About
Valo is the collaboration between friends Michael Ruhland and Matías Kúsulas - a camaraderie that reflects this philosophy. We believe our wines shine brightest among friends at the intersections of laughter and warmth. Wherever you are on your journey, we hope our wines help improve the view.
Michael Ruhland
Owner/Chef
Michael Ruhland is a passionate self-taught chef and the visionary founder behind Valo Winery. With a deep love for culinary arts and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Michael has honed his craft through years of dedication to both food and wine. His culinary journey started with a desire to create memorable dining experiences, inspired by the Pacific Northwest's rich bounty of ingredients.
As the founder of Valo, Michael brings the same creativity and attention to detail to winemaking, crafting wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Michael’s philosophy in both cooking and winemaking is rooted in simplicity and quality, letting the ingredients and grapes speak for themselves. Through Valo, he has earned a reputation for excellence, blending his culinary and winemaking talents to offer guests a truly unique experience. Whether in the kitchen or the vineyard, Michael's passion shines through in every bottle and every plate.
Matias Kúsulas
Co-Owner/ Winemaker
A Chilean with Greek roots, Matías was a Marine officer and Naval Engineer in Chile for more than seven years when he realized that it was time to change the course of his career: In 2005, he started studying Agricultural Engineering at the University of Chile, where he graduated with distinction and a major in Viticulture and Enology. He worked in Chile for a few years and in 2011 he decided to start traveling the world on a quest to learn new wine-making techniques. After several harvests in Oceania, Europe and Africa, he settled down in France, to do his post degrees at the Universities of Bordeaux and Montpellier. He also performed for two years as a Maître de Chai for one of the oldest and most reputable wineries in Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.
After years of traveling and over 15 harvests, he came to the United States and joined Gård Vintners/Lawrence Vineyards as a Production Winemaker and Viticulturist, and is currently head winemaker for Gård Vintners, Desert Wind Winery, Valo Cellars, and his own label, Massalto. In his spare time he likes to jump out of planes and is a Judo Black Belt.
Karen Bach
Tasting Room Manager, Ellensburg
Karen Bach is our Ellensburg tasting room manager. With over 10 years of management experience in the wine industry, she is excited to introduce Valo Wine to Central Washington.
Karen moved to Ellensburg in 1997 to attend Central Washington University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. While raising her family in Ellensburg, she became a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were older, she was ready to rejoin the workforce and took a chance applying at a local wine tasting room—she hasn’t looked back since.
Gemma Withrow
Assistant Tasting Room Manager, Ellensburg
Gemma Withrow joined the Valo team in 2023 with 3 years of experience at our sister winery, Gård Vintners, as a tasting room associate and event coordinator. She has 7 years of experience in the hotel industry and events. Born and raised in Ellensburg, WA, she was excited to hear Valo was coming to town and was offered the opportunity to join the team as assistant tasting room manager.
Betsey Evers
Tasting Room Associate Vancouver
Betsey Evers is a wine tasting room professional with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. She has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys activities like snowboarding, paddleboarding, running, and yoga. With a passion for the food and wine industry, she takes pride in creating memorable experiences for others. A proud wife and mom to a daughter and son, she balances her profession with her love for exploration and family life.
Anna Kearney
Marketing Manager
Anna Kearney, born and raised in Portland, joined the Valo team in summer 2024 after graduating from the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She has four plus years of experience in digital and social media marketing in Biotech, Hospitality, and Fashion. Passionate about traveling and wine. Eager to be a part of the Valo family and a part of a great company.