Mark, winemaker/owner: Four years of making wine and 14 years of management/leadership experience.  MS in Environmental Studies and MA in International Relations.

"Bodhichitta Winery was founded to do my part to ease the suffering in this world while fueling two of my passions--wine and service to others.  It answers the two questions I ask myself everyday: 'What can I do to help?' and 'What can I do to serve?'

As a winery that donates its profits to charity, I hope that our customers choose Bodhichitta Wines not only for its superior, hand-crafted quality, but also for the experience and knowledge that their purchase aids in healing and the continuation of love to our fellow human beings.  We are trying to do all of this in an environmentally friendly, sustainable and carbon-neutral manner.

I grew up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin and see my starting a vineyard and winery as a return to my roots." 

Mark currently lives in Waimea, Hawaii,  thinks of his dog Buddy often and returns to Oregon for major winemaking events.

Buddy, resident wine dog and love sponge: 11 years experience of being the best dog and friend anyone could ask for, Buddy excels at eating everything and helping out with those honey wine spills.  Teacher of patience and loyalty.

Pat Koskela, community outreach and soap/candlemaker: A bridge across generations especially to the youth in the local community, Pat has given much of her heart and time to those who needed a helping hand.  She now lends us a hand in our fundraising efforts and making our great smelling soaps and candles.

John Koskela, master corker and bottle washer: The stories keep coming as John skillfully rams another cork into a bottle.  He has the bottling process down cold, but we have to work fast before the road begins to call his name.  The next thing you know, he'll be off on his motorcycle!

Megin Stich, sommelier and sales event host: Megin was born and raised in Door County, Wisconsin.  She took her first winery job at the young age of 17 as a cashier for Stones Throw Winery, which ignited her interest in the wine industry.  She moved to the Columbia River Gorge in 2005 and immediately fell in love with Oregon.  During this time she worked for Pheasant Valley and learned the basics of the wine making from beginning to end, along with all the paperwork involved.  Megin has toured and frequented many of the area wineries and worked at a large number of events. She loves the excitement of wine events and bonding with the other wineries that frequent the these events.  She particularly enjoys interacting, educating and sharing with patrons Bodhichitta's "passion for wine and compassion for others."  She spends her free time designing hip women's fashions and sculpting unique clay body jewelry.