Washington Winemaker of the Year – Matías Kúsulas
Washington Winemaker of the Year - Matías Kúsulas
About Matías Kúsulas
Matías Kúsulas is an accomplished winemaker and viticulturist, currently serving as the head winemaker for Gard Vintners, Desert Wind Winery, Valo, and Masalto Wineries in Washington State (along with several other new and upcoming projects.) Originally from Chile with Greek roots, Kúsulas’s journey to winemaking was not typical. He initially served as a Marine officer and naval engineer for seven years before pivoting to agricultural engineering with a focus on enology and viticulture. His academic path led him to the University of Chile, followed by postgraduate studies at the Universities of Bordeaux and Montpellier, where he further honed his craft.
His experience spans winemaking in prestigious regions such as Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie in France, as well as stints in South Africa, New Zealand, and other global wine regions. In 2016, Kúsulas joined the team at Gard Vintners, where his profound understanding of vineyard management and winemaking has played a pivotal role in shaping the estate’s future. Plus, he is currently making the best wine of his career.
At Gard Vintners, Kúsulas oversees a diverse portfolio of wines sourced from Washington’s Royal Slope AVA, a region he has helped elevate through his dedication to both viticulture and winemaking. His work focuses on crafting wines that express the unique terroir of the area, emphasizing a balance between innovation and tradition.
Matías Kúsulas is the visionary behind two boutique wine labels, Massalto and VALO, both of which reflect his adventurous spirit and diverse winemaking experience. Massalto, which carries the slogan “Be fearless. Drink fearlessly,” is a brand that mirrors Kúsulas’s unconventional approach to winemaking, with bold and expressive wines that push boundaries. VALO, on the other hand, emphasizes terroir-driven wines with elegance and finesse. Both brands have garnered attention for their unique styles and high-quality craftsmanship, with grapes sourced from Washington’s premier vineyards.
The success of all these labels is a testament to Kúsulas’s deep knowledge of viticulture, his global experience, and his passion for creating wines that are as distinctive as they are enjoyable. His ability to manage multiple vineyards and brands while consulting for other wineries, has earned him recognition as a leader in the Washington wine industry and the IWR Washington Winemaker of the Year.