to us to help it shine,” they explained. “We listen to the vine through the flavor of fruit for picking decisions and let native yeast express the wines. This is how we stay honest to ourselves and paint a picture of what we were given that vintage. That is how we believe in crafting the perfect wine.”

But Seth and Audrey don’t only make wine; they also make a difference. Their commitment to community and building connections are always top of mind, with some of their products going to support nonprofits like the A21 Campaign, the Humane Society, The Chill Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation.

“Wine is what we do, but it’s not who we are,” they said. “We are people who want to foster connection, help others, and ultimately impact our world in a positive way. Doing what we can with what we have.”

They have also built a team that shares that vision, including fellow CWU alumni Taya Krause (’23) and Britney Passe (’22).

For Wildcats who are interested in exploring Wildcat-made wine, passionate about supporting student success, or simply looking for something exceptional to share, we encourage you to sign up for the fall shipment of the CWU Wine Club at cwuwineclub.com.

Learn more about Upsidedown Wine at upsidedownwine.com.