RaeJean Crewse

Meet RaeJean Crewse

Estate Concierge, FIGGINS Family Winery

Hang out on the Grapevine with DEI Board Member, Suman Kumar and RaeJean Crewse, Estate Concierge at FIGGINS Family Winery. Follow along as Rae Jean shares her love for Walla Walla, and the wine community that continuously sparks her curiosity and fuels her passions. 

Suman Kumar: Can you tell us about your journey and introduction to the wine industry?

RaeJean Crewse: Born and raised in the Walla Walla Valley, I take great pride in being a part of an inclusive, diverse, and strong community. I value the importance of commitment, community, kindness, and integrity. I have witnessed our valley become “fruitful” within viticulture, enology, and world class wine production.

At first, I was hesitant and unsure if I could comfortably join in this new culture. I was a novice wine taster who was unfamiliar with tasting etiquette and the language of wine. I wondered if I could find something I enjoyed as I felt our wine industry was mainly embraced by our Caucasian populations. 

When I was younger, I found it challenging at times to be a part of a minority group and find the confidence to discover myself. I feel lucky to have had a strong group of family and friends who continue to encourage me to be the best version of myself. I am married and have three outstanding sons who remind me each and every day how we all bring something of beauty to the table.

Finding myself in need of additional employment, I came across an opportunity to work as a part-time Wine Hostess. Although I was terrified as well as excited, I jumped at the opportunity! I felt anxious as I wondered if I would “fit in.” I was pleasantly surprised to find that this industry is genuine, passionate, diverse and warm. 

Currently, I am employed by FIGGINS Family Wine Estates as full-time Estate Concierge. I host private appointments which allow me to share what makes our Walla Walla Valley and its wines so unique. I feel honored to interact with our visitors, hear their stories and learn what wine means to them.

SK: You are a person who sees the world through the lens of possibility, how do you remain focused on this perspective and maintain motivation to do so? 

RC: By surrounding myself with passionate and enthusiastic people, setting and reaching goals with a focus on overall health, and by helping others become strong and successful in what they want to pursue.

SK: What are some things that have surprised you during your journey in wine ? 

RC: I have learned that wine is an avenue to create lasting relationships, as well as an opportunity to slow down and appreciate life with the ones we love. I believe the moments gathered at the table with loved ones and a glass of wine, brings conversations and warmth.

SK: Your life experiences and natural abilities have led you to not only discover but nurture your many talents. If you weren’t working as an Estate Concierge, what career would you like to explore?

RC: I would like to earn a college degree and work as a Geologist or a Landscape Photographer of nature, or a Land Management Volunteer.

 SK: When you were young, what did you imagine yourself doing as a career? 

RC: I always thought I would follow my mother into education, however I spent the majority of my work life alongside my father in construction.

SK: Working in a winery can be very exhausting especially during harvest, how do you make the time to slow down and recenter yourself? 

RC: I love to fill up the gas tank and take the back roads without having a specific destination in mind, taking advantage of our Valley’s many landscapes. Also, settling in with evening cocktails – Old-fashioned, Long Islands, and Mai Tai’s, are a few of my favorites!  Long, quiet walks. 

 SK: How do you enjoy your time apart from work?

RC: I enjoy walking and hiking around our local trails and lakes. I am also an amateur photographer and enjoy capturing moments of beauty in nature and landscapes. Family suppers, a game of Uno around a table filled with family and laughter are also a few of my favorite things. 

 SK: Gender issues affect both women and men across industries, what are some ways men and women can look for solutions together, in the wine trade? 

RC: A way we can work together to help each other in the industry is to continue to have open conversations and create a dialog of support. Also, to build on strengthening engagement with the larger community, with efforts to make our industry more accessible to all people.

RaeJean, in addition to her hospitality and shipping duties as Estate Concierge, is helping out the FIGGINS 2022 harvest crew with fruit delivery and lending a hand at the sorting table. RaeJean shares how she is honored to support in any way she can.